NCJ Number
191127
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 28 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2001 Pages: 20-22,24,25
Date Published
September 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes how a law enforcement agency can determine whether it needs an air unit, can afford to set up a unit, and can afford to maintain one.
Abstract
Having police officers in helicopters, patrolling by air, results in quicker response times, safer methods of policing, and overall better performance. Helicopter units' main mission is proactive patrol support for officers on the ground. Costs involved in setting up an air unit begin with the aircraft itself, which can cost between $700,000 and $1 million. Long-term maintenance is another significant expense, an expense that will grow as the aircraft ages. Not every police department needs an air unit. It depends on the size of the area patrolled and the demand for services. Many agencies can share an air unit with another department, participating in mutual-aid activities in addition to law enforcement duties. The article advises any agency considering setting up an air unit to talk with organizations that have been "in the air" for a year or more. In addition, the Airborne Law Enforcement Association has an aviation start-up manual.