WASHINGTON (CNN) -- At the request of federal law enforcement, the Pentagon is looking at what types of military reconnaissance and surveillance equipment might be used in the investigation of the Washington-area sniper attacks, CNN has learned.

But senior defense officials said no decision has been made.

The plan would mandate that civilian law enforcement officials work hand-in-hand with the military. Military sources said that troops would be used solely to operate equipment and point out potential targets to law enforcement.

That procedure would avoid any potential conflict with the Posse Comitatus Act, the 1878 law that prohibits the military from direct involvement in civilian law enforcement.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, would have to sign an order allowing the equipment to be used.

Once a decision is made to proceed with the use of military assets, the Pentagon may acknowledge the move but will not detail the capabilities of the equipment used, officials said.

The sniper has killed nine people and wounded two in Washington, Maryland and Virginia since October 2. The most recent shooting happened Monday night outside a Home Depot in Falls Church, Virginia. (Full story)