Forensics Emma Verscaj
Current Event Report #5 10/20/15
Oxford Police Demonstrates 3-D Crime Scene Mapping
This article is about a brand new scanning machine that has recently come onto the market. FARO is a company that has been making various measuring devices for almost 35 years. Now, they have come up with a scanner that can perfectly capture a whole crime scene, inside or outside. It is like a thousand pictures in one. It is as if the investigator is at the actual crime scene without having to leave the police station. At Oxford Police Department in Anniston, Alabama, a police officer scanned a reporter and the room he was in and it generated a 3-Dimensional image. The officer exclaimed that it was, “the coolest stuff (he’d) ever seen.” I would tend to agree. In addition to quickly obtaining a detailed crime scene ‘sketch’, this new technology will aid investigators by saving them the time it takes to revisit crime scenes, preserving the crime scene in its original condition in case a detail was missed or forgotten or deteriorated in some way and also providing them with more convincing evidence when the case goes to trial. This device can also ‘teleport’ the juror to the crime scene. The Alabama police think that this would be best and most used at the scenes of vehicular homicides. Unfortunately, this technology is still new, expensive and not yet used everywhere.
This article is significant to me because I just learned how to document a crime scene in class and in our textbook. Of course, crime scene documentation began with sketches. Then came cameras and video cameras. We learned that a properly documented crime scene should include accurate measurements, bullet holes, line of sight and blood spatter where appropriate. Now, 3-D crime scene mapping does all this and more. It can allow for analysis of bloodstains and bullet trajectory revolutionizing crime scene investigation. This machine eliminates the need for a rough sketch, a finished sketch and perhaps a diagram created through computer aided design. The police want to use it for traffic accidents resulting in death. Those places require the fastest clean up. You can not just put caution tape around an intersection and expect no one to wander in or drive over it without constant monitoring. That is different from a homicide in a home that can be cordoned off until the trial is over.
I like this article and how the author shows a huge advancement in technology in a very important area. This thing is not just something awesome but useless. This could actually be a huge help in putting a criminal away faster, rather than letting him or her slip through the cracks due to human error. The author could have included a photograph of a scanner image or (if an online article) a video of the scanner working. It would have been nice to see the quality of the mages the scanner captures. An improvement could have been more information about the product in the article. While it is nice to know this device exists, we don’t really know how effective it is yet. I also wonder if it has a zoom function. The author could have included a website to more information like I did.
Tyler, Zach. "Oxford Police Demonstrates 3-D Crime Scene Mapping." Annistonstar.com. The Anniston Star, 8 Oct. 2015. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
11 comments:
Cindy Kwok
Current Events 5
Tyler, Zach. "Oxford Police Demonstrates 3-D Crime Scene Mapping." Annistonstar.com. The
Anniston Star, 8 Oct. 2015. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
http://www.annistonstar.com/news/oxford-police-demonstrates--d-crime-scene-mapping/article_c98af106-6d46-11e5-a587-0b487b74a1f1.html
I read the article “Oxford Police Demonstrates 3-D Crime Scene Mapping” which was critiqued by Emma. I think she did a good job summarizing the article and I liked how she included a quote by the police officer who had used the technology. I liked the way the article explained clearly about what this new technology made by FARO can do, and it even gives an exact number of how far this technology can “see”. Both Emma and the article made good points on the ways this new tech could potentially be used to aid crime investigations, the most significant one being that it would save loads of time and that police wouldn’t even have to leave the station in order to “re-visit” the crime scene . This article could go a little more into detail about how this technology is able to make 3-D maps of a crime scene, since the only thing mentioned was that the tech scans its surroundings. The article could have included more quotes, perhaps from the inventors of this technology rather than just a quote from the police officer about how this tech was cool. After reading this article, I was impressed at the rate of how our technology is advancing and the different ways that it could help solve crimes.
Tyler, Zach. "Oxford Police Demonstrates 3-D Crime Scene Mapping." Annistonstar.com. The
Anniston Star, 8 Oct. 2015. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
http://www.annistonstar.com/news/oxford-police-demonstrates--d-crime-scene-mapping/article_c98af106-6d46-11e5-a587-0b487b74a1f1.html?
