Police bringing in mobile tower for crowd surveillance at Kenny Chesney concert

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh police are bringing in another tool to help control the crowds at this weekend's Kenny Chesney concert.

Thousands of country music fans will be on Pittsburgh's North Shore Saturday for what's become known as one of the biggest local parties of the year.

Fans tailgate for hours before the show at Heinz Field and for years, some have been known to cause trouble and leave behind a massive mess.

But now, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police is trying to change that by borrowing a piece of equipment this weekend.

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It's called Skywatch: a mobile tower that goes up 30 feet into the air so police can monitor large crowds, like the one expected at Heinz Field Saturday for the concert.

The camera on top can pan 360 degrees. There's also a thermal image camera for use at night and several smaller cameras and floodlights mounted on the sides.

There's room for several people; it's equipped with heating and air, as well as tinted windows.

Pittsburgh police will test Skywatch during the Kenny Chesney concert Saturday.

"With all special events, we can move this around," said Wendell Hissrich, Pittsburgh Public Safety Director. "It's on a trailer, whether it be Light Up Night, the Regatta, Heinz Field, events, the Pitt-Penn State game, major football games."

Law enforcement agencies across the country have used Skywatch for events like the New York City Marathon and the Presidential Inauguration.

"We've always been told, whenever Skywatch goes up, crime comes down instantly, and we've been told that on several occasions," said Howard Schemer, sales director for Flir.

Hissrich told Channel 11 the city is looking at partnering with some other agencies to purchase the tower, which costs about $180,000.

Cox Media Group