Heads up (literally): Wisconsin State Patrol plans aerial enforcement in six counties next week

Wisconsin State Patrol pilots are scheduled to keep an eye out for traffic violations from the air this week.

Weather permitting, the State Patrol’s Air Support Unit is set to patrol in the following areas:

Tuesday, May 26

·       I-39 – Portage County

·       I-39 – Waushara County

Wednesday, May 27

·       I-94 – Jefferson County

Thursday, May 28

·       I-43 – Manitowoc County

·       I-94 – Eau Claire County

Sunday, May 31

·     WIS 57 – Door County

The State Patrol’s primary mission is public safety, which includes enforcing traffic laws to help make sure drivers reach their destinations safely.

Aerial enforcement is one way to enhance public safety efforts. From the air it’s much easier to spot drivers who are speeding or driving aggressively. When a pilot observes a violation, they communicate with ground-based units to initiate a traffic stop.

Many aerial enforcement missions are announced publicly to reinforce State Patrol’s goal to improve safety through voluntary compliance with traffic laws, not simply to stop or cite drivers.

Besides speed enforcemeent, airrcraft crews conduct patrol operations, and traffic surveillance; assist with searches for missing persons; and conduct damage assessments during and after critical incidents, emergencies, or special events.

The unmanned aircraft fleet is available to provide low-altitude aerial support during emergency and non-emergency missions. Unmanned aircraft pilots receive regular ground and flight training designed for public safety operational missions. The unit can provide high-definition, geo-referenced air photographs and video, along with live streaming during emergency and non-emergency situations.