Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said Friday he now supports a pilot program to fly three private surveillance planes over the city, reviving a controversial effort that had been shelved since it was revealed to have been used secretly three years ago. From a report: Harrison, who as recently as two months ago said he was skeptical of the planes, said the trial run will commence in May, funded by philanthropic dollars. Baltimore will become the first city in the country to use the technology, Harrison said. “I’m obviously well aware of the plane’s controversial history,” Harrison said. “I’m looking forward to hearing from our community and to educate them on what this is and what this is not.” Harrison previously said the plane system’s proponents had oversold its benefits and it was unproven to work. His apparent reversal followed a lobbying campaign that included members of the Greater Baltimore Committee endorsing the program and a prominent pastor presenting a poll that claimed to show community support. It also has become an issue in the mayor’s race, with at least one candidate receiving support from the system backers and city officials arguing over whether the technology should be adopted.

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Source: Slashdot – Baltimore Police Back Pilot Program for Surveillance Planes, Reviving Controversial Program