Thematic Networks
Network 2: Evidence and Investigation
Effective investigation of crimes and incidents is central to all police organisations. An investigation will seek to find all available evidence and intelligence that enable its objectives to be met. Today's investigator operates in an increasingly complex social and legal arena and is likely to lead a team of police and police staff with a wide range of skills and knowledge.
Science, technology, psychology, criminology and other areas of specialist knowledge continue to grow rapidly, presenting the investigator with new opportunities and risks. For example, the existence of national DNA databases with the potential for highly sophisticated intelligence use, has revolutionised how many investigations proceed and has identified the need for continued review of individual cases.
This network provides a focus for research in a range of specialist areas related to the role of the police in the recovery, interpretation and effective use of intelligence and evidence in the investigation of crime and major incidents. This includes the development and evaluation of policy and good practice in the strategic and tactical use of forensic sciences.
Recent and Current Projects
THIS SECTION IS CURRENTLY UNDER DEVELOPMENTThe performance of people with mild learning disabilities as eyewitnesses more details...
Validation of a method for the detection of Mephedrone more details...
Assessing the quality of interviews with children alleging sexual abuse in Scotland more details...
An analysis of Grampian Police missing person 'closure-interview' forms more details...
People with a learning disability and the construction of facial composites more details...
Enhanced, Verifiable and Auditable Intelligence Interface between the Scottish Police and Community Partners with Time Critical Intelligence Information more details...
The integration of investigation and forensic science in volume crime
Other areas of research for Network 2 include:
- Effective integration of evidence and intelligence within the overall police investigation in volume and major crime.
- Exploring and understanding potential barriers to effective use of specialist evidence in order to identify sound policies, practices and training for investigators and police staff.
- Development, implementation and evaluation of specialist intelligence and evidential databases.
- Understanding and describing processes, decision making and risks associated with specialist, scientific and technological evidence.
- The development of typologies and models that enable improved understanding and communication of evidence and intelligence.
- Communication and knowledge exchange in relation to investigative use of the forensic sciences.
Building on existing strengths in Scotland in the forensic sciences, forensic statistics and work within psychology on identification and eye witness evidence, and IT infrastructure, this network works closely with police forces in providing specialist training as well as carrying out research programmes.
Testing the new VIPER system.
Network Steering Group
Associate Director and Chair:
Professor Jim Fraser,
Centre for Forensic Science,
University of Strathclyde.
Academic Members:
Professor W Buchanan,
(Network Knowledge Transfer Coordinator),
School of Computing,
Napier University.
Professor Amina Memon,
School of Psychology,
University of Aberdeen.
Dr Burkhard Schafer,
Joseph Bell Centre for Forensic Statistics and Legal Reasoning,
School of Law,
University of Edinburgh.
Dr Derek Carson,
School of Psychology,
University of Abertay.
Dr Penny Woolnough,
Senior Research Officer,
Grampian Police.
Police Liaison:
Tom Nelson,
Director, Scottish Forensic Science Service,
Scottish Police Services Authority.
ACC Iain Livingstone,
Lothian & Borders Police.