Example Predicate Questions to Qualify 3D Scan Data for Use in Judicial Cases and Law Enforcement Investigations

Overview

Here are some example questions you may want to consider when presenting scan data as part of evidence or testimony in a judicial case or a police investigation. The answers to questions like these may help validate the authority, authenticity, and accuracy of any analysis or conclusions based on scan data that may apply to a case.

Scanner 

• Has the FARO^® Laser Scanner been tested in scientific settings and public safety settings?
• Is FARO data peer reviewed?
• Is there a known error or accuracy produced by the FARO 3D Laser Scanner?
• Is there acceptance within the scientific community?
• Is this an accurate representation of what you witnessed or saw at the scene in question?

Case

• What examinations were done by you about this case?
• What were the results of this examination?
• Did you write a report regarding the results of this examination?
• What did that examination entail?
  • Photographs
  • Notes
  • Video
  • Measurements

Measurement

• How did you obtain measurements?
• What instrument was used to obtain these measurements?
• Is the instrument calibrated to international standards?
• When was the last time the instrument was calibrated?
• Do you maintain calibration certificates?
• What is the measurement error rate of the instrument?
• What is the measurement standard deviation of this specific project / case?
• Have you or are you able to generate a report documenting the standard deviation?
• Is the raw data obtained from the instrument maintained?
• How is the raw data secured?
• What is your data security protocol?
• Was a 3D reconstruction generated from the measurement data?
• What software was used to generate the reconstruction?
• What specific measurements were obtained from the raw data that aided your reconstruction of events?
• Are your results reproducible?
• What training do you have relating to this instrument?
• How many scenes have you used this instrument in?
• How many reconstructions have you done using this instrument?

Shooting Incident Reconstruction/Bloodstain Pattern Analysis/Momentum/Crush

• Were you able to conduct an analysis utilizing the 3D data?
• What software did you use to conduct the analysis?
• Are there any validation studies regarding utilizing the software analysis?
• What were the results of that analysis?
• Are you able to produce a report specific to the analysis you conducted?
• Are the results of the analysis report able to be verified based on the scientific method?

Keywords:

accuracy, testimony, evidence, error range, accreditation, accredited, certification, certified, police investigation, courtroom evidence