Richmond Police Department press release:
For Immediate Release
News Release
RPD Taking Crime Prevention to New HeightsSept. 24, 2009
The Richmond Police Department has seized the opportunity to lift its crime prevention efforts by using confiscated funds to purchase the SkyWatch mobile surveillance tower.SkyWatch is a mobile trailer and cabin that can be deployed to any area of the city. One to four officers can staff the cabin that, when positioned, can be raised 25 feet to allow the officers excellent surveillance opportunities.
The Department used captured property and currency from drug trafficking cases for the purchase.
The unit is equipped with tinted glass, video cameras with recording devices, flood lights, and a loudspeaker system. It is heated and air-conditioned and has a generator that can allow it to operate uninterrupted for several days.
It will be deployed at festivals, popular dining areas on weekend evenings and other events where large groups gather such as the Monument 10K and New Year’s Eve.
“The SkyWatch designers assure us that when this tower goes up, crime goes down,” Major John Venuti said. “As the special events in Richmond continue to grow in popularity each year, the Department is always looking for ways to help large groups stay safe and have a good time. And with SkyWatch’s 360 degree view, cameras and recorders, this tower will send a message to criminals: We are watching.”
The Department is offering the media a preview of SkyWatch and its features tomorrow, 3 to 4 p.m., at the City Garage, 2901 N. Boulevard.
Sounds like this is aimed at making people feel safer, as much as or more than actually increasing safety. I wasn’t aware that crime was a problem at festivals here, anyway. As for “popular dining[?] areas on weekend evenings,” I’m guessing they’re talking about Shockoe Bottom, not Libbie and Grove Avenues, and I’m curious how much surveillance they can do at only 25 ft among the 3+story buildings and the alleys down there. I have to wonder if this is prelude to cuts in the number of actual officers assigned to these events?
I was just down in Charlotte and saw one of these. It is the most ridiculous concept I have ever seen.
I am concerned this tower of sin will be deployed to conduct surveillance of my 3rd floor windows. There’s no telling what the voyeurs will be doing behind that smoked glass.
Here is a photo of the tower:
Well, if “The SkyWatch designers assure us that when this tower goes up, crime goes down,”, it must be true!
I hope the police use this on Belle Isle during Slaughterama.
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