Pubdate: Fri, 23 Mar 2001
Source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer (WA)
Copyright: 2001 Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Contact:  P.O. Box 1909, Seattle, WA 98111-1909
Website: http://www.seattle-pi.com/
Author: LEWIS KAMB

MILITARY GEAR ENLISTED IN DRUG WAR

High-Tech Gadgets Used In Gulf Conflict Displayed For Police

The same technology used by Persian Gulf War soldiers to spot enemy troops 
in the wind-swept dunes of Iraq could be coming to a drug-infested street 
corner near you.

Thermal-imaging scopes, night-vision goggles, digital wiretaps and a slew 
of other gadgets were on display for more than 130 law enforcement agents 
from nine states who gathered yesterday in Seattle.

Some of the high-tech devices were deemed too top-secret for reporters to 
even peek at.

The conference, sponsored by the White House Office of National Drug 
Control Policy, gave narcotics agents and police administrators an 
opportunity to learn more about the latest weapons to be unleashed in the 
war on drugs -- and how their departments can get the gizmos free of charge.

Over the past three years, the federal government has distributed more than 
1,800 pieces of advanced crime-fighting equipment to 1,325 local and state 
law enforcement agencies through its $13 million-a-year "technology 
transfer" program.

"These federally developed technologies locate hidden drugs, penetrate even 
total darkness and make court-ordered wiretaps a whole lot more effective," 
said Al Brandenstein, director and chief scientist of the drug policy office.

The high cost of the equipment, however, has kept it out of reach of most 
police and sheriff's departments.

"Getting this kind of technology into the hands of local law enforcement 
can make a huge difference," said Seattle police Chief Gil Kerlikowske, who 
addressed the conference.

A hand-held thermal-imaging camera -- used by Border Patrol officers to 
spot people and other heat sources up to a half-mile away -- runs about 
$13,000.

A video-stabilization processor that can enhance shaky video footage so 
police get clear reads of license plates and identities costs $10,000.

And the price for Data Locator, a computer system that allows easier access 
to police reports, court records and other information in different 
databases, is $400,000.

Seattle police sent about six officers to the workshop to examine the tools 
and look into "accessing whatever funding we can to get them," Kerlikowske 
said. The Pierce County Sheriff's Department has already received two 
thermal imagery devices from the federal agency, Lt. Larry Minturn said.

Several Pierce County deputies attended the conference to learn more 
practical applications for the devices in fighting the growing 
methamphetamine problem there. With more than 300 meth labs uncovered last 
year, the county ranks as the third-most-active methamphetamine hot spot in 
the nation, Minturn said.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart