Forensics and the Future

The application of science and technology in policing is perhaps most clearly visible to the public in forensic science. While the UK’s rich academic history in forensic science is well-recognised, there is also a game-changing set of innovations on the horizon. The forensic science community is well-versed in these innovations, but many others are not, and funding is required to maximise the opportunity.

Historically we’ve led the way says Dr. Carolyn Lovell, Head of Research, Office of the Police Chief Scientific Adviser: “Our renown in forensic science, is in DNA, the development of the DNA database, and we’re celebrating 30 years of the DNA database this year. We really revolutionised how we investigate crimes with DNA. It’s been quite a journey over those 30 years.”

Shelley Wilson, Research and Innovation Lead, Forensic Capability Network agrees, saying: “Historically the UK have been early adopters of forensic science, leading the development of new capabilities. Our 43 police forces are underpinned by standardised legislation and working practices making us a natural home for embedding new science.”

Dr. Rachel Bolton-King, Associate Professor of Forensic Science, Nottingham Trent University adds: “It is important that those working in forensic science are able to communicate how current practices and latest innovations can be used to enhance policing, making our streets and communities safer. Similarly, strengthening collaborations and partnerships between academia and practice will maximise the potential implementation and impact of scientific research moving forwards.”

Looking forward to a new science cycle

New future-focused frontiers across forensic science are being forged, and the cross-pollination of ideas from medicine, academia, private sector and international policing is driving innovation across physical and digital forensic science.

For example, pending further research and development, drones will potentially be used by police officers for crime scene investigation. One such system dubbed ‘AirCSI’ ¹ presents an innovative approach to crime scene investigation by minimising human interference and leveraging autonomous aerial systems. The approach integrates object detection algorithms trained to identify relevant items such as human bodies and weapons - with trajectory planning to ensure comprehensive coverage of the scene.

Imaging across forensics has made strides forward. For example, handheld, multi spectral and hyper spectral imaging systems, which use multiple bands across the electromagnetic spectrum (beyond visible wavelength bands) are now on the market². This portability means these devices work well in covert operations, can be used in light and dark conditions and have faster at the scene processing without destroying evidence.

For more controlled, indoor, crime scenes we will have the ability to deploy integrated tools which not only quickly capture and share 3D imagery but also using sensing capabilities be able to combine other trace evidence it identifies like finger-marks, body fluids and air borne material providing investigative teams with ‘real-time’ forensic evidence. In 2020, Horizon Europe funded RISEN, the real-time on site forensic trace qualification project. This collaboration with academics across Europe tested the principle and deliver of realistic crime scene capture, with real-time trace detection, visualisation and identification without destroying evidence, all in an immersive 3D environment³. This was achieved through the production of 3D image capture with live feed capabilities, eight different sensors and a unique digital asset management system.

Next steps for visual tools already being used by forces have been explored by the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science. They are exploring the feasibility of a system that captures high-resolution, complex spatial data of indoor and outdoor scenes, which are then transmitted to a cloud computer via 5G. A crime scene in 3D can then be rapidly constructed and delivered via Virtuality Reality headsets. Current methods for VR generation take several hours, however 5G connectivity will bring this down rapidly and enable forensic investigators to experience a fully immersive scene^4,5.

This type of technology is already being used by some forces, but the UK faces barriers to fully rolling this out, including the size of data files and available funding. Once, and if, an integrated Cloud structure exists across all policing, it could become more widely adopted.

Another study⁶ explores exciting developments in the use of microRNA (miRNA) profiling and AI in age estimation. Age estimation is one of the most important components in the practice of forensic science, especially for body fluids or stains at crime scenes which can be compromised or difficult to collect. The study uses massive parallel sequencing and machine learning models like AdaBoost to enable age estimation even from compromised bloodstains – the pilot points to the possibility of this new approach providing vital leads when traditional DNA analysis falls short.

An example of how fingerprint innovations are being applied can be seen in the case of drug dealer Carl Stewart, 39, who was identified after he shared a photo of himself holding a block of cheese on the encrypted messaging service EncroChat, from which police were able to analyse his fingerprints⁷. His fingerprints were visible on the surface of the stilton but lifting these from a digital image wouldn’t have been possible without new technology available to policing.

Innovative approaches to evidence interpretation are also being explored in the field of forensic firearm examination. For example, using x-ray fluorescence to assess authenticity, and machine learning to calculate likelihood ratios after automated comparison of 3D digital images of fired cartridge cases⁵. However, to train, test and validate complex computational models for use in casework, much larger datasets and significant funding is required. Rachel says: “Without funding, we risk never being able to adopt such innovative and needed solutions into practice.“

Looking further into the outer reaches of forensics…

The creatively named NOS.E⁹ (effectively an electronic nose) is emerging as a powerful tool for detecting decomposed remains, offering a chemical-sensing alternative to cadaver dogs. Cadaver-detection dogs, while highly effective, are limited by their cost, limited operation times, and lack of granular information reported to the handler. The novel electronic nose (e-nose) technology, such as the NOS.E device offers a sensor-based approach which is able to detect human decomposition over extended periods. In controlled studies, the NOS.E was able to identify the presence of a surface-deposited individual throughout most stages of decomposition, with its sensitivity influenced by environmental factors like wind. Importantly, the NOS.E demonstrated its usefulness by detecting bodies days, and even weeks, after death, highlighting its potential as a practical and scalable tool for forensic investigations where traditional canine methods can fall short.

A new Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) system¹⁰ which is being tested by academics would enable police to work with witnesses to generate forensic facial composites directly from EEG signals (brain electrical activity picked up by sensors on the scalp) and matched against criminal databases. This overcomes the limitations of previous suspect identification methodologies by bypassing the need for verbal descriptions or memory-based sketches and dramatically accelerates and enhances the accuracy of suspect identification.

That said, despite all the opportunities presented by research and development and new technologies, there are potential challenges ahead. Firstly, the correct innovations must be prioritised with funding and focus. Secondly, the way in which the innovations are rolled out and eventually delivered on the frontline must also be considered.

To effectively embed new innovations into forensic work, it’s essential to draw on lessons from the past. The challenges policing has encountered in keeping up with advances in digital forensics, a vital strand of forensics, offer valuable insights. The shift brought about by digital forensics was a major change, much like the transformation we are now anticipating for the future.