The scope of helicopter law enforcement in the United States, which began in Baltimore in 1948, covers apprehension of prisoners, highway patrols, drug patrols, location of graves through FLIR Systems infrared imaging system, and rescue operations. The current number of helicopters used in law enforcement number between 600 and 700 and are operated by 500 agencies, as compared with 20 years ago when 61 agencies operated only 11 aircrafts. The nations leading helicopter suppliers include Bell Helicopter Textron and McDonnell Douglas, the developer of helicopters with the NOTAR (no tail rotor) system which will premiere next year at the Phoenix Police Department. Funding for equipment purchase may be obtained through the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration. Helicopter shopping requires prior determination of type of mission, organization of helicopter operations, training pilots and observers, and matching available helicopters and equipment with particular mission. Photographs.