Sometimes our help is requested in places like high buildings, forests or mountains where it's not possible to access by vehicle. That's the reason why, every year, we train police officers and their K-9 partners to be winched from an helicopter. This year, K-9 handlers, SWAT officers and young pilots of the Swiss Army met in Geneva.

First, officers where instructed of the differents systems of winching. They climbed on the top of a 35 meters high tower.

Zuzu (instructor in the State Police SWAT) , presented us two systems chosen by the State Police: the "eight" and the "Rollglis".

the "8" _>	the Rollglis _>

The SWAT of the State Police of Vaud prefer use the "Rollglis". It's more safer, discreet and when you stop, has have your two hands free.

With the "eight", to break or to stop, you must hold the rope to the outside.  To secure the descent, you must put someone on the ground who will stretch the rope in case of necessity. In case of uneasiness, if user is not secured, he will unfortunately fall down.

With the "Rollglis", you just have to hold the red handful to break or stop the descent. You dont' need to have someone to secure the descent. In case of uneasiness, the descent will be automatically stopped.

After being briefed, our adventurers had prepared themselves, like Sylvester Stallon in "Cliffhanger" for the descent... One of them (Bart) was really scared, he feels dizzy even when he climbs on a table (!)

Every one is ready. It's time to experience a new sensation. Waoao! Too cool ! Again, again, again !

Pictures of the experience _>

Congratulations ! You made it ! Now still to conven... our K-9 partners to do it also...

After morning emotions, it was time to experience the helicopters. The machines (Alouettes III) of the Swiss Army Air Forces were driven by new pilots. Two helicopters were at the disposition of SWAT units...

Pictures of the adventure in the sky _>

The experience was positive and we are now ready for real experiences !