Sat, Nov 21 2009
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Analysis from the air Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers often watch from the air, making it easier to spot and prevent dangerous situations. Hank Jenks explains how they do their calculations. By JOSH NEWTON“The troopers on the ground will know we’re going to be there, and we’ll try to get at least two ground units in the area,” said Jenks.
U.S. 62 is often targeted because of the high volume of traffic between Tahlequah and Muskogee. It’s a unique stretch of highway because troopers from both Muskogee and Cherokee counties can be prevailed upon with ease. “What we do is, we visualize, then check the speed, and call out the information to a ground trooper,” said Jenks. “We’ll keep visual contact with the [vehicle] until a ground trooper has it stopped on the side of the road.” The OHP uses air forces because it is “a lot easier” to spot traffic violations from some 2,000 feet up, according to Jenks. The angle allows pilots to also spot violations those on the ground may miss, like erratic driving. On an average day, pilots can connect ground units with around 15 contacts per trooper, per hour. “And we’re pretty undetectable,” said Jenks. “Radar detectors are of no use when we’re 2,000 feet in the air. With us clocking speeds, the troopers on the ground turn off their radars.” 
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