Hawk eye: Police choppers safeguard capital in the air

Beijinghelicopter police team marks its third anniversary on Wednesday.

Yang Dongfeng, captain of the air police team, told China Radio International that the team has nine pilots and five helicopters that fly eight patrol routes, covering almost all the capital's transport hubs, major urban centers, open markets, parks and checkpoints on highway entrances.

The helicopters flew more than 1,500 hours in 2013. And in the first half of 2014, they have already clocked in 700 hours in total.

Two advanced AW139 helicopters are part of the team. They can carry 14 personnel or 1,300 kg of cargo for 700 km and soar at 20,000 miles.

The team has strict rules. Even trivia things like having a fight with the spouses before on mission would be asked to report. Pilots with unstable emotional status would be banned of flying.

The air police collect evidence, trail criminal suspects, support ground operations in combating terrorism, transfer policemen and facilities and assist traffic control.  Besides the public security mission, the team also takes part in environmental monitoring, aerial surveys and mapping.

Beijingpolice have increased helicopter patrols since May as an anti-terror precaution, according to the municipal public security authorities. Apart from the aerial operations, the city has more armed patrol vehicles and police dogs on the streets.

Two pilots in a patrol chopper of the Beijing helicopter police team get ready to take off in Beijing on Tuesday, July 15. [Photo/IC]

 

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