Technology that is developed for either the space program or the Defense Department is always cutting-edge and fantastic. And the best part is that it usually trickles down eventually and improves operations and functions of industry and local government. Think of the thermal-imaging cameras, for example. Now there is a new computer program being used by the defense intelligence agencies that I am sure could help out fire and rescue officers everywhere.
Every shift has a guy on it who is expert at hiding, being both out of sight and out of mind during crucial times, such as when work assignments are being doled out. You know who I’m talking about. A couple hours after the morning drill, somebody says, “Anybody seen Joe? Where is he?” And then it dawns on everybody that Joe has been “gone” since drill time. And woe the poor shift leader who gets two of these guys on his shift. They always manage to get on the ambulance together and then they really pull the disappearing act. It used to be the only time you’d catch them was when the paychecks were handed out. But now in this day of direct deposit, well, they’re gone so long that you need to check their name badge when they are caught in the house just to remind you who they are.
Well, Joe’s days are numbered. The National Terror Alert Response Center, which has an excellent WEBSITE for news along that vein, posted yesterday (HERE) a story on the hunt and closing in on the whereabouts of Osama Bin Laden.
A research team led by geographer Thomas Gillespie of the University of California-Los Angeles used geographic analytical tools that have been successful in locating urban criminals and endangered species.
Basing their conclusion on nighttime satellite images and other techniques, the scientists suggest bin Laden may well be in one of three compounds in Parachinar, a town 12 miles from the Pakistan border. The research incorporates public reports of bin Laden’s habits and whereabouts since his flight from the Tora Bora region of Afghanistan in 2001.
(They are) combining satellite records of geographic locations, patterns of nighttime electricity use and population-detection methods to produce a technique for locating fugitives.
Do you hear that, Joe? Once we’re able to get those UAV’s refined for inside patrol, we’re comin’ after you.
Now let’s get this equipment checked out. I’ll get the coffee started.
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