Crime Scene Scanning Case

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gschofield
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Crime Scene Scanning Case

Post by gschofield »

Hi All,
We recently completed a major case here in Toronto that resulted in a doctor being convicted of 21 counts of sexual assault on his sedated patients. From a laser scanning perspective, the case involved scanning eight operating rooms over a Sunday evening to depict how each room would typically be setup for various procedures. From the data video depictions, sight-lines and heights were determined and presented at trial.

Screen-shot from a fixed eye-level tour of the OR
or1.jpg
Screen-shot from an overhead tour of the OR
or2.jpg
Enlargement of one of the tables
or3.jpg
I understand this case sets the Canadian precedence for having laser scanning data accepted as evidence in a criminal trial; and of particular interest, in his verdict the judge dismissed a major pillar of the defence’s case based on the following:

67. - The weight of the evidence supports the Crown’s position that the best evidence of the [surgical] draping setups and general layouts is found in exhibit 4, video laser scans, and ex. 7, a book of photos….. The general accuracy of these depictions was supported by most if not all of the witnesses. I conclude that they provide a fairly accurate depiction of the typical setup for each of the procedures.

267. - The Defence submits that it is inconceivable that the acts alleged could occur in a busy operating room without anyone seeing or without resistance from the patient that would be noticed. I reject that submission as well. I have already explained that I consider the best evidence of typical setups for the various procedures to be contained in the video laser scans (ex. 4), and the book of photos (ex. 7). Those exhibits persuade me that Dr. Doodnaught was concealed behind a drape that was high enough and wide enough that no-one could see him without approaching and looking over the top of the drape.

Overall, a satisfying verdict for a case that should help further establish scanning as a primary tool within the forensic process.

Best regards,
Greg
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3DForensics
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Re: Crime Scene Scanning Case

Post by 3DForensics »

Greg,

Congratulations on the case. I think this goes to show the diversity of how laser scanning can be used, even in cases absent of crashed cars, bullets and blood.

I found that this case was held at the Ontario Superior Court with the Justice David McCombs. Would it be possible to share the case number for future reference?

Thanks for sharing.

Eugene
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Re: Crime Scene Scanning Case

Post by colhum1 »

Well done Greg.
Great scans and fantastic result. Another superb application for scanning.

Colin
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Re: Crime Scene Scanning Case

Post by Peyman Bashiri »

Hi.
Very good job.
will you please tell about the laser scanner too?
peyman
gschofield
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Re: Crime Scene Scanning Case

Post by gschofield »

Thanks everyone,

The scans were taken using a Faro Focus 3D with Scene 5.1 and Pointools for post-processing.
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Re: Crime Scene Scanning Case

Post by Dave Foster »

Greg,

Great result. I remember discussing this at Spar2012 innn The Hague. The spatial issues under question you describe were/are clearly best served by the scan data and associated outputs. Congratulations on all the hard work so evidently acknowledged by the trial Judge

Dave

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Oliver Buerkler
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Re: Crime Scene Scanning Case

Post by Oliver Buerkler »

Hi Greg.

Congratulations! 8-)

Bad case but great result in any respect!

Best regards,
Oliver Bürkler
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Morky
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Re: Crime Scene Scanning Case

Post by Morky »

Greg,
Glad to see all your hard work paid off. Very well done indeed!! :D

Best Regards

Paul
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