I think that Emma did a good job in summarizing the article. She did a great job in explaining what the scanning machine did and how it could help in future investigations. The review was also straightforward, so it wasn’t confusing. She did a good job in explaining how the scanning device can help save time in an investigation.
She could have improved the review by putting in more quotes from the article to help explain something more about the scanning machine. She could have also put in a little bit of detail about how scanning machine makes the 3-D image. Throughout the review there was no name for the scanning machine.
I knew that our technology was advancing, but this device will take a huge step in helping solve criminal investigations. Overall, I liked this review and thought it was done well.
Oxford police demonstrates 3-D crime scene mapping (comment)
Tyler, Zach. "Oxford Police Demonstrates 3-D Crime Scene Mapping." Annistonstar.com. The
Anniston Star, 8 Oct. 2015. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
http://www.annistonstar.com/news/oxford-police-demonstrates--d-crime-scene-mapping/article_c98af106-6d46-11e5-a587-0b487b74a1f1.html?
Emma did a spectacular job at summarizing the article. She concisely explained how the scanning machine worked and its use in future investigations. The possibility of a more efficient way of catching culprits has been found. She also included a quote of the police officer who had used the technology, which gave an firsthand review and insight of this newfound technology. This shaped the review into a more informative piece.
Overall she did a great job condensing the original article, but there are parts she could have improved on. First of all, she could have casted light upon why exactly this machine wasn’t available for many security forces, for instance, the fact that the machine costs “$70,000.” Secondly, she could have explained more about how this technology is able to make 3-D maps of a crime scene since she only mentioned that the machine scans its surroundings. Lastly, although her colloquial style engaged readers, she still could have revised and shaped it into a more sophisticated review since she made a few grammatical errors.
Being a fan of science fiction, I was immensely impressed by this newly developed technology. I am amazed by how it could recreate the crime scene, genuinely enough that professionals don't need to revisit them for during their investigation. Its advanced projection also helps save time and effort to preserve the crime scene. Although it still has a long way to go in means of distribution, I am sure this technology will make a great change in our society in the near future.
Tyler, Zach. "Oxford Police Demonstrates 3-D Crime Scene Mapping." Http://www.annistonstar.com. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.
What stood out most to me in your summary was the relevance. You did a great job analyzing what the machine was and how it originated. The background information was to the point, with just enough detail added in. But what I liked even more was how you explained how it would be used, and took that a step further to explain how it will be resourceful in forensics cases. It connected to what we did in class and made the article all the more memorable.
I loved that you wanted to put in a quote from the article, although I do not believe the one you chose was best suited. Something that went more into the science craftsmanship or an analysis of the machine would have been more appropriate. Something I would have liked to hear more about is its usage right now. For example what its cost is, if this is one of the ending prototypes, or if the finished product is already out on the market. And if so; what are the results/ expected results?
I think you picked a very interesting topic. It was very smart because the use of a machine like this is something that will really make your paper stand out, and make people remember it. Yours was the most interesting current event I have read this far.
I found the review of the article to have done a very good job at explaining the function of the machine. Also, the review did a good job at presenting why the machine will be important for future use and investigations. The machine will be useful in more efficiently determining those who have committed crimes, which I also find to be extremely interesting. The review also made a very complex invention into a straight forward writing that was easy to understand and follow.
I think the review could have done a better job at adding instances where the machine has benefitted a case and given more examples of how the machine has successfully done its job. Also, I would have liked to have known what detail the machine picks up that other cameras cannot and why it is more capable of doing that job better than other machines. Overall, I think the review could have gone into more depth of how the machine does its job and why it’s so important.
I was very impressed by the ability of this machine to collect such advanced information. This article is evidence of how fast our technology is improving and how one machine can do the jobs that once many people had to do collectively.
I read Emma Verscaj’s review of an article called, “Oxford Police Demonstrates 3-D Crime Scene Mapping.” She discusses how the article is about a new high tech scanning machine that could formulate 3- Dimensional images of crime scenes. I liked how Emma gave a detailed description of what the scanner does and how it’s use could be very helpful in solving criminal investigations. She stated that the scanning machine developed by FARO could help solving crimes because it would give a visual representation of the crime scene, which would be beneficial in case evidence was tampered with. Another example. Another statement Emma made that I thought was well presented was how the 3D crime mapping could give the prosecution a better case when presenting to jurors for they could feel like they are actually at the crime scene. I think the review could have been a little better if the ways in which the 3D mapping worked was discussed. I also think that her article review could have brought up more of the discussion on where this new invention is being used now and when its final product will be released. I was very impressed by this new invention of 3D mapping of crime scenes because I feel like it could really help investigators solving cases and discuss the crime. It would bring a new view to the crime scene and shows how our technology is developing.
