What is a key function of the Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) technology?

The key function of Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) technology is to detect heat signatures. This technology operates by measuring infrared radiation emitted by objects, which allows it to identify warm bodies or heat sources in various environments, even in complete darkness or through obscurants like smoke or fog.

This capability is crucial for border patrol operations, as it aids in surveillance and monitoring activities, helping agents detect unauthorized crossings or illegal activities that might otherwise go unnoticed. The ability to see heat signatures enhances situational awareness and provides law enforcement with valuable information to respond effectively to potential threats.

While enhancing daylight visibility and tracking weather patterns may be important in many contexts, those functions are not specific to FLIR technology. Recording video footage could be a secondary capability of some FLIR systems, but it is not the primary function that distinguishes FLIR from other imaging technologies.