Does Calif. Town’s 10-Hour Per Day Airplane Surveillance ‘Raise Serious Constitutional Questions’?
- Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:01am by
Liz Klimas
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Starting May 1, 2012, Lancaster, California, law enforcement will take to the skies for 10 hours a day on a plane equipped with infrared technology and video cameras. It’s purpose? Not only providing an overhead perspective for reported calls of crime, but for seeking out crime as well.
The city council unanimously approved the surveillance measure last week. Wired has more:
Instead of being deployed only in response to specific incidents or needs — as most police aircraft is used — the plane would be dispatched for general-purpose surveillance, regardless of whether there’s any suspicion of a crime being committed.
When a 911 call comes in, the location of a suspected crime will be relayed to the aircraft, which will then fly to the scene and begin recording, a sheriff’s spokesman told the Los Angeles Times.
The project, dubbed the Law Enforcement Aerial Platform System, or LEAPS, will cost $1.3 million to launch and thereafter cost the city about $90,000 a month to maintain and operate.
The technology, not surprisingly, was developed by a local company, Spiral Technology.
“The camera could spot a home invasion robbery or track unsuspecting criminals. It could note car accidents so patrol cars could get there more quickly,” city officials told the Times.
Last week, KTLA-TV reported Mayor R. Rex Parris as saying he tested the “eye in the sky” technology, which gives law enforcement an aerial advantage for $300 per hour, and was excited for Lancaster to become the first city in the nation to use this technology for public surveillance:
The surveillance technology is currently used by the military, NASA and a limited number of other federal agencies.
But, there are concerns over whether the system would violate the privacy rights of residents.
For instance, if someone wants to sunbathe in the nude on their own property, which is legal, do they have to worry about being captured on camera?
Wired reports further concern from the ACLU:
But Peter Bibring, senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, told the paper that, “People who have done nothing wrong shouldn’t have anything they do in their yards or homes subject to video surveillance from the sky. To the extent that it involves observing things which a typical pilot overhead might not be able to see, it raises serious constitutional questions.”
Wired goes on to note that the Supreme Court has upheld two cases for aerial surveillance around a home not being considered a search and therefore not needing a warrant.
Watch this debate on the topic (Note: The portion of the segment on this topic is from start to 3:05):
The city tried and failed two years ago to deploy an aerial surveillance system, tabling the proposal when it met resident and civil liberty group opposition, according to KTLA.
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Comments (115)
calonzap
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 10:51amIf the pilot of that airplane is responsible for stopping a home invasion into YOUR home when your wife and family is there, you’ll be glad the airplane and its pilot was there.
Report Post »sapoguapo13
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 11:24amAnd how is the pilot supposed to stop a home invasion? IF he sees it then it is already in progress and by the time he alerts the cops on the ground and they get there (remember when seconds count how far away are the cops?) the damage will already be done. Cops cannot protect us in most cases. My wife will have a gun and know how to use it very well. It is up to us to defend ourselves.
Report Post »knighttemplar999
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 11:31amCalonzap should have a video cam in each room of his home with feeds to the police dept so the police can give his family the 24 hour surveillance and protection that they deserve.
Report Post »Freedom.Fighter
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 11:39am@CALONZAP: And how will this pilot stop home invasions?? Even if he called it in, the invader will probably be gone by the time they get there. This is a terrible cost/benefit ratio. The money would be better spent just giving the people their own security systems. Or better yet, encourage them to have their own sidearms. Police do not prevent crime; they process it after-the-fact.
Report Post »LetUsReason
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 11:40amThis tactic won’t stop, deter, slow, hinder, or alleviate crime in any way, shape, form, or fashion. Total waste of money, time, and energy. I‘m not sure if there’s any other way I could say it.
Report Post »Jezcruzen
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 12:17pmCALONZAP, you name should be “COLONZAP” What an idiotic post you made!
Residents can put a stop to this. Lets see if they do.
