Policy Text
Policy
437Mountain View Police Department
Mountain View PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/12/16, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Mountain View Police
DepartmentObtaining Air Support - 1Obtaining Air Support
437.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The use of a police helicopter can be invaluable in certain situations. This policy specifies potential
situations where the use of a helicopter may be requested and the responsibilities for making a
request.
437.2 REQUEST FOR HELICOPTER ASSISTANCE
If a supervisor or officer in charge of an incident determines that the use of a helicopter would be
beneficial, a request to obtain helicopter assistance may be made.
437.2.1 REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE FROM ANOTHER AGENCY
After consideration and approval of the request for a helicopter, the Field Supervisor or his/
her designee, will call the closest agency having helicopter support available (typically from the
Sheriff's Department or California Highway Patrol). Communications will apprise that agency of
the specific details of the incident prompting the request.
437.2.2 CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH AID MAY BE REQUESTED
Police helicopters may be requested under any of the following conditions:
(a)When the helicopter is activated under existing mutual aid agreements
(b)Whenever the safety of law enforcement personnel is in jeopardy and the presence
of the helicopters may reduce such hazard
(c)When the use of the helicopters will aid in the capture of a suspected fleeing felon
whose continued freedom represents an ongoing threat to the community
(d)When a helicopter is needed to locate a person who has strayed or is lost and whose
continued absence constitutes a serious health or safety hazard
(e)Vehicle pursuits
While it is recognized that the availability of helicopter support will generally provide valuable
assistance to ground personnel, the presence of a helicopter will rarely replace the need for officers
on the ground.