Forensic Video Analysis

Forensic Video is becoming the most sought after evidence in crime solving worldwide.
The main contributing factor making this evidence so popular is the thousands of video recording devices available, ranging from CCTV to cameras found on cellular phones.
Unlike physical evidence such as blood or gunshot residue, forensic video gives the viewer so much more information of how a crime was committed. It helps to clarify and enhance events as they transpired using non destructive methods to preserve the video evidence integrity, and pixel quality.
Even though there are times when the faces of individuals are not visible, there are other features of the suspects that can greatly aid investigators in finding individuals and helping to build a case.
The role of the Forensic Video Analyst is to collect, clarify, analyze and present the best quality video or image evidence so that court gets an idea of:
1. How a crime was committed and sequence of events
2. Who committed the crime
3. In some cases the time the crime was committed.
4. How did the suspects enter and exit the scene
5. The number of suspects
6. Any unique identifying features on suspects, their clothing and escape vehicle.
7. Is the video authentic or have been altered in some way

Types of Evidence

The Forensic Video Analysis Department at the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory is capable of extracting and analyzing video and still images from:
1. Cell Phones
2. Digital Cameras
3. Analogue Cameras (VHS)
4. Media storage devices (SD cards, thumb drives etc)

The Forensic Video Analysis Department at the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory uses state of the art Ocean Systems and Omnivore video analysis equipment, complete with AVID Media Composer software to process video and images.
The Department has two (2) analysts who are certified by the Justice Education Society of Canada through a training and coaching program facilitated by Canadian Forensic Video Expert Mr. Brett Hallgren who has over 20 years experience in this field.