The state has a zero tolerance statute that prohibits anyone under 21 from driving after consuming any alcohol. Bonnie Labatt, executive director of MADD in Minnesota, told me she believed the presence of the flashlight sensor will act as a deterrent for underage drinkers. Groups like the American Civil Liberties Union have reservations about the use of the device. They claim that it is an invasion of privacy and breaches the Fourth Amendment, which protects us from unreasonable search and seizure. Further it violates plain sight doctrine, because a police officer is not using his own senses exclusively.
Proponents counter that it is similar to wearing glasses to improve sight.
For example, St. Charles Chief of Police Alex Bebris calls the device an extension of senses. His department received the unit last week, but is in the process of training the force and have not used it yet. Stopping underage drinking is an admirable goal, and no one wants drunk drivers on the road. But there is a fine line to walk here. I am concerned that devices of this sort could open the gates to other seemingly benign uses of technology.