Police and Air Force training exercise in Auckland

Aucklanders should not be alarmed if they see black clad police and Royal New Zealand Air Force helicopters at work above the city – it’s simply an annual training exercise.

Some members of the police Special Tactics Group and up to four Royal New Zealand Air Force Iroquois and crew from Number 3 Squadron are honing their skills this week as part of regularly scheduled training.

Superintendent Barry Taylor, National Manager: Operations, Police National Headquarters, said the exercise will involve some close flying and fast roping of STG members from the Iroquois onto the rooftop of several facilities including a central city building.

“We work closely with the Royal New Zealand Air Force in a range of roles and appreciate their support,” he said. “It’s important that our people and the air crew are familiar with operating procedures so that we can both deploy quickly and safely when or if the need arises.”

This week’s exercise includes work in the Hauraki Gulf and on Thursday some activity over the harbour, Devonport and Auckland CBD area. People should not be concerned if they see the Iroquois flying over the city and armed police fast roping from them. This activity will take place between 2pm and 4pm and again from 6pm to 8pm.

“The timings are designed to minimise disruption or inconvenience to the public, including transport operations,” Superintendent Taylor said.

“There’s no intention to be flying late into the evening. We thank people, especially commercial operators who we are liaising with, for their cooperation.”

ENDS

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