ICX Technologies is a surveillance company and part of our military-industrial complex. Their Skywatch Sentinel is used by the NYPD.
I happened upon one of their “tactical platforms” at 141st and Beekman Avenue, not far from here.
The police officer guarding the platform from a squadcar was friendly and professional and has no issue with me shooting photos of the tower. I told him I was likely to post this on ClockTowerTenants. “No problem.” he said, smiling from the front seat. That’s my bicycle to the right of his car.
The crime rate on 141st street is climbing two years into a harsh recession. Unemployment benefits are running out now that layoffs are over a year old, and this platform is the NYPD’s response.
From ICX’s webpage: “The SkyWatch Sentinel provides the high profile deterrence and surveillance capabilities police officers and security professionals need ...now, one officer can cover an area previously requiring three or more personnel.”
The tower hooks up to a light post for its power but also features a battery back-up so the officer inside retains control in a black-out when looting is more likely.
There’s a camera on the bottom. It’s interesting how ICX uses calming music in a video that showcases their towers in TimeSquare, as if they were the most natural thing in the world. They’re not.
I’m not sure what to think about this. Looks like George Orwell might have been right.
Be careful out there.
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