NCJ Number
84985
Journal
Police Research Bulletin Issue: 38 Dated: (Spring 1982) Pages: 16-22
Date Published
1982
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The use of the helicopter in the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary (England) was found to be cost-effective in specific areas of policing, most notably in observational and search capabilities.
Abstract
The helicopter selected was the French Aerospatiale Squirrel 350 with a range of 400 miles, a speed of between 135-150 mi/hr., a single jet turbine engine, and five seats. The helicopter was chosen according to criteria that specified a good range of operation, a good speed of response, a good payload with at least four seats, low internal and external noise levels, good visibility from the aircraft, and low operating costs. Over the last 2 years of evaluation, helicopter operations included traffic and maritime patrol, crime prevention, major criminal inquiries, searches, accidents, surveillance, VIP protection and security, drug importation countermeasures, defensive weapons operations, emergency transportation of key operational personnel, and emergency transport of forensic science and technical equipment. The most impressive feature of the helicopter is its ability to switch from one role to another. The evaluation found that in addition to its capacity to patrol the equivalent area of several patrol cars, the helicopter functions better as a command and control position than a ground location. Graphic illustrations of the helicopter's capability are provided.