More than 1,000 law enforcement pilots, tactical flight officers and service providers from all around the country are in Reno for the International Airborne Law Enforcement Conference.
"Our members are the search and rescue guys," said the President of the Airborne Law Enforcement Kurt Frisz. "They are the ones that do the firefighting, the police work, aerial patrols, surveillance work and all the things law enforcement is involved in that could possible do with aircraft."
This is the 41st annual conference and exposition hosted by the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Raven Aviation Unit at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.
As you might imagine, there is plenty for these folks to discuss, like water survival, night operations, helicopter rescues and aerial firefighting.
They also take a look at new operations like unmanned vehicles. Frisz said for the first time ever, there is a demo area of unmanned vehicles at this year's conference.
He said soon they will be a major part of law enforcement.
'It's an evolving tool for law enforcement. Regulations are still coming out and the FAA guidance on them. It is inevitable the systems are going to be introduced to law enforcement."
Event organizers said they expect the conference to bring in more than $2.5 million.
Written by Chris Ciarlo
