Computer Use In Forensic Science Mary Kiwanuka

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Computer Use In Forensic ScienceMary Kiwanuka
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Investigators Depend Upon Computer Use

• Crime Scene Processing
• To diagram a crime scene
• Can create 3-D image to depict crime scene.
  Cross-Projection vs. Computer rendered
• Maintain Chain of Custody Documents

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Crime Scene Van
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Digital Photography

• Two Types Used
• CCD Charged coupled device
• More lifelike, and give greater color contrasts
• Majority of cameras found on market
• CMOS Complimentary metal oxide semi-conductor
• Cost effective
• Energy efficient (longer battery life)

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Digital Photography Issues

• Digital cameras are becoming more reliable, still
  the issue of falsification.
• Digital photography is relatively new so there is
  not much research done to control tampering.
• Relatively easy to alter a photograph to ones
  needs.

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Older Cameras Used
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Stringing vs. Computers

• In a cases where the angle of a gunshot or trauma
  needs to be determined there are two current
  options
• Stringing
• Computers

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Stringing vs. Computers

• Stringing when a model of the body is placed in
  the scene and strings are put through it.
• Computers type the coordinates of the angles of
  shots into a program, and the computer compiles a
  3-D image and probability stats. Used with more
  complicated cases.

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Crime Scene

• Every scene must be sketched.
• In the past investigators relied upon the 25ft
  steel retractable tapes.
• Recently the 1000 foot walking wheel and the
  Electronic Ultrasonic Measurer (EUM) was
  introduced.
• EUM is far more dependable, durable and reliable
  than tapes.

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EUM

• The EUM is a device that sends an electrical
  pulse, 250 feet to a fixed surface location.
• This process allows investigators to measure
  large crime scenes with a fair amount of ease.

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Pantograph

• Pantograph is utilized in more than just forensic
  research.
• It is a device that is attached to the top of a
  drafting table.
• Scans the image and increases or decreases the
  size to fit a need.

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Total Station

• Operated by 2-3 people. Maps large areas easily
  and with little intrusion. Can be conducted on a
  busy highway.
• Results are downloaded into a computer with
  mapping software.
• Hours of work can be done in 30 minutes.

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New Software

• Computers are also being utilized to create photo
  composites.
• The main factor is the person who listens to the
  victim. This is not a fool proof method.
• VISATEX
• CD-Fit
• Compu-Sketch
• E Fit

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Composites
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Conclusions

• Computers have increased the capability of
  investigators to do their jobs in many ways.
• The future will only bring with it new and more
  innovative creations.

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Further Research

• http//www.crime-scene-investigator.net