NCJ Number
226230
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 57 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2009 Pages: 24-31
Date Published
January 2009
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article provides an overview of available night vision technologies and guidelines to help the user purchase the most useful and cost-effective equipment to meet the requirements of the user and/or department.
Abstract
There are three basic night vision technologies currently available: image intensifying, thermal, and digital. Digital night vision is still a few years from being on a par with the best image intensifying devices. Digital does not work in total darkness like thermal imagers. The image intensifier is the most common night vision technology. The state-of-the-art intensifier will deliver crisp, bright images without noticeable grain unless the light level is very low. Thermal imaging is a type of infrared (IR) imaging that detects radiation in the IR range of the electromagnetic spectrum and produces images of the radiation, essentially based on the heat of the object in question. Modern thermal imagers are similar to the latest image intensifying devices. However, thermal imagers have limited capability for facial recognition and details of objects viewed, and they cannot see through clear glass or thick foliage. Night vision capability is one of those technologies that every police department should have at the top of their list to acquire. However, of the several night vision technologies available, the advantages and disadvantages are widely unknown. This article provides an overview of the available night vision technologies to help assist law enforcement agencies in determining the equipment that meets their specific requirements.