Shaping Future Forensics: Unveiling the Impact of Laser Scanning Technology in Cranfield University’s Forensic Programme

With scanners in hand and keen eyes darting around a simulated crime scene, students at Cranfield University are stepping into the field of futuristic forensics. Cranfield’s Forensic Programme is advancing forensic investigations through laser scanning, pioneering the future of real-world applications and shaping aspiring crime scene investigators.

Crime Scene House at the Cranfield University_evidence-collection

The Headway in Forensics at Cranfield University

Bridging Academia and Industry_Dr Kate HewinsDr Kate Hewins, the director of the university’s Programme, has a long career in forensics. She introduces us to the Programme, which is far-reaching in its influence. Dr Hewins’ speciality is crime scene surveying, laser scanning, reconstruction, and 3D modelling—all critical domains in forensic investigations. Her extensive background has enabled her to develop targeted workshops and courses for the UK police and prison service. Her passion for educating frontline workers and her vast knowledge make Cranfield University’s Forensic Programme a noteworthy contributor to shaping future crime scene investigators.

A key focus of their work is to bridge the gap between academia and the industry, fostering collaborations that improve research and forensic operations.

Dr Hewins speaks at length about the university’s Crime Scene House, a Leica-sponsored facility offering a controlled environment to replicate real crime scenes. This resource enhances the practical skills of prospective crime scene investigators, from scene management techniques and proper evidence handling to comprehensive documentation practices.

Embracing Laser Scanning Technology: A Game-Changer for Forensic Investigations

Cranfield University’s journey with laser scanning began in 2008 when it became the pioneer in UK law enforcement to adopt a Leica scanner. This early adoption marked a significant advancement in forensic investigations, allowing crime scene surveys to become more thorough, with investigators able to capture every detail at a crime scene without missing potential evidence for future reference. As Dr Hewins explains, laser scanning technology gave the investigative teams the advantage of capturing every detail in the crime scene at a single point in time.

Today, the university uses Leica’s cutting-edge RTC360 scanner, which captures even minute details, significantly changing the field of forensic investigation. The controlled setting of the Leica-sponsored Crime Scene House enables prospective Crime Scene Investigators to get hands-on training in scene management. The training is comprehensive and realistic, from approaching and cataloguing a scene to capturing photographs correctly and understanding evidence-handling techniques.

The “Crime Scene House”: A Game-Changing Initiative

The Leica-sponsored Crime Scene House is at the heart of this synergy between academia and industry. This facility is designed to replicate real crime scenes in a controlled setting to sharpen the skill sets of prospective crime scene investigators.

Leica-sponsored Crime Scene House at the Cranfield University (UK)

Access to this hands-on training facility enables prospective Crime Scene Investigators to learn scene management, including how to strategise scene cordoning, take accurate photographs, jot down meticulous scene notes, and handle, collect, and retain evidence that complies with current standards.

This practical exposure significantly enhances students’ understanding, preparing them for real-world challenges they will eventually face in their careers.

The Transformative Power of 3D Printing in Forensic Investigations

A path-breaking addition to the arsenal of forensic investigation tools is 3D printing. Introduced at Cranfield University in 2015, this advanced technology enables the recreation of real objects used in crimes, such as weapons. The tangible aspect of 3D-printed evidence can sometimes help juries understand the dynamics of the crime better than 2D plans or 3D views, enabling them to view and understand the evidence physically.

The Future of Forensic Investigations: Virtual Reality

Cranfield University is exploring virtual reality in its pursuit of technological advancements to aid forensic investigation. This initiative is expected to run parallel with the 3D printing initiative, offering jurors an immersive, near-reality experience and helping interpret crime scene evidence.

A Driving Force Behind Policy Changes

One outcome that significantly shows Cranfield’s Forensic Programme’s impact is its influence on policy changes. Research insights carried out at the University have led to adjustments in policies at international levels. For instance, research conducted by Dr Bailey Henwood, one of Dr Hewins’ former PhD students, led to modifications in policies concerning serial number restorations on firearms at the UN level.

Cranfield University is setting an international standard in forensic academia. Their strides in technological application in forensics, particularly laser scanning, 3D printing, and soon Virtual Reality, depict a future where justice is administered more accurately and efficiently. Dr Hewins’ insights into the real-world application of these technologies and her openness to collaborating with the industry inspire confidence in forensic investigations’ continuous evolution.

Watch the interview with Dr Kate Hewins to learn more:

Dr Kate Hewins from the Cranfield University in interview with Leica Public Safety & Forensics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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