Jurors will be able to visit a virtual crime scene.

Virtual reality technology, which is so widely used in the gaming industry, will now serve as criminal justice. For example, to recreate and show the jury a crime scene.

Scientists at Staffordshire University in their project are experimenting with various technologies and methods that allow virtually "transfer" the jury to the crime scene. Associate Professor of the Department of Forensic Examination Caroline Sturdy Colls (Dr Caroline Sturdy Colls) reported that this is the first project of this type in Europe.


')
The project, which received a research grant from the European Commission in the amount of about £ 140,000, uses green screens, virtual reality helmets of the latest model and technology in engineering, computer and gaming industry.

From the words of Caroline Sturdy Colls:

We are constantly looking for solutions that can improve the criminal justice system: to help the police to register and solve crimes, to help the jury to better understand the circumstances of the crimes.

Impressions of reporter Sean Grinzczyk (Sian Grzeszczyk), who experienced the technology on himself:

The project is experimenting with various technologies - from laser scanning to drones. Putting on a virtual reality helmet, I can walk around the crime scene, examine it. And these feelings are incredibly real, although I understand that this is just an imitation. I think if in court it turns out to use such technology, then it will be possible to show the jury the crime scene without any confusion. I can see every detail. It doesn’t compare with 3D glasses. This is a completely different level.

The cost of helmets seems quite high, because their price is £ 700. But Staffordshire police says they can afford it. According to the police, the project of scientists is important for justice and is promising.

Simon Tweats, one of the chiefs of the Staffordshire police, said that this technology can be essential in presenting evidence through the reproduction of complex crime episodes.



Policeman adds:

This will help the jury to understand and assess the circumstances of the case much easier, which will be good both for the prosecution and for the defense.

However, Steven Solicitors attorney Jason Holt is very skeptical about the project. He doubts that technology can really influence the case.

According to Jason Holt:

We have no good experience in bringing new technologies to the courts. We recently switched to a digital system for criminal courts, but this caused considerable delays; the system breaks down and we return to the pen with the paper, which in turn delays the consideration of the case. I really want to understand the difference between using virtual crime scene viewing and standard DVD viewing and the camcorder, on which everything is now being recorded.

A spokesman for the UK Justice Department said:

Creating and implementing a new technology will reduce unnecessary hearings, as well as reduce the costs of participants in the trial and make justice more accessible.

However, it is not yet clear when such a technology will appear in the courts.

Original article