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.