Paul Coverdell Forensic ScienceImprovement Grants Program

In 2015, The City of Miami's Police Department (MPD), Crime Scene Investigation Unit (CSI) responded to over 11,500 requests for forensic services. Of these requests, there are approximately 260 crime scenes for Part I crimes and vehicular crashes, which require a complete hand-drawn sketch at the scene. The current sketching process is supported by an outdated 24-year old AutoCAD program that takes from 45-90 days to accurately complete a crime scene sketch before it can be released to an investigator for his case fi le, interrogation of witnesses or suspects or presentation for court purposes or civil litigation. Due to the complexity of many crime scenes, the current sketching process can be very difficult, time consuming and subject to inaccuracy. Therefore, MPD is respectfully requesting funding under the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program to implement a new state of the art forensic mapping measurement technology system including 3-0 scanner, software and its corresponding licenses, accessories and training, to enhance and improve over
current operations. The total funding request in the amount of $92,086 will be used in the following manner and expected results:
1) A total of $92,086 will be allocated for procuring a 3-D laser scanner, its corresponding software and licenses and accessories. The equipment and software reduces the hours required to capture evidence at the scene while generating photo-realistic images with greater accuracy.
The software works with the scanner's point cloud technology to create panoramic 3-0 imaging, video and animations. In addition, this software will facilitate:
• precise on-scene measurements with +/- 2mm distance accuracy
• saving and accessing case files for future reference
• diagramming accident and crime scenes and large/complex scale scenes
• scanning in all types of lighting
• 3-D reconstructions, snapshots & dynamic animations
• full-body 3-D reconstruction of injuries
• advanced calculations with measurement speeds up to 976,000 points/second
• sharing documentation (reports, animations)
• Improved accuracy of forensic mapping and reduced turnaround time
2) MPD will cover the training cost with a $15,800 cash match from the General Fund. All four CSI Supervisors in the Unit and six selected CSI Investigators will receive comprehensive training for the 3-D laser scanner and corresponding software, which will culminate in certification for a total of 10 CSI personnel. This will ensure proper utilization of equipment and collection of
data. The MPD gives the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) permission to share its project abstract with the public.

ca/ncf