North Dakota – The North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) is stepping up efforts to crack down on reckless and fleeing drivers using advanced aerial surveillance technology. During recent multi-agency enforcement operations on May 23 in Williston and May 30 in Fargo, troopers utilized aircraft equipped with Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) systems to safely locate suspects while reducing the need for high-speed ground pursuits.
In Williston, the May 23rd operation led to 39 traffic stops and seven drivers tested for impairment. Of those tested, four were arrested for driving under the influence. Troopers also apprehended a reckless motorcyclist after being tracked from the air.
The FLIR technology, mounted on NDHP aircraft, allows pilots and operators to follow fleeing suspects from above, even at night or in low-visibility conditions. Once a suspect attempts to evade troopers, ground units can back off, reducing danger to the public and officers. The aerial team continues to monitor the suspect’s location and guides ground units to intercept them safely once they stop or attempt to hide.
This approach helps avoid prolonged high-speed chases, while still ensuring that dangerous drivers are held accountable.
NDHP says it will continue to leverage this technology in ongoing efforts to improve traffic safety and reduce impaired and reckless driving across the state.
