Highways

Difference in HelicoptersA highway patrol is a statewide department while a police department is generally a local or city police department. Police helicopters are generally going to patrol within there city limits (although many provide mutual aid to neighboring cities who do not have a helicopter), while highway patrol helicopters are going to patrol a much larger area, both within incorporated cities (freeways) and in unincorporated areas.

Some state highway patrol departments fall under the "Department of Public Safety" such as in Arizona or Texas. Their state helicopters therefore are referred to as an "Arizona DPS Helicopter" or a "Texas DPS Helicopter." In states such as Maryland the state patrol helicopter falls under the State Police, and is referred to as the "Maryland State Police Helicopter."

The roles of both highway patrol helicopters and police helicopters can vary widely. Also remember that most state highway patrol agencies also own and use fixed wing aircraft which are often more suitable for traffic enforcement. Fixed wing aircraft can generally stay in the air longer, and are a more stable platform for traffic enforcement.

Thus, a state highway patrol helicopter is for the most part going to carry out the same function as a police, or a sheriff's department helicopter. In the State of California for example, a California Highway Patrol helicopter will assist other agencies with routine law enforcement calls such as stolen vehicles, vehicle pursuits, foot pursuits, burglaries, armed suspicious persons, etc. Many California Highway Patrol helicopters are also equipped to carry out rescues, and have been involved in many rescues of lost or injured hikers, etc.

In many rural areas, both in California and throughout the country, very often the state police, or highway patrol is the only law enforcement helicopter in the region.

Regarding equipment, most modern helicopters whether they are local police or highway patrol are going to be outfitted with similar technologies. Generally this includes a suite of police radios for talking with various police and fire agencies, a spot light, P.A. system, and a heat sensing camera (FLIR). Most law enforcement helicopters are jet helicopters or more accurately jet turbine helicopters. There are a few smaller police agencies that use piston powered helicopters such as the R-44 or the Schweizer 300. You can learn more about police helicopters at www.policehelicopterpilot.com