TPD to reduce helicopter usage listen

The Tampa Police Department has liberally used helicopters for surveillance over the past few years – particularly in Ybor City and Seminole Heights. But flying and maintaining those helicopters doesn’t come cheap, so copter usage will be reduced to save money as part of the department’s plan to cut its budget by more than $1 million.

Major John Bennett, with the Tampa Police Department, says the city will begin using the five helicopters up to a third less and save more than $300,000 a year.