A groundbreaking protocol for capturing fire and crime scenes using virtual reality (VR) technology, enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI), is being developed by forensic scientists at the University of Dundee’s Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS). This innovative approach uses real fire scene footage to create immersive VR experiences.

In collaboration with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and Scottish Police Authority (SPA) Forensic Services, the VR software has already been successfully employed in training exercises. Interest in the technology is growing across Europe, with a demonstration planned at the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) fire and explosion investigation working group meeting later this year.

Professor Niamh Nic Daeid, Director of LRCFS and leader of the project, emphasized the importance of carefully integrating new technologies into the justice system to meet the rigorous scientific standards required by courts. She noted that collaboration with practitioners from various agencies and legal experts is essential to bring VR into both training and potentially into casework.

The VR representations are created by burning mocked-up residential rooms, allowing genuine investigation processes to occur. Traditional cameras capture the damage, which is then transformed into an immersive VR experience. This technology enables investigators to revisit the scene multiple times shortly after the event and to use the same scene in various training sessions.

Fire investigators and forensic scientists can utilize this virtual tool, alongside traditional methods, to estimate the start point, cause, and progression of a fire. The most recent controlled burn took place on June 5 at the Scottish Fire Investigation Training and Research Facility in Portlethen, Aberdeenshire. This facility was established to enhance competency training for fire investigators from SFRS and SPA Forensic Services. Representatives from these organizations, along with LRCFS and the independent fire investigation body Hawkins, participated in a workshop with the VR software following the burn.

Steven Corrigan, SFRS Group Commander, highlighted the importance of exercises like controlled burns for training in dynamic environments. He noted that VR technology allows investigators to revisit fire scenes, improving their ability to identify causes and prevent future incidents. Karen Robertson, Forensic Lead for SPA Forensic Services, praised the innovative facility for enabling live test burns and the use of advanced technology to enhance the quality of fire investigations.

The VR tool, initially tested by SFRS and SPA Forensic Services using footage from controlled fires in Denmark, has proven effective. The immersive technology increased the number of investigators who could accurately determine crucial factors related to the origin and development of fires. Participants reported improved recall of scene layouts and burn patterns after reviewing them in VR.

Vincenzo Rinaldi, a VR Specialist at LRCFS who is developing the software, explained that the technology allows investigators to analyze fire or crime scenes remotely. Rinaldi noted that integrating VR with traditional documents and 2D photographs led to greater confidence in the hypotheses presented by investigators.

The recording process for the VR tool was initially designed by PhD student Sang-hun (Sean) Yu, who is jointly supervised by LRCFS and the University’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design. The team continues to research improvements in footage quality and further develop the technology into a professional tool.

University of Dundee, “vr-technology-could-revolutionise-fire-scene-investigations”, https://www.dundee.ac.uk/stories/vr-technology-could-revolutionise-fire-scene-investigation

Note content has been edited