The science of forensics has been popularised by the success of TV crime shows, but the reality of how criminal investigations occur, and the science behind evidence gathering is often nowhere near as glamorous as these shows imply. While we may not be able to work the magic they show on TV, new technologies are aiding forensic scientists in more effectively gathering and presenting evidence. With advances in imaging technology and the ubiquity of digital cameras in society, forensic imaging is a continuously growing field and faces new challenges surrounding the management and privacy of enormous amounts of image data.

Glenn Porter is the head of the Centre for Rural Criminology at the University of New England and specialises in how optics and photographic techniques can be used gather and present evidence in criminal investigations. Glenn began his career as a creative photographer and, after finding a job as a forensic photographer, found his career taking a new and exciting direction towards forensic science research. In this interview with In Situ Science we talk about how forensic science can play a role in the complex and collaborative field of crime detection, investigation and prevention.

Find out more about the Centre for Rural Criminology here.

Music: ‘Strange Stuff’ by Sonic Wallpaper – www.sonicwallpaper.bandcamp.com

Feature Image: Wikimedia Commons User – Tony Webster CCA2.0