The following are frequently asked questions about Tacsight and thermal imaging in general.
How does the TACSIGHT thermal imager compare with night vision equipment?
Night vision and thermal imaging are two completely different technologies. Both have their place in law enforcement operations. Night vision depends upon – requires – some level of residual light in the scene in which it is “looking”. That residual light is amplified so that the viewer / wearer can see an image he/she might not otherwise see. Camouflage, dense wooded or underbrush growth and other visually obscuring elements cannot be foiled by night vision equipment. Also, night vision equipment – and the wearer – can be “blinded” by an exposure to too much light. Night vision equipment is generally delicate and easily damaged. Night vision does provide tactical advantages in that it does not “paint” or “pinpoint” the user. It does not emit a light that those being pursued would see or target.
TACSIGHT thermal imager does not require any light, and does not depend on light. It does not matter how much, or how little light there is in the scene. TACSIGHT detects long wave infrared – heat. Everything and everybody emits heat from its – or their – surface. TACSIGHT detects that heat, and converts it to a visually displayed image. So on the darkest of nights or in the darkest of buildings – or even facing the brightest of lights – TACSIGHT can detect whatever – or whomever – heat emitting object or person, may be in the scene.
How does TACSIGHT compare with other thermal imagers?
TACSIGHT is designed specifically for law enforcement, with user-friendliness and simple reliable operations in mind. One button for power on / off, and one button to manage display brightness, are all it takes. Other cameras require much more user input, which can be dangerous in high-stress, high-risk situations.
TACSIGHT is engineered specifically for law enforcement. The processing software and heat detector have been calibrated specifically for the law enforcement environment. That means the camera is most effective at detecting heat signatures in the temperature range in which you are working – outdoors, in buildings, etc. Other cameras may be configured for the high temperatures of the fire service.
TACSIGHT’s lens is also specific to law enforcement. It provides a greater depth of field than other cameras. That means that an operator can detect a human form and its actions upwards of 1000 feet distance.
TACSIGHT allows the user the option of a large 3.5” bright display OR an attachable monocular eyepiece. Other cameras have no option; the user must always use a permanently attached monocular display, or look down and away from the scene being searched, to a smaller screen.
TACSIGHT is rugged and durable; able to withstand punishing drops and water immersion. Other cameras cannot.
TACSIGHT is the only camera that can provide truly wireless remote transmission, reception and recording.
Is grant funding available for thermal imagers?
Yes! Federal ODP / DOJ grants – especially in FY2004 – include categories specific to law enforcement, and line items that qualify thermal imaging for funding. There are many other grants programs available as well. Bullard provides detailed reference and guidance information to help you with the grant process.
Is thermal imaging evidence accepted by the courts?
Yes! There are many applications that have withstood the test of case law and have therefore been accepted as sound, defensible uses of thermal imaging in law enforcement. Further details can be found through the Law Enforcement Thermographer’s Association (L.E.T.A.)
Didn’t the courts rule that thermal imaging could not be used in surveillance of residences?
No. In 1992, officers conducted surveillance on the house of a suspected marijuana grower (Danny Kyllo) and based upon the abnormal heat signatures coming from the house, entered, found a grow operation, and arrested Kyllo. Subsequent challenges and appeals all the way up to the U.S. Supreme court, resulted in that court’s ruling that there was a violation of 4th amendment rights to privacy, in retreat to one’s own residence. The result? Thermal imaging can still be used for this type of surveillance, BUT probable cause must be established and a prior warrant issued before surveillance. This ruling applies ONLY to surveillance of PRIMARY RESIDENCES.
How about training; is it necessary? Where can I find training resources?
Training is absolutely necessary before use of a thermal imager in case applications. The reason is to be able to demonstrate to the courts that the operator is of course trained and qualified to operate and interpret. Bullard has a team of fully qualified and certified professional trainers on staff to assist you with your training needs in terms of operation and qualification. Additionally, there are many resources for background training, on this site. Most importantly, the Law Enforcement Thermographer’s Association (L.E.T.A.) have a well established and court-recognized training program which certifies students as thermographers. Further details can be found at www.leta.org.
I know thermal imagers are used for surveillance and tactical operations; are there other uses in law enforcement?
Many more! The Law Enforcement Thermographer’s Association (L.E.T.A.) have a list of several approved applications, including the following.
Search and Rescue
Fugitive Searches
Vehicle Pursuits
Flight Safety
Marine and Ground Surveillance
Perimeter Surveillance
Officer Safety
Structure Profiles
Disturbed Surface Scenarios
Environmental Law Enforcement
Hidden Compartments in Vehicles
Details of these applications can be found on this website of L.E.T.A. at www.leta.org