Wilmington, NC, police terminate SABLE helicopter unit

Transition to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Southeastern Airborne Law EnforcementTransition to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Southeastern Airborne Law Enforcement Southeastern Airborne Law Enforcement (SABLE) has decided to discontinue manned aircraft operations and transition to permanent use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The program currently operates two aging helicopters that require excessive maintenance and pose safety concerns. Reasons for Discontinuation: * Mechanical problems during a training mission led to a precautionary landing in a public park, highlighting the safety risks associated with the outdated helicopters. * High operating costs and difficulty in finding replacement parts made manned aircraft operations financially unfeasible for taxpayers. Transition to UAVs: Participating agencies will transition resources from the manned helicopter program to the UAV drone program. UAVs offer significant advantages, including: * Lower operating costs compared to helicopters. * Ability to handle many missions previously requiring manned helicopters. * Enhanced aerial surveillance capabilities, real-time information gathering, and support for ground units. Support from Law Enforcement Agencies: Sheriff Ed McMahon and Police Chief Jeremy Humphries expressed their support for the transition to UAVs, citing the enhanced public safety and improved emergency response capabilities provided by these vehicles. Wilmington Police Department’s Role: The Wilmington Police Department, which has been the lead program office for SABLE, will continue to oversee the transition to UAVs. The department anticipates positive impacts on airborne law enforcement in Southeast North Carolina.

Board members of the Southeastern Airborne Law Enforcement (SABLE) program have decided to stop using manned aircraft and transition to permanent use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The program currently has two retired military OH-58 Kiowa helicopters on loan from the Department of Defense, according to a press release from the Wilmington Police Department. The aircraft are more than 50 years old and require frequent maintenance.

According to the press release, SABLE was originally created in 2006 to increase aerial law enforcement response. The program was initially funded by the City of Wilmington general funds, fair share funds, grants and support from partner agencies. In 2018, the program was expanded with a UAV/drone component.

Here’s what you need to know.

Why is it being discontinued?

According to the release, three members of a training mission in November 2023 experienced mechanical problems while aboard one of the helicopters. This prompted a precautionary landing at night in a public park where people were present.

“After extensive meetings, SABLE board members have concluded that it is no longer financially viable for our local taxpayers to continue manned aircraft operations,” Wilmington Police Chief Donny Williams said in the news release. “I no longer feel comfortable routinely placing personnel in outdated aircraft that may be unsafe.”

High operating costs and the difficulty of finding replacement parts also played a role in this decision.

All participating agencies will transition resources from the manned helicopter program to the SABLE UAV drone program, Williams said in the release. In the event a helicopter is needed, the Wilmington Police Department will work with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol or the North Carolina Air National Guard to use an aircraft.

What’s next?

Both helicopters currently used by law enforcement agencies in Wilmington will be returned to the Department of Defense.

Many of the missions that previously required manned helicopters can now be handled by unmanned aircraft, Williams said in the news release. The new transition saves costs because unmanned vehicles are cheaper to operate than a helicopter.

New Hanover County Sheriff Ed McMahon expressed his support for the decision.

“This initiative represents a significant step forward in enhancing public safety and improving our ability to respond to emergencies,” McMahon said in the release, adding that unmanned drones give law enforcement the ability to monitor large areas, gather real-time information and provide support to ground units.

“By embracing this progress, we demonstrate our commitment to using the best available resources to protect and serve the citizens of Wilmington,” McMahon said in the release. “This program will undoubtedly contribute to a safer community, and I look forward to the positive impact it will have.”

Leland Police Chief Jeremy Humphries also expressed support for the transition.

“We are excited to be part of this initiative and eager to see the evolution of the program over time,” Humphries said in the news release. “UAVs have been invaluable to the Leland Police Department, providing unparalleled versatility and delivering positive results.”

The Wilmington Police Department, which has served as the lead program office since the inception of the SABLE program, is “excited to begin this new chapter with the SABLE UAV program and (looks) forward to what the future holds for airborne law enforcement in Southeast North Carolina,” the release said.