City of Lancaster Takes “Eye in the Sky” for Trial Run
System Will Launch a Whole New Era in Law Enforcement
City of Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris, Lancaster Sheriff’s Station Captain Axel Anderson, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Commander Robert Osborne, and City Manager Mark Bozigian recently gathered at General William J. Fox Airfield to take a cutting-edge aerial surveillance system for a trial flight. The system, which features high-definition video recording technology attached to a small aircraft, is capable of recording images from several miles away. The images can later be magnified to zoom in close enough on a given area to identify the individuals filmed, promising the launch of a whole new era in public safety and law enforcement techniques.
“This technology is nothing short of remarkable,” said Parris. “I entered my address, and within seconds the camera had focused so well on my property that I was able to see both of my dogs and identify which was which – all from five miles away. This type of technology has the potential to drive criminals completely out of our community.”
The flight was the first demonstration of the capability of the new technology, which has been dubbed “Eye in the Sky.” Parris, the LASD, and Bozigian have been working conceptually on the project with aviator Dick Rutan in recent months.
Another important use of the technology displayed during the demonstration was the observance of a car accident, which the camera detected due to the heat produced by the vehicles involved. Within seconds of the collision, the camera focused on the area and gave those inside the plane a clear picture of all vehicles and people in the area, showing yet another way the system is useful for public safety.
“As demonstrated by our brief trial flight, the implications for this system in protecting our citizens are incredible,” said Parris. “To say that we are excited about the implementation of this new technology, and the effects it will have, would be an extreme understatement.”
Sheriff’s Captain Axel Anderson was also on hand to evaluate the new system from a law enforcement perspective.
“The ‘Eye in the Sky’ will undoubtedly be a tremendous tool in our ongoing fight against crime,” he said. “Through its use, we will be able to protect our citizens and their property better than ever.”
All concerned are confident in the system’s capabilities and affirmed the trial flight exceeded their expectations. It was, however, just the first step in making the technology part of Lancaster’s crime-fighting arsenal.
“This demonstration is a major milestone in a project that will improve the quality of life in the Antelope Valley,” said Bozigian. “To put it simply, it works. The next step is to make it operational, which includes financial considerations.”
Lancaster will be the first entity in the nation to use the technology for general public safety. Such technology is currently used by the military, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and a limited number of other federal agencies.
“This system truly puts us on the cutting edge of public protection,” said Parris. “Once it is operational, criminals will literally have nowhere to hide. We will have more eyes on criminals than anywhere else in the country.”