Air Service Needs Assessment
The purpose of this report is to provide a detailed and needs-based response to that question. In preparing to answer this question, the research team worked closely with “F” Division’s Air Services to identify and gather information from the key stakeholders who depend upon the use of aircraft in fulfilling their mandate.
By Chad NilsonIn the Fall of 2012, representatives from “F” Division’s Operations Strategy Branch and Provincial Support Services met with researchers at the University of Saskatchewan’s Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science and Justice Studies. The purpose of this meeting was to outline “F” Division’s desire for a study on the various aviation needs of the relevant detachments, operations and support services who utilize aircraft in fulfilling their mandate. The question asked by “F” Division was what type and number of aircraft are required for the provincial policing services in Saskatchewan?
As the methodology section of this report will explain, interviews were conducted with over two dozen respondents from “F” Division, as well as other Air Service personnel in Ottawa, Alberta and Manitoba. Qualitative data from the interview process were used to outline the aviation needs of “F” Division. These needs were then matched to the aircraft which can best meet these needs.
The opening section of this report provides an overview of the methodology executed to conduct this assessment. Following this is a brief look at the current air infrastructure of “F” Division—including the types of aircraft and their current uses. Next, feedback from the main cohorts interviewed in this research presents information on the factors affecting access to current aircraft and potential uses of new aircraft. The fifth section of this report examines the dialogue provided by respondents on the strengths and weaknesses of the Pilatus PC-12 and the Twin Otter (specifically as they relate to the needs of “F” Division).
The conclusion of this report outlines the reasons why an additional Pilatus PC-12/47E located in Prince Albert is the best option for meeting the air service needs of provincial policing operations in Saskatchewan. Of course, this is contingent on whether “F” Division continues to maintain responsibility of prisoner transport.
With respect to prisoner transport, a number of different systemic variables were identified through this research. Addressing these inefficiencies in justice, corrections and Provost services, may very well impact the need for an additional aircraft. At the very least, addressing these systemic problems would improve access to the existing aircraft operated by the RCMP in Saskatchewan.