Tactical Flying Tactical Flight Training & Consulting

Over 400 law enforcement units in the U.S. alone now employ aviation units, which represents a significant increase since 1990. With this growth has come the need to advance the mission and capabilities of airborne law enforcement. The main emphasis of this book strives to explain why certain law enforcement helicopter tactics and procedures are safer and more effective than others.

The author, whose subject matter expertise has been attained after many successful years of experience as a tactical flight officer, pilot and flight instructor, and through a sharing of his experiences with the reader, captures the intricate nuances of the unique and specialized profession of airborne law enforcement. He successfully summarizes the tactical excellence needed to transform the science and technology of police air support into a masterful art.

A well-trained aircrew that is proficient with their tactics, technology, and each other will significantly enhance the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of officers on the ground. When an aircrew is overhead, providing patrol support, suspects are much less likely to continue their criminal activity or escape. The missions that aircrews perform, however, are only part of the equation; how they perform them is what makes the difference between an effective aircrew and one that is less effective.

By reading this book, aircrews will become more proficient with their tactics, technology, and are much more likely to be safer and better at what they do.

By Kevin P. Means. Published 2007. 136 pages, 7 x 10, 53 illustrations, ISBN 978-0-398-07738-9, Paperback $34.95 . You can order this book directly from the publisher online or (800) 258-8980.

1. CREW QUALIFICATIONS AND TACTICAL EQUIPMENT
Crew Qualifications
Tactical Flight Officers
Pilots
Crew Seating Arrangements
The Tactical Environment
Tactical Equipment
Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR)
Searchlights
Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
Maps Binoculars
Public Address Systems
Night Vision Goggles

2. RESPONDING TO CALLS
Patrol Philosophies
TFO’S—Monitoring the Radios
New Tactical Flight Officers
Pilots—Monitoring the Radios
Patrolling
Tactically Responding to Calls
Responding to Calls Quickly
Daytime Orbit Profiles
Watching Perimeters in the Daytime
Responding to Crimes in Progress
Crimes that Have Just Occurred
Reading License Plates
Responding to Urgent Calls

3. COVERING OFFICERS ON THE STREET
Alternative Orbit Profiles
Orbiting Tall Structures
Daytime, High-Risk Traffic Stops
Nighttime, High-Risk Traffic Stops

4. FUNDAMENTALS OF THERMAL IMAGING
Acquiring Objects with FLIR
Human Infrared Characteristics

5. INFRARED SEARCHES
FLIR Searches in Residential Areas
Aircraft Positioning During
Residential Area FLIR Searches
Search Patterns in Residential Areas
Residential Area Hiding Locations
Directing Officers to Heat Sources
Canyon Searches
Aircraft Positioning During Canyon Searches
Canyon Search Tactics
Searching Dense Brush
Daytime FLIR Missions
Searching Commercial Rooftops

6. INDOOR MARIJUANA CULTIVATION
Legal Issues
Environmental Factors
The Briefing
Residential Area FLIR Scans
Aircraft Positioning During FLIR Scans
Conducting the FLIR Scan
Heat Anomalies

7. Vehicle Pursuits
Aircrew Duties During Pursuits
Video Recording Pursuits in the Daytime
Aircraft Positioning During Freeway Pursuits
Aircraft Positioning During Residential Area Pursuits
Maneuvering During Residential Area Pursuits
Pursuing Motorcycles
Overrunning Vehicles
Nighttime Vehicle Pursuits
Tracking Vehicles

8. FOOT PURSUITS
Daytime Foot Pursuits
Nighttime Foot Pursuits
Conclusion

By Kevin P. Means. Published 2007. 136 pages, 7 x 10, 53 illustrations, ISBN 978-0-398-07738-9, Paperback $34.95 . You can order this book directly from the publisher online or (800) 258-8980.