NCJ Number
218968
Journal
Law and Order: The Magazine for Police Management Volume: 55 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2007 Pages: 88-91
Date Published
May 2007
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article argues that night vision devices originally intended for the military are inappropriate for modern police work and introduces a new digital night vision device called SuperVision, which was designed specifically for police work in urban environments.
Abstract
Generation I, II, and III night vision devices were designed for military use in Vietnam where very little ambient light was available at night. These devices work by amplifying every bit of light available, which worked great in the thick jungles of Vietnam but does not work so well in the more lighted environment of a city street. The author explains that when Generation I, II, or III night vision devices fitted with IR illuminators are used for police work, the ample ambient light available on a normal street actually overwhelms the night vision device and causes a white-out effect, temporarily blinding the officer. A better option for law enforcement is the newly developed digital SuperVision device that was specifically designed to operate in urban environments with varying amounts of ambient light. The SuperVision is a “smart” device in that it can discriminate light from dark and make the necessary adjustments so that the picture remains clear; no white-out effect when faced with more light than usual. SuperVision is described as easy to use and affordable at only $1,399, or about one-third of the price of a Generation III goggle. Exhibits