Court says thermal imaging search supported by probable cause

Lawyers USA

The use of a thermal imaging scanner to search property suspected of serving as a marijuana-growing operation was supported by probable cause, the en banc 8th Circuit has ruled.

The warrant, which was based on information from an informant, authorized aerial use of a thermal imaging device to detect excess heat emanating from a home owned by the defendant.

The imaging results were consistent with indoor marijuana growth. The police obtained a warrant to search the home and found more than 500 marijuana plants.