The Chief of Police for the Houston Police Department (HPD) recommends City Council approval of the Property Transfer Record Agreement (Transfer Agreement) for the transfer of ownership of a 2020 Airbus Single Engine Police Helicopter (Helicopter) to the Texas Department of Safety (TXDPS).
As background, in 2019 the 86th Session of the Texas Legislature passed the 2020-2021 General Appropriations Act which provided for a public safety grant in the amount of $7.5M from TXDPS to the City of Houston for the purchase of a helicopter with hoisting capability for HPD to assist in regional and statewide efforts to enhance security and combat gangs, criminal activity, and terrorism. HPD used the public safety grant to purchase the 2020 Airbus Single Engine Police Helicopter.
At the time, it was the intention of the Houston Police Department to outfit its entire helicopter fleet with Airbus helicopters. However, after receiving the Airbus helicopter and logging hundreds of flight hours, that goal had operational and financial challenges. Additionally, as the controls on the Airbus are completely opposite from the rest of the HPD fleet, it required separate pilot training and certification as well as unique maintenance training for the mechanics. Considering potential safety concerns and costly maintenance and certifications, HPD decided to keep the HPD fleet with the current McDonnell Douglas air frame and to not proceed with the changeover of the fleet to Airbus helicopters.
As a result, TXDPS, as the granting agency, will accept the transfer from the City of the 2020 Helicopter purchased with State funds. As memorialized in the Transfer Agreement, TXDPS commits to continue to maintain and sustain search and rescue capabilities in the City of Houston, Harris County and surrounding municipalities by utilizing available air assets equipped with comparable equipment needed to enhance public safety and augment search and rescue capabilities during a disaster related event. For example, during Hurricane Beryl, TXDPS sent to the area 5 Airbus Helicopters like the one being transferred, plus 2 twin engine helicopters for emergency response.
The Transfer Agreement authorizes the transfer of ownership to TXDPS of the Helicopter currently in the possession of HPD Air Support Division. The Agreement delineates the duties of each party relating to the transfer of the Helicopter and the completion of proper documents for the Federal Aviation Agency. Furthermore, the Agreement memorializes TXDPS' continued mutual aid commitment to maintain and sustain search and rescue capabilities in the City of Houston, Harris County and surrounding municipalities by utilizing available air assets equipped with comparable equipment needed to enhance public safety and augment search and rescue capabilities during a disaster related event.
The helicopter will be transferred in its "as-is, where-is" condition at the time TXDPS takes possession. This transfer does not involve any exchange or transfer of funds.
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J. Noe Diaz, Jr.
Chief of Police