GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — For the past 11 years, Michigan State Police has helped patrol Kent County — not only on the streets, but from the sky.
The task has caused controversy among Grand Rapids residents, with some claiming the helicopter creates air pollution and invades privacy.
A few weeks ago, News 8’s Taylor Morris had the opportunity to go up in the MSP helicopter to see what MSP troopers do to help other local law enforcement agencies.
“The main mission when we are up there can change from day to day,” said Lt. Nick Olivo, a pilot with MSP. “Generally speaking, the bulk of our hours are spent flying what we call SCP patrols.”
Secure Cities Partnership dates back to 2012 when MSP partnered with city, county, and federal law enforcement agencies to provide patrols in cities experiencing a spike in violent crime.
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“So, we will be on patrol over the City of Flint, the City of Saginaw, the City of Detroit, the City of Grand Rapids, and that city will change based on the day,” said Olivo.