NCJ Number
191301
Date Published
1998
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This chapter evaluates the use of sensory-enhancing technology by law enforcement in terrorist situations.
Abstract
A crucial need in response to a terrorist incident is the tools for gathering and analyzing information to be used in scenes involving hostile, armed, and barricaded subjects. Accurate information regarding the exact location, condition, and activities of terrorists and hostages is crucial to success. The most basic form of sensory enhancing technology is based on the refraction of visible light waves. Ambient light magnification technology requires an unobstructed line of sight to be effective. Another type of light wave enhancement technology involves the penetration of the walls of buildings to insert a plastic optical fiber. This can be used by investigating officers to safely view the activities inside a building. Various audio amplification devices are used for assistance when sound is too faint to be heard at a particular location. Infrared light allows the user to observe terrorist activity during the cover of darkness. Radar can be used in many situations where the exact location of the target or human subject is not apparent. The current technology can only provide an approximation of the facts needed to make informed tactical decisions. Along with the reliance on surveillance technology comes significant legal debates on weighing societal security against individual privacy interests.