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April 14, 2008
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N.C. cops use mobile towers to eye crime
By Dan Tierney
The Charlotte Observer CHARLOTTE — One of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police's newest methods for crime fighting is neither discreet nor hidden from potential criminals. And that's exactly what CMPD wants. A mobile tower, capable of reaching heights of 20-plus feet, was at the intersection of Fifth and Graham streets Friday after getting moved last week from an open portion of Fourth Ward Park. Surrounded only by orange police barriers, the tower's topped by a booth with tinted windows on all four sides to provide a 360-degree view. How often is a police officer inside? Often enough to give potential criminals doubts, said CMPD Central Division Capt. Jeff Estes. "When it's up, (criminals) know police could be around," Estes said. "They don't know if an officer is in there or not." Called the Sky Watch, the tower was purchased within the past couple of years for around $50,000. Cities across the country have begun using the towers, with New York using them at athletic events and other scenes and New Orleans using the towers for Mardi Gras, for example. The tower gives police an elevated view to see over crowds and long distances. CMPD has used it at various places in the city, mostly for the crowds during the CIAA, ACC and NCAA tournaments, but the towers don't have permanent cameras to record areas when not used by an officer. The tower's also easily moved, allowing CMPD to transport it wherever a large crowd is expected or recent rash of crime has occurred. Copyright 2008 The Charlotte Observer
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