The Czech Police

The Czech Republic is famous for its delicious beer, for being the most appealing European city – the so-called “Golden Prague” – and for good ice-hockey players. After these jewels, this republic has, at least in comparison with other post-communist countries, the most sophisticated police aviation unit. Its history begins in  the year 1935.

The Czechoslovak Republic established its first aviation police unit in 1935, for a simple reason: the continual breach of Czechoslovak airspace by German and Hungarian planes. The newly created police units, the âetnické letecké hlídky (Gendarmerie Aviation Patrols, abbreviation âLH) were responsible for guarding Czechoslovak airspace according to international treaties (The International Convention on Civil Aviation, signed in 1919). In addition, they provided air support for all ground police forces. Pilots helped to prosecute offenders in hiding...