6-111 - Minnesota State Patrol Helicopter

Policy

The Minneapolis Police Department considers the use of helicopters an asset and an effective law enforcement tool. The State Patrol helicopter is available 24 hours per day, and the MPD encourages its use. The State Patrol Helicopter Unit has been assigned an MPD call sign and has the capability of communicating via our radio channels.

Upon request of the Minneapolis Police Department, the Minnesota State Patrol Helicopter Unit may be requested to respond to reported incidents requiring helicopter services occurring within the city of Minneapolis.

Any supervisor or dispatcher may make an inquiry via radio as to whether the State Patrol Helicopter Unit is available for assistance.

The official request for assistance shall be made through MECC. MECC shall contact the State Patrol Helicopter Unit stating the type of assistance needed and location, and requesting an estimated time of arrival (ETA). The Watch Commander shall also be notified when assistance has been requested.

When responding to an incident, the State Patrol helicopter pilot will advise dispatch and communicate via radio with MECC and the ground units requesting assistance.

The Minneapolis Police Department shall be responsible for managing the event or incident for which assistance is requested.

As soon as the supervisor in charge determines that assistance is no longer needed, the supervisor shall notify MECC and the State Patrol Helicopter Unit immediately.

Supervisors shall also make non-urgent or pre-planned event requests.

Landing zones in each precinct have been established, enabling the State Patrol helicopter to land if needed. A file copy of landing zone locations shall be kept on file at each precinct, MECC, with the Watch Commander, and the State Patrol Helicopter Unit.

MECC shall maintain records via CAD event data, which includes the date and time of request for assistance, name and rank of officers, location, type of incident, and squad numbers involved.

If the State Patrol helicopter pilots have recorded an incident on videotape, a supervisor may request a copy of the videotape through MECC. A nominal charge may be incurred. MECC shall make such requests through the State Patrol Aviation Officer at 651-296-3170.

• MECC: Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center is the city's 911 center that answers emergency and non-emergency calls and coordinates the appropriate response by public safety services.
• Planned Event: An event with adequate notification, designated Incident Command structure, pre-committed resources, operational planning and an approved Incident Action Plan (e.g. Aquatennial, festivals, protests, and protection details).