Police forces from across the UK gathered in Loughborough to see the latest developments in 3D laser scanning technology for crime scene and collision investigation. Organised by 3D Laser Mapping, the one day event attracted representatives from twelve police forces providing an introduction to laser scanning technology, an overview of recent developments in support of collision investigation and the chance to get hands-on with equipment already in use with one of the country’s largest Road Death Investigation Units.
The 3D Laser Mapping Forensic Investigation Conference took place on the 20th July at Loughborough University and is the first in a series of events being planned following the recent announcement by Roads Minister Mike Penning of a £3 million fund for police forces to purchase laser scanning technology.
“Following the announcement by the Roads Minister, the potential for laser scanning to collect vital data for crash investigations has become headline news,” commented Dr Graham Hunter, Managing Director of 3D Laser Mapping. “We wanted therefore to give officers on the frontline the chance to explore the technology, get hands-on experience and learn from colleagues who are already using the equipment what can and is being achieved.”
The delegates in attendance received an overview of modern laser scanning technology from Riegl Laser Measurement Systems, an Austrian technology-based company with more than thirty years experience in the research, development and production of laser rangefinders, distancemeters and scanners. Steve Edwards, Senior Collision Investigator for Cambridgeshire Constabulary then went on to explore the limitations of traditional approaches for surveying crime scenes and collision sites before Allan Wilson of APWS offered an insight into the latest developments in laser surveying in support of collision investigation.
Representatives from 3D Laser Mapping were on hand throughout the day and provided a demonstration of the onsite time savings achievable using the advanced features of the Riegl laser scanner and led a discussion of the deliverables and data products created by the laser scanning workflow.
Feedback from delegates was extremely positive with all attendees reporting that they found the event useful. One delegate commented, “I wanted practical examples of road policing and crime to help me justify any future investment.”
