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.