Aviation Unit Serves As A Crime Fighting Tool For State Police

HARTFORD — From the air, the Connecticut State Police Aviation Unit has become an essential tool in the fight against crime and the protection of lives and property. During 2005 alone the State Police Aviation Unit responded to 913 calls for assistance, which includes a helicopter, referred to as “Trooper One,” and three fixed wing state police airplanes.

From monitoring traffic and augmenting search operations to assisting in firefighting operations and lending assistance in the apprehension of criminals, the Connecticut State Police Aviation Unit has consistently been called upon to aid state and local police in many of their daily assignments.

“Trooper One and our fixed wing planes play a vital role in carrying out the mission of the Connecticut State Police — protecting the lives and property of the citizens of the state,” noted Leonard C. Boyle, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety. “The aviation unit has become an efficient tool to enhance our services to the people of Connecticut and to keep our roads and neighborhoods safe.”

By flying above motor vehicles on the road, Trooper One and the airplanes provide surveillance for criminal activity and fleeing criminals and have directed state troopers and local police on the ground to apprehend criminals. Pilots and observers have also aided in the search for many missing persons.

“Trooper One and the State Police Department airplanes are vehicles with a view. From above, the aircraft provide perfect vision to the troopers and officers below, giving them a boost on the road to further ensure citizens’ safety,” said Colonel Edward Lynch, commanding officer of the Connecticut State Police.

During 2005, Trooper One and the State Police Fixed Wing airplanes have, among other law enforcement cases, responded to 147 missing person calls, and in one case located an entire family missing within Black Rock State Park in Watertown, searched 147 times for suspects who were wanted by police for serious criminal offenses; provided aerial water drops 13 times on brush fires for local fire departments; assisted in the apprehension of a suspect who had pulled a gun during a motor vehicle stop in the area of the Enfield/Somers town line; and helped capture a suspect at Bradley International Airport who was in a restricted area.

The state troopers’ aviation unit also located suspects in narcotics transactions; searched for stolen cars; illuminated areas while searching for suspects during the nighttime hours (one was found clinging to the walls of a quarry); assisted in searches for motor vehicle operators driving under the influence on highways and secondary roads; and managed high speed pursuits from the air, allowing the ground pursuit to cease, and still lead the apprehension of the fleeing suspect.

In addition, the three fixed wing planes in the aviation unit have become integral in the recovery of stolen cars equipped with the LoJack Car Recovery System. The airplanes have also assisted in narcotics surveillance and arrests, searches for missing suicidal individuals and searches for vehicles and downed aircraft. They also photograph crime scenes and conduct surveillance from the air.

Finally, the planes have been instrumental in patrolling the state’s infrastructure.

The aircraft are an indispensable police tool for keeping Connecticut safe.

“Both Trooper One and the fixed wing planes have become tools that the Connecticut State Police use to keep Connecticut streets and highways safe for all. By taking to the air, Connecticut State Police cover all the angles of public safety,” noted Commissioner Boyle.