This is a close-up look at the Forward Looking Infrared Radar (FLIR) camera that is mounted on the Washington State Patrol plane. The Department of Homeland Security paid for two of the specialized cameras. Each camera cost $500,000.
Much like the video we see from the U.S. military, the FLIR technology allows law enforcement to target certain vehicles, day or night, through visual or heat-sensing technology.
The Washington State Patrol operates two of these traffic planes. The planes are based in Olympia but fly to the greater Puget Sound area frequently to help with law enforcement and traffic control. The plane costs $150 an hour to operate.