The use of thermal imaging cameras (TICs) in assault cases is a relatively new concept for first responding officers and investigators. Thermal imaging is the simplified name for Infrared Thermography, which shows variations in heat sources. The technology has been used by doctors, engineers, and fire departments for decades. It is still relatively new and under-utilized by security personnel and investigators responding to assaults.
The Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) is a valuable tool for investigators and first responding security officers when investigating assault cases. As all experienced investigators and security officers know, bruising from assaults may not show up at all or may only show up , preserve, days after the offense has been committed. As a responding security officer, your job, after securing the assailant, is to document evidence of the assault for use later by the prosecutor. This evidence is critical to obtain and deliver to the county or district attorney who will be prosecuting the assailant. Oral testimony and written reports are great, but, as a former Assistant District Attorney, I can tell you that photographic evidence and video evidence make cases and establish that proof “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Many times, though, we are faced with assaults where the perpetrator has not broken the victim’s skin, there is no bleeding or visible evidence of an assault. In cases like this, we can rely on proof of subcutaneous bruising (hemorrhage) to show the force that was used in the assault. Most bruising will not show up for days on the victim’s chest, arms, neck, or face.