Do Police Need Helicopters?
During the April 27 city budget meeting, the Newport Beach City Council listened to pro and con arguments concerning the purchase of a second helicopter for Newport Beach. The purchase decision will be made on Monday.
The budget meeting was an example of the police department’s attempt to give the city a psychological dependence on helicopters. The Newport Beach police chief offered approximately 16 reasons why a new Hughes 500D helicopter should be purchased. Most were slanted to encourage an emotional, not rational, response.
The reasons for purchasing the Hughes 500D are unconvincing. One helicopter in Newport Beach is enough.
MIKE HILFORD
Newport Beach
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