The National Police Agency is considering using helicopters to facilitate surveillance of mass rallies or sit-in protests, officials said yesterday.

In doing so, police officials will be able to video record demonstration scenes and transmit the data to the investigation centers on a real time basis. This will give police officials a more precise understanding of developments on-site and, at the same time, will enable them to make decisions based on documented evidence, said officials.

Police officers tested this kind of aerial surveillance during a recent strike by Ssangyong Motor`s former employees at its Pyeongtaek plant.

"Although we could not actually see inside the plant, we were able to grasp the situation on the roof and around the building," said a police official. "The use of helicopters helped us quell the protest with speed and efficiency."



Real-time evidence collection in large demonstration scenes has always been lacking and something that is required, according to police officials.

"For example, in May, members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions in Daejeon raided a surprise demonstration with bamboo poles that they had hidden in the bus," said a police official. "We found it difficult to respond to the situation, having no information on the facts."

Having helicopters at their disposal will also enable police officials to officially record evidence that may support their investigation.

"So far, we have been restricted in recording evidence while quelling demonstrations, especially the large and violent ones," said a police official. "Helicopters will help officials do their given jobs regardless of the location and or nature of the protests."

For the time being, the National Police Agency will operate the helicopter surveillance system on a temporary basis, and will consider increasing the number of helicopters and necessary equipment when necessary.

(tellme@heraldm.com)

By Bae Hyun-jung