Houston, Texas may be the home of NASA's Lyndon Johnson Space Center and the US hub for the oil industry but from July 16 to July 20, Houston served as the home for the Airborne Law Enforcement's 38th Annual Conference and Exposition hosted by the Houston Police Department. In spite of the infamous Texas heat, airborne law enforcement personnel from around the world came to the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston to learn the latest trends in the airborne law enforcement industry.
Pre-Conference Courses
The Airborne Law Enforcement Association's main conference is always preceded by a series of pre-conference courses designed for a wide variety of airborne law enforcement personnel including pilots, maintenance technicians and tactical flight officers. The courses offered this year included; Advanced Thermal Imaging, Aircraft Accident Investigation, Aviation Safety Management, Aviation Unit Manager's course, Flight Instructor Refresher, Maintenance IA Renewal course, NVG Operations, Tactical Flight Officers Course, Disaster Response Training and Flight Ops, Improving Internal Communications. The courses are designed for all experience levels however two of the courses are especially suited for personnel new to aviation; Aviation Unit Manager’s Course and Tactical Flight Officer's Course. Any police officer or supervisor would greatly benefit from attending these classes. Attendance at the pre-conference courses was strong and many participants had high praise for the classes. Dan Cornwell, Assistant Commander from the Maryland State Police Aviation Unit was impressed. "The course was attended by numerous seasoned and new unit managers. The course was a comprehensive overview of the basic knowledge required to manage an airborne law enforcement unit. The instructors were highly experienced experts in the field and were able to give participants insight and understanding of this dynamic and ever evolving industry. I highly recommend the pre-conference Unit Managers Course for anyone who is currently or plans to one day Command or supervise an airborne law enforcement unit," remarked Cornwell.
On Monday, July 14, with the capable assistance of the Houston Police Department and a crash-rescue truck from the George Bush International Airport, the intersection of Lamar Blvd and Ave de las Americas become a temporary heliport as various aircraft arrived throughout the day. As each helicopter landed, many persons were seen taking pictures and video, surely a strange sight watching up to a dozen police aircraft land on a city street!
The official conference opened on Wednesday, July 16 and approximately 900 police personnel and over 150 vendors walked the exposition floor, looking at the latest in technology and equipment. Despite a very tough economy, many police departments took delivery of new aircraft including the Houston Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, King County (WA) Sheriff's Officer and the New Hanover County (NC) Sheriffs Office. Bell Helicopter Textron also donated a police Bell JetRanger 206B3 to the new National Law Enforcement Museum for permanent display honoring the men and woman of airborne law enforcement. Paul Pitts, Bell's Director for Homeland Security stated, "Bell is proud to be associated with the National Law Enforcement Museum and its commitment to telling the story of law enforcement in America."
"For decades now, helicopters have played a pivotal role in American law enforcement, supporting everything from tactical operations and rescue missions to traffic enforcement and the safe apprehension of fugitives," said Craig W. Floyd, chairman and CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, which is leading the effort to build the first-ever National Law Enforcement Museum. His expression of appreciation made it obvious how he felt about the donation.
During the main conference, smaller classes are held throughout the day, focusing on a very specific mission or subject in airborne law enforcement. Each aircraft manufacturers as well as some vendors gave technical briefings about their product or service. It was an excellent opportunity for the vendors and law enforcement personnel to formally meet and discuss any particular needs or concerns. The forum also allowed the vendor to announce any new or upcoming initiatives.
Technology
High definition seems to be the hot technology in airborne law enforcement and the ability to deliver high resolution, real-time video images is allowing many airborne law enforcement units to provide excellent support to ground personnel and ground commanders. Regardless if it is a parade, hostage situation or large disturbance, the capability to provide these images with such definition and clarity are making the airborne law enforcement platform even more indispensable. Many police officers and vendors huddled together as they watched remarkable videotape taken from airborne law enforcement aircraft.
Networking
Of course, what police event would be complete without a series of social events to promote camaraderie and provide networking opportunities. All the social events were very well attended and officers from around the world informally compared procedures and techniques and exchanged tips and advice. Always a highlight, FLIR Inc. presents aircrews awards for the safe and tactical use of forward looking infra-red technology. Although not an award winner, everyone enjoyed the video of a suspect wanted for shooting a police officer that was hiding in a garbage dumpster. The anticipation grew as the SWAT team approached the dumpster and one of the SWAT officers was seen preparing a flash-bang (distraction device) for use. The device was deployed with great success and the quite wobbly suspect was quickly apprehended without further incident.
Awards Luncheon
The conference officially ended on Saturday, July 19 with the annual awards luncheon. This years ALEA award presentations included The Captain "Gus" Crawford Memorial Air Crew of the year award went to Corporal Kurt Franklin & Deputy Chad Marlatt of Riverside County Sheriff's Aviation Unit in California. The Robert L Cromier Memorial Award went to Commander Dan Bitton, Winthrop Harbor Police, Illinois. This award celebrated Dan Bitton's involvement in creating a highly successful volunteer air support operation in Illinois. ALEA also awarded thirteen scholarships to the children of ALEA members to help further their education. These scholarships are made possible through the generous donations of various ALEA Affiliate members. The guest speaker for the luncheon was Congressman Ted Poe (R-Texas). Congressman Poe gave an insightful speech on his career as a prosecutor, judge and Congressman. He emphasized the very important work being done by the men and women of law enforcement and stressed that one person can make a huge impact in the world. Congressman Poe drove home his point with a moving story of how one Galveston Police officer was the difference in getting the conviction of a child sex offender case. Certainly a friend to law enforcement, the Congressman's remarks was well received. A tradition at the luncheon is a table of honor in front of the dais. This table, with full place settings serves as tribute and memorial to those law enforcement aviators that have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The next annual Airborne Law Enforcement Association's Main Conference is scheduled for July 22-25, 2009 when the ALEA will come to the beautiful Southern city of Savannah, Georgia for their 39th annual conference.
