Forensic AR/VR

1ST YEAR ON THE LIST

Augmented and virtual reality are useful tools for investigators in re-creating and analyzing crime scenes, and their insights have been used as supporting evidence in court.

KEY INSIGHT

Criminal investigations are evolving with the help of augmented and virtual reality tools, allowing analysts to re-create and explore destroyed or compromised crime scenes.

EXAMPLES

Australian forensic technology company Augmented Forensics uses photogrammetric image capture, 3D modeling, and AR and VR simulations to re-create crime scenes at 1:1 scale, giving investigators the opportunity to remotely walk through forensic scenes and analyze evidence, even after the environment has been altered. Forensic Architecture, a research agency based at Goldsmiths, University of London applies similar techniques with a focus on architecture and physical spaces, as it investigates human rights abuses and then shares its work with parliamentary inquiries, citizens’ tribunals, and the U.N. In 2020, the agency 3D-modeled a scene at the Palestinian city of Hebron that couldn’t be analyzed in person because of conflict in the region. Their model was then examined and used to corroborate testimony that an Israeli soldier had illegally beaten a Palestinian man at the site two years prior.

DISRUPTIVE IMPACT

Though AR and VR are useful forensic tools, their use in court as pivotal trial evidence will likely be controversial. Until the tech is widely accepted in the legal system, forensic AR and VR will serve mostly as an auxiliary tool for investigators.

EMERGING PLAYERS

• Augmented Forensics • Forensic Architecture