In keeping with the latest technologies available to fighting crime and criminal activity, the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office has incorporated and Air Patrol Unit in its crime fighting arsenal. E.A.G.L.E., an acronym for Efficient Air Ground Law Enforcement, is Cessna 182 which has been refurbished to serve as the Sheriff's Office Air Patrol Unit. The plane is used for several types of operations including air surveillance, patrol support, search and rescue, and to assist in criminal investigations. The speed of the plane allows the air support unit to follow vehicles which may be attempting to flee law enforcement or locate stolen property that may be concealed behind houses or in wooded areas.

The EAGLE was also used during the extensive transportation of Mario Centobie (convicted of murderer, attempted murder and escape) to and from prison during the many court appearances that were needed. Air support over high risks transports, such as with Centobie, give the transport units valuable information as to traffic conditions and possible hazards that may delay or stop the transport operation. The aircraft is can also be used to transport prisoners from prisons within a 650 mile range of Tuscaloosa County in one days time, saving man-hours and transport time. The aircraft has also been used on longer prison transports from as far away as Colorado and New Mexico.

EAGLE has also been used to retrieve evidence from murder investigations in remote areas of other states. Types of evidence transported include a murder weapon from Arkansas, narcotics from Dallas, Texas DEA needed for court testimony the next day. This offers us the ability to retrieve evidence when commercial express services cannot deliver fast enough.

Questions regarding the Sheriff's Office Air Patrol program can be directed to Sgt. Doug Blocker.

"EAGLE makes personnel management more efficient by allowing us to keep deputies on the street that would otherwise be tied up on long term transport duties. It's a lot faster and more direct than driving. When we need an airborne platform to support an ongoing operation, EAGLE has provided a low cost solution." - Chief Deputy Ron Abernathy