New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police

The Aviation Unit of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police (DEP) is a specialized component within its Bureau of Police and Security, tasked with protecting the city’s extensive watershed system. Covering approximately 2,000 square miles across 14 counties, this watershed supplies the majority of New York City’s drinking water and constitutes one of the largest unfiltered water systems in the United States. The unit traces its institutional origins to the Board of Water Supply Police, established in 1906 to safeguard critical water infrastructure, including reservoirs, aqueducts, and dams.

The unit’s core mission centers on aerial surveillance and environmental protection. Its operations include monitoring for potential security threats such as terrorism, preventing illegal dumping and pollution, and supporting ecological assessments, including wildlife surveys like bald eagle population counts. In addition, the Aviation Unit plays a role in emergency response, providing aerial reconnaissance and search-and-rescue support during natural disasters such as flooding and severe weather events.

Operational activities are primarily based in upstate New York, where the majority of the watershed is located and where most DEP Police deployments occur. The unit operates a fleet of light utility helicopters, notably the Leonardo AW119Kx, commonly identified by call signs such as Air 6. These aircraft are equipped with advanced mission systems, including Forward Looking Infrared cameras, high-intensity searchlights, and surveillance equipment, enabling effective day-and-night operations across varied terrain and weather conditions.

See also NYPD.