Report Post »jb.kibs
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 12:42pmyes, it’s a violation of privacy.
Report Post »The job of police is not to “look for trouble”, they are supposed to be backup for you when you can’t handle it yourself.
charleyrocks
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:23pmsorry to say this but it is needed in the good old USA every city should have one flying around, it helps the good people!
Report Post »KenInIL
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:48pmHey guys, isn’t the plane going to have a 3000 round per minute mini gun?? That’s how it will stop home invasions !! — maybe rockets too !!
Report Post »eramthgin
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:56pmFollowing your logic we should just go ahead and put camera’s in everybodies home.
Report Post »762x51
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 4:06pmRiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight, the cops will be able to stop a home invasion with this system but won’t arrest OWS protestors when THEY break the law right in front of the cops. You are dreaming if you think that this is a good thing. I wouldn’t live in a Shiite hole like Calif. if it was free room and board. You people are insane. Sieg heil, Kalifornicators.
Report Post »Bill Rowland
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 4:56pmThe “Big Brother” syndrome is alive and well in the California desert. Using the plane to stop crime is a stretch. Real time information and following the bad guys mayvbe but stopping a crime in progress, rarely. Don’t tell me that the guys running this operation would pass up the chance to film an attractive young lady sunbathing. The film would stay in hiouuse and be enjoyed by the department until someone slipped up and told the wrong person – then a 3 day scandal in the paper some discipliary action and things go back to normal.
Don’t let them to it Lancaster
OMG
Report Post »SmoknHotPatriot
Posted on November 18, 2011 at 2:42amIt was once said that “when seconds count, the police are only minutes away.” This is exactly why I don’t live in California. But once again Thomas Jefferson said it best when he said “I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty, than those attending too small a degree of it.”
Report Post »airportengineer
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 10:31amHA-HA!
Report Post »They will be doing an engine overhaul every 4 months or 1,000 hours! OMG! This is some hair brain pilot’s idea to get the government to pay for his flight time! This is ridiculuous!
moreteaplease
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 1:12pmI wouldn‘t be a bit surprised if that’s exactly what’s going on here.
Report Post »TheLeftMadeMeRight
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 10:24amWith the current financial situation I doubt they will be able to pay the aviation gas bill at the airport. The obviously can’t afford a helicopter & pilot or they would have one. Buy stock in aluminum foil, tin hats will be very popular in Cali next year!
Report Post »Rorchach
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 10:23amAlways chipping away at your freedom, never large pieces just little chips.
Report Post »Bluedog78
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 11:54amPlease explain to all of us how a police air unit is chipping away your freedom. Does a police car driving down your street with a dash cam chip away at your freedom too?
Report Post »The_Almighty_Creestof
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:20pmI moved to Palmdale in 1987 and it was beautiful! Inexpensive new homes popping up everywhere. A close community where most had a 1 to 2 hour commute to get to work each day. Then the unemployment, welfare people in LA county started stuffing the envelopes with more than the checks…they now included brochures on Palmdale/Lancaster.
The next thing we knew, every piece of low class filth was moving into the area including all the black & hispanic punks who were laughed at by gangs in LA…and what did they do now that they were in a clean, safe, beautiful community? Started gangs…with themselves set up as the tough guy leaders.
One day, we had a police officer come to our home. He was going up and down our block and three others informing the residents that our streets would now be blocked off with police barricades fri, sat & sun from 6PM until 6AM to curb the now rampant drug, gang & prostitution happening in our area.
It was enough to make you cry to see the human filth win once more, by destroying yet another community with their disgusting ways.
Shortly after that, the housing market crashed due to several aerospace firms moving out of the area. There were 5-10 houses up for sale on every block in every neighborhood.
We came out of pocket almost 20K to sell ours and get out.
Don’t kid yourselves…Palmdale/Lancaster/Quartz Hill…they are the armpit of California.
