By Sarah Klein
Air 1, the Winnipeg Police Service helicopter (HANDOUT / FILE)
Winnipeg police have locked up funding from the city to cover a shortfall in purchasing a new high-tech camera for Air 1.
The police board approved the additional $100,000 in funding for the police helicopter on Wednesday, re-allocating funds from within the service to cover the additional cost.
The WPS says exchange rate fluctuations were to blame for the price increase.
The camera, known as FLIR, comes with a price tag of $580,000.
The Manitoba government is funding $180,000 towards the purchase, and also covers all operating expenses associated with the chopper. The province also pays the salaries of six police officers and two civilian pilots.
“The Winnipeg Police Service would like to thank the Winnipeg Police Board, and the Province of Manitoba for their on-going support of policing initiatives,” police said in a statement. “Together, we are building a safer city.”
The WPS says it looks forward to a broad review of the helicopter to be carried out by the province in the near future.
