New crime-fighting tool in League City

LEAGUE CITY, TX The observation platform, which rises to a height of about 18 feet on a scissor lift, will be manned by citizen volunteers who have been through training at the police academy. The platform is equipped with police radios as well as cameras that continuously record parking lot activities. When unmanned, the cameras can be operated remotely, offering a view of 360 degrees, and able to zoom in to read a vehicle's license plate at more than 1,000 feet away.

The platform can be moved to different locations within the city, including high traffic parking lots.

"This new platform is an excellent vehicle to increase citizens' feelings of safety. Putting police officers in strategic locations will reduce crime and improve the quality of life in League City" said Police Chief Mike Jez.

The platform, which cost around $66,000, was purchased with funds from League City's Safelight Program. The Safelight fund was created using a portion of the red-light camera citation revenues.

The platform will be used for the first time on Saturday at Wal-Mart Victory Lakes.

Kevin Quinn will have more on this story today on ABC13 Eyewitness News Live at Five.