Louisville police take to the skies to help keep city safe during Derby week

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- With thousands of visitors in town for Kentucky Derby week, Louisville police are taking to the skies to help keep the city safe.

The Louisville Metro Police Department’s Air 30 helicopter unit is providing a bird’s-eye view of Churchill Downs and the surrounding city, offering real-time support to officers on the ground.

“The advantage of having the helicopter is a force multiplier,” said officer Jason Sattich, a pilot with LMPD’s air unit. “With a helicopter over top of the scene, you don’t need as many officers on containment.”

LMPD says aerial patrols are especially helpful in monitoring traffic choke points, directing the flow of vehicles, and backing off high-speed pursuits to reduce the risk to the public.

“It allows our officers to back off the pursuits, to slow down, and hopefully get the suspect to slow down as well,” Sattich said. “Our biggest concern is the safety of the public.”

In addition to traffic and crowd control, the air unit is equipped to respond to medical emergencies and monitor for potential security threats throughout the city.

“Our vantage point is a whole lot better than most people on the ground,” said Lt. Brent Willen, commander of the LMPD air unit. “Street racers and stuff like that — we can actually stay with them and help the guys on the ground.”

For Derby week, LMPD is receiving support from the Kentucky State Police, which has deployed its own helicopters to assist in the operation.

“They’re here every year,” Willen said. “They help us out a whole heck of a lot. It’s been a good partnership between us and them.”

Police say the need for aerial surveillance has grown, with flight volume increasing by more than 30% in recent years.

“It provides an advantage that you can’t get with just officers on the streets,” Sattich said.

LMPD’s air unit will remain active throughout the weekend, watching over the city from above to ensure a safe Derby experience for all.

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