Skywatch Surveillance Program Gets Tepid Approval

Before its next meeting, the South Brunswick Township Council will decide if large events in South Brunswick need increased surveillance.

While not giving enthusiastic support to using a platform that provides enhanced surveillance options when dealing with large crowds, the council moved forward 

Entering into the agreement with the county carries no cost for the township and using the platform would cost South Brunswick about $800 per day, according to Chief Raymond Hayducka.

"There's been some controversy about this being 'big brother,' but that's not the intent of this," Hayducka said. "I think the name is deceptive. It's like the (scissor lift) we use at the high school."

The "Skywatch" mobile observation towers are adaptable for cameras, radios, public address systems and other equipment that allows one police officer to cover a large area, according to the company's web site. The platform provides a bird's eye view of large events with technology that's ideal for large-scale surveillance, according to "Skywatch."

Hayducka added that he doesn't see many events in South Brunswick that would warrant the usage of the platform. 

"On July 6th (township Independence Day festival) it would've been useful because we had numerous lost children," he said. "To put it up to spy on people is not our intent. It's no different than any other piece of equipment we utilize."

To use the platform, South Brunswick would have to sign a hold harmless agreement, and damage would be covered by under township insurance.

"I would vote against using this because I've always been against big brother," said Councilman John O'Sullivan. "There are other ways to watch a crowd. You can keep an eye on people without being 20 feet up in the air."

Councilman Joseph Camarota said the Independence Day festival provided a compelling argument to at least have the option to use the platform for large events, after four children went missing for a short period of time before being located.

"I didn't see much of a raging need for this besides once a year," said Deputy Mayor Chris Killmurray. "But I'm comfortable executing this agreement because there's no cost to us."

The council will officially vote on executing the agreement at its next meeting on July 24.