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COPYRIGHT 2005 The Dallas Morning News
Byline: Michael Grabell
Feb. 24--Dallas police helicopters are spotting fewer criminals, stolen cars, fires and missing people because the fleet is routinely grounded for repairs, according to department records.
"There is only so much twine, bubble gum and prayers in the world to hold together our current fleet of helicopters," an internal Police Department review said. "Not only are the existing helicopters ready to fall out of the sky, they can no longer transport personnel and equipment due to their weight limitations."
The eyes in the sky played a critical role most recently in searching for kidnapped restaurateur Oscar Sanchez and tracking a gang of bank robbers known as the Takeover Bandits.
But records over the last two years show that the fleet -- the second-oldest among the nation's 30 largest cities -- is making less of an impact on public safety.
"It's time for us to make a new purchase," said Lt. Anthony Williams, commander of the four-helicopter fleet, which averages 28 years old. "You can get into the situation where the cost [of repairs] exceeds the worth of the ship...
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