The North Carolina State Highway Patrol added two new Bell 407 helicopters. Although they are part of the State Highway Patrol fleet, the majority of missions conducted by the helicopters are for local agencies within the state — 80-85% of the State Highway Patrol’s missions are for local agencies that need help in finding missing persons to include the search for missing children.

“As the needs associated with providing public safety have advanced, upgrades to the equipment used to meet those needs must be continually assessed,” said Colonel Glenn McNeill, commander of the SHP.  “The aircraft on display here today possess extremely sophisticated technology that can be used to save lives, protect communities and deter criminal behavior.”