Behind The Lens episode 223: ‘History and art everywhere you look’

Nick Chrastil and La'Shance Perry on the NOPD's plans to use drones which concerns privacy advocates. Some of the city's iconic crescent and star water meter covers are being replaced by generic looking lids to make way for “smart meters” which could, if they work properly, help resolve the agency’s notorious inflated bills.

This week on Behind The Lens, the New Orleans Police Department has begun implementing drones to fill gaps in recruitment. The eyes in the sky will be deployed strategically according to officials, but some privacy advocates are concerned.

In some areas of the city, the iconic crescent and star water meter covers have been replaced by new, generic looking “smart meters” which The Sewerage and Water Board say, if they work as planned, could resolve the agency’s notorious inflated bills, and detect leaks in near real-time. 

Our guests this week are Lens reporters Nick Chrastil, La’Shance Perry and Marta Jewson. 

Theme music by Podington Bear. Additional music Solan by Podington Bear soundofpicture.com. 

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Carolyne Heldman

Carolyne Heldman has been in media for 35 years, most recently as Executive Director at an NPR member station in Colorado where she was responsible for new multi-platform content initiatives, strategic planning, research, branding, and non-traditional revenue generation. During her tenure she also created and launched four weekly news, public affairs and cultural affairs programs and monthly live Town Hall broadcasts. Heldman moved to New Orleans last summer with her husband and canine companion and they live happily in The Marigny.