There was a time when night vision tools and thermal imaging cameras were so cutting edge and so expensive that only the military and the FBI had access to them.
Today, this equipment is playing a greater role in local law enforcement operations. It's less expensive, though still not cheap, and it's much easier to use.
One of the reasons why night vision and thermal imaging have become less expensive is that both are now available from so many sources. In recent years numerous companies have started selling and even manufacturing night vision and thermal imaging equipment.
Many of the companies contacted for this article sell the same ITT Generation 3 systems as their competitors, but they also sell custom systems and accessories that they produce. Other companies make entirely unique lines using their own technology. Here's a quick look at some of the most innovative products now available in the night vision and thermal imaging market.