Britain’s Dorset Police have reportedly put their aviation and maritime units on the block in budget cut proposals, citing a need to reduce spending by 20% by 2014.  The local Daily Echo newspaper notes that  these are two of a number of proposals under consideration (see their article)

The October 2010 announcement by the Association of Chief Police officers did not propose the closure of the Dorset unit, instead suggesting that it be moved from the Police headquarters at Winfrith to Bournemouth’s Hurn airport.  No details were given as to why this was put forward, given that it would require an increase in premises costs and the potential for delays getting airborne by being located at an international airport.  The current location at the Winfrith HQ does not need the lease of any offices or hangar, and is well away from other air operations to minimise delays getting airborne.  The only suggestion would be that moving it away from the centre of the county to the eastern border would enable them to provide service to neighbours Hampshire, although the latter does have its hat in the ring wtih the new South East consortium set up by Surrey and Sussex.

Dorset is the county hosting the sailing part of the London 2012 Olympics next year.

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com

Photo credit – Howard Curtis www.aviation-links.co.uk