Ghanbari Supports $4 Million for Aviation Grant to Reduce Crime

State Rep. Haraz N. Ghanbari (R-Perrysburg) supports the approval of $4 million for a statewide aviation grant to the Ohio State Highway Patrol for the purpose of reducing and preventing crime. The State Controlling Board approved the measure during Monday’s meeting.

“As Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, it’s vital we provide our law enforcement with the resources and funding necessary to combat criminal activity across our state and here in Wood County,” Ghanbari said. “These funds will equip our first responders with the tools they need to help keep our communities safe.”

Ghanbari supported the state budget from the previous General Assembly, which included the funding for this grant.

OSHP's Aviation unit provides support to local law enforcement to help communities across the state of Ohio reduce and prevent crime. The unit assists by using a video surveillance system that allows the flight crew to relay live video feed to local officers on scene or detail commanders via the internet. The funding will be used to purchase an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) system for its helicopters to assist rural communities that do not have as much aviation assistance compared to larger cities.

The system includes a package of advanced cameras, mapping software, radios, information downlink transmitters and a package of received for Multi-Agency Radio Communication System (MARCS) tower allowing for reliable communication between the aircraft and locations throughout the state.

The funding approval comes after dozens of local law enforcement agencies across the state submitted letters of support for the OSHP aviation project.