foster+freeman BLOG
From the Oscars to Real-World Forensics
Forensic professionals are well acquainted with the phenomenon known as the “CSI effect,” which refers to the inflated expectations that the public often has regarding forensic technology, largely influenced by depictions seen on television. In these shows, attractive crime scene examiners, often accompanied by glamorous assistants, appear to effortlessly uncover critical evidence within moments, frequently concluding cases within the span of a single episode.
However, as the allure of Hollywood’s portrayal fades, the harsh realities of forensic investigation become apparent. Crime scene examinations are typically slow and meticulous processes, where finding evidence can be challenging, and breakthroughs are hard-won. It’s rare for a single piece of evidence to lead to a conclusive resolution of an otherwise unsolvable case. While it’s true that some individuals involved in forensic science may possess striking appearances, the similarities between television portrayals and real-life practices largely end there.
Technological Limitations
At the crime scene, numerous physical and technological limitations come into play. Human vision has its boundaries, time is of the essence, and the available technology may not always meet the demands of the investigation. This is precisely where Foster+Freeman steps in. Rather than seeing limitations as roadblocks, we view them as opportunities for innovation.
Take, for instance, the development of light sources for crime scene investigations. Back in 1977, the Ontario Provincial Police in Canada received the first-ever forensic laser, emitting blue and green illumination that unveiled evidence previously invisible to the naked eye. Thirteen years later, the first mobile crime unit was introduced, equipped with a powerful laser system.
In 2002, foster+freeman saw portability in the forensic alternate light sources as a major limitation and therefore released the ground-breaking Crime-lite. This handheld, LCD-based light source revolutionized the field, offering unparalleled power in a compact, lightweight design. Suddenly, traditional light sources’ cumbersome, impractical nature became a thing of the past. With the Crime Light range, we shattered the confines of mobility, making powerful forensic illumination accessible in handheld devices. But innovation doesn’t stop there. Recent advancements in camera and processing technology have paved the way for a new era of crime scene investigation.
Enter the Crime-lite AUTO – the world’s first truly portable device combining crime light illumination from ultraviolet through visible into infrared wavelengths. Equipped with automatic filter selection and a high-quality 20-megapixel camera, this device transcends the limits of human vision, functionality, and portability.
By consolidating what would have previously required multiple cases of equipment into a single, user-friendly device, the Crime-lite AUTO represents a quantum leap forward in forensic investigation technology.
Further Limitations
One of the most noticeable differences between TV forensics and real-world investigations is the time frame in which cases are solved. On television, cases are often wrapped up neatly within a single episode, with evidence analysed and suspects apprehended in a matter of days or even hours. In reality, forensic investigations can take weeks, months, or even years to complete. Processing evidence, conducting thorough analyses, and following up on leads all contribute to a much longer timeline than what is portrayed on TV. Some cases go cold and may not be solved for years, for instance, Home Office data shows that only 5.7% of crimes reported resulted in a charge or summons from April 2022 to April 2023 – with 2.3 million crimes dropped without a single suspect being identified. Television shows often depict forensic laboratories as state-of-the-art facilities equipped with the latest technology and cutting-edge equipment. While real forensic labs certainly utilize advanced tools and techniques, they may not always have access to the same level of resources as their fictional counterparts. Additionally, the portrayal of certain technologies on TV can be exaggerated or misrepresented, leading to unrealistic expectations of what is possible in real-life forensic investigations.
In the realm of forensic science, television dramas often blur the lines between reality and fiction, especially concerning the role of forensic scientists. One common misconception perpetuated by these shows is the portrayal of forensic scientists as active participants in criminal investigations, akin to detectives. However, in reality, forensic scientists typically work behind the scenes in laboratory settings, meticulously analyzing evidence rather than actively interrogating suspects or making arrests. Their work involves applying scientific principles and methodologies to examine various types of evidence, ranging from DNA samples to ballistic residues, to uncover crucial details about a crime. While their contributions are invaluable to law enforcement agencies, their role is more akin to that of scientific experts, offering insights and findings crucial to the investigation process. They collaborate closely with law enforcement officers, providing them with the scientific evidence necessary to build a case and pursue justice. Understanding this important distinction is essential for viewers to appreciate the nuanced and collaborative nature of forensic investigations in real life, where the synergy between forensic science and law enforcement is fundamental to solving crimes and ensuring the integrity of the justice system.
