Maintaining Law & Order

Today, the US has over 3,000 helicopters operated by more than 400 law enforcement agencies covering 46 states. In India, the concept of aerial law enforcement by the police and allied agencies is still in a nascent stage and has not yet taken a cognizable shape.

Law enforcement broadly refers to a system wherein government organisations such as the police and allied agencies promote observance to laws of the land. However, present-day law enforcement is varied and intricate. It needs more than routine policing to deter unlawful activity. Aerial law enforcement (ALE) is a force multiplier and plays a dominant role in augmenting the strength of the law agencies. Due to its inherent characteristics and ability to perform a wide range of missions, the helicopter is ideally suited for this role. Advancements in helicopter technology and the availability of state-of-the-art onboard crime detection equipment have further enhanced the ability of modern police forces to fight crime and ensure public safety. A US study on the use of helicopters for public safety states, “Once the community becomes aware that a helicopter programme exists, there is a tendency to associate every helicopter they see with the police. Thus, even civilian or military helicopters passing over the city become a crime prevention tool.”

The New York City Police Department Aviation Bureau became the first law enforcement agency in the world to operate a helicopter in 1948. Public acceptance of law enforcement helicopter operations grew from then on as technology developments made them safer and more efficient. Today, the US has over 3,000 helicopters operated by more than 400 law enforcement agencies covering 46 states. In India, the concept of aerial law enforcement by the police and allied agencies is still in a nascent stage and has not yet taken a cognizable shape. However, a beginning has been made with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on transport, tourism and culture in its latest report recommending the expansion of existing helicopter roles to disaster management as also to law and order, thus accepting the need at the highest level of the government. The use of civil registered helicopters in anti-Naxalite operations in the Red Corridor though riddled with many problems, is a positive step in this direction.

Role/Mission Requirements

Helicopters give an edge to the law enforcement agencies by supporting them in various roles thus enhancing their operational credibility and flexibility. Some of the roles being performed worldwide by ALE helicopters are surveillance and aerial domination, support for ground forces, pursuit, aerial command post, search and rescue, hostage rescue, border patrolling, marine police roles, traffic monitoring, operations in support of the police like raids/reinforcement of troops, movement of prisoners, VIP movement, control of riot and civil disturbance, anti-narcotics missions, monitoring of arms trafficking and movement of quick reaction teams/bomb disposal squads or dog squads.

However, law enforcement agencies the world over are today looking at new mission requirements due to the threat from terrorism—both domestic and international—with special emphasis on internal/homeland security issues. Police helicopters have primarily functioned as air support and observation platforms. Now, with greater internal security concerns, protocols are changing and agencies are evaluating their operational capabilities and looking to expand the helicopter mission role. Counter-terrorism and special operations are assuming greater significance with associated demands to employ special operations personnel, tactics and equipment. A tremendous crosspollination of information is occurring between military and police forces, leading to better counter-terrorism mission possibilities. In the post 26/11 scenario, there is a need to enhance awareness of rotary wing aircraft capability to transport counter-terrorism forces along with the required degree of mobility and flexibility to preempt or respond swiftly to security threats. The use of helicopters in combating terrorism requires new thought processes, employment of new tools and cooperation amongst all agencies involved in such tasks.

Mission Equipment

The helicopter is a versatile machine and when used to support law enforcement agencies, it could prove to be a big game changer. It is highly mobile, light, reliable and flexible, capable of carrying out multi-mission roles. An ALE helicopter should be capable of night operations and possess the requisite payload capability to include weaponry on need and role basis. Modern-day helicopters have remarkable operational readiness and response time, which are the key attributes required of ALE helicopters. A high performance helicopter coupled with role-based equipment makes a perfect fit to carry out various tasks. A law enforcement helicopter should have some of the listed mission equipment such as forward looking infrared (FLIR) cameras, multi-sensor imaging devices, rescue hoist, loud hailer system, rappelling or fast rope system, auto tracker, GPS devices, data links and gun mounts for lethal and non-lethal weapons. A typical police aviation wing should consist of helicopters ranging from very light to heavy lift thus providing the capability of a wide range of roles.

Helicopters for ALE

In India, armed forces helicopters have been employed extensively since the early 1960s in counter-insurgency roles and disaster management. However, 26/11 was the first instance of helicopters being put to use in counter-terrorism operations in an urban environment. In recent times, civil registered helicopters have been employed in anti-Naxalite operations in a number of states affected by the red menace. The helicopters being employed belong to companies holding non-scheduled operators’ permits such as Pawan Hans and Global Vectra. Even helicopters belonging to the Border Security Force are being flown with operational and maintenance services provided by Pawan Hans. However, these are ad hoc measures and need to be streamlined along with the appropriate regulatory provisions.

With the police being a state agency, states would have to play a key role in establishing ALE agencies/police aviation wings. It needs to be first implemented in the metros such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai, and thereafter, gradually expand to other areas. However, the states on their own may be reluctant to implement this programme due to the high costs involved. As such, the Centre will have to play a major role in terms of providing monetary, logistical and operational support to the states for establishing police aviation wings. The modernisation of police force scheme launched by the Centre in 2000-01 does aim to strengthen the state police forces. However, the ambit of the scheme needs to be increased to include the creation of air wings. The states and union territories could also look at engaging helicopters on long-term lease as an interim measure to strengthen their police departments.

Training of Pilots

ALE helicopter pilots need to be highly motivated, skilful and experienced as they have to perform tasks 24x7 under hostile and nerve racking conditions. Cities such as Mumbai and Delhi which have numerous high rise buildings pose additional challenges to the pilots. In India, a pool of highly trained pilots and technicians who retire early from defence services each year are available for employment. They could be recruited by the states to fly the police helicopters. Their experience of flying in military conditions would be highly suitable for the police role too. Simultaneously, young pilots holding civil flying licence could also be recruited.