Computer Based Tools and Technologies for Forensic Investigation

The role of the expert (such as engineers or ergonomists) is to provide evidence associated with one or more of the liability issues of causation, foreseeability and the availability and reasonableness of countermeasures or alternative behaviours. Computers continue to play an increasingly important role for the expert in all areas of data collection, data extraction, data analysis and the presentation of results.

Overall, knowledgeable application of computers can:

(a) Provide data which would not otherwise be available or would be difficult together;

(b) Reduce uncertainty in estimates for a given situation;

(c) Permit the exploration of numerous variables to analyse competing hypotheses in a reasonable timeframe; and

(d) Allow complex events and short timeframes to be illustrated in a readily understandable manner.

The following paper briefly explores the use of computer based tools and technologies within various areas of forensic investigation.

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