COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) will receive a $6 million grant to enhance its aviation technology. The grant, which is part of the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program, will be used to improve OSHP’s live-streaming aviation technology and expand its reach to more parts of the state.
“During dangerous and evolving situations, our OSHP flight crews have a birds-eye view of the scene below, but it’s just as important for on-site incident commanders to have this perspective as well,” said Governor DeWine. “By extending this live-streaming technology across more parts of the state, OSHP will better support local law enforcement during emergencies by offering them the opportunity to see the same real-time aerial views that our flight teams are seeing from the air.”
The new equipment will tie into new and existing Multi-Agency Radio Communication System (MARCS) towers to establish communication between the flight crew and the ground. The grant is funded through both the state operating budget and with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
To date, Governor DeWine has awarded over $86 million to 171 Ohio law enforcement agencies as part of the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program. The grant announced this week is the latest example of Governor DeWine’s commitment to supporting law enforcement and keeping Ohioans safe.
