Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, along with Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson and Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Charles Jones, announced the availability of enhanced aviation downlink technology for use by local law enforcement statewide. This technology allows the OSHP’s Aviation Unit to transmit live feeds of aerial video footage to command staff on the ground during criminal investigations and emergencies.
Previously only available in Columbus and Akron, nine downlink receivers now enable the transmission of aerial video from anywhere in the state. Ohio is believed to be the second state in the nation capable of downlinking live aerial video within its state lines, allowing law enforcement agencies with internet access to view the live stream in real-time.
The expansion of the downlink program is seen as an advancement in collaborative public safety efforts, providing real-time aerial footage to enhance situational awareness, response times, and decision-making to protect communities. The technology will support the OSHP’s Aviation Unit, which responds to over 1,000 calls for support annually, including searches for criminal suspects, missing persons, storm damage assessments, and vehicle pursuits.
Funded through the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program, the expanded downlink technology will help reduce violent crime by increasing the apprehension of offenders and deterring future acts of violence. Ohio Department of Public Safety Director Andy Wilson emphasized the valuable resource the technology provides to law enforcement agencies across the state, particularly those in rural areas without aviation capabilities.
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