Working in partnership with West Midlands Police, we're using digital prototyping tools and techniques to generate forensic evidence to support the Criminal Justice System.
We have provided evidence for over 400 police investigations across 40 Police Forces in the UK and abroad.
Underpinned by the principles of Metrology (the science of measurement), our Forensic Centre has the expertise and facilities to support both research and casework.
Micro computed tomography (micro-CT) and a variety of laser scanners are available to scan items in our lab environment or in the field. In the field, this may be items in situ, or the scene itself.
Our 3D scanning techniques can provide image resolutions 1000 times more detailed than a hospital CT scan. Additionally, unlike other traditional analysis techniques, the scanning is non-contact, and therefore a minimally destructive technique which can produce high-definition 3D scans whilst limiting the damage caused to the evidence.
Scan data can be digitally inspected and used to produce virtual models of evidence. These models or animations can be presented in court to illustrate expert testimony. A range of 3D printers are available that, depending on the material properties desired, can create physical models of the evidence for demonstrative purposes.
The Centre has also played a key part in the development of five Standard Operating Procedures on the handling and transportation of specimens for forensic micro-CT scanning, which have been adopted by Home Office Pathologists and embedded in ongoing training at the College of Policing.
Forensic Centre for Digital Scanning and 3D Printing
