Cognitive bias in forensic science is not an abstract concept, but a creeping virus that, in the worst cases, can infect entire justice systems. To make the workings of this insidious phenomenon more tangible, let’s look at some examples that clearly illustrate the potential impact of cognitive distortions in practice.
The identification of individuals in video recordings by forensic experts relies on a highly precise and detailed analysis of body structure and movement patterns. By closely examining these unique biometric features, accurate identification becomes possible. This advanced method adds a crucial dimension to forensic science and is becoming increasingly important in a world characterized by growing video surveillance and digital networks. The ability to identify individuals based on their distinctive biometric traits enables forensic experts to uncover criminal activities and accurately pinpoint perpetrators. This highly specialized approach demonstrates how advanced and forward-thinking modern forensic science is today.
At the moment, I unfortunately have very little time for my blog, but I plan to deliver weekly news on the subject of forensic science here from January 2022. Many of you know that in 2019 I examined the authenticity of the Ibiza videos for Spiegel and Süddeutsche Zeitung before they were published. Now Sky has produced a film as well as a documentary that I would like to highlight.
Stay one step ahead of your competition and let us document competitive, trademark-related or similar infringements, insults or online bullying as compelling evidence.
When I received the order in May 2019 to review the infamous #IbizaVideo, I could hardly have imagined that this would be the start of one of Europe’s greatest political scandals. I am George A. Rauscher, a forensic expert. When Süddeutsche Zeitung and Der Spiegel approached me, I knew immediately that this task would be anything but ordinary.
The Police Crime Statistics (PKS) is a comprehensive record of police-registered offenses, aggregated from the data of individual states and systematically processed until final resolution. This foundational statistic depicts the development of crime since 2004. However, it is important to understand that only offenses reported to the authorities are included in this statistic. A multitude of offenses—especially those that fall directly under the jurisdiction of the public prosecutor, such as financial and tax crimes, perjury offenses and state security offenses—remain unaccounted for. Moreover, foreign crimes, administrative offenses and most traffic violations are not included.
At the beginning of my work as an expert, I often noticed on comparison photos of defendants that they had very large pupils – sometimes even despite the light from the flash used. These comparison photos were almost exclusively taken by investigators or judges. This observation piqued my curiosity and prompted me to question the cause of this phenomenon.
Over the last twelve months, it appears that many things have improved. Certainly, one of the most remarkable developments is the ostensibly increased safety in the country, as suggested by the German Police Crime Statistics 2017. But does this claim genuinely rest on a solid foundation, or are the presented data at best misleading?
The investigation of perpetrators through DNA analysis has established itself as an indispensable method in modern criminology. A sensational case from the early 2000s exemplifies the significance of this procedure impressively: a serial killer in South Louisiana could only be apprehended through the analysis of his DNA. Until that point, the FBI’s search focused on a white man who was supposedly driving a white pickup truck, at least according to eyewitness reports. However, the DNA analysis brought about a groundbreaking turn: it not only enabled the identification of genetic matches or familial connections but also determined the ethnic origin of the perpetrator. This realization led to the conclusion that the perpetrator could be an African American or Afro-Caribbean, rendering all previous leads obsolete. It became clear why previous DNA analyses of the suspected phenotype had not been successful and why the killer could continue to murder.
In an era where digitalization permeates every aspect of life, it seems inevitable to deal with one’s digital legacy in a timely and careful manner. Alongside material possessions and emotional keepsakes that one wishes to leave to loved ones, awareness has increasingly shifted to central aspects of one’s passing and emergency scenarios – the so-called digital legacy.