By Dave Thompson, Prairie Public Radio

BISMARCK, N.D. (Prairie Public Radio) – Law enforcement agencies have seen increased numbers of motorists who flee when officers attempt to stop them.

Because of that, the North Dakota Highway Patrol has been participating in special enforcement details in Bismarck, Fargo, and most recently Minot. The patrol uses aircraft, which are outfitted with a camera system that can observe and track targets both visually and in infrared from several miles away.

Highway Patrol Sergeant Jeremiah Bohn is with the Patrol’s Northwest Region. He says drivers have caught on to this “no pursuit” policy – and some drivers in rural areas around cities are heading into the cities because of that. Bohn says there’s been some success with catching fleeing drivers. And he says the “deterrent” factor is very important.

Additional aircraft enforcement details are being planned.