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Police agencies use many types of tools to uphold the law. Among those tools, law enforcement officers drive special police vehicles, including cars, trucks, vans, and tactical vehicles. However, police departments also fly helicopters as part of their law enforcement duties.

Police departments still operate helicopters despite advancements in camera and drone technology

Depending on the police department, you might see an official helicopter in your local skies. However, not every department operates a rotary wing application. After all, not every department has the budget or requirement for a helicopter or two. 

Understandably, large municipal departments operate aviation units. For instance, the law enforcement agencies of Los Angeles (LAPD) and New York City (NYPD) run multiple helicopters. 

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, pursuit duties are the leading use of helicopters in law enforcement tasks. However, agencies also use rotary wing applications for counternarcotics and counterterrorism missions. 

However, law enforcement agencies aren’t the only public safety organizations with aviation units. Firefighting agencies operate airplanes and helicopters for wildland firefighting operations. After all, a Boeing CH-47 Chinook with a fire-retardant receptacle can deliver as much as 700 or more gallons of vital water to a wildfire. 

In fact, one of my former colleagues in the fire department was a helicopter pilot in the Louisville Metro Police Department. His role was to aid ground units with air support, including observation and reporting.

Frankly, some tasks require an eye in the sky. For instance, the Kawasaki H2R motorcycle will outrun a Formula 1 racecar off the line and reach over 200 mph in a relatively short distance. Let’s face it, even the most unique pursuit units are hopeless to match that ride or similar high-performance vehicles.

As such, using an aircraft to keep tabs on runners is one of the vital tasks associated with police department helicopters. Frankly, a Dodge Charger police car isn’t going to catch a 1,000-cc sportbike. That’s just not going to happen. However, a helicopter can keep tabs on a ballistically fast bike or performance car. 

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).