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InfraRed Imaging Solutions Inc. has teamed
up with National Helicopters Inc. to provide law enforcement
agencies throughout Canada and Mexico with aerial grow home
detection services. Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) has various
applications needed to assist government agencies in fighting
crime. The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that police do not need
a warrant to scan homes with infrared imagers. These units
detect excessive heat exfiltration that can be caused by
pot-growing operations inside the home. Unlike the U.S. Supreme
Court, which took a strict view of the sanctity of the home and
required police to obtain warrants before infrared technology
can be used, simply defeating the purpose.
The Supreme Court ruling overturns an
Ontario of Appeal decision written by Justice Rosalie Abella.
The case involves Walter Tessling of Kingsville, Ontario, who
was charged in 1999 after police found marijuana with an
estimated street value of $15,000 - $20,000, and several guns in
his home. Tessling lost a bid at trial to have evidence tossed
out on the basis of an invalid search warrant. He was sentenced
to 18 months for drug and firearms charges.


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In 2004, Peel Region Police Force
seized 164 marijuana grow home operations. These numbers
will continue to increase due to the large financial
gains. InfraRed Imaging Solutions Inc. offers
state-of-the-art imaging technology, well maintained
helicopters and cost effective pricing. We offer our
services throughout Canada and Mexico using certified
thermographers. Police can use infrared devices on
homes, top court rules.
CBC News: OTTAWA - “The police use of infrared devices
as surveillance tools on homes is not a violation of a
person's right to privacy, Canada's top court ruled on
Friday. In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court of
Canada ruled that police can use the devices, which give
a clear image of thermal energy or heat radiation,
without obtaining a warrant. The court ruled that the
device can be used because it doesn't reveal any
intimate details of a person's lifestyle "or part of his
core biographical data."
In April 1999, the RCMP used a plane
equipped with an infrared camera to fly over the home of
Walter Tessling. Two informants had told investigators
that the home was being used as a marijuana grow
operation. |
Without a warrant, police used the camera to see if heat was
coming from the house. Police later obtained a search warrant
and found a large quantity of marijuana and several guns.
Tessling was charged with a variety of drug and weapons
offences. At trial, he argued that the use of the infrared
equipment was a violation of his Charter right to be free from
unreasonable search and seizure. But the court ruled that the
device only showed that some of the activities in the house
generate heat.” The heat distribution information offered no
insight into his private life. |