The field of forensic investigation encompasses the scientific methods used to solve criminal cases involving hidden evidence. Forensic investigation is the collection and analysis of all forensic evidence to draw conclusions about a suspect. Forensic evidence can provide an objective and scientific basis for determining the guilt or innocence of an accused. Additionally, forensic evidence is instrumental in determining the facts of a case and identifying criminals. It plays a fundamental role in India’s criminal justice system.
Forensic evidence collection and preservation of crime scenes proves to be an advanced tool to determine justice and equity in the matter of criminal cases. Investigators rely on blood samples, fluids or fingerprints, residue, hair, fibres, firearm evidence, hard drives, computers or other technology to determine how a crime occurred. Forensic Investigation requires the discovery of evidence and the joining of critical dots to reach a conclusion.
Forensic science laboratories and law enforcement agencies use automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technology such as Barcoding and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to assist in the forensics process from the collection of evidence to presentation in the courtroom. Forensic investigations rely on accuracy, efficiency, and meticulous documentation. Any lapse in evidence handling can jeopardize a case. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is emerging as a game-changer in crime scene management. By enhancing evidence tracking, reducing human errors, and increasing efficiency, RFID is transforming forensic procedures.
In this article, we will see how RFID benefits the forensic investigation department, a few use cases of RFID, potential challenges of RFID implementation and the challenges that led to the introduction of RFID.
RFID in Forensics
The RFID system, which consists of RFID readers, RFID UHF tags and antennas, is capable of streamlining the process of authentication, identification, tracking and intelligent storage of evidence. All important functions, such as tracking evidence in an ongoing case, require proper labelling, tagging, and marking the evidence properly which can be easily facilitated by RFID.
RFID enables communication via electromagnetic fields between RFID labels on evidence and RFID readers and antennas, ensuring the traceability of assets at all times. Forensic departments deal with assets ranging from a tiny DNA sample to a large car that needs to be collected, marked, properly managed and tracked during an ongoing case. This can be handled efficiently by using an RFID solution in the investigation department. RFID is not only used for tracking but also creates a seamless flow that protects the evidence from loss or counterfeiting.
An RFID based evidence collection and inventory management system allows one to categorically store evidence in the evidence room and timely retrieval and deposit of the same when need be. Using an RFID handheld reader, one can find any RFID tagged DNA sample, fingerprint samples, important paper trail in the evidence room.
Traditional Crime Scene Management is Challenging
Forensic teams deal with large chunks of data and evidence that must be carefully documented, transported, and stored. Traditional evidence-handling methods, such as barcoding and manual logs, have limitations.
These limitations are as follows-
1. Human Errors
Handwritten labels are vulnerable and they can be misread, misplaced, or tampered with.
2. Time-Consuming Processes
Manual entry of evidence details slows down investigations and also reduces productivity.
3. Risk of Tampering
Physical handling increases the chances of contamination and chain-of-custody breaches.
4. Limited Real-Time Tracking
Barcodes require line-of-sight scanning, making tracking evidence in real time difficult. RFID addresses these challenges by providing a more efficient, automated, and secure approach to crime scene management.
How RFID Enhances Forensic Investigations?
RFID, which has proven crucial in logistics and supply chain tracking, is on the verge of finding new applications where accurate tracking is the most important part of business. Investigative agencies that rely on documentation and evidence preservation are also using RFID in various operations to achieve helpful results. Apart from tracking important evidence and maintaining the chain of custody, it also helps in reducing the risk of contamination.
Let’s understand how RFID enhances forensic investigations;
1. Automated Evidence Tracking with RFID
RFID allows law enforcement teams to track evidence from the moment it is collected. Each piece of evidence is tagged with an RFID chip containing a unique ID. Officers can use handheld or fixed readers like Zebra FX9600 Fixed Reader to scan and update databases instantly. For instance, a forensic team at a crime scene can scan multiple pieces of evidence simultaneously without handling them individually. By using this process, investigating teams reduce errors and lost assets and evidence.