How foster+freeman help reduce the impact of limitations
Time and Technology are the two most important limitations that Hollywood doesn’t address. Foster+freeman’s main aim is to help solve these limitations by being on the cutting edge of technology, pushing the boundaries and coming up with new ideas and revolutionary technology that helps detect more evidence, speed up evidence workflow and detect previously undetectable evidence.
For instance, there was a story that came out in December 2021, of a 38-year-old cold case in Del Ray Beach Florida that has been solved thanks to a piece of revolutionary technology from foster+freeman, RECOVER.
the tragic case of Carla Lowe remained unsolved for close to 40 years with detectives unable to move the case forward due to a lack of evidence. However, all that changed when a key piece of evidence, held in storage since 1983, was re-examined using RECOVER, a new fingerprint visualisation instrument.
Jointly developed by foster+freeman, the MoD Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (dstl), the Home Office Centre for Applied Science and Technology (CAST), and Loughborough University RECOVER LFT is a cutting-edge technique that uses an innovative chemical vapour fuming process to develop fingerprints on a range of difficult surfaces including those that have been exposed to extreme heat (discharged bullet casings, for example) and items that have been washed ‘clean’ in an attempt to prevent identification. RECOVER LFT can reveal fingerprints even after they have been physically removed from an object, and has been demonstrated to consistently outperform existing fingerprint development techniques across a range of ‘difficult’ surfaces.
The unique chemical vapour process by which RECOVER develops fingerprints has the potential to reveal fingermarks that would previously have been deemed impossible, making it of immense benefit to investigators seeking to reappraise cold case evidence. An entirely new process, the limits of the RECOVER LFT technique are still being explored. Ongoing tests are yet to discover an upper limit for the development of aged prints.
Conclusion
In the world of forensic investigation, the disparity between Hollywood’s portrayal and the real-life challenges faced by professionals is stark. While television often glamorizes and accelerates the process, the truth is far more complex and nuanced. Forensic scientists grapple with technological limitations, time constraints, and the harsh reality of unsolved cases that linger for years. However, amidst these challenges, innovation and collaboration shine as beacons of hope.
Modern technology continues to play a pivotal role in reducing the limitations inherent in forensic investigations, effectively bridging the gap between the fictional portrayals seen on television and the realities faced by forensic professionals. Advancements in various fields have revolutionized the way evidence is collected, analysed, and interpreted.
One area where technology has made significant strides is in the development of portable forensic tools. Devices like the Crime-lite AUTO mentioned earlier exemplify this trend, offering comprehensive crime scene illumination and imaging capabilities in a single, compact package. Such tools not only enhance the efficiency of evidence collection but also enable investigators to uncover vital clues that may have previously gone unnoticed.
While it’s important to acknowledge the discrepancies between forensic science as depicted on television and its real-world counterparts, it’s equally important to recognize the positive impact that these shows can have on inspiring interest in the field. Television dramas, with their gripping storylines and compelling characters, often serve as a gateway for individuals intrigued by the intersection of science and criminal justice.
For many aspiring forensic scientists, their initial fascination with the field may have been sparked by watching their favorite crime-solving protagonists in action. These shows, while dramatized for entertainment purposes, often showcase the intellectual challenge and problem-solving aspects of forensic work, capturing the imagination of viewers and igniting a passion for scientific inquiry.
Moreover, the portrayal of forensic science on television helps demystify the profession and make it more accessible to a wider audience. By bringing the intricacies of forensic investigation into the living rooms of millions, these shows raise awareness about the importance of forensic science in solving crimes and delivering justice.
Additionally, television dramas can highlight the diverse array of career opportunities within the field of forensic science, from DNA analysis to ballistics and beyond. This exposure can inspire individuals from various backgrounds to pursue careers in forensic science, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Ultimately, while it’s essential to temper expectations and provide a realistic portrayal of forensic science, we must also acknowledge the role that television plays in sparking interest and enthusiasm for the field. By leveraging the power of storytelling and entertainment, we can inspire the next generation of forensic scientists to embark on a journey of discovery and make meaningful contributions to the pursuit of justice.
Learn More
RECOVER LFT
LATENT FINGERPRINT TECHNOLOGY
RECOVER LFT is a cutting-edge chemical vapor fuming process to develop fingerprints on a range of difficult surfaces including those that have been exposed to extreme heat (discharged bullet casings, for example) and items that have been washed ‘clean’ in an attempt to prevent identification.