Emma, I really enjoyed reading your review of the article “Oxford Police Demonstrates 3-D Crime Scene Mapping.” There were many aspects that stood out. One, I think you did a great job summarizing the article. You added enough info to the review so I understood the topic, but not too much that I was overwhelmed. Two, I liked how you included a quote from a police officer. This increased the strength of your review because you added a quote from a professional in this field. Third, I liked how you connected this topic back to what we learned in class. By mentioning that we just studied this and read it in our textbook, connects this not only back to you, but everyone else in the class. Although your review was great, there are a few things you could do to make it even better. One, you could have added a few more quotes from scientists or other professionals in this field. This would strengthen your review. Two, maybe you could have gone into a little more detail on how the machine actually makes the 3-D image, because I was a little confused by this. One thing I found interesting from your review was how this new technology could be vital in solving crimes. Again, I really enjoyed reading your review.
In this review of the article “Oxford Police Demonstrates 3-D Crime Scene Mapping” by Emma Verscaj it describes a brand new scanning machine that can capture a whole crime scene. One thing you did well was describe what the scanner was and how the scanner is as iff an investigator was at the actual crime scene without leaving the police station. Another thing you did well was describe how in Anniston, Alabama at Oxford Police Department a police officer had scanned a room with a reporter in it and created a 3 dimensional image. Another example that you had done well was talk about how the device can ‘teleport’ the juror to the crime scene. You described how the Alabama police department thought that it would be the most successful technique at a crime scene. I think these examples are important in your review because you describes and reviews what the article included that informed the reader. Two improvements that could have been made was if you had described how this invention was created. Another improvement could have been would be to include more information about the crime scene mapping device. I learned a lot reading this review because of the information that you provided and how it changed crime scene investigations as a whole. I also never knew that this device existed and thought it was very interesting how it can investigate a crime without the officers/investigators being in any harm.
Tyler, Zach. "Oxford Police Demonstrates 3-D Crime Scene Mapping." Annistonstar.com. The Anniston Star, 8 Oct. 2015. Web. 15 Oct. 2015.
http://www.annistonstar.com/news/oxford-police-demonstrates--d-crime-scene-mapping/article_c98af106-6d46-11e5-a587-0b487b74a1f1.html
Many current events try to make adequate amends out of interesting articles but Verscaj’s current event is able to transform a topic often overlooked into something worthwhile reading. When keeping to the details, the writer executes it well, stating their relevance. While analyzing, Verscaj also sticks to the main ideas and does not include extraneous information. For instance, she talks about a scanner that can scan crime scenes and save investigators lots of time so they do not have to spend too much time going back and forth between the crime scene and the courtroom. This phenomena is best explained in Emma Verscaj’s words: “In addition to quickly obtaining a detailed crime scene ‘sketch’, this new technology will aid investigators by saving them the time it takes to revisit crime scenes ... providing them with more convincing evidence when the case goes to trial.” Also, in her relevance paragraph, she adds a great deal of insight. The most fleshed out and poignant anecdote was the one regarding car accident; her way of using detail to help the reader understand the urgency of the situation is impressive. Last but not least, aside from a few grammar issues, the writing was well-polished and one could tell how much work she put into writing the article.
However, there are certain elements of this article that could be improved upon. While Emma Verscaj is direct about what each paragraph is about, there are few transitions that allow the them to flow properly. Secondly, there is one small problem with her article that will misconstrue the point she is trying to build. Refer to this: “This thing is not just something awesome but useless.” Presumably, Verscaj means useful. Although her writing is typically superb, a lot more thought should be put into word-choice. First, the word “thing” serves no purpose. The sentence is just as ambiguous with or without it. Perhaps, Emma should consider using words like technology, scanner, et cetera instead of relying on such a vague term. Equally, she repeats “this” at the beginning of the paragraph’s sentences far too many times. “This” is supposed to continue a thought, but sometimes if it is used too much, the writing can come across as one convoluted run-on sentence. Instead, she could maybe make comparisons and add one point after the other so they can hold each other up.
