``My staff has informed me that the expanded use of appropriate technologies for agents on these federal task forces - law enforcement officers whose duties include serving warrants and apprehending wanted felons - could greatly shift the odds to the good guys, before they have to enter a building where a fugitive is hiding out,'' Nelson wrote Thursday in a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder.
Thermal imaging is one technology while devices designed for the military use radar waves to detect humans through walls or other barriers.
It's unclear whether the technology would have helped in the St. Petersburg shootings Monday, carried out by fugitive Hydra Lacy Jr. The police declined to comment on Nelson's letter.
Robots with remote-controlled surveillance cameras and other technological advances were used during Monday's siege as police searched for Lacy, who was hidden in an attic. St. Petersburg police said the equipment was provided by federal agents and the Department of Homeland Security.
In addition to the two St. Petersburg officers, two Miami police detectives were killed Jan. 20 while trying to apprehend a man wanted for murder.
Some law enforcement agencies in Florida already have access to the equipment, though it's not widespread. Nelson's office said his goal was to see if more could be available. He told Holder he would be willing to sponsor legislation to create a pilot program.
Two law enforcement groups in Florida were generally supportive of the idea.
``Any and all equipment to make law enforcement operations safer is a great idea,'' said Tim Cannon, assistant executive director, of Florida Sheriffs Association and a former captain in the Orange County Sheriff's Office. ``The issue, as with anything else, is funding.''
Times staff writer Jamal Thalji contributed to this report.
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