Governor’s Task Force
The Unit plays a key role in the Governor’s Task Force created to
eradicate domestic marijuana within the State of Georgia and to
gather intelligence relating to its manufacture and cultivation.
The Governor’s Task force is comprised of the GSP, Motor
Carrier Compliance, Department of Natural Resources Law
Enforcement Division, Department of Corrections—Probation
Division, State Board of Pardons and Paroles, Georgia Army
National Guard Counter Drug, Drug Enforcement Administration,
and the Civil Air Patrol.
The Unit has become the leader nationwide in its innovative use
of helicopters for marijuana suppression which earned the Unit
the coveted Helicopter Association International Hughes Law
Enforcement award.
24/7 Unit
As one would expect, a unit which claims to be a multi-purpose,
multi-mission provider would not be able to live up to the status
if it weren’t for the fact that it is capable of operating on a 24
hour-a-day, 365 day-a-year schedule. Criminals tend to be sneaky
and the cover of darkness only gives an adversary an added
“layer of protection” when it comes to the possibility of being
apprehended. The Unit has had to grow, as well as adapt, in
diverse ways over the years to stay in front of the ever-changing
landscape of the typical law enforcement mission.
The Unit began utilizing the concept of Night Vision Goggles
(NVGs) around the mid-90s to provide support to any of the
state’s 159 counties at a moment’s notice and on an around-theclock
basis. The addition of NVGs also improved safety. The
National Guard and were considered to be cutting edge for the
time and the Unit’s pilots were trained accordingly. As the years
passed, the Unit upgraded to ANVIS 9’s. This model proved to
accustomed to having more ambient light sources.
After a new pilot comes into the Unit and has amassed
marijuana eradication program, it is time to begin training for
22 | January 2019 | Real Hero Report
50 hours unaided to become accustomed to the environment
as well as the aircraft itself in a night-time setting. After that is
accomplished, training is conducted internally by one of the two
upwards of 11 to 12 hours of additional training and has his
full touchdown auto-rotations before the pilot is considered “fully
effort to further enhance the mindset of safety, the Unit currently
overall missions safer. Currently, the Unit averages 400 hours per
year dedicated to utilizing this technology.
Eligibility & What to Expect
Georgia State Troopers who have at least three years of active
road duty “on the ground” experience, and also possess a
instrument rating), may apply to be considered for this specialized
Kennesaw location to garner as much needed information and
experience as necessary until summer arrives.
The warmer months of the year culminate with a joint effort of
the Unit providing support for the state’s marijuana eradication
instructor pilot in a low and slow environment. This practice,
utilized for years within the Unit, builds muscle memory
including airborne use of force or searching for a missing child.
and standards as the Troopers who work our roadways,” said
Mercier.
“At the end of the day, we are all Georgia Troopers.”
Continued from page 21
Left photo: CPL Paul Wofford and SGT Lance Scott with the GSP
Aviation Division. (Photo by Eden Nastal) Right photo: GSP Aviation
and SWAT SPIE rig training. (Photo by GA State Patrol)
Actual rescue.
(Photo by GA
State Patrol)