When a photographer takes a picture, there are many aspects to consider: lighting, focus, and subject to name a few. However, if you ask a professional photographer to name one of the most important aspects of taking a good picture, a true photographer would say angles. The same concept applies to thermal imaging. To achieve the image you are searching for, one of the simplest things you can do is to view an object at different angles.
Keeping in mind thermal imagers cannot see through objects, we should change our angle of observation so that we are able to get a clear picture on our TI. During many surveillance observations, our viewpoint may be obscured or blocked by objects such as trees, debris, or other materials. By changing the position of the TI or ourselves, we can greatly improve our chances of seeing an image on our TI screen.
For example, picture a large crime scene at night where there are numerous people, as well as first responder vehicles on scene with bright lights. The bright flashing lights can detract and blind officers. In this situation, your TI is a great tool for assisting in scene assessment and supervision, as it is only affected by temperature. A good angle in a situation like this would be from an elevated position. Use what is around you, like climbing on top of your cruiser or using a fire truck to gain a better view with your TI. From an elevated angle, your TI can help speed up the search for victims, evidence or hiding suspects by providing you with images you may not be able to see from ground level.
In situations when our observation area is obscured, we may not get what we are looking for right away. By simply changing our viewing angles, different heat sources can seep through, giving off a different ambient temperature. Through this, we may be able to get pieces of the puzzle that will fit together to provide the overall picture. For instance, suppose you are searching for a suspect who fled into the woods once he became aware that the cops were after him. If you only scan the wooded area with your TI at one angle, you may see no sign of the suspect. However, if you scan the area with your TI at different angles, your chances of seeing something that looks peculiar or stands out are much greater.
Whether you are training or on patrol with your TI, you can use the following angle techniques to achieve the best image:
- Circle your search area like a clock from the outside toward the middle
- Move closer or further away from your target area
- Get above your area of concern
- Get below if possible and look up
- Never forget your circle of awareness. Always use a tactical approach.
Stay Safe!
