Columbus Police Invest $6M in Quieter, Modern Helicopters to Enhance Public Safety
Columbus, Ohio – The Columbus Division of Police is upgrading its helicopter fleet for the first time in over a decade, with the City Council approving the purchase of two advanced Bell 505 helicopters for nearly $6 million. This upgrade marks a major milestone in the department’s 10-year plan to replace aging aircraft—some dating back to 2006—with quieter, more efficient models that meet today’s safety and technological standards.
Deputy Chief Robert Sagle, who oversees the Air Support Unit, emphasized that the new helicopters will reduce noise and improve response capabilities. He likened the current aircraft to “trying to function in 2025 using an iPhone 3.” With the addition of these helicopters, the department will increase its operational fleet to five.
The move was approved unanimously by the Columbus City Council on June 23, with officials stressing that the goal is not expanded surveillance, but safer, more effective policing. The helicopters are used for tracking suspects, assisting fire emergencies, and locating missing persons.
The decision comes amid ongoing community conversations since the 2020 protests, with leadership making significant adjustments in helicopter usage—reducing flights over residential areas and grounding helicopters when not urgently needed.
Assistant Chief Lashanna Potts told the council that community concerns influenced the new strategy. In fact, the newer Bell 505 models are smaller and generate less noise than the previous Bell 407GXi model, which the city bought and later sold after discovering it lacked essential law enforcement features.
The new helicopters will arrive by December 2025, replacing the oldest MD530F aircraft in the fleet. The city anticipates saving around $800,000 by locking in 2024 pricing before costs rise in 2026.
Follow Dalmar TV on Facebook for the Latest News
