DETROIT (WXYZ) — When seconds count, and police are tracking the most dangerous criminals, a specialized unit is soaring high above the Motor City to keep us safe.
“If there’s a car chase or a foot chase going on, we’re able to cover a lot of ground,” says Lt. Todd Svenkesen, who oversees operations.
Whether it’s a barricaded gunman, murder suspect at large or street racing, their chopper helps protect both citizens and officers.
“We are able to get from one side of the city to the other in 4 minutes,” says Lt. Svenkesen.
He credits Detroit Police Chief James Craig with restarting the aerial support unit, which now flies daily in support of law enforcement.
“We’re kind of like an added tool for the officers on the street, so if there’s a large crowd we fly over and give a count. See who’s there and we can zoom in with our cameras,” says Lt. Svenkesen.
The chopper is also frequently used in the event of a hostage situation, as well as checking on Homeland Security check points, and schools. Chief Craig says his team is able to do a lot with an aging military surplus chopper from the Vietnam era.
“I cant stress enough, the safety it provides our officers,” says Chief Craig.
Each year, aerial support assists with the Detroit Fireworks, Grand Prix, Opening Day, and countless other events. It will also be used for the Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club.
“When I’m out in the field and hear officers requesting help, the first thing I think about is air support,” says Chief Craig.
He now hopes to expand the program, adding another helicopter, so he can simultaneously fly units on the east and west side, for 3 shifts a day.
Craig says, “If a Priority 1 run goes out, more often that not the helicopter is going to be first on the scene.”
Detroit Police say they’re also proud of the program’s ability to help find missing people including children.
