Camera Planes Pitched to Texas County
Parker County, TX, could purchase unmanned aircraft that can help police search for people lost in wooded areas. The aircraft measure only three feet to four feet from wingtip to wingtip, but are equipped with imaging cameras and software that can aid searchers.
The aircraft system can also provide firefighters with an eye-in-the-sky view of fires that can aid firefighting efforts. In addition, the aircraft could also be used to monitor areas where drug activity is suspected.
A person stationed at the control center guides the three digital cameras used by each aircraft, which sends live video and high-resolution images to a computer.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (01/27/07); Campbell, Elizabeth.