Report Post »762x51
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 4:10pmBluedig – If you can’t comprehend the difference between a police street patrol and ariel survellience with FLIR, then you are just the kind of moron Kalifornia is looking for. Go there and be a prisoner, you aren’t smart enough to survive in the real world.
Report Post »momrules
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 10:04amMontgomery county in Texas now has an unmanned drone doing the same thing with the same *for the good of the public * reasons. I don‘t like it and don’t trust our government not to use it against ordinary, law abiding citizen.
So called good government intentions usually lead to something bad.
Report Post »notsofast
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 10:36amAgree!
How does CA manage to pay for all this stuff. Over half the inhabitants don’t pay taxes. What are these people thinking. I guess this is just another government “jobs” program.
Report Post »TexasHunter
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 11:15amI bet if you buy a remote helicopter and buzz its drones while it flies around they will get a little irritated. Or just happen to be flying a kite, awfully hard to see those strings up there in the air. Just a couple options to play back with.
Report Post »This_Individual
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 11:45amNOT- This is a city/county matter. NOT a state issue.
Report Post »gwssacredcause
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 10:03amHitler’s method of spying was much more effective and efficient, he had a person assigned to each apartment building and neighbors of the party so paranoid that they reported everyone for everything. I wonder if this plane is equipped with directions microphones.
Report Post »texasfarmer
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 10:01amI‘m surprised they didn’t say “It’s for the childrens”.
Report Post »Dinkiecb
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 10:30amthe children the children!!! they’ll find out where my teddy bear is!!!! oh no!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »B-Neil
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:55amWhats the big deal? You want them to have cameras on every corner on every tower, you want neighborhood watch, you want informers, all this to keep you safe. Your going to be suprises about a plane overhead? I want mobile ID check points 24 hours a day. I want neighborhood reporting stations so we can be mandated to report at specified times to report all are activities for the last week. I want re-education camps for all non-compliers. Last but not least I want everyone to wear colored uniforms to restrict there movement. I WANT TO BE SAFE. CARRY ON McDUFF
Report Post »OniKaze
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 10:09amI Agree, but I think tracking collars should be used as well… I mean after all, I want the government to know where I am at ALL times, that way We will all be safe. I mean, if I got lost I would like to know that they can find me… I mean, after all, there is no way our upstanding and honest government would abuse this.
Ohh, and if we try and leave the country, the collars should explode (google the movie “Battle Royal”). Because after all, every other country is dangerous and we shouldn’t go or move there.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 10:23amNext they will put police in cars and let them drive around on the roads all day! What are we coming to? I don’t want a cop following me around, they might see I am speeding and that would be an invasion of my privacy.
For real, this plane has infrared and they can look into houses. This is borderline, but it is nothing new, they have had this technology for 30 years or more. I suppose more than one law enforcement officer has got a chuckle out of watching a couple or red and yellow blobs humping in their own bedroom…Whatever…I don’t feel violated. If you go outside nude you may be seen and even photographed, this is a surprise to anyone? Do I wish it could be like it was 150 years ago, where you could change your name and move to the next town? Yeah…I do…But it is what it is. Get some perspective here.
Report Post »Starkadder
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 6:47pmYou don’t REALLY think you need a tetanus shot every 10 years do you?
Report Post »Thats so they can update your chip.
wsb1960tr3a
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:54amLancaster/Palmdale is a pit. I live an hour away and dread having to go anywhere near there. It is in LA County and you can get LA welfare checks there. When the welfare class move there, they bring LA’s problems with them. You can get a good job in aerospace in Lancaster, but if you have no job skills you’re in trouble. Their crime rate is rampant and the people that you run into are rude, lazy, entitled and frequently scary.
Report Post »While I am someone who values freedom more than most, something has got to be done to rein in the crime in Lancaster/Palmdale (aka Palmcaster, Land Disaster).
God help us if this is the future.
