Devon and Cornwall Police, together with Devon Air Ambulance, are to move their joint base to Exeter Airport.  Currently based on the Police HQ at Middlemoor, only a couple of miles away, the change of location is expected to bring the Police a windfall of millions of pounds through the redevelopment of the current site.

The move will take place in early 2012, and the Police have taken a 75 year lease on a site at the airport.  The deal is part of the airport’s long term land management strategy to develop its property portfolio to the north side of the airfield. The plan also includes the development of land for operational use, air related industry and economic development to support local job creation.

Devon and Cornwall Police currently operate a Eurocopter EC145, one of three UK forces flying this type.  Devon Air Ambulance operate two Eurocopter EC135s, one currently based at Middlemoor (and thus moving to Exeter Airport) and one in the north of the county at Eaglescott.  One of the EMS EC135s is slated for replacement as a new EC135P2+ has been ordered recently.

Devon and Cornwall Police commented: “We are committed to working in partnership with the Devon Air Ambulance Trust and Exeter Airport. The relocation of Devon and Cornwall Police Air Support and the Devon Air Ambulance to the airport enables efficiency opportunities at a time of considerable strain on police budgets.  This change will enable us to continue to deliver an excellent level of service to the public by helping to provide an active and visible local policing presence through Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly”

Chief Executive of Devon Air Ambulance Trust, Helena Holt said: “Working in partnership with the Devon and Cornwall Police Air Support Unit has great benefits for both parties with regard to efficiencies and cost sharing. With the Force holding our operational license and providing maintenance and pilots, we have been fully involved with the relocation process throughout.

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com