Have You Seen One Of These In Your Neighborhood?

Have you seen the above pictured contraption in your neighborhood? It is called "Sky Watch." It is a high tech surveillance device that is sold by "ICx Tactical Platforms." On their website, ICx labels Sky Watch as a "Force Multiplier."


Here's how the the company describes the 20-foot high collapsible to their potential customers, on their website:

"Every tower includes the basics for the comfort and safety of the officer inside through adjustable heat and air conditioning, tinted sliding glass windows and comfortable seating. And no matter the application, only one man is required to set up and deploy a unit.

Sky Watch can easily be relocated and is rugged enough to handle even the most primitive off-road conditions. And all models are adaptable for cameras, radios, public address systems and other equipment integration.

Now, one officer can cover an area previously requiring three or more personnel.

STANDARD FEATURES:
Totally self-sustained
Heating and air conditioning
Customized surveillance equipment integration
Tinted windows
Solar panel for increased energy output
Control console with weatherproof switch panel
Roof-mounted flood lights
Two 110V GFI outlets
One 12V outlet
Fail safe hydraulic system with electric and manual ascent and descent controls
Wind speed meter Generator or shore power options

APLICATIONS:
Force Protection
Port Security
Consequence management
Disaster response
Flight line protection and surveillance
Parking lot surveillance and traffic management"


These towers can reportedly cost the buyer as much as $100,000. Their marketers also boast that they, contain "four cameras, a high-powered spotlight, and various sensors. The digital cameras, continue to record when the booth is unstaffed, saving the video to a hard drive."

Sky Watch is being used for "border control," as well as increasingly popping up in urban cities across the nation.

[SIDEBAR: Heavy surveillance has not been proven to reduce crime. Earlier this year, a serial rapist ran loose in a Brooklyn housing project; racking up victims within a small geographic area that had over 200 high tech surveillance cameras. So if it's not preventing crime, then I must ask, "Why all of the heavy-handed surveillance?"