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In some areas of the city, the iconic crescent and star water meter covers have been replaced by new, generic looking “smart meters” which The Sewerage and Water Board say, if they work as planned, could resolve the agency’s notorious inflated bills, and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 Rovira has been in media for 35 years, and is currently the podcast host and producer for Behind The Lens. Heldman served as executive director at Aspen Public Radio, an NPR affiliate, where she launched four weekly news, public affairs, and cultural affairs programs. She has been a guest lecturer at Tulane University, is a frequent guest and moderator for the Aspen Institute, Rocky Mountain Institute, and the American Enterprise Institute.