Special Operations Division - Air Operations Section

Foothill Air Support Team (FAST)

The Foothill Air Support Team, otherwise known as FAST, was developed in 1999 after several local cities expressed an interest in airborne law enforcement.  Unfortunately, starting an airborne unit is very costly.  These agencies chose to form a joint helicopter patrol operation that could enhance their ability to deter criminal activity and apprehend offenders.

The FAST program has proven to be very successful. It is made up of the following six partner cities:  the City of Alhambra, Arcadia, Azusa, South Pasadena, Monrovia, Covina, West Covina and Glendora. In order to participate in this partnership, each agency has agreed to provide a qualified and motivated police officer to perform the role of Observer.  Following a rigorous training schedule, this new Observer works alongside a Pasadena Pilot to serve the FAST cities. 

The Observer will monitor radio calls within the FAST cities and make a determination whether to respond with the helicopter.  When it is determined that an airborne response would prove beneficial, the crew will respond and provide an aerial platform.  This platform provides a tremendous level of intelligence, direction, and coordination to ground units.  When not responding to calls for service, the crew will constantly search out criminal activity and/or monitor problem locations.