HELICOPTERS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
Today, the US has over 3,000 helicopters operated by more than 400 law enforcement agencies covering 46 states. In India, the concept of aerial law enforcement by the police and allied agencies is still in a nascent stage and has not yet taken a cognizab
LAW ENFORCEMENT BROADLY REFERS
to a system wherein government organisations such as the police and allied agencies promote observance to laws of the land. However, present-day law enforcement is varied and intricate. It needs more than routine policing to deter unlawful activity. Aerial law enforcement (ALE) is a force multiplier and plays a dominant role in augmenting the strength of the law agencies. Due to its inherent characteristics and ability to perform a wide range of missions, the helicopter is ideally suited for this role. Advancements in helicopter technology and the availability of state-of-the-art onboard crime detection equipment have further enhanced the ability of modern police forces to fight crime and ensure public safety. A US study on the use of helicopters for public safety states, “Once the community becomes aware that a helicopter programme exists, there is a tendency to associate every helicopter they see with the police. Thus, even civilian or military helicopters passing over the city become a crime prevention tool.”
The New York City Police Department Aviation Bureau became the first law enforcement agency in the world to operate a helicopter in 1948. Public acceptance of law enforcement helicopter operations grew from then on as technology developments made them safer and more efficient. Today, the US has over 3,000 helicopters operated by more than 400 law enforcement agencies covering 46 states. In India, the concept of aerial law enforcement by the police and allied agencies is still in a nascent stage and has not yet taken a cognizable shape. However, a beginning has been made with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on transport, tourism and culture in its latest report recommending the expansion of existing helicopter roles to disaster manage-