The
Butler County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Units has one aircraft, a Robinson R-44
Police Helicopter. It is a four place piston helicopter that is equipped with a
video camera, forward looking infrared (heat seeking sensor) and recording
capabilities on both, global positioning system for navigation, police, and fire
radios.
In 2004 the unit flew approximately 252 hours in support of Law Enforcement operations in Southern Ohio. Not only did the unit operate to support the Sheriff’s Office, but also assisted 30 other agencies in Southern Ohio as well as the FBI and Secret Service. The unit recovered three stolen vehicles, assisted in the arrest of several suspects for drug related charges, flew 32 missions for drug eradication finding and seizing more that 3000 marijuana plants valued at over $3,000,000.00. The unit also assisted in crime scene photo flights, high risk search warrants and more than 20 flights searching for missing persons or suspects. The unit also flew 21 missions in support of school, DARE, and youth groups showing local children the capabilities of Law Enforcement Aviation.
