The Times

Left, Fred Feick, president of the Feick Company, a South Dade security firm, stands next to his latest creation. And below, here's a contraption that would make James Bond green with envy.

All that 007 stuff isn't just in the movies

By KAY SEVERINSEN Staff Writer It's like something out of a James Bond movie, except that it's for real—a helicopter so extensively equipped with surveillance gadgets that there's only one like it in the whole world, and it belongs to the Feick company, a South Dade security service. The helicopter uses laser beams to detect bugging devices, something that's never been done before, says Bob Adams, a company executive. In fact, it has already been used and bought by a South Dade business man, who was so desperate for the bugging detector that he bought it before it was completely tested. Adams said he expects the helicopter and bugging detector to be useful to countries warding off terrorists. In addition to the laser beam, the helicopter makes use of a high power sound system, flood lights and low-light video cameras, Adams said. "The laser breaks a lot of barriers in the security problems," said Fred Feick. "It works on the same principle that the electric eye in a store doorway works. An alarm sounds when the field is broken. We diffuse the laser beam so that it can encircle a whole building." The laser beam can be transmitted from the helicopter much better than from the ground because there is no interference from the air, Feick added. The helicopter transmits what it sees to a mobile unit, or computers in the Feick office. The computer can determine where the eavesdropping monitors are located. Experiments with the laser are 99 per cent complete, says Adams. "We won't sell any more until we are sure it works," he said. "We do have people looking at it, though." In the United States, lasers can be sent only 2,500 feet Adams said, "but in foreign countries where there are no limitations it can be really effective." Many of the Feick corporation's dealings are with people in foreign nations, Feick said. A completely outfitted helicopter could cost between $500,000 and $1.5 million, he estimated. In addition to providing security, the company helps people whose lives are endangered by terrorists, kidnappers or assassins. "We might rearrange someone's whole life style, reroute him to work, install bullet-proof glass and bomb detectors in his house, give him a bullet-proof vest and so on," said Feick. "In one Southwest Dade office we have rearranged the whole office, the receptionist now sits behind bulletproof glass."

Stiff penalty for violators

From Page 1 firearms on private property without written permission from the owner. The law carries a penalty of up to $500 fine and or 60 days in prison. The five people were cited at the field at 170th Avenue and SW Eighth Street. All had their guns impounded and promised to appear in court. Gladys Coto, 24 and her friend, Carlos Michelena, 29 were cited for alleged practicing with a .20 gauge shotgun at 4:30 Sunday, Feb. 6. Carlos Garcia, 23 and Oscar Costa, also 23, were also cited for allegedly shooting a .357 magnum and a .22 caliber rifle, at about the same time in another part of the field. And finally, Carl Frank, Jr., 18, was cited for shooting a .12 gauge shotgun also late that afternoon.

news briefly Death penalty topic at UM

The Miami Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union will present a panel discussion on the death penalty at the University of Miami, Law School Auditorium on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. Admission is free and there will be a question and answer period following the presentations of the panelists. Mature Student Center A center devoted to serving persons over 30 years of age who are interested in pursuing a new career or additional educational or vocational, training will open at Miami-Dade Community College South on Monday, Feb. 14. The aims of the Mature Student Center, said Barbara Krantz, Career Planning and Advisement chairperson are: to help mature persons find careers; to provide means of sharing experiences and concerns; and to facilitate communication between students. The center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays and to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. Third World relations Economic aspects of U.S.-Third World relations will be examined by the League of Women Voters at the February unit meetings at the following area locations: Kendall Unit-10625 SW 100th St., on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 9 a.m. Coral Gables Unit-1336 Obisto Ave., on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 9:30 a.m. South Dade Unit-5763 SW 65th Ave., on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Public Hearing A public hearing will be held by the South Dade Legislative delegation at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at the Dade County Agricultural Center, 18710 SW 288th St. Rep. Jim Eckhart scheduled the hearing to receive proposals for legislation in the agricultural area. The meeting is open to the public. Cold facts Frost Damage Appraisal Clinics will be held Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 12 and 13 at 8510 SW 57th Ave. Joe Shaw of Shaw Nursery and Certified Landscape Appraiser, will lecture and answer specific questions on how to tabulate freeze damage to trees and shrubs for income tax purposes. In addition to the appraisal workshop, Shaw will hold live demonstrations on how to recognize the "vital signs of life" in frozen plants and what, when, and how to prune. Lecture hours are 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. For further information call 666-4616.