More Than Meets the Eye: 3D Technology has Many Uses in Forensics

• NCJ Number: 206166
• Journal: Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 31 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2004 Pages: 80-82,84,87
• Author(s): Steve Scarborough
• Date Published: June 2004
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Best Practice/State-of-the-Art Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article describes the use of 3D technology in forensics work.

Abstract

3D technology, which is now feasible and cost-effective, can be used for many law enforcement applications, such as fingerprint analysis, document examination, ballistics and firearms investigation, and bloodstain pattern analysis. It can also be used to add an additional layer of information to crime scene reconstruction, impression evidence analysis, and odontology. 3D technology operates by quickly processing information based on crime scene measurements into a 3D image. 3D forensic applications are delineated into two main categories: 3D analysis, and 3D documentation and reconstruction. In terms of 3D analysis, forensic investigators can use products like PrintIQ to process and render a digital fingerprint as a 3D surface, enabling investigators to make more accurate fingerprint identifications. PrintIQ overcomes the obstacles of distorted latent prints and low contrast prints to produce a 3D fingerprint image with enough detail to make an identification. This software is also ideal for presenting 3D fingerprint evidence in court. Another area of forensics that can benefit from 3D technology is documentation and reconstruction. Crime Zone by CAD Zone is a 3D crime scene diagramming program that is valuable for courtroom presentations of crime scenes. 3D EyeWitness is another scene reconstruction software package that includes crime scene, fire scene, and traffic accident reconstruction. This software is also useful for pre-raid planning and multi-jurisdiction emergency planning. Different types of hardware for measuring crime scenes are described and range from handheld devices to complex laser scanning tools. Finally, the most promising aspect of 3D forensics use lies in the area of evidence analysis. The variety of 3D software packages that specialize in evidence analysis offer many law enforcement tools, such as bullet and shell casting comparisons, tool marks, bite mark and teeth comparisons, and handwriting analysis.