Aerial Investigation Research (AIR) Pilot Program
The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) is committed to developing innovative, evidence-based solutions to improve public safety in Baltimore. To evaluate a promising new technology, BPD ran the Aerial Investigation Research (AIR) pilot program from May 1 - October 31, 2020. During the program one or more aircraft operated approximately 40 hours per week and collected imagery of over 90% of the City. Resolution was one pixel per person, making individuals and vehicles appear as single dots that can be tracked from a crime scene. Identifiable characteristics such as clothing, ethnicity, and license plate numbers were not discernible.
The contract for the Aerial Investigation Research (AIR) pilot program was ended by the Baltimore City Board of Public Works on February 2, 2021
For more information about the AIR program technology and other programs, visit the Baltimore Police Department site here.
About the Survey
The Schaefer Center for Public Policy at the University of Baltimore is conducting a community survey as part of the evaluation of the Baltimore City Police Department's Aerial Investigation Research Pilot Program. This program is commonly referred to as the "Surveillance Plane".
The Schaefer Center is conducting two surveys over the course of the program. The first survey was conducted May - June 2020 at the beginning of the program launch.
The second survey is being conducted February - April 2021 after the program ended.
Call the Schaefer Center to take the survey.
Have your letter handy -- you will need the survey number from your letter to participate in the survey.
Call 1-410-563-8866
Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
No letter? You might still receive a call.
A number of Baltimore residents who do not receive a letter about the survey will be invited to complete the survey by telephone.
If you receive a call, please consider participating.