Zistos is a proud American company providing the latest technology in surveillance cameras and digital transmission systems. One of their outstanding offerings is the StealthSCOPE SSM. A portable camera with IR technology, the StealthSCOPE SSM can provide officers critical intelligence prior to jumping off into the great unknown.
Though the Zistos StealthSCOPE™ was particularly designed and targeted to SWAT Teams and tactical operations, I believe the StealthSCOPE has several other useful operations in the Patrol function. Zistos is proud to design and manufacture their products right here in the U.S.A.
From the Zistos site:
The StealthSCOPE is a videoscope that combines a powerful internal 980nm IR laser light source (completely invisible to the human eye) with electronically-enhanced, low-light video processing. Its 9mm diameter allows it to be inserted into small openings and tight areas. It can generate images of objects and individuals as far as 20+ feet away in pitch darkness.
This innovative battery-powered device has a built-in high-resolution monocular video display and is completely functional by itself. It features a four-way, articulating tip and a submersible, semi-rigid, flex-and-stay guide tube which holds its shape — making it easier and safer than ever to see around corners, over walls, under doors, and inside vents and ceilings.
StealthSCOPE is supplied with hard carry case, two rechargeable lithium batteries, battery charger, battery cradle, and rigid guide tube. It is compatible with an optional Zistos 5.6″ LCD to allow additional viewers.
Zistos StealthSCOPE SSM Specifications
- Monocular Resolution – 640 x 480
- Power – Internal rechargeable lithium ion battery, (2) included
- Optional Power – Disposable CR123 3V batteries
- Battery Life – 2 hours with illumination on; 6 hours with illumination off
- Internal Light Source – 980NM
- Length – Semi-Rigid .5M (20″) / 1M (39″)
- Length Flexible 1M (39″); 1.5M (59″); 2M (79″); 3M (118″)
- Diameter – Semi-Rigid 9mm (.36″)
- Operating Temperature: 14F to 122F;-10C to 50C
- MSRP – Company Contact Required.
The basic design has the user placing their eye to a flexible scope to view images from the camera. However, the StealthSCOPE also has optional LED screens that allow an easier viewing of the scope’s video for the operator and others – both near and far.
The StealthSCOPE has an articulating arm, that is easily controlled by the operator at the handle. This allows the officer to place or insert the StealthSCOPE in whatever manner that is necessary, while still allows a near 360-degree viewing from the articulation. The black and white image is electronically processed for enhanced image clarity.
Tactical Applications
The Zistos StealthSCOPE is a perfect tool for viewing into windows, or underneath doors prior to a tactical entry, or to just gain intelligence on a particular target. It’s lightweight and compact design makes the StealthSCOPE ideal for tactical or EOD teams, without becoming too burdensome.
The IR technology provides clear images in low-light or no-light conditions, without exposing officers’ positions through the use of white light sources. This type of instrument can prove vital in the most dangerous situations faced by law enforcement today.
In situations where stealth is not as much a concern, the StealthSCOPE’s white light illumination feature can provide a clearer image of tucked away locations where drugs, weapons, or other contraband may be hidden. The StealthSCOPE can provide EOD units an initial assessment of suspicious packages, prior to the deployment of robots, or X-ray machines.
Easy hand controls allow officer to quickly master the StealthSCOPE, and the additional LED screens allow Team Leaders or Commanders to see “real-time” intelligence prior to finalizing or authorizing mission parameters. In addition, once tactical operations are engaged, difficult corners, fatal funnels, and difficult hiding places can be scanned from the relative safety of a final cover position.
Patrol Applications
Despite being heavily targeted to tactical operations, the Zistos StealthSCOPE can also provide unique and very beneficial support to the Patrol function. There are many times that an officer has stopped a vehicle that they “know” contains contraband, but traditional search methods fail to produce the evidence, leaving officers frustrated and doubting themselves.
The StealthSCOPE can view into areas not typically available to patrol officers in the time constraints of normal traffic stops. Now gas tanks, air vents, door panels, engine compartments, and underneath seats and the front dash area, are all easily accessed to view potential hiding places.
Additionally, patrol officer often find themselves searching residences and businesses on alarm calls or found open doors or windows. These are not situations that justify the call-out of tactical teams, but still require patrol officers to exercise extreme caution and sound tactics in searching the area for potential burglars.
There are also plenty of times when searching for missing children that locations are found (both inside and outside) that are large enough for children to enter, but not large enough for officers to investigate. The StealthSCOPE can reach into these unknown areas and provide definitive answers in the search.
Every patrol officer knows the dreaded crawl space, attic opening, or darkened basement stairwell that provide ideal ambush points for a hidden adversary. With the StealthSCOPE, and its extending arm, patrol officers can now view these areas from relative safety with additional officers standing ready for fire support.
Final Thoughts
I really like the compact design of the Zistos StealthSCOPE. It’s articulating, semi-rigid arm, the ability to extend the video camera up to 9 feet, and the IR technology are all incredible benefits that provide officers important intelligence prior to any action. Though not inexpensive, the StealthSCOPE has far-reaching applications beyond the obvious SWAT, EOD, and tactical operations. A single StealthSCOPE, made available to patrol officers as well, could provide incredible protections and discoveries for a police agency.