The Sacramento Police Department operates an Aviation Unit that has been a vital component of the city's public safety network since the late 1970s. Based out of Sacramento Executive Airport, the unit provides aerial support to patrol officers on the ground, giving them an unmatched vantage point over the city's streets, neighborhoods, and surrounding areas.
Using helicopters equipped with searchlights, infrared cameras, and advanced communication systems, the unit can quickly locate fleeing suspects, monitor large public events, and assist in search-and-rescue operations. Its presence often reduces response times dramatically, making it an essential force multiplier for law enforcement.
In addition to the Sacramento Police Department, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office also maintains a distinct and integral aviation unit, known as the Air Operations Bureau.
Using helicopters equipped with searchlights, infrared cameras, and advanced communication systems, the unit can quickly locate fleeing suspects, monitor large public events, and assist in search-and-rescue operations. Its presence often reduces response times dramatically, making it an essential force multiplier for law enforcement.
In addition to the Sacramento Police Department, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office also maintains a distinct and integral aviation unit, known as the Air Operations Bureau.
As of 28aug25, the SPD owns OH-58's N916SP, N916PD, and N991YC, and 505 N279PD. All 4 helicopters are FAA registered to City of Sacramento.
News about Sacramento Police Department |
Sacramento Receives First Police Bell 505
03-Dec-18 - Bell delivered the first law enforcement-configured Bell 505 Jet Ranger X to the Sacramento Police Department (SPD). Special features includes high skid gear and forward/aft hard points for mounting equipment, 15” monitor, loudhailer, MX-10 EO/IR Sensor and Trakka Beam Searchlight #Bell505
Sacramento Gets First Police Configured Bell 505
28-Feb-18 - The first law enforcement configured Bell 505 will go to the Sacramento Police Department in California customized with several added provisions including high skid gear
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Models Sacramento Police Department List of helicopters |
| C/N | Version | Built | In this Org | In other Org | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65102 | 505 | 2018 | N279PD : City of Sacramento, CA from Jun18;
Sacramento Police Dept (SPD) | ||||
| 41301 | oh-58a | N916PD : Sacramento Police Dept (SPD) from Jun96;
20jan14 precautionary landing at + |  71-20440 - N144KC | ||||
| 40632 | oh-58a | N916SP : Sacramento Police Dept (SPD) from Jun96;
Dic19 still | 70-15081 - N230BS | ||||
| 42007 | oh-58a | N991YC : City of Sacramento at Sacramento, CA from Jul17 | 72-21341 N991YC | ||||
