NORWICH – The Chenango County Sheriff's Office is looking at a $74,000 federal grant that will allow it access to detailed aerial pictures of the county which emergency officials say will help them do their job more efficiently.
The grant, which comes by way of the Federal Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, is being offered to communities across the country to enhance capabilities for public safety answering points and 911 call centers.
According to Chenango County Undersheriff Dan Frair, funding received will allow the Sheriff’s Office to purchase software and licensing for aerial oblique images for all of Chenango County. Images will be made available through a private company called Pictometry International, Corp, based in Rochester, NY.
Frair explained that when the county signs a contract with Pictometry, the company will fly over the area taking photos and then upload those images to a database accessible only to certain county departments. Pictometry will update its photo database every three to five years at no extra cost.
According to Pictometry's website, detailed aerial images ensure comprehensive infrastructure intelligence so that first responders can respond faster and more effectively in most situations.
When speaking at the Chenango County Safety and Rules Committee meeting last week, Frair said the company will provide emergency call centers with images similar to what's currently available through the popular free software program, Google Earth. But Pictometry provides more detail, dimensions, and 360 degree angle shots that will give first responders a more accurate depiction of a facility prior to arriving on the scene, he said, and help the Sheriff’s Office with ongoing investigations.
“This will be available to other departments too,” Frair added, citing the benefits of having Pictometry imaging available across various county departments, including Fire and Emergency Management, Public Works, and Real Property Tax Services. “It really enhances the ability for us to do our jobs … The amount of intel we can get from this is life-saving.”
Despite benefits of having 360 degree aerial images available to county first responders, the notion of overhead surveillance still raised eyebrows of some members of the Safety and Rules Committee who questioned whether if Pictometry infringes on the privacy of county residents.
“Maybe this is a way for us to try to get more information than what we need,” said committee member and Afton Supervisor John Lawrence. However, Real Property Tax Services is looking at a similar program, noted Committee Chair Jack Cook; but unlike Pictometry, that program is not covered under a federal grant.
“If we can integrate this program with everyone, then it's something worth having,” Cook said, adding his sentiment that the software is “justifiable” being available to all departments within county government.
Acceptance of grant funding is subject to approval from the Chenango County Board of Supervisors. Acceptance of the grant will be on the agenda when the board meets again in March.