The FARO Technologies 3-D scanner has been instrumental in detailing evidence for from crime scenes used to find perpetrators and secure a conviction. This revolutionary technology permits investigators to document many aspects of a crime scene with tremendous accuracy and swiftness.
There are two variations of this futuristic tool, both of which make use of the latest in digital camera technology. The more portable option is a handheld device that is most often used with fatal car crashes. The second option sits on a tripod and takes in everything around it within about 1,000 feet. These scanners take in millions of measurements and images in a fraction of the time it would take for a skilled investigator to do the same. On top of speeding up the process, the data that is collected and depicted in the virtual environment can be worked with in innovative ways, allowing investigators to literally look at evidence from different angles.
By eliminating the chance of human error and by giving investigators the ability to revisit the crime scene remotely and see it as it looked originally, detectives are claiming that this tool could be used to help prosecutors form a stronger case based on the evidence. It also allows investigators to clear scenes faster and permit civilians to get back to their lives (in case of roadside accidents).
This gadget has already been used in documenting and solving several homicides and car accidents (and the disputes that ensued).
Now that the Bay Area law enforcement is able to scan and record crime scenes in minutes, more attention can be given to other cases. Another tremendous upside of this groundbreaking piece of equipment is that now it will be harder to misjudge a crime and lock up an innocent person. This $80,000 scanning device has the power to allow for quick and just actions to take place.
The use of these scanners is gradually spreading all across the nation. Some fear that these devices will infringe upon the job that crime scene technicians do, but this is unlikely since the data that gets scanned and collected is still in need of a well-trained eye to interpret it.