Law Enforement Applications

Advice & Information

Law Enforement Applications - Part 2

FLIR thermal infrared imaging cameras may be one of the best options for vision enhancement under conditions of obscured visibility. Some jurisdictions frequently encounter problems due to fog or haze. Vision systems which amplify available light may be less effective under such conditions. While FLIR does have a limited ability to penetrate smoke, dust, haze, or fog, it is generally more effective than the naked eye or conventional night vision enhancement systems under such conditions. Police marine units may be find it easier to engage in routine patrol or search and rescue operations with a FLIR thermography imaging camera, even under conditions of heavy fog (and even during daylight hours). Fire departments have been using helmet-mounted FLIR goggles or hand held binoculars for several years to aid personnel in searching for victims in fires. Although FLIR binoculars cameras cannot penetrate all of the smoke generated by a burning building, it can improve a fire fighter’s ability to "see." These systems not only allow fire fighters to conduct a more thorough search in less time, but a search could be done with fewer personnel, placing fewer lives at risk in the performance of dangerous operations. FLIR binoculars can also be a valuable tool for police personnel conducting surveillance or security operations.

Because the system works without relying on light sources, it can be operated in a covert manner. Personnel scanning a dark parking lot could observe potential victims or suspects without alerting these party’s to their presence. Individuals can be clearly seen, even under conditions of complete darkness. These unique thermal infrared night vision applications might enhance to covert nature of surveillance operations and decrease the number of personnel required to conduct such an operation.

FLIR sights, scopes, binoculars, goggles and cameras may also be used to take digital thermal image of a person, luggage, buildings, automobiles, trucks, or boats (generally in an effort to search for drugs). While FLIR binoculars or goggles can not see through walls or doors, they can detect temperature differences which might indicate the presence of hidden compartments or contraband. A thermography scan may indicate if a person has something secreted beneath their clothing, or if the hold of a ship contains ice-cold fish or something with an even greater street value. Growing marijuana indoors requires the use of high-temperature artificial lighting; a thermal scan of a neighborhood might indicate if a specific house has an unusual hot spot which might indicate that such indoor gardening is taking place.

It must be noted that the courts have not fully resolved how police officers can use thermal images in carrying out drug or contraband detection. Some federal circuit courts have viewed thermal imaging as equivalent to any other search.

As such, police officers in these circuits may need either explicit probably cause or a search warrant in order to use thermal imaging. Other circuits have taken a more liberal stance, allowing law enforcement personnel to engage in random thermal imaging. Readers would be well advised to check the status of FLIR imaging as a search within their state and federal district courts before undertaking such operations.