How Is Thermal Imaging Used by the DEA?

Thermal imaging has been a highly debated issue as to whether it is legal and avoids search and seizure law.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) uses several different forms of technology to help enforce federal drug laws.

Definition

Thermal imaging is where a special camera is used to produce an image. This image is heat-generated. The heat the camera senses generates an image viewable on a screen.

Use

The DEA uses thermal imaging to produce evidence of possible drug production without violating United States search and seizure laws.

Interpretation

Specialists in the DEA work specifically in reading and interpreting thermal images. These specialists can read these images to show if there is an indication of drug production. Thermal images read by specialists are most comely used to support evidence of marijuana production.

References

• News Briefs: Thermal Imaging, Newest Weapon in "War on Drugs"
• HydroponicSearch.com: indoor cultivation, marijuana and thermal imaging