CHICAGO — Offering a bird’s-eye view of Chicagoland, the newly introduced Cook County sheriff’s police helicopter is equipped with cutting-edge technology, enhancing the county’s law enforcement efforts.

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart highlighted the helicopter’s advanced capabilities, saying, “It can identify license plates and track movements effectively, particularly once the helicopter is airborne. We can monitor where suspects are headed, which is incredibly useful.”

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The helicopter is fitted with powerful cameras and an advanced mapping system, making it a valuable asset for capturing criminals and preventing crime across the city and its suburbs. This includes combating organized retail crime, which often targets trains and rail yards.

“With the helicopter’s presence, we can quickly deploy vehicles to strategic locations, as there are only a few exit points from these yards,” Dart explained.

During an early morning operation, the I-Team joined the Cook County sheriff’s police as they used the helicopter to tackle organized retail theft from trains. The helicopter’s live-feed mapping helps officers coordinate ground units to intercept fleeing suspects, eliminating the need for risky high-speed chases.

“We don’t need to engage in dangerous pursuits,” Dart stated. “The helicopter tracks the suspects, allowing us to position our units strategically. When they abandon their vehicles, we’re ready to apprehend them, thanks to the helicopter’s guidance. This capability allows us to catch individuals we previously couldn’t.”

The Cook County sheriff’s helicopter is seen as such a policing asset that it’s also tapped for work on a joint task force with Chicago police to help cover 975 square miles in Chicagoland.

“It’s just so wildly helpful. And in the world we’re in now, I don’t even know how you can operate without this stuff anymore. It’s just so important,” said Dart.