Multi-Ship Aerial Surveillance System Will Improve Live Aerial Coverage

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) Aero Bureau has entered into an agrement with  Helinet Technologies to develop and support a comprehensive microwave downlink system for the Department's new fleet of 14 patrol helicopters. Created in partnership with the LASD's Aero Bureau, the customized downlink solution enables uninterrupted, ship-to-ground broadcast of live aerial images and will provide ground personnel with real-time information at both fixed and portable receive sites.

LA Sheriff's Department AS350 File Photo

The new downlink system was developed by Helinet using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products and is designed specifically to support Aero Bureau's broad mission profile of patrol, covert surveillance and search and rescue operations. In developing the solution, Helinet was able to assemble the optimal component mix for LASD through its reseller relationships with most major manufacturers serving the broadcast and aerial surveillance market. The firm is working hand-in-hand with LASD in integrating the downlink solution into the Department's overall aerial surveillance operations and will provide 24/7 service and support once the system is active.

"There are very few organizations in either the private sector or government that have the technical ability and know-how to implement the type of robust aerial surveillance solution we were looking for," said Sergeant John Haughey of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. "With Helinet we get a partner with deep experience managing aerial operations for law enforcement and a proven track record in keeping complex aerial surveillance solutions running smoothly."

Featuring a multiband transmission design, the system is interoperable with the surveillance solutions of other law enforcement departments in the region, enabling simultaneous delivery of real-time images to LASD's partner agencies. The new solution is capable of both standard and high-definition broadcast. "The ability to provide ground personnel with real time access to broadcast quality aerial images is an increasingly vital tool in the law enforcement toolkit," said Ron Magocsi, vice president, chief technical officer, for Helinet Technologies. "We are pleased to have been selected by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department to expand its capabilities in this arena and look forward to providing ongoing support to help the Aero Bureau maintain the system at its highest capacity going forward."

FMI: http://helinettechnologies.com, www.la-sheriff.org/divisions/homeland_sec/aero/function.html