A University of Dundee study will give volunteer jurors from across Scotland the opportunity to deliver their verdict on the future of digital crime fighting.
The University’s Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) is recruiting members of the public as part of research focusing on the quality, impartiality and reliability of digital forensic evidence and how it is utilised by law enforcement agencies.
Volunteers will form part of a “citizens jury” that will feed into the pan-European Clarus project. The study, launched in 2023, has brought together research police and forensic organisations from across the continent to evaluate and improve how law enforcement and forensic scientists examine and communicate about digital evidence, without compromising impartiality.
Professor Megan O’Neill, from the University’s School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law, said, “Our daily lives and the social and professional functions that influence these are becoming increasingly dependent on digital technology. This evolution needs to be mirrored by law enforcement agencies.
“Given the cross-border nature of digital crime, Clarus is allowing ourselves and our European partners to evaluate current working practices and determine whether these are fit for purpose to ensure that justice can be pursued effectively and without bias.
“To fulfil the potential of this research, we are looking for members of the public to input to the project. We know that many people are interested in the field of forensic science and the criminal justice system. By volunteering as citizen jurors, this gives people the opportunity to input directly to research that has the potential to influence international investigation methods for years to come.”
As digital analysis becomes increasingly important in criminal investigations, the study is evaluating how traditional methods of communication, including organisational cultures and even language, have kept pace with digital forensic work. It will determine whether new vocabulary or terminology is required to ensure that digital evidence is gathered and shared without prejudice to those under investigation.
Citizen jurors will be asked to participate in several sessions over a period of 18 months. These will take place either in-person or virtually and ask volunteers to provide feedback to the study team, forensic scientists, and representatives of Police Scotland, about the project’s progress.
No prior knowledge of forensic medicine or digital evidence is required, with the only requirement being that applicants are over the age of 18. The work of the Scottish jurors will be replicated in several other nations involved in the Clarus project, including the Czech Republic, Finland, Greece and Portugal.
Professor O’Neill added, “Public input is crucial to studies like Clarus because these mechanisms are ultimately designed to keep us all safe.
“By working with us, we can achieve our ultimate aim and determine what changes – if any – are required to ensure forensic science procedures remain transparent and accountable.”
Anybody interested in getting involved can apply via the project website.
