If you have ever seen or heard a helicopter circling over Lubbock at night, you are not alone. It is one of the most common questions locals ask, especially when it seems to hover over one area for a while. So why is the DPS helicopter up there?
Common Reasons You Might See A Helicopter
Searching For Suspects
One of the most common uses is helping officers locate someone who is running or hiding. Helicopters can cover large areas quickly and use thermal imaging to detect body heat, which makes it much easier to find suspects at night or in hard-to-search areas.
This is especially common during:
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Manhunts
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Burglary or robbery searches
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Situations where someone runs from the police
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Vehicle Pursuits Without The Danger
Instead of officers chasing someone at high speeds through the city, a helicopter can follow from above. This allows officers on the ground to back off and avoid dangerous pursuits while still tracking the suspect.
Monitoring Dangerous Driving
Helicopters are sometimes used during operations targeting reckless drivers or street racing. From the air, officers can spot vehicles speeding or weaving through traffic and guide ground units safely to them.
Search And Rescue Situations
If someone is missing, especially at night or in rural areas around Lubbock, helicopters can be deployed to help find them.
They are often used in cases involving:
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Missing persons
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Elderly individuals with medical conditions
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Lost or stranded individuals
Backing Up Officers On The Ground
Sometimes the helicopter is simply there as extra support…