Utah city may use blimp as anti-crime spy in the sky

[IDemo]

By James Nelson

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah | Sun Jan 16, 2011 10:53am EST


(Reuters) - A proposed unmanned floating airship surveillance system is being hailed by city officials in Ogden, Utah as one way to fight crime in its neighborhoods.

"We believe it will be a deterrent to crime when it is out and about and will help us solve crimes more quickly when they do occur," Ogden City Mayor Matthew Godfrey told Reuters.

The airship entails military technology now available to local law enforcement, he said.

Godfrey floated the idea of a dirigible in the skies above Ogden for his city council members last week. The council is expected to vote on the measure in coming weeks.

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE70F1DJ20110116

pictured - the crime-ridden town of Ogden, Utah

[NightWatcher]

1. Breaking News: Sales of Daisy Red Ryder BB guns in Utah increases

You'll shoot their spy out.

[liberal N proud]

2. Big brother in the sky

[peace13]

3. This is already being done around the country.

On the MI/ Canadian border a balloon was tethered with Homelands camera pointed at Canada. They had a 'moon the balloon day' and let the camera have it. Not sure what the status of that balloon is today.

[LiberalFighter]

4. What they are saying

That Ogden has a crime problem.
That Mormons are no better than other religions when it concerns honesty, killing other people, etc.

[Tesha]

5. And then, after a while, the police can start selling advertising on their blimp!

"Not comfortable in Ogden? A new world awaits you in the out-of-state
colonies! A new life, and the freedom..."

[ProgressiveProfessor]

6. Not going to happen any time soon

There are significant FAA issues associated with this. The basic see and avoid issue is what has stopped LEO UAVs in the general airspace.