Police eye in the sky covert aerial surveillance project recommended for trial

A Territory Police covert surveillance plane project recommended for trial by a new Operational Aviation Unit should be considered says former policeman and CLP deputy Chief Minister Peter Styles.

The sort of aircraft that would be used in a proposed covert police surveillance trial that has been called for.

A Territory Police covert surveillance plane project recommended for trial by a new Operational Aviation Unit should be considered says former policeman and CLP deputy Chief Minister Peter Styles.

The night and day aerial surveillance project was recommended for a six month trial in 2014 within the Police Air Section, but it is understood it didn’t win the support of ex-Police Commissioner John McRoberts.

Mr Styles, who was also the Business Minister, said there is no better time than now to revisit the proposed six month trail given high crime levels in Darwin and demands from the business community to take more action to deter criminals.

“People and the business community have had a gutful of being broken into and robbed and covert eye in the sky aerial surveillance could be the perfect deterrent,” Mr Styles said.

The 2014 police proposal recommended the versatile light weight Australian-made Seabird Seeker aircraft be fitted with military style surveillance systems. Police said it had a proven military surveillance history and was the most capable and best platform ahead of a hired helicopter.

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They said the small aircraft, and lower power settings while loitering made the Seeker a small and quiet platform that could operate covertly from above 5,000m.

Camping World and Complete Angler owner Kevin Thomas, whose business has lost tens of thousands from break-ins has called on the Gunner Government to “seriously look at” trialling the surveillance proposal.

“Any sort of initiative that helps deter crime is a good one … absolutely,” Mr Thomas said.

“Stop reactive policing and concentrate on prevention and deterrent. Prevention is much cheaper than cure.”

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Mr Styles supports the theory that one police officer in the air is worth substantially more in capability and effectiveness than one additional police officer on the ground.

“This aerial surveillance trial would give police day and night search capability with thermal imagery to find lost people or criminal offenders.

“It would allow the transmission of images to police command as well as members on the ground with ipads.

“It means faster response times, increased crime and offender detection. Many stakeholders within NT police could benefit from this capability.”