A police aircraft is an airplane or helicopter used in police operations. They are commonly used for traffic control, ground support, search and rescue, high-speed car pursuits, observation, air patrol and riot control. In major cities, police helicopters are also used as air transportation for SWAT personnel.
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History
The first police aviation department was established in 1919 in New York City with two airplanes. Fixed wing aircraft have generally been replaced by the more versatile police helicopter since the late 1940s. However, airplanes still have their uses in some missions, such as border patrol, as their higher speed and greater operating altitude allows larger areas to be covered.
Missions
Police helicopters are normally equipped with variants such as night vision, FLIR, infrared, surveillance cameras, radar, special radio systems and engines, loudspeaker systems, tear gas dispensers, searchlights, winches and winch cables, flashing light beacons, police rescue equipment and special seating. Weapons are usually not attached to the aircraft. Police forces sometimes use military surplus helicopters, such as the Bell UH-1 Huey, but most buy their helicopters directly from major aircraft companies.
External links
- Images of police helicopters (1)
- Images of police air support
- UK Police Helicopter Information - Operational Facts Plus A UK Police Helicopter Gallery
