Computer graphics 'take jurors to scene of crime'

Published on Thursday 14 January 2010 21:36

TECHNOLOGY that was once the preserve of Hollywood and the computer game industry is to be used in courtrooms across Scotland to recreate crime scenes.

The computer-generated image reconstructions build up a 3D picture based on evidence collected after a crime, revolutionising how evidence is presented in criminal trials.

Juries will be able see an image showing how a murder was committed, the way in which a body was dumped, or how vehicles collided. The technology can even make clear complex evidence such as the trajectory of a bullet.

A dedicated national unit will be used by the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA) and is designed to remove the "guesswork" required by jurors.

Used in an ad hoc way to date, the 100,000 forensic multimedia unit has helped lead to several successful prosecutions, including that of Marek Harcar, who murdered businesswoman Moira Jones in a Glasgow park in May 2008.

Tom Nelson, director of SPSA's forensic services, said: "

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and with this technology it really is. We can instantly transport detectives, lawyers, jurors and judges back to a crime scene, taking them on an interactive tour of the criminal investigation without a single person leaving their seat."

Frank Mulholland, the Solicitor General for Scotland, said: "Multimedia technology is becoming invaluable in helping prosecutors to explain complex scientific or technical evidence."

The SPSA was set up in 2007 to support the eight police forces in Scotland.