MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102

NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
(573) 526-6115
Q2106
February 4, 2010
EMPHASIS: Mobile Command And Communication Vehicle

Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to inform the public about the new integrated forward looking infrared (FLIR) camera and a microwave downlink system installed on N90MP helicopter and the Mobile Command and Communication Vehicle (MCCV). The MCCV allows local, state, and national law enforcement the ability to communicate during natural disasters, serious events, or an act of terrorism. Patrol aircraft have used the FLIR technology over the past two decades to aid in locating missing, endangered, or dangerous persons.

The connection established between the helicopter and MCCV will allow for the images generated by the camera to be broadcast live to portable ground receivers or to the Mobile Command and Communication Vehicle for monitoring by incident commanders. These images can then be provided to staff or commanders that are not located on site by an Internet connection. In situations where the MCCV is not deployed, the Patrol helicopter can transport portable ground receivers to area law enforcement for use with the FLIR technology.

This system provides the Patrol with leading edge technology that increases the agency’s ability to assist troopers and other agencies’ personnel with criminal searches, emergency search and rescue, and record and document assessment of damage caused by natural or man-made disasters.

This technological advancement was made possible in part by a grant from Missouri’s State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

“This technology allows for heat, low light, and color imaging,” said Colonel Keathley. “It will enhance our ability to generate an image in a wide variety of situations and makes searches more efficient. The Patrol will make this technology available to assist city and county law enforcement agencies as needed, whether for a manhunt, a missing person, natural disaster, or to protect the citizens of this great state.”