Digitalisation of Crime Scenes Investigation Using Geographic Information System Photogrammetry in South African Police Services

Abstract

Contemporarily, technology is predominantly used during crime scene investigations in form of forensic and digital methods. As consequence, criminals are seen to be more advanced in techniques of committing various crimes, calling for the local police to advance their skills to be equivalent to the related tasks. The purpose of the article is to analyse the use of Digital Geographic Information System (GIS) Photogrammetry in the investigation of crime scene.This article takes the form non-empirical research design: Systematic review, following predetermined steps. For data collections; documentary sources were used qualitatively, coupled with personal experience. The non-probability: Purposive sampling was adopted to outline keywords/phrases to filter information relevant to the article purpose; restricted to (theoretical framework) Textual Analysis (TA) was used for data analysis. The results of this article suggest that crime scenes should be measured accurate to avoid its questionability and inadmissibility of evidence in Court of Law. The application of Geographic Information System (GIS) and Photogrammetry as the modern way of conducting contactless measurements of crime scene aided with complaisance with the International Standard Operation (ISO) can adequately help this process. This article concludes that the application of GIS and Photogrammetry demand more scientific and technological in nature and the investigation of the crime scenes need to be advanced as such.  This technique is not yet fully applied in South African context; the researchers relied heavily in the international literature and personal training experience about GIS and Photogrammetry. It is recommended that technological advancements and digital applications in the investigation of crime scenes should be enhanced in South Africa as per international standards refers and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) adaptations.