Fire scenes are more complex than ever, with lithium-ion batteries, solar arrays, and wildland-urban interface zones. And with every report now a potential courtroom exhibit, speed alone isn’t enough. You need clarity, consistency, and airtight compliance.
Pricing: Contact for pricing and volume discount inquiries
Dragon is a voice-to-text transcription tool built specifically for law enforcement, legal, and investigative professionals. It allows you to dictate notes, reports, and scene walkthroughs hands-free.
Pricing: Included with Microsoft 365 licenses (Gov plan)
Copilot (Gov Cloud Version) uses generative AI inside Microsoft Word and Excel to help structure, summarize, and enhance reports, all within a CJIS-compliant government cloud environment.
Pricing: $99/month per user (Desktop license); enterprise pricing available
CaseGuard automates redaction and transcription for evidence video, audio, and documents. It’s widely used for bodycam footage, surveillance video, and PII-sensitive materials.
Key Features:
Redacts faces, voices, license plates
Auto-generates transcripts and speaker IDs
Works offline or in secure cloud
Exports ready-to-use trial exhibits
Pros:
Huge time-saver for FOIA or court compliance
One-click redaction for dozens of data types
Powerful transcription engine
Cons:
Best for post-scene processing, not report drafting
Pricing: Starts at $600/month; scalable plans available
AI-powered redaction tool that automates privacy compliance for video/audio assets. Widely used in law enforcement for evidence handling and public disclosure.
Key Features:
Auto-detects faces, names, badges, license plates
Frame-by-frame control with audit logs
Syncs transcript with video for trial prep
Web-based, CJIS-ready interface
Pros:
Saves massive time on redaction
Easy to use with drag-and-drop files
Court-compliant logs and metadata
Cons:
Not a full AI assistant; focused on redaction only
Some complex redactions still need manual touch-up
Pricing: Custom pricing based on deployment scale and specific requirements.
ImageVision AI offers a computer vision platform designed to detect fire and smoke in real-time through video analysis. It's particularly useful for monitoring large or remote areas where traditional sensors may be ineffective.
Key Features:
Real-time detection of fire and smoke using video feeds
Wide-area monitoring capabilities, suitable for expansive or hard-to-reach locations
Advanced algorithms to minimize false alarms by distinguishing between actual threats and environmental factors
Instant alerts to safety teams for prompt response
Pros:
Enables early detection of fire incidents, potentially reducing response times
Adaptable to various environments, including challenging conditions like low lighting
Enhances safety protocols by providing accurate and timely information
Cons:
Primarily designed for detection and monitoring; not a comprehensive report-writing tool
Integration with existing systems may require technical support
Draft AI auto-generates preliminary reports based on data from Axon bodycams and interview recordings. Still in limited rollout, but designed to assist field investigators.
ChatGPT Enterprise offers a secure version of OpenAI’s large language model. When deployed in a strictly controlled private environment, it can help you draft and structure fire investigation reports.
Key Features:
No data logging
Custom instructions and prompt memory
Useful for report polishing, formatting, summarization
Integrates via API or browser
Pros:
Fast drafting of structured reports
Works well for post-scene writeups
High-quality summarization and formatting
Cons:
Not CJIS-compliant unless air-gapped or via Gov Cloud
Cannot process any real case data unless fully anonymized
Pricing: Custom pricing based on agency size and requirements.
Case IQ is an AI-powered investigation management platform designed to streamline the documentation process for investigators. Its Summarization Copilot feature helps compile findings into comprehensive, well-structured reports for consistency and accuracy.
This tool saves valuable time by automating the organization of data, allowing investigators to focus more on analysis and fieldwork.
Key Features:
AI-driven summarization of case details
Integration with various data sources for comprehensive reporting
Customizable templates aligned with departmental standards
Secure, CJIS-compliant data handling
Pros:
Enhances report accuracy and consistency
Reduces time spent on documentation
Seamless integration with existing systems
Maintains compliance with security and privacy standards
Cons:
May require training for optimal use
Integration primarily with Case IQ ecosystem; limited compatibility with third-party systems
Callyo, now under the Motorola umbrella, uses AI for secure audio transcription, evidence tagging, and real-time mobile reporting. It’s built for use in the field, with a focus on voice-to-case intelligence.
Key Features:
Mobile-first voice dictation to RMS report
Built-in audio redaction for compliance
CJIS-secure storage and data handling
Optional GPS/scene timeline tagging
Pros:
Field-ready; works on mobile and tablet
Combines transcription, redaction, and logging
Already used by many first responder agencies
Cons:
Best for audio and speech; not a full LLM assistant
Report narrative quality may need editing
Methodology
To identify the top AI tools for fire investigators in 2025, we focused on platforms that directly support core investigative tasks like report drafting, transcription, evidence handling, and secure documentation. We evaluated each tool based on real-world utility, CJIS compliance or secure deployment options, ease of use, pricing transparency, and relevance to fire scene workflows.
We prioritized tools already used or piloted by public safety agencies and excluded any that introduced legal or evidentiary risk, such as speculative outputs, poor audit trails, or lack of deployment transparency.
How to Choose the Right Tool for Your Agency
Not every agency has a full-stack IT team, and not every investigator has hours to learn a new system. So, how do you decide what’s worth investing in? Look for these key features.
Feature
Why It Matters
CJIS Compliance
Keeps witness data, case files, and reports legally protected
Offline or Private Cloud Options
Prevents data leaks and third-party exposure
Human Review Workflows
Ensures AI outputs are editable, not final
Audit Logging
Creates chain-of-custody integrity for every edit
Specialized Fire Scene Support
Recognizes charring patterns, burn geometry, materials, etc.
Interoperability
Works with your CAD, RMS, or lab systems
We also recommend looking at more than just features. Here’s how to choose the right tool for your agency.
Start with Security: If it’s not CJIS-compliant, it’s not an option. No matter how smart the tool seems, it’s a nonstarter if it can’t handle sensitive data securely. This includes encryption, access control, audit logging, and where the data is stored.
Match the Tool to the Workflow: Different tools solve different problems, like redaction, structuring long-form reports, and speedy transcription. Map your current workflow and identify areas that take up too much time. Choose tools that plug into those choke points.
Assess IT Load and Support: Some platforms, like AWS Bedrock, are powerful but require skilled configuration. Others like Dragon or CaseGuard are more turnkey but have fewer customization options.Always loop in your IT or security lead before you get too deep into demos.
Pilot Before You Purchase: Never roll out a tool department-wide without testing. Use training reports or closed cases to see if the output is accurate and if it actually saves time.If the tool doesn’t improve your reporting process in 30–60 days, it’s probably not worth investing in.
AI Tools Make Evidence Easier to Document, Understand, and Defend
The best AI tools don’t make decisions or replace fieldwork. They support your judgment. That’s why every AI tool you adopt should do one thing: make your evidence easier to document, understand, and defend.
Use AI to structure your narrative, organize your case files, and save you from hours of post-scene typing. Compare your options and pricing plans, but make sure the tool is CJIS compliant.
