NCJ Number
222625
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 56 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2008 Pages: 69-71
Date Published
March 2008
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the various scenarios likely to be encountered by police officers in which night vision technology and equipment can improve officer safety and effectiveness in performing their duties.
Abstract
Because criminals prefer to commit their offenses under low-light or darkness conditions in order to avoid visual detection, officers can expect to perform their law enforcement duties under these conditions. Night vision technology is a versatile tool that allows law enforcement officers to see individuals and their movements as well as objects or weapons they may be carrying under conditions of low or no light. Officers with night vision devices have the advantage of seeing without being seen by perpetrators, increasing their advantage and safety. Night vision devices are not only useful in responding to low-light and no-light crimes in progress as well as nighttime crime scenes, but also in performing searches and rescues at night. On many occasions, it is important that rescues and searches be conducted as quickly as possible without regard to whether it is daytime or nighttime. Night vision devices are essential for saving lives under such conditions.