Case study: using infrared technology for evidentiary purposes

摘要

Infrared technology and imaging systems are already used extensively by the law enforcement (LE) community, typically to gain a tactical advantage or obtain immediate situational awareness. As the use of infrared technology becomes more affordable and widespread, LE is finding new ways to use it and leverage the results in the courtroom as evidence. A case study will be presented where infrared imagery was used to support the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) in prosecuting an individual for a crime where a conviction might not have been assured without said imagery. Tests conducted at FLIR Systems, combined with expert witness testimony by a FLIR employee, helped a jury understand the significance of a key piece of infrared evidence, resulting in a conviction of the criminal. This case was the first Federal case of its kind where infrared imagery was used forensically as evidence and, as such, established precedence. Prior to this, infrared imagery has been offered and debated in court only as to whether it constitutes a legal search. Courtroom observations and lessons learned from this trial have shown that both industry and LE can do a better job of making the prosecution's cases stronger utilizing infrared technology and thus taking criminals off the street.