Using asset forfeiture funds, the Long Beach PD purchased two 2003 Eurocopter AS-350B2 copters to replace two 2002 Eurocopters EC-130B4, which have been in service for nine years. The units will receive upgraded equipment to enhance their law enforcement capabilities via grant money.
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Law enforcement agencies usually select helicopters for their airborne unit with the mission in mind—lighter, single-engine craft work well for patrol and surveillance, while larger-capacity, twin-engine craft are better suited for search-and-rescue operations. View our gallery of several of the more commonly deployed police helicopters.
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Although many agencies are trying cost-cutting alternatives, it's been my experience as a field supervisor that there is no substitute for a helicopter in the air with a well-trained flight crew. Effective coordination between ground and air units is imperative.
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Each of the Air Support Unit's B2s are equipped with Spectrolab searchlights with 30 million candlepower, L-3/Wescam forward looking infrared (FLIR), and avionics for communication and navigation.
Read More →The grandson of Hollywood icon Clark Gable has been arrested for allegedly pointing a laser at a police helicopter. The Los Angeles Police Department arrested Clark Gable III, who has been charged with a felony count of discharging a laser.
Read More →The two-part Bell Helicopter Tactical Flight Officer course includes an online academic session and resident hands-on training that presents officers with the "practical skills and active engagement needed for aerial mission success in a safe and controlled environment," according to a release.
Read More →The new service is built specifically for police and emergency response agencies, and allows tracking of all aspects of missions, pilots, aircraft, maintenance, and scheduling, as well as secure document management.
Read More →Officers arrived to observe Danny Lopez firing at the police helicopter. Family members eventually tackled Lopez and held him for arrest. Police had responded to a report of gunshots in the 15700 block of Saticoy Street in Van Nuys about 6 a.m.
Read More →Law enforcement agencies with these special missions can apply and acquire vehicles deemed military surplus for next to nothing. The vehicles usually require work to make them duty ready. Yet, the Department of Defense's 1033 program, as it is known, offers agencies access to military-grade equipment.
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The federal government's 1033 program allows law enforcement agencies to acquire special vehicles such as an amphibious LAV, Humvee, MRAP, patrol boat, helicopter or even a landing craft for specialized missions. The agencies acquire the vehicles via the federal Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO). Photos are courtesy of LESO.
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