Morrison began his career in law enforcement as a patrolman and, in 1966, accepted a position with the Huntington Beach Police Department. Combining a love for flying with a career in law enforcement, Morrison founded the Aero Bureau for the City of Huntington Beach in 1969. A forerunner in the development of airborne law enforcement, his impact can be seen throughout the industry. After serving as Aero Bureau Commander for 20 years, he retired in 1989.

A memorial service was held at the Robert M. Morrison Heliport in Huntington Beach, CA on April 4.

Australian Laser Attacks on Police Chopper

Three men were questioned over separate laser attacks on the Western Australian Police Air Support Unit’s police helicopter during the Easter weekend.

The first attack happened when the unit’s BK 117, named Polair 61, was struck several times with a green laser beam as it conducted targeted patrols. The illuminations created by the beam hampered the aircrew to such an extent they immediately had to take evasive action to regain a safe flying environment. Using the aircraft's technology, the aircrew determined where the laser was coming from and directed ground crews to that location. The suspect was apprehended and the laser seized.

The second laser attack happened about ten minutes later as the aircrew was dealing with the initial laser strike. Polair 61 was struck by another green laser, which again created major interference. A second offender was tracked and apprehended and the laser seized.

The third laser incident occurred the next day, when Polair 61 was conducting targeted patrols and was struck on several occasions with a green laser beam. Similar problems were created and the same evasive action was taken.

Each suspect may be charged with interfering with an aircraft, which is a violation of the Civil Aviation Act Section 24.

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New State Trooper Helicopter Unveiled

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Supervisors Unanimously Approve Purchase

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Helicopter Plucks Lost Man from Swampy Area

A man who got lost in the woods last month was rescued by the Craven County (NC) Sheriff Office’s helicopter, Pedro. The man called the county communications center on his cell phone saying he was lost. Then, ground and aircrews were able to keep up with the man's location by monitoring signals from his cell phone. The man was disoriented and there was no way to guide him out of the woods without him getting into water. He was hoisted up by the helicopter and taken to nearby farmland and then turned over to deputies. The rescue was complete in about an hour.

ALEA Hires Lobbyists

ALEA has hired Brandon Associates to promote the interests of airborne law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, including before Congress and federal agencies, according to the lobbying registration filed with the Senate last month.

Radios Donated to Nebraska Agency

Canadian Advanced Thermal Imagery Course

Hosted by ALEA and the York Regional Police Aviation Section, the Canadian Advanced Thermal Imagery Course will be offered on April 28-30, 2008 in King City, Ontario, Canada.

This course offers an in-depth study of thermal imagery use in the areas of tactics and technology. It is designed and presented by airborne thermal imagery experts; featuring police pilot Kevin Means as the lead instructor. This course is designed to benefit not only the TFO but the police pilot as well, as Means will explain and demonstrate the tactics of successful thermal imagery searches. This is an advanced course that covers everything the TFO and pilot needs to know including technology, theory, tactics and officer safety. This special Canadian version has been modified slightly to address Canadian law referencing thermal imagery use and other legal issues. Maximum enrollment is 60.

The course will be presented at the Seneca King Residence and Conference Center. Special arrangements have been made for room accommodations and meals at the Conference Center. Cost for class: $300 (US) ALEA members; $375 (US) non-members. Cost of lodging is $40. All rooms are shared, two persons per suite (two bedrooms). Should you have a roommate preference, please indicate when making reservations. Continental breakfast is included. Course attendees are responsible for contacting Seneca Residence and Conference Center for room reservations at www.residenceconferencecentre.com or by calling (905) 833-1650.

Kentucky Auctions Aircraft

The Louisville Metro Police Department has had two helicopters since the Aviation Unit’s inception in 1972. Shortly after the local mayor announced a $9 million budget shortfall last month, the department put one of their helicopters up for auction on the website, www.govdeals.com. The minimum asking price for “Air 10” is $600,000. The city's primary helicopter, Air 20, is out of service while being rebuilt after an August 2006 crash.

Metro police say they have a commitment from the Kentucky Air National Guard to provide helicopter service during the upcoming Kentucky Derby and its related events. But critics of the city's decision to sell the backup helicopter say they're concerned that the city is ensuring instances when no police helicopter is available for emergencies or routine patrols. One councilman said, "It's cost cutting that affects safety.”

Source: www.wave3.com

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Source: www.venturacountystar.com

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Australian Police Seize Cannabis

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Highway Patrol Chopper Helps Nab Man On The Run