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Airport Looks into Security Cameras

Posted on: Thursday, 27 October 2005, 21:00 CDT

By Dena Levitz, The Augusta Chronicle, Ga.

Oct. 27--It could be "lights, camera, action" for visitors to Daniel Field.

Leaders at Augusta's general aviation airport are considering adding closed-circuit video cameras at the Highland Avenue facility for the same reason owners of many convenience stores and other businesses do -- the protection of their merchandise.

Though nowhere near a done deal, it's an idea that's been tossed around at the airport ever since someone made off with a 1979 Cessna 172 airplane three years ago.

Daniel Field Manager Buster Boshears said it's hard to say whether the still unsolved theft would have been prevented by video cameras but that boosted surveillance would be an asset regardless.

"Yes, it would be a good thing, but whether we can afford it, I don't know," Mr. Boshears said. "It all comes down to money."

Daniel Field commissioners decided this week to begin checking prices before making a decision next month.

The facility is open at all hours of the day and night.

"The whole problem is the terminal is inside the fence," said Daniel Field Commission Chairman Richard Isdell, who has been particularly adamant about the security upgrades. Richmond County sheriff's deputies monitor the airport nightly, and emergency workers manning the Medical College of Georgia's helicopter are always on hand. But actual airport workers leave by evening.

"The cameras would be a way of covering that period of time when they go home," Mr. Boshears said.

UPGRADING SECURITY:

The Transportation Security Administration has no authority over general aviation airports such as Daniel Field, but the agency does provide recommendations, such as:

--The identity of any individuals renting aircraft should be verified by checking the person's government-issued photo ID in addition to his or her airman and medical certificates.

--Airport personnel should establish procedures to identify nonbased pilots and aircraft using their facilities.

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Copyright (c) 2005, The Augusta Chronicle, Ga.

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Source: The Augusta Chronicle

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