The southern African state of Botswana wants to acquire four helicopters for a new law-enforcement unit. Its national police force is currently looking for staff, and by the beginning of next year will be awaiting funds for the purchase of aircraft.

Commissioner of police Edwin Batshu said the helicopters will answer a growing requirement for surveillance work throughout Botswana. “We also need traffic law-enforcement and a pursuit capability after robberies, which is difficult at the moment because of congestion on our roads.”

The helicopters will also be used to patrol Botswana’s borders and search for missing persons and illegal immigrants. Batshu said that past experience with military helicopters proved the need for the police to have their own aircraft, “mostly in the densely populated eastern part of the country.”