Crime & Law
CPD Unveils New Helicopter, Days Before Democratic National Convention
Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling speaks alongside Mayor Brandon Johnson, left, and city officials during the unveiling of his department’s new helicopter on Aug. 16, 2024. (City of Chicago)
Days before the Democratic National Convention comes to town, the Chicago Police Department unveiled a new $11 million helicopter officials said will be used to help “secure our city from the air.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson and Police Supt. Larry Snelling announced the new Bell 429 helicopter Friday, saying it would be used to help patrol around the convention sites and keep eyes on activities citywide.
“I cannot stress enough the importance of this helicopter in our public safety efforts during the DNC and for years to come,” Snelling said Friday outside Soldier Field.
The CPD said some of its existing helicopters date back to 1993, which made the purchase of a new one critically important. Johnson said this is the CPD’s first new helicopter since 2007, but the city expects to purchase two more by the end of this year.
The helicopter unveiled Friday is faster than previous models and will allow police to be more flexible in conducting search-and-rescue and casualty evacuation missions, Snelling said.
“It’s giving us an advantage when tracking suspects,” Snelling said, “so our officers in the helicopter can relay information to officers on the ground.”
The DNC will kick off Monday, but protests are slated to begin in Chicago on Sunday and could bring tens of thousands of people to the city. Johnson said the helicopter will be used to monitor “crowds and large-scale events.”
“Now, with the addition of this helicopter, we are that much more ready to host a safe, successful Democratic National Convention,” Johnson said.
