Researcher to showcase the future of crime scenes

Published On Tue 11 Sep 2018 by Dominic Younger

New technology may be able to help build a better picture of crime scenes, according to University of Dundee's Roy Mudie, who will discuss the future of crime scene investigation at a Café Science event next week.

“Many of us are familiar with the typical tidy crime scenes in TV and films, but the white-suits is often where the similarities with real-life end,” said Roy, Application Specialist and PhD student at the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS).

“Real crime scenes can be cluttered, cramped and chaotic. Crime scene officers need all the help they can get when recording all of the data at the scene, especially if they are under other constraints, such as radioactive contamination, which can give each team member a very short timeframe to accurately record and gather all the evidence.”

In his first ever presentation for Café Science, Roy will explore how using even something as simple as mobile digital devices whilst at the scene could help facilitate investigations in new ways.

Roy explained, “We are currently testing augmented and virtual reality technologies to accurately record and represent the crime scene to the investigators and ultimately the courts.

“It’s also really important for our investigators to work out what technology actually helps them. When you are already laden with gear, it may make sense to use a mobile rather than an iPad or tablet to capture data. Even some of the latest and greatest technological innovations have their limitations.”

The Future of Crime Scene Investigations takes place at Avery & Co, South Tay Street, from 7pm on Monday 17 September.

The event is free and open to all. There is no need to book in advance but an early arrival is recommended.

Café Science is a monthly series of informal discussions led by leading local researchers that allow members of the public the opportunity to learn more about the ground-breaking science at the Universities of Dundee and Abertay. Launched in 2008, it has attracted over 7000 visitors.

For media enquiries contact:
Dominic Glasgow
Media Relations Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 385131
Email: d.w.glasgow@dundee.ac.uk