A Kansas Highway Patrol helicopter was used Thursday night and early this morning to help law enforcement officers patrol Lawrence.

Douglas County emergency dispatchers said the helicopter aided Lawrence police and Douglas County sheriff’s officers, who also had extra patrol officers working, in conjunction with at least two concerts at downtown nightclubs.

The helicopter flying above downtown and other major Lawrence streets also was used during a “saturation patrol” in February. The crew in the air can help monitor traffic and crowds, law enforcement officers have said.

Dispatchers said Thursday night the helicopter would provide overhead help in case officers needed extra support.