Airborne Surveillance Helps Avoid Dangerous Car Chases

Scofflaws in Newark, NJ may find themselves the subject of helicopter surveillance for things such as traffic violations and drug arrests.

The Newark Patch reports that, according to the Newark Public Safety Department, a Newark Police Department helicopter assisted in the arrest of three suspects, issue 22 traffic citations, and confiscate two illegal motorcycles on Sunday during a targeted enforcement operations.

In a news release, the NPD said the enforcement effort targeted illegal off-road motorcycles and people "engaged in other illegal activities.”

The aircraft were used to keep tabs on the suspects and direct officers to suspected illegal activity. "The helicopter keeps officers in cars from having to chase suspects in vehicles and needlessly endanger the lives of our residents,” said Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.

Ambrose said the aircraft is a "useful tool" that "enables us to arrest fleeing suspects in vehicles without having to chase them… It also enables arrests to be made through observations from the air that can’t be seen from the street… We will continue to use the helicopter to target those who ride off-road motorcycles on our streets and to target other illegal activities.”

Police said the use of the helicopter contributed to three arrests Sunday.

FMI: www.facebook.com/pages/Newark-Police-Department/238152119723886