3D animation and immersive technologies applied to the forensic reconstruction of crime scenes

The new Colombian accusatory penal system has implied the holding of oral trials and the use of the necessary technical means to achieve the greatest agility and fidelity in its execution. This situation provides a valuable opportunity for the intervention of 3D animation in the preparation of reconstructions of crime scenes, which can be presented as evidence in a trial or as a support element to interview witnesses.

This is a resource recently used in Colombia, which has shown with the accelerated evolution of digital technologies how the generation of reliable and reliable evidence has been promoted. It has also been shown that it promotes a greater understanding of the facts by improving the comprehension and retention of data in memory, as well as complex spatial and temporal evidence, thanks to the use of computer graphics and/or virtual reality systems. Lastly, it is a highly persuasive resource, since people are twice as likely to be persuaded when the arguments are complemented with visual aids.

It is worth noting that immersive technologies such as augmented reality make it possible to reconstruct the situation on the actual location where the crime occurred, weeks, months or years after the event and see virtual evidence elements in their original location and state. It is also possible to make simulations and analyzes of bodily traumas through the use of Augmented Reality to facilitate their presentation in a trial or the explanation to a non-specialist public of procedures or complex anatomical situations.

In the case of Virtual Reality, a witness, judge or jury can experience the situation to provide richer statements. Domenic Raneri, has used virtual reality as a resource in several trials with great success. In Colombia, Leal has carried out feasibility studies from the Law area to use these resources in the courts and has considered them effective: "The simulation of scenarios applied to the investigation in Criminalistics, suggests that this is an effective means of evidence, to elucidate in the mind of the Judge the facts, showing in third dimension the scenes that allow to recreate with the greatest possible success the real truth on which the Judge will make a decision”.

The forensic investigation process requires rigor in the collection, treatment and preparation of evidence to be presented in court. This article presents a methodological proposal for carrying out animated reconstructions of crime scenes, based on the analysis of some real case studies resulting from the author's professional work and a judicious review of the literature.

In addition, the prospect of this research is to continue developing other case studies, using virtual reality and augmented reality to enrich the testimony of witnesses by allowing them to re-experience the crime scene in court and thus promote more substantiated testimonies.

Author: Fernando Torres Ruiz.