History
Narrative Summary
The Royal Bahamas Police Force first established an ‘Airwing Section’ in 1964, operating chartered private aircraft. Its main role was surveillance and air patrol, to discourage illegal immigrants and poachers from entering Bahamas territorial areas. In the late seventies and early eighties the detection of drug trafficking was added to its mandate.
In 1991 the Section acquired its first owned and operated aircraft, a Piper Navajo. A second Navajo was obtained soon afterwards. These aircraft were retired in 2002 and put into open storage without replacement.
Circa 2009 the Section was reorganised and renamed the Air Support Service Unit. In 2009 a new Cessna 208 Grand Caravan was taken into service. Roles now include VIP Transport, Police personnel transport, Search and Rescue support, prisoner transport and border patrol.
Key Dates
1964 |
|
RBPF Police Airwing Section established. |
1991 |
|
Airwing renamed Air Support Service Unit. |
1991 |
|
First aircraft delivered. |
2009 |
|
Cessna 208 Grand Caravan delivered. |
Current Status
The aircraft of the RBPF are fully operational.
Future Plans
No plans known.
Markings
National Insignia
Aircraft carry ‘ROYAL BAHAMAS POLICE’ titles on the fuselage sides, a small national flag on the fin and the Police crest under the cockpit.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
Aircraft operating with RBP originally carried serial numbers prefixed by RBPF, e.g. Piper Navajo RBPF-1, but more recent aircraft carry Bahamas civil registrations, e.g. Grand Caravan C6-PFA.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
All-Time Aircraft Used List
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
None known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), Nassau, Bahamas.
Organisational Structure
No subordinate units.
Current Unit Assignments
No subordinate units.
Historical Unit Assignments
Not applicable.
All-Time Flying Units List
Not applicable.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
The aircraft is based at Nassau International Airport.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
As above.
More Information
Books
None known.
Magazines
To be added
Websites
RBPF Air Support Service Unit
Royal Bahamas Police Force gets new 14-seater Cessna Caravan
Scramble: Bahamas
Any photographs illustrating this operator would be welcome.