On The Bayou
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 10:01amWSB1960TR3A, I`ve worked all over California for the for the past sixteen years. The only thing good about California is the weather.
Report Post »Mikev5
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 11:23amSOCAL is now known as CaliMexico because whites are the minority now
We sure have become politically correct on the Blaze lately?
Report Post »This_Individual
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 1:11pmI live in Lancaster. Most most of my neighbors are either business owners, aerospace workers, communters, and military personel. I’m a transplant from North Hollywood, and I can tell you what you describe is what I find when I go back to visit. But when I return to Lancaster, it’s a good feeling to have people say hello with a smile, see our flag flying from lamp posts, and know that I’m among many productive people who care about their community.
http://lpac.org/ http://www.blvdtoday.com/
Report Post »This_Individual
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 2:42pmHere’s another view of the “pit” as you call it.
http://vimeo.com/32237552
Report Post »Dismayed Veteran
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:51amGet a grip. Law enforcement has used planes for decades to monitor traffic speed on freeways and state roads. Those planes don’t have a specific target. They are looking for a speeder. What makes you think this is anything new? Just google a map of your house and get a satellite view. I can get a fairly clear picture. If anyone would be sunbathing naked it would show up. Just think this is civilian technology. Imagine what military technology does right now.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:57amThank you.
I had just typed a long response similar to yours then thought better about posting it. I suppose people just like to get their panties in a wad over anything.
Report Post »ares338
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:44amThey always say it will only be used for this or that…blah…blah…then once the foot is in the door, here comes massive governmental intrusion.
Report Post »neocon1
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:34amlike the red light cameras, next they will mail you jail sentences for crimes caught on video.
Report Post »report to prison for a 15 year sentence.
Wolf
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:30amThis city council needs to be terminated. If the citizens don’t do something about this, they deserve the police state they get.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:29amIt’s CALIFORNIA!! They don’t CARE ABOUT ANYTHING…..except allowing big brother to take over. NANNY STATE welcomed along with open borders and lots of pot. Get out your wallets, working class, they need another bail out.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:59amIt is about time for States to issue a Proclaimation: We will not Bail Out California!
Report Post »This_Individual
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 11:39amI agree with you in that the socialists in my state capitol shouldn’t be accepting any federal assistance, but this issue is acceptable for many of us here in Lancaster. Section 8 housing was everywhere here in the Antelope Valley, increasing crime and violence. With our current mayor we have been not only bringing businesses into the city, there is a very strong sence of national pride and devotion to keeping residents safe. Since this not a state issue, this has nothing to do with the state as a whole (which contains over 36 million residents and over 1200 cities). I don’t know how they do things in your state, but this has nothing to do with the rest of the cities in California.
Report Post »Tradman
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:28am1) I dont support excessive guvment programs such as this. Why dont they do this on the border from Cali to Texas?
2) Planes fly overhead all day long all over the country- if you‘re outside in your own back yard naked and have this plane fly over then that’s the risk you take. However, if it’s all the time then ask yourself, is it because I‘m naked or because I live next door to a jack wagon that’s involved in something suspicious
3) Get ready for more of this kind of crap. It’s indicative of the world we live in.
Kind of makes me miss the Wild West when the bad guys were hung the day after they were brought to the jailhouse, not to mention living in Mayberry, where every parent knew what every kid was up to so you got your butt tore up when you got home for being a jackwagon around the neighborhoood.
Report Post »This_Individual
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 12:16pm“1) I dont support excessive guvment programs such as this. Why dont they do this on the border from Cali to Texas?”
Because the city of Lancaster doesn’t have the recourses (or jurisdiction). By the way, there are aircraft patrolling our border.
Report Post »tommy_pete
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:27amNo more drag-racing, no more roof-top rendezvous, ugh!!
Report Post »THX-1138
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:27amDoes Calif. Town’s 10-Hour Per Day Airplane Surveillance ‘Raise Serious Constitutional Questions’?
