TO: LINDA REICH, CITY MANAGER
FROM: TERRY DOYLE, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES/RISK MANAGEMENT
SUBJECT
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Approve Three Part-Time Police Helicopter Pilot Positions and the Associated Job Classification.
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RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution No. 2025-016 amending the Classification and Compensation Plan to approve the job classification for Helicopter Pilot and adding three part-time Helicopter Pilot positions to the Police Department.
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FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for these positions will be provided by existing part-time salary savings in the FY2024-25 Budget. If funds are needed for the FY2025-26 budget, a transfer will be processed from existing part-time salary to the air support unit, resulting in no net fiscal impact.
CITY OF CHINO MISSION / VISION / VALUES / STRATEGIC ISSUES
The recommendation detailed above furthers the City’s values and strategic issues that serve as key pillars on which identified priorities, goals, and action plans are built, by fostering:
• Financial Stability
• Responsible Long-Range Planning
• Exemplary Leadership
• Effective Technology
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BACKGROUND
In November of 2024, the City Council approved the creation of the Chino Police Department’s Air Support Unit, which included the purchase of a police helicopter. To operate the helicopter, the Police Department will be hiring three part-time Helicopter Pilots. Before staff can recruit to fill these positions, a job classification must be established for Helicopter Pilot, which requires the City Council’s approval.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
Establishing a Helicopter Pilot classification allows the Police Department to cost-effectively recruit highly experienced helicopter pilots to operate the City’s police helicopter, eliminating the need to train a Police Officer for this specialized role. The cost to train a Police Officer to obtain a commercial helicopter pilot can exceed $75,000.
Southern California is unique in having a large number of agencies who operate law enforcement helicopters. This creates an opportunity for the City of Chino to recruit highly experienced pilots in the area with prior law enforcement experience. By drawing on this experience of current and retired police pilots, the City will further avoid significant training costs. Having more than one part-time pilot will also allow the Police Department to account for needed time off while minimizing the impact to air support operations.
Although the Police Department does not expect regular air support operations to begin until early 2026, there is an immediate need to recruit for the position in preparation for retrieving the helicopter in August and flying it to Carlsbad for outfitting. As part of the helicopter purchase, the Police Department also has training spots to attend the Bell Factory school where the pilots will receive instruction in Bell helicopters including system operations, basic maintenance, and emergency procedures. This training should occur prior to picking up the helicopter in August.
Funds for the current fiscal year, if needed, would be paid from existing part-time salary savings in the Police Department. Funds for FY25-26 will be included in the Air Support Budget and will provide funding for six months of operations at $62,000. Any additional funding needed will be transferred from existing part-time positions, resulting in no net increase in cost for FY2025-26.
Attachments: 1 - Resolution No. 2025-016
2 - Helicopter Pilot Job Classification