NCJ Number
10020
Date Published
1968
Length
40 pages
Annotation
COMPLETED STUDY AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 15 DAY FEASIBILITY TEST OF HELICOPTERS (MARCH-APRIL 1968) FOR USE BY THE PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Abstract
RISING CRIME RATES WITHIN THE COUNTY AND ITS PROXIMITY TO CRIME AND CIVIL DISTURBANCE PROBLEMS IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WERE THE IMPETUS FOR THE HELICOPTER PATROL, AS AN ATTEMPT TO CURB THE CRIME PROBLEM WITHOUT A SIGNIFICANT MANPOWER INCREASE, PROVED TO BE A VALUABLE LAW ENFORCEMENT TOOL. THE INITIAL STEPS IN IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAM ARE DESCRIBED, INCLUDING FINDINGS OF RESEARCH INTO PRIOR SUCCESSFUL HELICOPTER APPLICATIONS IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY AND KANSAS CITY. THE REPORT EXPLAINS THE PROCEDURES AND TECHNIQUES EMPLOYED, AND PERSONNEL SELECTION AND TRAINING. STATISTICAL TEST RESULTS AND A COST ANALYSIS IS INCLUDED. MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS ARE THAT AN AERO SECTION OF THREE HELICOPTERS BE ESTABLISHED, WITH THE PRIMARY DUTY OF PATROL. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERN PATROL APPLICATIONS, PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATIONS, AND SELECTION OF PILOTS AND OBSERVERS.