NCJ Number
142085
Date Published
1971
Length
86 pages
Annotation
This report describes how helicopters were used in the United States in the early 1970's to support law enforcement activities, particularly in traffic surveillance, speed law enforcement, traffic control, and search and rescue operations.
Abstract
Law enforcement agencies were surveyed to determine what types of and how helicopters were used. Aerial vehicles most widely used for law enforcement were the Bell 47G series, the Hughes 300C, and the Enstrom F-28A. Turbine helicopters, such as the Fairchild Hiller FH-1000 and the Bell 206A Jet Ranger, were becoming increasingly popular as well, but their high initial costs put them out of reach for many agencies. The average annual utilization of helicopters in the survey ranged from 600 to 1,200 hours. Specialized equipment was installed on the helicopters to accommodate individual agency needs. Police radios were widely used, in addition to normal VHF aircraft communication and navigation radios. High intensity lights were used not only for night patrols to prevent crime in industrial, commercial, and residential areas but also for riot control, search and rescue, and illumination in criminal apprehensions and at accident scenes. Combination public address and siren systems found wide application in criminal apprehension, motorist assistance, disaster warning, and crowd control. Law enforcement agencies measured helicopter effectiveness in terms of decreased crime, number of criminals apprehended, and number of rescues accomplished. Helicopters were especially successful in criminal apprehensions, rescues, and air ambulance activities because of their rapid reaction time. The cost-effectiveness of helicopter use is discussed, along with pilot selection criteria and pilot training requirements. Appendixes contain data on aircraft costs, helicopter patrol costs, and STOL (short takeoff and landing) aircraft performance. 45 references, 39 tables, and 13 figures