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2. Real-Time Location Monitoring
With RFID, investigators can track the movement of evidence in real-time, ensuring it reaches the correct evidence storage facility or forensic lab without delay. Many a time, a crucial piece of evidence need to be analysed within 24 to 48 hours. If an evidence is misplaced, RFID readers can quickly locate it within the storage facility. It prevents loss, misplacement, and also tampering of evidence. With the availability of evidence at all times, the investigating agency can ensure productivity and efficiency during workflow.
3. Stronger Chain of Custody
RFID helps in maintaining an unbroken chain of custody in legal proceedings which is critical in an ongoing case. With broken chain of custody, many evidences become inadmissible in courts and it becomes difficult for prosecutors to prove their case. RFID provides automatic logging of every interaction with evidence, including timestamps and personnel involved. Not only it helps in legal proceedings but also strengthens credibility in court and reduces the risk of evidence manipulation.
For instance, whenever the evidence is moved, the system records the date, time, and the name of the officer handling it.
4. Faster Crime Scene Processing
Traditional evidence-collection methods required officers to manually maintain documents for each item. However, the advent of technology, like RFID, speeds up this process by allowing bulk scanning of assets without requiring direct contact. Investigators can be helped by RFID at a homicide scene as it can tag and scan multiple objects in minutes rather than hours. It improves the overall process and frees officers to focus on analysis rather than the paperwork of evidence.
5. Reduced Risk of Contamination
Since RFID allows remote scanning, forensic personnel can avoid unnecessary handling of evidence, reducing the risk of contamination. An RFID reader can offer a read range of up to 15m without a clear line of sight. It maintains the security of both the asset and the individual handling it. The delicate DNA samples can be tagged with RFID UHF Tags and monitored without repeated physical contact. By preserving evidence, the technology improves evidence’s integrity and improves forensic accuracy.
6. Enhanced Data Integration
RFID technology can be integrated with forensic databases, allowing instant cross-referencing of evidence with criminal records, lab results, and case files. For instance, if a recovered firearm’s RFID tag holds some value that matches with initials of a weapon used in a previous crime, investigators receive immediate alerts and links more effectively and speed up suspect identification.
Real-world Applications of RFID in Forensic Departments:
Investigation departments like LAPD, NYSP and NFI use RFID to improve the process of evidence management, efficient tracking and maintaining security throughout the process.
1. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
LAPD uses RFID wristbands and RFID UHF hard Tags to record a wide range of inmate activities from behavioural observations, inmate movements, program attendance, and court transports.
2. New York State Police (NYSP)
New York state police implemented RFID in their forensic laboratories, enabling them to place evidence according to their category in a smart shelf management solution.
3. Dutch Forensic Institute (NFI)
NFI uses RFID to track and trace the system for 100,000 pieces of evidence it collects every year. Guns, knives, cigarette butts, hair samples and other items are placed in plastic bags at crime scenes, and labelled with EPC Gen 2 RFID UHF Tags.
Potential Challenges of RFID in Forensics
There are some challenges that need to be considered when implementing an RFID solution for an investigative agency.
1. Cost of Implementation
Initial setup costs, including RFID readers and RFID antennas, can be high.
2. Privacy Concerns
Unauthorized access to RFID data could lead to security issues. With tampering with RFID tagged evidence, or leak in data, it becomes difficult for forensic team to analyse evidences and offer crucial insights.
3. Interference Issues
RFID signals can be affected by environmental factors such as metal objects and electronic interference. Sometimes evidences are in the form of liquid or metallic objects (say blood samples, firearms, etc.) which cannot be tagged with ordinary RFID labels. RFID flag tags and RFID mount on-metal tags are especially designed for such assets.
4. Training of Staff
Law enforcement personnel must be trained to handle RFID systems effectively. As technology advances and costs decrease, more agencies are likely to adopt RFID for forensic investigations. Therefore, training them in RFID systems becomes crucial.
To summarize, RFID is revolutionizing forensic investigations by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and security in crime scene management. Its ability to track evidence in real time, maintain a secure chain of custody, and integrate with forensic databases makes it an invaluable tool for law enforcement. Despite the challenges that RFID holds, it becomes obvious to deploy the technology at the workplace to maintain accurate evidence records and ensure their availability when required.
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