Terrestrial LiDAR scanning devices (also known as terrestrial laser scanning devices, TLS) acquire complex geometric data that capture a three-dimensional representation of a scene. This technology can be used to accurately document or "reconstruct" scenes from large-scale (e.g., scene documentations of roadways or arenas) to small-scale, detailed applications (e.g., bloodstain pattern analysis, height analysis, vehicle dimensions). Although the use of this technology is increasing in criminal justice applications, no standardized, vendor-neutral guidelines for use are currently available for end users.
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), in partnership with the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence, convened the Terrestrial LiDAR Scanning Working Group to create consensus-based best practices to standardize and improve the use and application of TLS in scene documentation and reconstruction.
This guidance document, Guidelines for the Use of Terrestrial LiDAR Scanners in Criminal Justice Applications, intends to establish a minimum standard for capturing, processing, analyzing, visualizing, presenting, and storing TLS data in a forensic context. This resource was built to promote uniform implementation and use of TLS technology in practice.
This webinar will provide a general overview of TLS technology and its value in criminal justice applications, explain the process of creating these guidelines, and walk the audience through key takeaways of the guidance document.
Detailed Learning Objectives
- Attendees will learn about the pandemic’s impact on employee physical and mental health and how agencies can support employees.
- Attendees will be able to identify personnel issues that can occur while making changes to an employee’s work environment and develop strategies to assist with change.
- Attendees will learn about the constitutional limitations on remote testimony and how it affects employees.