The Utah County Sheriff's Office (UCSO) has signed an acquisition agreement for a Diamond DA62 MPP special mission aircraft, expanding its airborne public safety and search-and-rescue capabilities across one of the American West's most geographically diverse regions.

The aircraft will be equipped with a long-range imaging system combining high-definition colour and thermal infrared sensors in a stabilised package, allowing deputies to identify and track subjects, support ground response teams and maintain continuous situational awareness during day and night operations. Operating at higher altitudes, the platform can remain effectively inaudible from the ground while conducting missions.

UCSO's DA62 MPP will also feature an airborne emergency location and communications system capable of detecting and establishing two-way contact with mobile phones beyond cellular network coverage. The capability is expected to support more than 100 annual search-and-rescue missions conducted across Utah County's mountains, lakes and remote terrain.

“Protecting Utah County means making smart, forward-looking investments in the tools our deputies need to do their jobs. This aircraft extends our reach across every corner of the county, with the endurance, capability and cost-efficiency that taxpayers deserve from modern public safety operations. I'm proud to bring this capability to the people of Utah County,” says Sheriff Mike Smith, Utah County Sheriff's Office.

The acquisition follows growing interest in the DA62 MPP among U.S. law enforcement agencies, particularly in California, where the platform has been undergoing operational evaluations by airborne law enforcement units.

Mission equipment integration will be carried out by Rapid Imaging Solutions (RIS), a veteran-owned special mission integrator based in American Fork, Utah.

“We are proud to support Utah County and Sheriff Smith with cutting edge technology and capabilities. Every one of our projects with law enforcement agencies across the country are unique and meaningful. But helping our home community become a safer place with this platform is especially important to us,” adds Steve Pierce, CEO of Rapid Imaging Solutions.

The aircraft was supplied through AirMax Patrol, Diamond Aircraft's exclusive DA62 MPP distributor in the United States. AirMax was founded by retired California Highway Patrol officer and pilot John Nielsen, whose more than 30-year law enforcement aviation career included 24 years in air operations and more than 14,000 hours as pilot in command.

Nielsen co-founded one of the country's best-known airborne law enforcement aircraft integration firms before launching AirMax Patrol alongside his brother Steve Nielsen. The company also supports agencies with financing solutions designed to spread acquisition costs over longer periods and potentially leverage grant funding opportunities.