by Bill Kisliuk
Pasadena Sun
Cutting-edge law enforcement tools, from helicopters and armored vehicles to specially-trained police dogs, were on display Saturday as the Pasadena police offered the public a rare peek at its most specialized gear during an open house at Benedict Heliport in Altadena.
Pasadena police have five choppers, with a crew of 15 who fly them, maintain them and conduct police operations, according to Lt. Mike Ingram. Pasadena Police's Air Operations Section coordinates with the Glendale and Burbank police departments, which have their own joint air patrols, to use the expensive equipment with maximum efficiency, he said. Pasadena also provides helicopter patrols for nine other San Gabriel Valley cities.