Date: 24/3/07
Author:  Rich Van Wyk
Source: Eyewitness News

Indianapolis - In the high-tech world of "who done it" crime-fighting, the University of Indianapolis has a new weapon. The university opened a unique classroom-laboratory helping investigators solve crimes from neighborhood robberies to devastating terrorists attacks using "video forensics."

Security cameras can capture the crime, but they don't always clearly show a criminal's face.

Grant Fredericks, an instructor in the science of video forensics, looks for the seemingly invisible. "This was a cold case," he explained while displaying a security camera image showing the outline of a car with the interior so dark you can't see anyone inside.

As computer software makes the picture clearer and brighter Fredericks pointed out, "This image becomes resolvable and we can identify the driver." The suspect was wanted for killing a woman and stealing her ATM card.

"The man was convicted on the basis of this image," said Fredericks.

The University of Indianapolis boasts the only facility teaching the science of video forensics. The Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association bought the equipment. It will train investigators from around the world here.

"It is a huge deal," said John Kennedy, a forensic expert and police consultant from Great Britain, were security cameras helped authorities identify the terrorists responsible for bombing the London subway in July 2005.

Kennedy predicts, "This is going to be something that is going to be a huge benefit to law enforcement not only here in the US but worldwide."

Security cameras are so prevalent in society that lawmen estimate a typical person is photographed 20 times a day. That's increasing as cities across the US install crime-watching cameras.

Indianapolis Metropolitan police are installing 17 cameras, but don't have the ability analyze the video. Chief Michael Spears hopes to put this technology to work and "bring someone to justice who otherwise might have escaped."

With so many cameras watching, video evidence experts say is becoming as prevalent as the DNA and fingerprints criminals leave behind.

What's in it for the University of Indianapolis? Students will use the $300,000 facility for their classes and projects. The facility adds to the university's reputation, a marketing tool they can point to as they look to attract new students.

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