Retractable surveillance tower now looms near Springfield’s City Hall plaza

An Ohio Department of Public Safety surveillance tower rises over the parking lot across the street from Springfield City Hall on the morning of Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. BILL LACKEY / STAFF

An Ohio Department of Public Safety surveillance tower rises over the parking lot across the street from Springfield City Hall on the morning of Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. BILL LACKEY / STAFF
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Sept 16, 2024
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An Ohio Department of Public Safety retractable surveillance tower has been raised in the Springfield city parking lot at the northwest corner of High and Fountain, right across from City Hall.

ODPS officials said it is an Ohio Homeland Security Skywatch tower, which is moved around the state frequently and can be used to monitor large events or specific incidents.

The tower, which was extended to about 30 feet off the ground Monday morning, has six cameras around the top, providing 360-degree surveillance coverage. It appears to be able to house people behind tinted glass.

There were no state staff visible around the tower Monday morning. ODPS officials said the tower is currently in Springfield as a precaution only.

ODPS did not respond to a question about whether the city requested the tower.

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Jeremy Kelley is the assistant news editor for the Dayton Daily News. Jeremy is a Cincinnati native and has lived in the Dayton area for 30-plus years.