Byerly says,“I think everyone recognizes, their value they’re probably an effective law enforcement tool. think the question that everyone is asking and it’s a legitimate question and one that we should debate is whether or not that is more effective than say several deputies that we can put on the road for the same expense."
 

 

The helicopter fleet that makes up Gator 1 was given to the county 17 years through a military surplus program and any further staffing and maintenance is taken care of by both ACSO and Gainesville Police Department.
 

 

Chief Pilot for the Joint Aviation Unit, Richard Bray says, “It has been and continues to be a tremendous asset,we’ve completely integrated ourselves into patrol operations where i think the average deputy or police officer on the street can do their job effectively without us.”

Most recently the Gator 1 Aviation Unit seen here was deployed to search for missing UF student Christian Aguliar, from their birds eye view they’re able to use the FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) camera.

 

 

When used, FLIR is able to detect anything radiating a heat signature on the ground.

Since Thursday, when Aguilar was fist reported missing the Aviation Unit has been sent to conduct 2 different searches, totaling a period of more than 3 hours of flight time.