FARO 3D Laser Scanners in the Public Sector: Transforming Investigations

FARO 3D laser scanners are rapidly transforming the way investigations are conducted in the public sector. From crime scene forensics to crash scene and fire investigation, these powerful tools are providing investigators with accurate, comprehensive data that was previously impossible to obtain. Compared to traditional methods, these advanced laser scanners offer a range of benefits, including increased accuracy, faster data gathering, and the ability to capture data in hard-to-reach areas.

Keep reading to find out more about how FARO technology can be utilised in the public sector.

Improving Road Safety and Crash Scene Investigation

FARO 3D scanners are being used in crash scene investigation to provide a more accurate and comprehensive picture of the scene. When a car accident occurs, investigators need to gather all of the information available about the vehicles involved, their positions, and the condition of the surrounding area.

Investigators can now quickly create a precise 3D model of the crash scene using a FARO laser scanner. This model can then be used to analyse the position and trajectory of the vehicles involved, identify any skid marks or debris on the road, and measure the damage to the vehicles. This information can be used to determine the cause of the accident and who was at fault.

FARO 3D laser scanners are particularly useful in crash scene investigation because they can capture data quickly and accurately, without disturbing the scene. This is important because it allows investigators to gather as much evidence as possible before the scene is cleaned up or altered in any way.

In addition, they can also help to reduce the amount of time spent at the scene. Traditional methods of crash scene investigation often require investigators to spend hours using tools like robotic total stations, photographs and other manual processes. With a FARO 3D laser scanner, this process can be completed in a matter of minutes, allowing investigators to clear the scene and reopen the road more quickly.

Uncovering the Cause of Fires with 3D Fire Scene Mapping

Laser scanners are also being used in fire investigation to help determine the cause and origin of fires. When a fire occurs, it can be difficult to determine exactly where and how it started, particularly if the scene has been heavily damaged. However, with a FARO 3D laser scanner, investigators can create a detailed 3D model of the scene that can help to shed light on what happened.

The scanner can capture data about the scene, including the size and shape of the room, the locations of any appliances or electrical outlets, and the position of any doors or windows. This information can then be used to determine how the fire started, whether it was accidental or deliberate, and whether any safety regulations or building codes were violated.

One of the main advantages of FARO 3D laser scanners in fire investigation is their ability to capture data from hard-to-reach areas. For example, if a fire has caused a ceiling to collapse, investigators can use the scanner to capture data about the area above the ceiling that would be difficult to reach using traditional methods. This can provide valuable information about how the fire started and where it originated.

In addition, laser scanners can also be used to create a detailed record of the scene, which can be helpful in insurance claims and legal cases. The 3D model can be used to show the extent of the damage and to demonstrate the cause of the fire to insurers or juries. Check out this fly-through video of a fire-damaged home below, created with a FARO Focus laser scanner:

Investigating Crimes with 3D Laser Scanning

FARO 3D laser scanners are playing an increasingly important role in crime scene forensics. When a crime occurs, it's important for investigators to gather as much evidence as possible, and laser scanning makes this process more accurate and efficient than ever before.

Using a 3D laser scanner, investigators can create a detailed 3D model of a crime scene in a matter of minutes. The scanner uses lasers and cameras to capture millions of measurements and data points, which are then used to create a virtual model of the scene. This model can be used to view the crime scene from different angles and perspectives, providing investigators with a more complete picture of what happened.

One of the key benefits of using FARO 3D laser scanners in crime scene forensics is the level of detail they can capture. Unlike traditional methods of crime scene investigation, which rely on total stations, photographs, and measurements taken by hand, this technology can capture every detail of a scene, including the position of evidence, blood spatter, and other crucial information. This level of detail can help investigators reconstruct the crime and determine what happened with a greater degree of accuracy.

In a real-world example, a FARO 3D scanner was used to create a “CSI moment” for the judge and jury by creating a 3D model of the crime scene. Using FARO Scene and other software, David Dustin, owner of Dustin Forensics, was able to create a precise 3D representation of the scene, which meant they “could actually position the jury at the precise vantage point of each eye witness so that the jury could see that there was an unobstructed view of what occurred.” 

The use of FARO 3D laser scanners is proving to be more cost-effective than traditional methods, as they require fewer team members and less time to gather data. They can also capture data in areas that are difficult or impossible to access using traditional methods. As technology continues to advance, it's likely that laser scanners will become even more widely used in the public sector, as well as in other industries.

Overall, 3D laser scanners and other advanced technology is changing the way investigations are conducted, providing valuable information and insights that were previously much harder, or even impossible to obtain. This makes them an absolute game-changer for public safety and justice, and are likely to play an increasingly important role going forward. 

Are you ready to improve your precision measurement capabilities? Consider FARO 3D laser scanners for your business needs — and get in touch with the team at Synergy if you’d like to try them on-site!