Peoria Police have announced the department’s aviation unit is no longer in training mode and is now "police patrol mission deployable."

Starting this September, training has been completed, and helicopter operations will officially support patrol, providing enhanced safety and rapid response for the community, according to the city.

This includes:
• Operating during both day and evening hours;
• Directly supporting patrol officers in the field;
• Strengthening the department's ability to protect and serve Peoria.

Council approved the purchase of the $3.3 million helicopter to serve public safety in the city, December 2023.

A second $3.8 million helicopter was approved in May as part of the fiscal year 2026 budget. The budget also included about $230,000 for two new positions to be assigned to the air unit, as well as about $1 million planned for training and maintenance costs.

City officials say adding a second helicopter to the air unit will increase mission capabilities, increase overall longevity of the air fleet and reduce downtime during maintenance of a single aircraft.