Vice President Al Gore wants the federal government to provide law enforcement officials with cutting-edge technologies to fight crime.
On Tuesday, Gore announced that the Energy, Treasury and Justice departments will work together to develop next-generation crime-fighting tools.
"Crime is becoming increasingly high-tech, from Internet predators to sophisticated bomb builders," Gore said. "But today, we have a message to criminals: 'Beware, because we are going to come after you with technologies you've never seen before.' "
The gadgets being developed include: chemical-analysis machines that can gather crime-scene data; software to track cellular phone fraud; and hand-held video devices that can help agents visually reconstruct crime scenes.
The Energy Department has already signed agreements with the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to facilitate the transfer of technology and technical expertise to law enforcement officials, Gore said.
DOE, with the help of the FBI and the ATF, also plans to develop technologies based on research at its national laboratories. These technologies will provide future forensic and crime scene investigation tools.
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