Pubdate: Sun, 17 Jun 2001
Source: Spartanburg Herald Journal (SC)
Copyright: 2001 The Spartanburg Herald-Journal
Contact:  http://www.goupstate.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/977
Author: Associated Press

POLICE IN S.C. USE THERMAL IMAGING DEVICES

CHARLESTON -- A drug agent in South Carolina says he will miss being 
able to use heat-sensing devices to look through walls for drug 
activity.

In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday that using the 
device is like performing a search without a warrant.

Agents used the thermal imaging devices to detect excess heat inside 
houses. Marijuana growers often use high-powered sunlamps when 
cultivating the plants indoors.

Drug Enforcement Administration agents have used the machines in 
South Carolina for several years, said acting special agent Jim 
Matthews.

''It's a great tool, a great final nail in the coffin for confirming 
what we usually already suspect is going on,'' he said.

Agents did not randomly check houses, Matthews said. The device only 
was used when police had other reasons to suspect someone was growing 
marijuana.

''It's more like we know that someone has a $900 power bill or are 
stealing power, and we have other reasons to suspect that's what's 
going on, then we point the imaging device at the house, and it just 
lights up and confirms what we thought,'' Matthews said.

The ruling will hamper some of the DEA's efforts, Matthews said.

''Defense lawyers know it's a pain to get a search warrant already. 
This is just another way to slow us down,'' he said.

Other Lowcountry police agencies weren't happy with the decision 
either, but most say it won't affect their drug cases.

''If it's necessary, we have the capability to use these devices, but 
we're not driving around with millions of dollars of equipment 
looking to catch someone. It's not a major blow, just an added 
step,'' said North Charleston Police Sgt. Kevin Hux.

In Dorchester County, the device isn't used much either, said 
sheriff's Lt. James Nettles.

''I can't say I'm happy with the decision, but I don't see where it 
will impact us a great deal,'' he said.
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