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Article: Illuminating D.C.'s Darkest Corners; National Guard Guides Police From Above, Photographing and Spotlighting Crime
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- August 4, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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From a National Guard helicopter 500 feet above the city, a camera
takes pictures of the street scene below, magnifying images that will
be scrutinized by police.
"That building on the corner," said pilot Rohn LeGore, pointing to
1300 Valley Avenue SE, "it has a lot of drug activity."
From LeGore's seat, the roof of the apartment building in
Southeast Washington is clearly visible, as is anyone walking in the
nearby wooded area. The bubble-shaped infrared camera on the belly of
his chopper records images that can be displayed live on monitors in
the helicopter and at police command centers.
At night, the chopper's spotlight, the Night Sun, can generate the
equivalent of 30 million candles ...