Auckland's eye in the sky now a 24-hour operation

It's a crucial weapon in tracking criminals, but up until now, the Auckland-based police 'Eagle' helicopter has not been available through the night. 

Monday night is the first night the chopper will be working 24 hours, meaning a whole lot of new crew had to be inducted.

Constable Alice Renouf landed her dream job and launched a new era in policing. 

Her first day with the Eagle police helicopter is the first day the service will be manned non-stop. 

"It's incredible to be a part of it - it's a really big milestone for the police," she says. 

The crew is most in demand to follow car chases, track robbery suspects and help find missing dementia patients, and demand for the job itself is one of the most competitive in the police.

"We had 70 people showing interest in coming onto the unit and we've whittled that down to five," says Sergeant Callum Young.

"I'm pleased to show that I'm able to do this job and show other females that they can do it, if they want to," Constable Renouf added.

The launch comes after an announcement earlier in the year of the safer communities package, which pledged an extra $388 million to police for extra staff and equipment. 

Previously, Eagle staff were only on duty until about 3am, Monday to Saturday - now it'll be 24/7, which means there is also potential to hear it. 

"We don't joyride - we're there for a reason, so if you hear the police helicopter, please don't be annoyed with the noise," adds Sergeant Young. "Be reassured that we're there and we're trying to keep the community safe."

Newshub.