Apopka police will demonstrate the latest technology that will be used to replicate investigation scenes on Wednesday, May 3, at the Apopka City Council meeting set for 1:30 at City Hall, 120 E. Main St., Apopka.
The Apopka Police Department will use this advanced technology, a 3D laser scanner from Lake Mary-based technology firm Faro, to make precisely measured replicas of investigation scenes.
The 3D laser scanner is the latest tool used by law enforcement agencies around the world to quickly and accurately measure and replicate crime scenes, vehicle crashes and other locations with exact detail.
Apopka police crime scene technicians recently completed training to utilize the new device.
The Faro Focus3D easily sets up on a tripod and rotates to scan its environment with a laser and camera. Several scans are used to replicate an area – even providing recreations in three dimensions that can be viewed from almost any angle.
Each scan takes millions of readings in about seven minutes, which also allows fast data collection that is important during police investigations. The scans are loaded into a software program that pieces them together into a virtual replica of the investigation scene.
The Apopka Police Department utilizes technology like the 3D scanner to assist with evidence gathering and to create more accurate and effective reports for law enforcement and prosecution. The department utilized federal grants in recent years to acquire video cameras worn by officers.
Faro’s 3D scanning also is used at other law enforcement agencies such as Altamonte Springs, Winter Park and Osceola County.
