Troopers to patrol Tri-Cities from the air
By Terry Murry on Friday, August 18th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
KENNEWICK – The Washington State Patrol will be performing patrols from the air over the Tri-Cities area today (Friday) and tomorrow.
Using a forward-looking infrared camera mounted to the wing of the aircraft, troopers will be looking for the same violations they do from the streets, but with an aerial vantage point and the ability to see in the dark.
The pilot and tactical flight officers can use the camera and sophisticated monitoring equipment to obtain tracking history and speed readings which relay to ground unites from WSP and other agencies any time day or night.
Based at Olympia Airport, the WSP Aviation Section deploys six aircraft across the state.
Trooper Chris Thorson said as fatality collisions rise statewide, this is another way the Washington State Patrol is trying to make a difference.
Photo via Washington State Patrol
