DETROIT – From high-speed chases to finding missing children, Michigan State Police’s helicopter serves as a crucial set of eyes in the sky for law enforcement across the state.
The aviation unit’s helicopter, known as Trooper 2, operates with a two-person crew: a pilot and a tactical flight officer.
“It’s like flying a sports car through the sky,” said Sgt. Cole Martin, one of the pilots for the Michigan State Police Aviation Unit. “But the most important job in our helicopter is the person operating the camera and being able to help those officers and citizens on the ground.”
That person is Trooper Josh Maskey, who serves as the tactical flight officer. His primary tool is a high-tech camera system mounted to the front of the helicopter — combining high-definition video and thermal imaging capabilities with GPS technology.
Local 4 got a rare inside look at how the crew operates during an evening patrol over Metro Detroit.
First call
Our first call was for a stolen car in Detroit. Metro South troopers attempted a traffic stop near the Lodge Freeway and Chicago Boulevard.
As troopers got out of their patrol car, the suspect drove away and also rammed into the trooper’s passenger side door.
From above, Trooper 2 followed the suspect’s car into an alley in the 3700 block of Euclid Street, where the driver and passenger got out and ran.
“Driver, black male, red shirt,” Maskey radioed to ground units as the scene unfolded.
Troopers on the ground were directed to the suspects, including one hiding in debris. The two 16-year-olds were arrested.
Missing people
Beyond pursuit calls, the unit has been successful in search and rescue operations.
Earlier this year, the team located a missing 2-year-old in Jackson and an 80-year-old with dementia in Ionia County.
“It’s cool to catch bad guys, but the most rewarding by far is being able to participate in reuniting people with the ones they love,” Martin said.
Nighttime patrols
The helicopter’s advanced technology is especially helpful during nighttime operations.
The thermal imaging system can clearly identify people, vehicles, and structures in complete darkness, providing crucial intelligence to ground units.
“The camera is high definition. Both infrared and EO, which is basically an HD camera. It also has a few other abilities. It uses the GPS signal to be able to lock onto points on the ground. So, the camera operator can basically let it go and watch that spot until it tells it to do something different. It’s a huge game-changer in what we do,” Martin said.
Recruitment
For those interested in joining the unit, the Michigan State Police is currently recruiting.
The department will hold its final hiring event for the January recruitment class on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Mumford High School in Detroit. Doors open at 8 a.m. and the event runs until 4 p.m.
The event will help fast-track applicants through the hiring process. However, applicants must meet requirements.
More information is available here.