Thermal Imaging camera helps Kennebec County police see in dark
Kennebec County police force used a thermal imaging camera to aid them in the capturing of a wanted criminal. A Night time surveillance operation led to a foot chase and finally the criminal was caught and taken into custody.
Kennebec County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Dutil waited in his cruiser, shrouded in darkness, as the man who had already fled from police twice walked up the quiet road. Philip Justin Fitzherbert was unaware that the Sheriff was hidden in the darkness watching him with the use of a thermal imaging camera. Once Dutil emerged from his car, a surprised Fitzherbert tried to get away but a short foot chase later and he was in custody.
Fitzherbert, 27, of West Gardiner, was arrested on several warrants charging failure to appear and pay fines. The thermal imaging camera played a major role by enabling Dutil to find the wanted man.
The thermal imaging camera translates minuscule temperature differences into images on the cameras LCD screen. Unlike night vision goggles, which collect existing light to enhance night vision, thermal imaging devices allow the user to not only "see" in the dark, but also see areas otherwise invisible to the naked eye, such as behind shrubs. Even footprints or tire tracks are visible for several moments after the person or vehicle that produced them has left the area.
The camera has also been used to collect evidence, including items gathered after a January shooting in Vassalboro, but Fitzherbert was the first person rescued or taken into custody as a result of the camera, Davies said.
"The purpose of the Thermal Imaging camera was to enhance public safety by giving first responders another tool to locate individuals who otherwise could not be seen with the naked eye. It is clearly a benefit as it enables us to see in the dark" Davies said.
Davies hopes to get more Byrne grants to buy more thermal cameras so there would be at least one available on every shift.
Thermal imaging technology is available from e2v, who has a 30 year heritage in the industry. Further information on the Argus handheld thermal imaging camera from e2v can be found by visiting www.argusdirect.com/security.