At a Glance
- Low-flying helicopters and flashing lights will fill Allen and McKinney skies Jan. 13-15, 6 p.m.-1 a.m.
- Tactical flight drills and a mock pursuit will unfold during the three-night exercise
- Collin County residents have been warned to expect sirens, road closures, and police surges
- Why it matters: The training could disrupt traffic, startle neighborhoods, and raise safety questions despite DPS reassurances
Collin County is about to become a real-time crime scene-on purpose. The Texas Department of Public Safety announced it will run intensive nighttime drills across Allen and McKinney, turning suburban streets into a training ground for tactical flight crews and multi-agency response teams.
What Residents Will See and Hear
Starting Tuesday, Jan. 13, and continuing through Thursday, Jan. 15, residents can expect:
- Helicopters skimming rooftops between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m.
- Sudden bursts of emergency lights along major corridors
- Patrol cars staging in parking lots and intersections
- A scripted vehicle pursuit that may weave through both cities
The agency stressed that every maneuver is pre-planned and monitored from a central command post. “These exercises are planned, controlled, and not related to any active incident,” the Texas DPS said.
Why DPS Is Taking Over Local Skies
The Aircraft Operations Division wants crews to rehearse under the same darkness, noise, and traffic patterns they would face during an actual crisis. By using actual neighborhoods instead of a remote range, pilots and tactical officers can gauge how lights, buildings, and wireless interference affect night-vision goggles, radio traffic, and coordination with ground units.
According to the department, the payoff is faster response times and smoother inter-agency cooperation when real emergencies strike. “Training in real-world environments allows participating agencies to strengthen coordination, improve response times, and ensure officers are prepared to protect the public safely and effectively,” the release stated.
How to Prepare for the Drills
While no streets will be completely shut down, temporary rolling closures are possible during the mock pursuit. Drivers should expect delays near:
- U.S. 75 frontage roads
- McKinney’s University Drive corridor
- Allen’s Watters Creek and Allen Heights areas
Pet owners are advised to bring animals indoors after dusk to avoid stress from low-flying rotor wash. Anyone who sees flashing lights or hears sirens should avoid rushing toward the sound; instead, monitor News Of Fort Worth updates or the city of McKinney’s social media feeds for real-time advisories.
Key Takeaways
- The drills run Jan. 13-15, 6 p.m.-1 a.m.
- Allen and McKinney residents will see low-level helicopters, police surges, and one staged pursuit
- The goal is to sharpen coordination among pilots, tactical officers, and local agencies
- No real emergency is underway; however, traffic and neighborhood disruptions are likely
