High-tech forensic video lab unveiled

Feb 27, 2007 4:04 PM

           

The University of Indianapolis and the Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association (LEVA) have opened a media analysis laboratory, a facility for training criminal investigators in processing and managing large quantities of video evidence.

The partnership is bringing to the university software and hardware that has applications for a number of academic disciplines, which will enable students to apply classroom learning through video editing, simulations and other hands-on experiences.

With security cameras proliferating, video evidence is becoming increasingly important in criminal investigations, and the data analysis more sophisticated. The new Digital Multimedia Evidence Processing Lab at UIndy is designed to function as an international training site, and could be made available as an investigative center for video analysis during times of crisis such as a Sept. 11-type national emergency.

"There are more than 12 million video surveillance systems operating in the U.S. today. Video clearly is the most prolific evidence collection resource available to law enforcement," says LEVA lead instructor Grant Fredericks. "In fact, acquisition of video evidence has been listed as a priority by the federal government in the event of a terrorist attack."

Among other uses, the lab will provide training for personnel from four new regional forensic video labs being established by the International Association of Chiefs of Police through a grant from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services in the U.S. Department of Justice.

"LEVA focuses on helping investigators master the video technology that can help them solve cases," says Jan Garvin, forensic video training vice president for the association. "We stress the value of agencies integrating forensic video analysis into their investigative arsenals. The university's cooperation, enthusiasm and commitment to this project already have resulted in a tremendous impact to the global law enforcement community."

"In the case of video evidence, thanks to better technology and training, the process of sifting through hours of surveillance footage is far less overwhelming and far more effective for investigators," Fredericks says.

More than 70 investigators from the U.S., Canada, Greece and the United Kingdom began a week-long training program at the facility this week. One of those attending is seeking to establish a similar centralized training facility in the U.K.

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