Possible aerial surveillance activity coming up at Bedford NH

[Dave Ridley]

From: Town News & Announcements <bedfordnh_news@mm.windigicert.com>
Date: January 15, 2016 at 4:50:56 PM EST
Subject: Eversource arial inspections next week
Reply-To: bedfordnh_news@mm.windigicert.com

PURPOSE OF FLYOVER: ~ The patrols involve a helicopter with an infrared camera that can detect excessive heat on transmission line components. This identifies components that could possibly fail in the future and allows for the scheduling of planned repairs to maintain system reliability.

DATES: Tuesday, 1/19/16 through Friday, 1/22/16, weather permitting

LOCATION: ~Patrols will take place along power line corridors/rights-of-way between Eversource's substations ~

DESCRIPTION OF AIRCRAFT: ~ Blue and Yellow Bell Jet Ranger Helicopter, tail # N64JB

FLIGHT TIMES: ~ 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

[eglove]

Detailed news story.

Also, interesting fact, according to the U.S. supreme court infrared imaging does constitute a legal search and may not be used against you without a warrant. So don't turn off your pot lights, keep 'em going strong!

[blackie]

Detailed news story.

Also, interesting fact, according to the U.S. supreme court infrared imaging does constitute a legal search and may not be used against you without a warrant. So don't turn off your pot lights, keep 'em going strong!

That is not what the opinion held.

Held: Where, as here, the Government uses a device that is not in general public use, to explore details of a private home that would previously have been unknowable without physical intrusion, the surveillance is a Fourth Amendment "search," and is presumptively unreasonable without a warrant.

That was in 2001 when FLIR cameras were not in general public use.

FLIR cameras are now in general public use.
http://www.flir.com/flirone/
http://www.flir.com/suas/content/?id=70733