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

[The Straight Story]

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


SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (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.

He says the cost of the blimp is being negotiated but said it is more "cost effective" to operate than helicopters or fixed winged aircraft.

"We anticipate using it mainly at night. The cameras have incredible night vision to see with tremendous clarity daytime and nighttime. It will be used like a patrol car. It will be used to go and check things out and keep things safe," said Godfrey.

http://tinyurl.com/4j6hu8c

[BlueJazz]

1. A Blimp ? Ah...wouldn't the crooks just shoot it down first?

[L0oniX]

2. Good idea. Them mormons are some bad ass criminals.

Think they will find more of those Warren Jeffs types?

[ProgressiveProfessor]

4. Have to wonder if these LEO types ever consider the FAA issues before they make these pronouncements

[onethatcares]

3. more likely

it will be used to observe the perimeter of the closed sections of the city. No one will be able to enter or leave without being seen by the eye in the sky. The night vision is "incredible"

yep, I think it's time to move somewhere else, but where?