Video systems are the backbone of most modern security systems. They help security personnel detect and recognize people who don’t belong in specific areas and who warrant suspicion. Low cost, low power uncooled thermal imaging sensors have completely changed the way the world views the video systems used in security, surveillance and law enforcement. Thermal Imaging (TI) is the only completely passive, all-weather, 24-hr surveillance tool that allows security personnel to take back the night, something they couldn’t do with inferior techniques of surveillance. This paper addresses advances in IR senosrs for law enforcement and security. It also addresses the bigger picture of using these sensors in the ever evolving and improving law enforcement and security surveillance system.