No, it raises the need for a cheap, reliable, portable Surface to Air missle platform.
Report Post »762x51
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 4:18pmI hear that Al-Qaida recently came into possession of some low mileage Stinger type missles courtesey of the criminal Obama’s mishandling of Lybia. Or did they get them from Gun Runner Eric Holder, I can’t remember. Anyway, maybe they can sell you some cheap. Just tell the government you are funding a scholarship program for underprivledged jihadis or that the money is for “green jobs” and Comrade Obama will probably give you the money to buy them.
Report Post »gallinipper
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:27amThat is alot of money being used for such a broke state. Did this city get money from the goverment for this adventure?
Report Post »PPMStudios
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:25amThis article is very contradictory in that it first states:
“When a 911 call comes in, the location of a suspected crime will be relayed to the aircraft, which will then fly to the scene and begin recording.” That in itself sounds fine to me because some incident was reported and the whole set-up sounds PASSIVE but, then it goes on to say:
“The camera could spot a home invasion robbery or track unsuspecting criminals. It could note car accidents so patrol cars could get there more quickly,” Could spot a home invasion?? This is now an ACTIVE system which seems very invasive could potentially violate the rights of citizens….
Report Post »TommyGuns
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:23amDoes anyone find it ironic that one of the most, if not the most, liberal of states allows this sort of an intrusion on personal liberty? It’s another step along the road to control of the masses. On the other hand, perhaps the budding actors can now finally get an opportunity to be on film!
Report Post »JLGunner
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:21amCalifornia is broke. How do you justify this to the tax payers. “We’re here to protect you”. What a laugh.
Report Post »This_Individual
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 11:49amThe state as a whole may be broke, but in the City of Lancaster is not.
Report Post »UlyssesP
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:17amIt‘s Bush’s fault. This would never happen under Obama.
Report Post »V-MAN MACE
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:24amBush started it, Obama is continuing it.
Next?
I hate Bush‘s actions as much as I hate Obama’s actions.
This isn’t a left-right issue. This is a FREEDOM issue.
The criminal government is afraid of the people, so they’re criminalizing the people.
Report Post »neocon1
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:29amV mace woman
Report Post »BDS and BS
typical looney left crap.
V-MAN MACE
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 10:04amNeocon
I’m not a part of your fantasy called the left-right paradigm.
I’m a Conservative Libertarian, a registered Independent, a Tea Party Member, Black, a Strict Constitutionalist, and a Ron Paul supporter.
Try again.
Report Post »V-MAN MACE
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 10:17amOh yea, I’m a “left looney” because YOU say so, even though I just criticized Bush AND Obama’s actions.
Riiight. And you‘re NOT just a blathering neocon who can’t stand anyone criticizing Bush.
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:16am.
Report Post »Give a bunch of guy’s a plane equipped with infrared technology and video cameras, and I can guarantee there WILL BE PORN………..
V-MAN MACE
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:24amlol. Sick
Report Post »OhioRifleman
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 12:17pmRule 34 Strikes again:
There will be porn of it. No exceptions.
Report Post »JP4JOY
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:14amnext step is to put electronic hardware onboard that can stop cars shut down other electronics intercept cell phones and locate same… Anyone read 1984 lately? Might need to be renamed 2014
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:08amLets see, being observed by an airplane daily w/o due process or reason by the government? Yes this sounds like a violation of my rights to privacy. One more move to the hands of tyranical control of big brother/sister.
Report Post »neocon1
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 9:28am1984 is alive and well in 2011 with big BRO in the white painted house.
Report Post »welcome to the new AmeriKa.
TheLeftMadeMeRight
Posted on November 17, 2011 at 10:31amThey have facial recognition software which many have heard about but also have stride recognition software right now that can identify you from a satellite in a crowd by the stride and cantor of your walk. A Cessna 172 doesn’t worry me quite as much…
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