New Helicopters Give LAPD a Higher-Tech Tool Against Crime

Look out below.

The Los Angeles Police Department has a new tool: high-tech helicopters equipped with 30-million candlepower searchlights, electronic maps, video cameras and an infrared system so sensitive it can spot a suspect hiding in a bush.

“It’s going to change the way we do police work from the air,” said Lt. Dwight Crosley, who works in the LAPD’s air support division. “Hopefully, we will locate suspects faster and respond faster.”

The LAPD bought three of the new helicopters to replace three aging ones that were grounded two years ago due to safety concerns. The old helicopters have apparently logged more flight hours than any similar model in the world.

The three new choppers cost about $1.6 million each, and were purchased through a municipal bond program--largely at the urging of Los Angeles City Councilwoman Laura Chick.

“They’re absolutely key in arresting suspected criminals,” said Chick, who heads the council’s Public Safety Committee.

The new Bell helicopters represent the latest in technology, aviation officials said. They are faster, safer and a bit quieter. “A definite improvement,” said Frank Jensen, president of the Helicopter Assn. International, an Alexandria, Va.-based trade group.

Features of the new Bell 407 include a high-tech navigational system that will replace the Thomas Guide street maps officers have been using. “All the best 21st century crime-fighting tools,” said Chick of the aircraft.

Included in the city’s new air squadron are:

* Video recorders to record chases; the tapes can be used as evidence by prosecutors.

* A microwave system to transmit the video images to officers on the ground.

* The ability to communicate over any police or emergency radio frequency in the United States.

* Electronic binoculars that will enable officers to read street addresses and license plates from the air.

* A 400-watt public address system and siren to communicate with residents or suspects on the ground.

The craft’s infrared device was tested on a recent night when an older LAPD chopper searched 15 minutes for a man hiding on the ground. The new helicopter, using its heat-seeking capability, located the man almost immediately, an LAPD official said.

The Bell helicopters are also large enough to serve as an aerial command post. The choppers have five seats, as well as two sets of electronic maps, binoculars and radios.

An aerial command post would be useful during a riot or when dealing with heavily armed criminals, such as in the North Hollywood bank robbery earlier this year, police said.

The silver-and-blue helicopters will be added to the air support division’s 16 patrol choppers and the Bell UH-1 helicopter used by the department’s SWAT officers.

The air support division typically responds to more than 40,000 calls a year, including car and foot chases, robberies, burglaries and homicides, police said.

The department expects that the helicopters will all be in use by summer’s end.

“They’re really slick,” said Crosley of the LAPD’s air support division. “Better equipment will make the job easier.”