APSAC Accreditation
Airborne Public Safety Accreditation Commission (APSAC)
What is APSAC?
"The AIRBORNE PUBLIC SAFETY ACCREDITATION COMMISSION (APSAC) is an entity within The Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) that provides, develops and maintains standards of accreditation for operations performed by public safety aviation units and offers auditing, consulting and accreditation services to public safety aviation operations in accordance with those standards.
The Commission authored professional standards for public safety aviation operations that are applicable to all airborne public safety units regardless of size or branch of government.
As dedicated public safety aviation experts and professionals, APSAC mission is to increase the safety and efficiency of all public safety aviation practices and participants. From law enforcement, fire and search and rescue units to individuals and outside agencies, we are dedicated to furthering our cause and the safety procedures many people depend upon.
These standards are designed to provide units with a foundation of safe operating practices in the performance of their agency’s mission. The standards were formulated on what has been identified as the two highest priorities of an airborne public safety unit; “Safety First” in all aspects of the operation and providing effective aviation support services in the furtherance of the agency’s public safety mission.
APSAC’s commitment to these priorities forms the foundation of the standards and the ensuing Accreditation Program. Each standard is supported by and evaluated against measurable objectives. Recommendations and guidelines are also offered as further explanation of the standard’s intent. The Standards encompass all aspects of airborne public safety and have been divided into five major areas of consideration: Administration, Flight Operations, Safety, Training and Maintenance. The subsections within each area are intended to encompass the primary aspects of public safety aviation unit operations for both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.
Departmental Participation
The California Highway Patrol (CHP), which manages one of the largest law enforcement air fleets in the nation, continues to strive for professional excellence by encouraging continued improvement and exceeding the public’s expectations. The APSAC accreditation program offers an opportunity to enhance our reputation and the public's confidence in our personnel and air operations. Participation in this program and receiving accreditation demonstrates our commitment to providing the highest level of safety, service, and security on the ground and in the air.
Accreditation
The CHP enrolled in the APSAC accreditation program on March 10, 2014. The APSAC assessors conducted the on-site assessment in October 2015. They visited CHP Headquarters and multiple CHP air operations units to evaluate compliance with APSAC accreditation standards. On July 23, 2016, the CHP will join a growing number of law enforcement aviation units in the country by achieving accreditation and receiving a plaque and certificate during the ALEA Annual Conference and Exposition in Savannah, GA.
For additional information, visit the AIRBORNE PUBLIC SAFETY ACCREDITATION COMMISSION (APSAC) website.