Thermal Imagery Technology Can “See” Body Heat
The Aberdeen Police Department is using thermal imaging technology developed by the U.S. Army Electronic Proving Ground. The Office of National Drug Control Policy provided the technology, which is priced at $13,500, to the city free of charge.
Officers can use the imager for such applications as locating a lost person or suspect attempting to hide from police in a dark area. However, the device does not have the capability to view people inside structures, such as houses, if used from the outside.
The department is also expected to soon have use of a South Dakota National helicopter equipped with the imagers. Other local law enforcement agencies are expected to have access to the helicopter as well. Some officers will go on flights to learn how to use the technology.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Aberdeen American News (SD) (10/13/05) P. A1; Keen, Russ.
