Revolutionizing Evidence Collection of 3D Scanning
The Corpus Christi Police Department has taken a significant leap forward in crime scene documentation by integrating advanced 3D scanning technology into its investigative processes. This cutting-edge technology captures crime scenes 360 degrees, providing detailed, three-dimensional images and precise measurements.
Enhanced Accuracy and Detail of 3D Scanning
Traditionally, crime scene investigators relied on pencils, graph paper, and conventional photographs to document evidence, a method limited to two-dimensional representations and prone to human error. However, the introduction of 3D scanners has dramatically transformed this process. “We were just doing 2D on paper; it was as accurate as we could get it to be. This has almost no error to it,” explained Jennifer Gintovt, a crime scene investigator with the department.
The new scanners enable investigators to add data points and measurements to specific evidence markings, thus providing a highly accurate visual representation of the scene. “We can place the investigators, jurors, and district attorneys inside the crime scene so that they can see how the evidence relates, much more so than just the standard photograph or two-dimensional floor plan could do,” said Robert May, Crime Lab Manager for the Forensic Department.
Impact on Legal Proceedings and Cold Cases
The detailed recreations made possible by 3D scanning technology have profoundly impacted the department’s ability to articulate what is observed at a crime scene. “It has significantly changed how we can articulate what we see on the scene,” Gintovt remarked. This clarity is particularly crucial during legal proceedings, where evidence’s precise layout and positioning can be pivotal in the outcome.
Moreover, the technology offers unique advantages in revisiting cold cases, some of which may be decades old. “Not only are we able to go back to exactly where that position was at the time, but we can do that whether it’s a cotton field or a subdivision,” May highlighted. This capability allows investigators to re-examine scenes with new insights and advanced analytical tools, potentially leading to breakthroughs in long-unsolved cases.
Collaboration and Community Safety
Having employed the technology for over a year, the Corpus Christi Police Department has also extended its resources to assist neighboring agencies. A notable instance was their collaboration with the Port Aransas Police Department while investigating a homicide that occurred over Spring Break.
A Future Enhanced by Technology
The Corpus Christi Police Department’s integration of 3D scanning technology enhances the accuracy of crime scene investigations and improves the effectiveness of criminal prosecutions and the re-examination of cold cases. As technology evolves, its role in law enforcement will undoubtedly expand, promising more precise and efficient justice processes.