Technology & Innovation

Technology plays an increasingly important role in modern policing by strengthening service delivery, improving situational awareness and supporting faster responses during critical incidents. When used responsibly, technology can help police focus resources where they are most needed, enhance public safety and support timely decision‑making.

Our technology solutions help support our operations and serve our communities, and include:

Air Support Unit

The Peel Regional Police Air Support Unit (ASU) enhances public and officer safety by providing aerial support across the region and neighboring jurisdictions. Operating an Airbus H125 (A-Star) helicopter, civilian pilots and tactical flight officers deliver real-time information that helps officers locate suspects, find missing persons, respond to critical incidents, and coordinate complex police operations. 

Eyes Above. Support Below.

The Air Support Unit provides aerial support to officers on the ground, enhancing public and officer safety across Peel Region.

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Equipped with a state-of-the-art Airbus H125 (A-Star) helicopter, the unit delivers immediate aerial intelligence and improved situational awareness during dynamic and high-risk incidents. Civilian pilots and tactical flight officers work closely with frontline officers, providing critical information to support operational decision-making.

Through a partnership between Peel Regional Police and other GTA police services, the helicopter strengthens coordinated law enforcement efforts across municipal boundaries and enhances community safety through aerial support.

The Air Support Unit helps keep community members and frontline officers safer by:

  • Tracking suspects from the air to reduce the need for high-risk ground pursuits
  • Guiding officers to suspects and key locations during active incidents
  • Locating missing and vulnerable persons
  • Supporting responses to major incidents, emergencies and serious collisions
  • Assisting with crime prevention initiatives and proactive patrols
  • Monitoring traffic conditions and large-scale events
  • Supporting investigations involving organized crime, vehicle theft and other serious offences
  • Providing enhanced situational awareness during critical incidents

Airbus H125 Patrol Helicopter (A-Star)

The Air Support Unit operates an Airbus H125 helicopter, one of the most widely used and proven law enforcement helicopters in the world.

The helicopter provides Peel Regional Police and JASU partners with increased operational flexibility, improved response capabilities and enhanced public safety outcomes. It plays a key role in locating suspects, tracking stolen vehicles, supporting missing person searches and assisting officers during complex incidents.

  • Up to 4.5 hours of flight time
  • 952-horsepower turbine engine
  • Speeds of up to 250 kilometres per hour
  • Extended operational coverage across Peel Region and partner jurisdictions
  • Ability to support specialized units, including tactical and search operations

The helicopter is equipped with advanced technology that supports police operations in a variety of conditions:

  • Thermal imaging (infrared) camera
  • Day and night vision camera systems
  • High-definition video capability
  • Real-time video transmission
  • High-intensity searchlight
  • Advanced mapping and situational awareness tools
  • Public address system

From the air, tactical flight officers provide real-time information to officers on the ground, helping them safely navigate obstacles and respond effectively to rapidly evolving situations.

Aerial support is particularly effective for:

  • Large-area searches
  • Tracking moving suspects or stolen vehicles
  • Supporting major incidents over extended periods
  • Rapid deployment across multiple jurisdictions
  • Continuous aerial coordination with frontline officers
Chief of Police with helecopter in hangar

Frequently asked questions

The helicopter helps improve public and officer safety by providing real-time aerial support during serious incidents. It can help locate suspects, track stolen vehicles, assist in missing person searches, and support major investigations. It will also be used for patrols across the region, increasing police visibility and helping deter crime.

The helicopter will support a range of policing activities, including tracking suspects, assisting with missing person investigations, responding to major incidents, and supporting road safety efforts. It can also patrol large areas quickly and provide valuable information to officers on the ground. All operations are governed by policies and carried out by trained flight crews.

No. The helicopter will only be deployed for legitimate policing purposes and will operate under established policies, oversight, and privacy protections. Peel Regional Police has also updated its Privacy Impact Assessment and related directives to support helicopter operations.

The Airbus H125 (A-Star) is equipped with advanced law enforcement technology, including thermal imaging, day-and-night cameras, and real-time video capabilities. It can fly for up to four-and-a-half hours and provides aerial support across a wide area.

Peel Police is part of the Joint Air Support Unit, a partnership with Durham Regional Police, Halton Regional Police, York Regional Police and the Toronto Police Service, supported by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Peel Regional Police will be the first partner service to receive and operate a helicopter. In the future, each partner service is expected to operate its own helicopter, and the agencies will support one another when needed.

Learn More About

Our Technology

ALPR device mounted on windshield

Automated Licence Plate Recognition

Learn how Peel Regional Police uses automated licence plate recognition to enhance public safety, locate vehicles of interest, protect privacy and support investigations.
Police axon body-worn camera

Body-Worn Cameras

Information on body-worn cameras, including how and when they are used, privacy considerations and how recordings are handled.
Community Safety Response Platform

Community Safety Response Platform

Peel Regional Police's Community Safety Response Platform combines acoustic detection, PTZ cameras, ALPR and loudspeaker technology in a portable, incident-driven unit to support rapid response to serious incidents.
Police officer watches crowd

Privacy and Technology

This page explains how facial recognition technology works, the privacy framework guiding its use, and answers common questions about accuracy, data removal, and how to file a complaint.

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