Louisville police utilizing air unit for security at Churchill Downs and across city

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Metro Police are watching the city from numerous vantage points during Derby week.

While most of the policing will be done on the ground, some officers will be patrolling and watching Churchill Downs and Louisville from Air 30, which is one of two helicopters the department uses.

"The air united is a force multiplier, we have a really big vantage point," LMPD Officer Robert Skaggs said. "We have a really big vantage point. From our perspective, we can see a really large picture of how things are working."

Thunder Over Louisville was the official kickoff to the Kentucky Derby Festival and the arrival of thousands of visitors to the city.

"We try to pool our resources to try to have all hands on deck that day," Skaggs said.

Air 30 will be seen in the sky throughout the week, especially around Churchill Downs.

"So that we can provide service, not only to Churchill Downs that day but also support all of the units that are doing day to day things that they do in their division," Skaggs said.

Air 30 can be on the scene in a matter of minutes.

"We are talking a matter of maybe about a minute to the other side of the county," Skaggs said.

LMPD Lt. Brent Willen, commander of the Air Unit, said the helicopter is a crucial tool all year.

"We are able to see if traffic bottlenecks, we are able to see if there are points that they can reroute traffic to make it easier for people to get out and get around Churchill Downs safely," Willen said. "We do a lot of air surveillance, we do foot pursuits, car pursuits, we help with missing person, we are available 20 hours a day, seven days a week."

Despite the long hours, Willen and Skaggs say they love the job and protecting and serving the men and women of Metro Louisville.

Meanwhile, the air unit typically takes flight with two sworn officers onboard.

"Both sets of eyes will be looking and watching for those things that will help police operations," Skaggs said.

More Louisville-area Crime Stories: