High Definition Surveying Benefits Crime Scene Investigations - Business - Industrial Mechanical

An enjoyable crime novel is often one where crime scene investigators have a difficult time determining what happened at a crime scene. But in real life, confusing crime scenes can be more than just a source of frustration for investigators; they can mean that the guilty party goes free. While TV dramas that focus on the litigious aspect of brining criminals to justice can make it seem as if the burden of proof rests with an attorney's arguments, real world crime cases are seldom won on the strength of an attorney's oratory; they are won on the basis of irrefutable evidence that exposes what was involved at a crime scene. In addition to collecting traditional forms of crime scene evidence, such as DNA and fingerprints, many crime scene units now collect further scientific evidence by using high definition surveying.

High definition surveying-also referred to as 3D laser surveying and laser scanning-uses the power of laser scanning technology to record the spatial data of a crime scene and then manipulate the data from a variety of vantage points to determine the objective aspects of a crime scene. For example, high definition surveying allows investigators to calculate the angles and distances between objects to determine bullet trajectory. And in the case of motor accident crime scenes, the technology allows investigators to determine vehicle yaw and critical speed marks. After the scanning device records the crime scene data to a computer, investigators can even produce 3D movie animations to better visualize the chain of events that led to a crime or gain insight into particular events such as the firing of a gun. A valuable tool for crime scene investigators, high definition surveying is also a valuable tool for prosecutors. Instead of using words or photographs to communicate the elements of a crime scene, attorneys can use 3D movie animations to walk a jury through what happened.

While many U.S. police departments are currently implementing laser scanning software, hiring full time employees to operate it and produce crime scene representations, the cost of laser scanning software continues to be its biggest criticism. However, while laser scanning software is more expensive than an investigator's traditional camera, notepad and pen, its ultimate value lies in the fact that, once a crime scene has been scanned, its full data can be accessed at any point in the future. For example, if an investigator failed to measure the height of a bullet strike, the scanned data can provide the answer in a matter of seconds. Furthermore, for departments that consider scanning software cost prohibitive, there is always the option of hiring a third party 3D laser surveying provider, most of whom can wrap up the surveying process in a matter of hours.