This technology uses thermal imaging to detect heat from bodies, engines, doors, and windows in both nighttime and daytime. The imagers on the helicopter can both locate suspects and direct ground units so as to substantially reduce the danger to law enforcement officers. The uses of this technology are illustrated by the experiences of law enforcement agencies in Huntington Beach, Calif., Georgia, Miami and Dade County (Fla.), Fort Worth, Tex., Los Angeles County (Calif.), and Onondaga County (N.Y.). Technological advances promise the ability to determine exact locations during remote agency searches, microwave relays between a FLIR helicopter and a police command center, and other advances.