Suffolk County Police Department orders microwave downlink solution from Helinet

Helinet Technologies has been selected to deploy a custom-developed microwave downlink system for the Suffolk County Police Department’s Aviation Section.

The system is expected to offer a real-time HD video and data link between the Department’s two Eurocopter AS350B2 AStar helicopters and a ground-based mobile command vehicle.

The company will also build out a tower receive site that will provide uninterrupted, end-to-end coverage across the entire jurisdiction.

Suffolk County PD Aviation Section commanding officer sergeant Brian Barrett said: "Helinet understands the mission critical nature of what we do and has the experience and track record to deliver a downlink solution that will maximize our airborne law enforcement capabilities.

"With our proximity to New York City, we face similar law enforcement responsibilities and this new system will play a key role in helping us serve the citizens of Suffolk County."

Leveraging a multiband transmission design to provide full interoperability with the transmission solutions of regional partners, the system has been developed to support a wide range of law enforcement and public safety missions on a 24/7 basis.

The solution will enable the department to share live video and data with other law enforcement and government agencies during major operations, enhancing its ability to coordinate effective joint responses.

Complete signal security will be provided through 256 bit AES encryption of all audio, video and data traffic.

Apart from Suffolk County, the Nassau County Police Department has also selected Helinet to deploy a comprehensive airborne law enforcement solution for its Aviation Bureau.

Equipping the Department’s Bell 407 helicopter and two new light twin aircraft, the new microwave downlink system will facilitate real-time transmission of HD video and data from the Department’s helicopter fleet to ground based command centres and portable receivers used by officers in the field.

The company will also build out receive capabilities at a fixed command centre, two mobile command centres and through two handheld receivers.

Additionally, three tower receive sites will be deployed, which will enable uninterrupted, end-to-end coverage across the entire 450 square mile region under the department’s jurisdiction.