Why is the Los Angeles Police Department conducting military exercises? This was a question on people’s minds when tactical exercises were carried out in plain view over downtown LA last Wednesday.

LA’s CBS Local reports that the LAPD “teamed with military special operation forces Wednesday evening to conduct multi-agency tactical exercises in the skies above downtown LA.”

Many questioned what was going on Wednesday night as a Black Hawk helicopter and four OH-6 choppers – or “Little Birds” – flew over the city, at one point hovering just above the US Bank building downtown and later flying low over the Staples Center as the Lakers played inside.

Someone could be seen sitting inside an open chopper with his legs hanging off the side.

Sky9 spotted the Black Hawk in the dark, making what appeared to be a drop off at a park before quickly ascending back into the air.

Throughout the exercise, the five rotorcrafts were staged at Dodgers Stadium.

The LAPD said the purpose of the training was in part to ensure the military’s ability to operate in urban environments.
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In a release Monday, the LAPD said training exercises would take place at various sites around the greater Los Angeles area through Thursday. The exercises were coordinated with local authorities and owners of the training sites, according to the release.

Just my opinion, but if they really want to put on an air show for the citizens of LA, they oughtta bring back that squadron of ‘Bat-Men’ that had defended 1940s California. That would truly be something memorable.