Computer Use In Computer Use In Forensic ScienceForensic Science

Mary KiwanukaMary Kiwanuka

Investigators Depend Upon Investigators Depend Upon Computer UseComputer Use

Crime Scene Crime Scene ProcessingProcessing• To diagram a crime To diagram a crime

scenescene• Can create 3-D image Can create 3-D image

to depict crime scene. to depict crime scene. Cross-Projection vs. Cross-Projection vs. Computer renderedComputer rendered

Maintain Chain of Maintain Chain of Custody DocumentsCustody Documents

Crime Scene VanCrime Scene Van

Digital PhotographyDigital Photography

Two Types UsedTwo Types Used• CCD: Charged coupled CCD: Charged coupled

devicedevice More lifelike, and give More lifelike, and give

greater color contrasts greater color contrasts Majority of cameras Majority of cameras

found on marketfound on market

• CMOS: Complimentary CMOS: Complimentary metal oxide semi-metal oxide semi-conductor conductor

Cost effectiveCost effective Energy efficient (longer Energy efficient (longer

battery life)battery life)

Digital Photography IssuesDigital Photography Issues

Digital cameras are becoming more Digital cameras are becoming more reliable, still the issue of falsification.reliable, still the issue of falsification.

Digital photography is relatively new Digital photography is relatively new so there is not much research done so there is not much research done to control tampering.to control tampering.

Relatively easy to alter a photograph Relatively easy to alter a photograph to one’s needs.to one’s needs.

Older Cameras UsedOlder Cameras Used

Stringing vs. ComputersStringing vs. Computers

In a cases where In a cases where the angle of a the angle of a gunshot or trauma gunshot or trauma needs to be needs to be determined there determined there are two current are two current optionsoptions• StringingStringing• ComputersComputers

Stringing vs. ComputersStringing vs. Computers Stringing: when a model of Stringing: when a model of

the body is placed in the the body is placed in the scene and strings are put scene and strings are put through it.through it.

Computers: type the Computers: type the coordinates of the angles of coordinates of the angles of shots into a program, and the shots into a program, and the computer compiles a 3-D computer compiles a 3-D image and probability stats. image and probability stats. Used with more complicated Used with more complicated cases.cases.

Crime SceneCrime Scene

Every scene must be sketched.Every scene must be sketched. In the past investigators relied upon In the past investigators relied upon

the 25ft steel retractable tapes.the 25ft steel retractable tapes.

Recently the 1000 foot walking wheel Recently the 1000 foot walking wheel and the Electronic Ultrasonic and the Electronic Ultrasonic Measurer (EUM) was introduced.Measurer (EUM) was introduced.

EUM is far more dependable, durable EUM is far more dependable, durable and reliable than tapes.and reliable than tapes.

EUMEUM

The EUM is a device that sends an The EUM is a device that sends an electrical pulse, 250 feet to a fixed electrical pulse, 250 feet to a fixed surface location.surface location.

This process allows investigators to This process allows investigators to measure large crime scenes with a measure large crime scenes with a fair amount of ease. fair amount of ease.

PantographPantograph

Pantograph is utilized in more than Pantograph is utilized in more than just forensic research. just forensic research.

It is a device that is attached to the It is a device that is attached to the top of a drafting table. top of a drafting table.

Scans the image and increases or Scans the image and increases or decreases the size to fit a need.decreases the size to fit a need.

Total StationTotal Station Operated by 2-3 Operated by 2-3

people. Maps large people. Maps large areas easily and with areas easily and with little intrusion. Can be little intrusion. Can be conducted on a busy conducted on a busy highway.highway.

Results are Results are downloaded into a downloaded into a computer with computer with mapping software.mapping software.

Hours of work can be Hours of work can be done in 30 minutes.done in 30 minutes.

New SoftwareNew Software

Computers are also being utilized to Computers are also being utilized to create photo composites. create photo composites.

The main factor is the person who The main factor is the person who listens to the victim. This is not a fool listens to the victim. This is not a fool proof method.proof method.• VISATEX VISATEX • CD-Fit CD-Fit • Compu-SketchCompu-Sketch• E FitE Fit

CompositesComposites

ConclusionsConclusions

Computers have increased the Computers have increased the capability of investigators to do their capability of investigators to do their jobs in many ways.jobs in many ways.

The future will only bring with it new The future will only bring with it new and more innovative creations.and more innovative creations.

Further ResearchFurther Research

http://www.crime-scene-investigator.http://www.crime-scene-investigator.netnet