Aviation Unit
BSO's Aviation Unit has provided air support over the skies of Broward County since 1970. The unit provides assistance to all city, county, state and federal agencies in Broward County. Its duties include, but are not limited to:
- Assistance with criminal apprehension
- Search and rescue operations
- On-scene EMS trauma transports
- Locating missing persons
- Vehicle pursuit assistance
- Stolen vehicle recoveries using Lojack
- SWAT and Dive Team deployment
- Crime scene photography
The unit operates three American Eurocopter helicopters. The aircraft are equipped with 30 million candlepower searchlights, moving map systems, infrared detection and Lojack.
Each pilot is required to possess a commercial helicopter rating. They must all complete yearly factory flight training, mandated in-house training and specialty training with the SWAT team. They must also pass a proficiency flight check-ride each year in each of the aircraft with a designated FAA examiner.
The unit has one sergeant, six to seven pilots, three mechanics and 11 flight medic observers. The annual budget is approximately $3.2 million.
- Specialized Units Main Page
- Bicycle Patrol
- Bomb Squad
- Canine Unit
- Child Protective Investigations Section
- Contractor Licensing and Fraud Unit
- Crime Scene and Crime Lab
- Crime Stoppers Unit
- DUI Unit
- Economic Crime Unit
- Evidence Unit
- Marine Unit and Dive Team
- Motorcycle Unit
- Mounted Patrol
- Regional Investigations Division
- School Resource Deputy Unit
- SWAT Team
- Victim Services Unit
BSO Aloft
One of BSO's helicopters passes over the downtown Ft. Lauderdale skyline. The agency operates 3 other helicopters and provides assistance to other Broward County law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Arrest Search:
View the arrest information and photo of a current incarcerated Broward County inmate.

