A crucial question often asked in investigations is whether a human action, condition or event is physically possible or capable of causing an observed effect. Some events cannot be replicated in an experiment due to the overriding safety of human subjects. Such inquiries are hence best answered by constructing an appropriate physical or mathematical model, and performing simulation experiments under carefully controlled conditions.
WHEN IS FORENSIC SIMULATION REQUIRED
Most analysis involve fairly standard, streamlined, protocol-based identifications and testing with little need to conduct simulation experiments. Simulations are vital in cases where scientific theory and experiment are unable to provide solutions.
Forensic simulations may be used:
- to deliberately simplify a complex situation by means of a model, so as to reduce it to a more tractable
- to determine whether a human action, condition or event is physically possible or capable of causing an observed effect at the scene.
- when there are resource constraints.
- when the event is hazardous and unethical to replicate. g. burning of a building, crashing of a vehicle.
- when the event is too risky, hazardous and cannot be replicated in an experiment due to the overriding safety of human subjects. g. simulating the dynamics of a fatal fall from a high-rise building involving actions by a second-party, breaking of a knife by human action, and re-enacting a traffic crash.
WHAT OUR EXPERTS CAN DO FOR YOU
Forensic simulations pose unique challenges as they require not only the perspective of the crime and the investigative requirements, but also an understanding of the model to adopt and construct in order to simulate the circumstances of an incident, record and interpret its observed effects and arrive at an appropriate conclusion.
Simulation findings are only as good as the inputs and processes that have been injected, i.e., garbage in results in garbage out. It requires a multi-disciplinary and experienced forensic scientist, with a good grasp of the context of the case, to appropriately and sufficiently scope, design, and carry out the forensic simulations. Our experts assist the court through the interpretation of the findings using logical reasoning, knowledge and experience, and sieving out the essence in a forensic report and clearing explaining them in Court.
Learn more about how you can make forensic simulations work for you.
Talk to our multi-disciplinary forensic experts about your case, and let TFEG propose the appropriate and relevant solutions for your needs.
Please call us at 6459 0494 or email us at enquiries@forensicexperts.com.sg.