FCN Scientific Officer, Shelley Wilson said: 

“3D technology has the potential to improve the way we present forensic evidence. Academic papers, like this one, have identified some of the benefits and potential uses but they also highlight the urgent need for an informed discussion about how 3D technology could be used and standardised within law enforcement.

We want to start that conversation by recruiting practitioners, academics and other interested parties to develop a coherent response to using 3D technology as a forensic service. Some UK forces are already pioneering the use of 3D printing to support incident and injury reconstructions and their experience will be invaluable.

The group will play a crucial role in identifying and sharing best practice and embedding the technology within the investigative and court presentation process. We’re hoping to develop national guidelines within the next 12 months. 

3D technology is incredibly exciting, but we need to make sure its use is properly considered”

If you have an interest in developing 3D technology as a forensic service and would like to join the FCN’s expert group, please contact us and we will put in contact with Shelly Wilson. The expectation is that the group will meet in October to establish terms of reference and quarterly thereafter.

Further reading:

Reconstruction and physical fit analysis of fragmented skeletal remains using 3D imaging and printing 

An Overview of 3D Printing in Forensic Science: The Tangible Third‐Dimension