Regional Aviation Enforcement Unit (R.A.V.E.N.)
AVIATION OPERATIONS
Sergeant Kevin Eikleberry
(775) 328-3491 - Fax: 328-3492
Check Huey Flight Status
 The primary missions of RAVEN are to respond to
calls of crimes in progress, search and rescue missions, counter drug
surveillance, and other emergencies such as fire and flood.
Aviation, particularly the use of helicopters, is a
tremendous asset to modern law enforcement. Flying over the scene of a crime,
responding quickly to an emergency, and being able to see what units on the
ground cannot see saves time and money. Aircraft can provide a measure of
safety to the citizens of a community and the officers on the street that
cannot be provided using any other means.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office was able
to obtain four helicopters through the Federal Excess Property Program. The agency currently has four OH-58 (Bell
Jet Ranger) helicopters in outstanding mechanical condition. These
helicopters were acquired and refurbished using drug forfeiture money, rather
than taxpayer dollars.
 RAVEN has developed at a rapid pace adding Global
Positioning Units, Night Sun search lights, Forward Looking Infra-Red (
FLIR
) and computers. These technologies allow navigation and communications with the
deputies in the field. The helicopters have been refitted with high skid
landing gear to make them more useful in our desert terrain in high brush,
grass, and snow.
In February, 2008 a fire suppression
mission was added to RAVEN’s list of
duties. The HH-1 H”Huey”
was fitted with a belly-mounted water tank that is able to carry 323 gallons
of water and 27 gallons of foam. This
added capability is a tremendous asset for the Truckee Meadows and the
surrounding Sierra’s which are so often ravaged by wild-land fires.
RAVEN benefits the entire community. Its
helicopters have become essential tools during emergencies. Service from the
helicopter is available to any emergency service agency (police, fire, etc.)
in the Truckee Meadows or nearby communities.
 RAVEN has proven to be a success. In the daily
operation, RAVEN crews play key roles in the apprehension of armed robbery
and burglary suspects, locate numerous stolen vehicles, assist with the rescues
of injured people from remote accidents, and provide injury-preventing
airborne intervention at special events such as Burning Man, and Hot August
Nights. RAVEN has assisted in dispersal of rival gang members engaged in
fights and has assisted the DEA during drug enforcement. RAVEN is routinely
requested by federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, Secret Service and the
Joint Terrorism Task Force. |
