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WASHINGTON — The FBI is operating a small air force with scores of low-flying planes across the country carrying video and, at times, cellphone surveillance technology — all hidden behind fictitious companies that are fronts for the government, The Associated Press has learned.
The planes' surveillance equipment is generally used without a judge's approval, and the FBI said the flights are used for specific, ongoing investigations. In a recent 30-day period, the agency flew above more than 30 cities in 11 states across the country, an AP review found.
Aerial surveillance represents a changing frontier for law enforcement, providing what the government maintains is an important tool in criminal, terrorism or intelligence probes. But the program raises questions about whether there should be updated policies protecting civil liberties as new technologies pose intrusive opportunities for government spying.
U.S. law enforcement officials confirmed for the first time the wide-scale use of the aircraft, which the AP traced to at least 13 fake companies, such as FVX Research, KQM Aviation, NBR Aviation and PXW Services. Even basic aspects of the program are withheld from the public in censored versions of official reports from the Justice Department's inspector general.
"The FBI's aviation program is not secret," spokesman Christopher Allen said in a statement. "Specific aircraft and their capabilities are protected for operational security purposes." Allen added that the FBI's planes "are not equipped, designed or used for bulk collection activities or mass surveillance."
Read more: http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/fbi-behind-mysterious-surveillance-aircraft-over-us-cities/ar-BBkywnm
The planes' surveillance equipment is generally used without a judge's approval, and the FBI said the flights are used for specific, ongoing investigations. In a recent 30-day period, the agency flew above more than 30 cities in 11 states across the country, an AP review found.
Aerial surveillance represents a changing frontier for law enforcement, providing what the government maintains is an important tool in criminal, terrorism or intelligence probes. But the program raises questions about whether there should be updated policies protecting civil liberties as new technologies pose intrusive opportunities for government spying.
U.S. law enforcement officials confirmed for the first time the wide-scale use of the aircraft, which the AP traced to at least 13 fake companies, such as FVX Research, KQM Aviation, NBR Aviation and PXW Services. Even basic aspects of the program are withheld from the public in censored versions of official reports from the Justice Department's inspector general.
"The FBI's aviation program is not secret," spokesman Christopher Allen said in a statement. "Specific aircraft and their capabilities are protected for operational security purposes." Allen added that the FBI's planes "are not equipped, designed or used for bulk collection activities or mass surveillance."
Read more: http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/fbi-behind-mysterious-surveillance-aircraft-over-us-cities/ar-BBkywnm
Posted in these groups: 
FBI
FBI
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
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The technology has been a long time.
Question is, what is the purpose of this operation?
The article cites Baltimore. Recently, as we all know, there were a lot of protests there. Who were they monitoring? Protesters? The more disturbing possibility is surveilliance of law enforcement.
Looks like we're not all on the same team.
Question is, what is the purpose of this operation?
The article cites Baltimore. Recently, as we all know, there were a lot of protests there. Who were they monitoring? Protesters? The more disturbing possibility is surveilliance of law enforcement.
Looks like we're not all on the same team.
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SCPO David Lockwood
As you said, 1SG, the technology has been there for a while. Who are they conducting surveillance on really? This is just another tool they are using so that "Big Brother" can keep his eye on us!
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Citizens of this nation demand enforcement of law and yet when those agencies assigned that duty preform their duties, we get articles and comments like this.
I do not believe the FBI is some nefarious agency attempting to bring about 1984. I believe over all they are an honorable organization that should be shown respect, as all law enforcement agencies should. Sadly, recently we have seen some members of those agencies acting improper so we paint all of them with the same brush.
I do not believe the FBI is some nefarious agency attempting to bring about 1984. I believe over all they are an honorable organization that should be shown respect, as all law enforcement agencies should. Sadly, recently we have seen some members of those agencies acting improper so we paint all of them with the same brush.
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I am not surprised at this. I remembe1 George Orwells book 1984, spaeking about BIG BROTHER is always watching you!
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