Surveillance from above

An LAPD helicopter departs the agency’s air support unit in downtown Los Angeles in November.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A weather station is silhouetted at the LAPD’s air support unit, which has 17 helicopters in its fleet.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

LAPD tower operator Officer Ross Jester monitors helipad traffic at the department’s air support unit in November.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

The LAPD has implemented its helicopter policing strategy in its Newton Division in South L.A. and its Devonshire Division in the San Fernando Valley.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Two LAPD helicopters are prepared for service at the air support unit in downtown Los Angeles.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

LAPD tower operator Officer Ross Jester monitors helipad traffic at the air support unit.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Officer Ross Jester monitors the traffic at the LAPD air support unit helipad in November. The LAPD is using the helicopters in a predictive policing strategy aimed at deterring crime.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)