MISSION:
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office air support unit has been established to provide air support services to ground based units in all aspects of law enforcement activities serving the citizens of Santa Clara County.
HISTORY
The air support unit began operations in 2003 and currently operates a Eurocopter EC120 helicopter (STAR 1). With a flight crew consisting of a pilot and an observer the unit responds to calls for service from any agency within the county and to adjoining counties when requested.
SERVICES PROVIDED
This support includes but is not limited to:
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Patrol Operations
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Disaster Relief
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Patrol Operations
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Disaster Relief
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Surveillance
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Search and Rescue
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Fire Department Support
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Transportation
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Aerial Photography
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Special Operations
STAR 1 EQUIPMENT
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The helicopter is equipped with a Metamap system for navigation
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Forward looking infra red (FLIR) camera
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30 million candle power night sun
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Loud speaker siren system
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Microwave downlink to transmit video images to a ground based command post.
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Several communication radios to allow the flight crew to communicate with all police and fire units within the county and most of the surrounding jurisdictions.
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Night vision goggles used during the hours of darkness, which allows operation over remote areas otherwise inaccessible by aircraft after dark.
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The night vision goggles have been instrumental in locating and rescuing several hikers since they have been implemented.