Last but not least, this current review brings up many important issues that the public does not bother to actually think about and showcases the level and speed of how today’s technology advances so quickly. Even though most people would be scared of such a development, Emma Verscaj embraces it with her choice of topic, while providing further questions and suggestions so that her current event and article could be explored to even greater depths. The insight and appropriateness of the decided topic are just too much to dismiss. Therefore, the writer’s current event and article are much too engaging and significant to not read.
http://www.annistonstar.com/news/oxford-police-demonstrates--d-crime-scene-mapping/article_c98af106-6d46-11e5-a587-0b487b74a1f1.html
Tyler, Zach. "Oxford Police Demonstrates 3-D Crime Scene Mapping."Http://www.annistonstar.com. The Anniston Star, 8 Oct. 2015. Web. 28 Oct. 2015.
I enjoyed reading the article “Oxford police demonstrates 3-D crime scene mapping” and Emma’s review of it. First, I liked how the author of the review thoroughly explained this new technology and the significance it has on future criminal investigations. She added personal explanations and sentences that made the review come to life. Also, I liked how Emma stated that this technology could replace hours of work in just one machine. I found it fascinating how this could replace videos, pictures, re-visits of the crime scene and preserving the crime scene in its original condition by just one trial. This could help conclude and resolve criminal investigations faster in the future. Lastly, I liked how Emma related this article and this topic to what we learn in class and what is in our textbook. It made the reader understand the significance and simplicity of this new piece of technology.
Even though the author of this review had many strengths, she also had her weaknesses. First, she should/ could have explained this technology in more detail, like explaining how it works, what it looks it, how fast it works, etc. This would have given the reader a better idea and a better understanding of this article. Also, it would have been nice if the author included this item’s availability, like where and who would use this and how much it would cost. I would like to have known how popular this technology would be in criminal labs so I could better understand the level of impact it would have on criminal investigations.
This article and review impressed me because it provided me with new information and insight into the criminal world and its technology improvements. What I found really interesting is that this piece of technology can replace one, if not more, steps in the crime scene investigation process, and that would save time determining the events of the crime and the criminal/ perpetrator. This article changed my view on criminal investigations because technology used in cases are becoming more and more advanced and soon enough it will take a short period of time to resolve investigations. Overall, I enjoyed reading this article and its review because of the new, fascinating information and the thoughts it leaves with the reader.
Emma did a great job of thoroughly reviewing the article “Oxford Police Demonstrates 3-D Crime Scene Mapping”. I enjoyed her explanation of this new 3-D scanner that can map out a crime scene, which was created by FARO and used by the Oxford Police Department located in Anniston, Alabama. The entire review possessed a comprehensible flow to it. Emma began with the statement that a new scanning machine had been introduced but led the reader to a description of this machine and its creator, FARO. In the second paragraph, she discussed the relevance of this new invention, a brief history of the different techniques that preceded the usage of the 3-D scanner to map out a crime scene, and how the machine could be used. Emma also included outside information that had not been originally in the article, but enhanced the importance of the scanner, such as a viable reason to why the police may want the scanner especially for fatal accidents. She included a personal connection to the article, which explained how crime scenes are documented. This process has obviously evolved from basic sketches, to detailed photographs, videos, and finally, the 3-D scanner. Overall, the article was thoughtfully written and Emma took particular care to take note of possible connections that could, in turn, allow her audience to fully understand the message of the original article.
However, in order to improve the review even more, Emma could have weaved specific quotes from the actual article to break up the reading. Also, as a reader, I did not understand the particular sentence, “This thing is not just something awesome but useless”. Was the “thing” the scanner and was the inclusion of the word “useless” a mistype? Other than this, I believe that the sentence “[I] also wonder if it has a zoom function” was somewhat out of the blue because of its place in the last paragraph; it would have made sense due to context a few sentences before where Emma notes what could have been improved in the original article, which includes more information on the scanner. Overwise, the review of the article was clear and concise.
I was exceptionally impressed that this new 3-D scanner cannot only document a crime scene with the same details included in the sketches, photographs, and videos, but it also also has the ability to analyze bullet trajectory and bloodstains. I am amazed how rapidly of a rate technological advancements are being made in today’s world.
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