These features allow officers to generate evidence which might be very helpful in prosecution. For example, a helicopter equipped with FLIR could assist ground vehicles in a high-speed pursuit of a stolen automobile. As soon as the helicopter arrived in the area of the pursuit, it could begin to record the events occurring on the ground. The system could continue to videotape the suspect as he fled through backyards and assist aviation personnel in directing officers on the ground in order to make an apprehension. FLIR may be one of the best options for vision enhancement under conditions of obscured visibility.
Some jurisdictions frequently encounter problems due to fog or haze.
Vision systems which amplify available light may be less effective under such conditions. While FLIR does have a limited ability to penetrate smoke, dust, haze, or fog, it is generally more effective than the naked eye or conventional night vision enhancement systems under such conditions. Fire departments have been using helmet-mounted FLIR systems for several years to aid personnel in searching for victims in fires. These systems not only allow fire fighters to conduct a more thorough search in less time, but a search could be done with fewer personnel, placing fewer lives at risk in the performance of dangerous operations. FLIR can also be a valuable tool for police personnel conducting surveillance or security operations.