Problematic aspects of using 3D scanners during the examination of war crime sites

The application of modern technologies during crime scene examination primarily allows for reducing risks to life and health, which is extremely relevant in the extreme conditions of documenting war crimes. The aim of the study was to initiate a scientific discussion on the necessity of using 3D scanners during the examination of war crime scenes, to review the types of such technical means, and to specify their importance for documenting crimes for further use during pre-trial investigation and court proceedings. Based on the results of the research into scientific publications, it was established that the use of 3D scanners in modern practice during the examination of shelling sites, missile strikes, and other unlawful acts provides an opportunity to document the circumstances of a criminal event with subsequent reproduction using software. It was found that laser 3D scanners enable effective detection and documentation of war crime traces and other objects that can be attached to criminal proceedings as material evidence. A comparison of the results of various studies demonstrated that such tools indeed increase the effectiveness of war crime investigations. The analysed array of scientific sources indicates that the use of such technologies allows for more detailed documentation of the crime scene and modelling (through reconstruction, reproduction) of the circumstances of unlawful acts, which will enable the formation of a version of the event mechanism and the establishment of other circumstances relevant to criminal proceedings. The conducted review of scientific literature suggests that such equipment can be used to perform high-precision measurements and visualise the crime scene for repeated review and study of all its details, for conducting investigative experiments, and for presenting a 3D model of the war crime scene in court. The research results substantiate the necessity of involving a forensic specialist to document the examination of war crime scenes using 3D technologies