Jackson police get 2 new helicopters
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WEST JACKSON — Jackson police recently added two new helicopters to their aviation unit, tools the department said keep officers and the public safe. Sgt. Terry Hopper works as a pilot for the Jackson Police Department‘s Aviation Unit. “We can cover the city in just a matter of minutes,” he said. Hopper said the helicopters increase safety because they can sometimes respond to calls quicker than officers on the ground. “We can watch the scene and see what’s going on way before they get there, for their safety and for the safety of the public,” he said. Hopper said they also can safely follow suspects on the run instead of officers engaging in dangerous high-speed chases. “Every time an officer stops a car and we’re there, we cover them to make sure they’re OK in case something was to happen,” he said. Hopper estimated the helicopters cost about $800,000 each, but the department got them for free as military surplus. The department made the request and then picked them up in Alabama. The police department says they plan to use one of the new helicopters for training and the other for missions. Hopper said they equip the helicopters will heat sensitive cameras that can help find people at night. “If anybody’s hiding in the woods or is lost in the woods, we’re able to see that really easy with the camera,” he said. The department said it still must cover maintenance and fuel costs. Hopper said they also can help smaller departments in surrounding counties. The department said the aviation unit now has three helicopters.
