The work performed by forensic investigation experts has always captured my interest and attention. These engineering experts are part detective and part scientist. These individuals have typically worked in their respective fields of study for decades. They have mastered their craft by working on a wide variety of case types. They are not only technical experts, but also skilled presenters of information.
As defined on the American Society of Civil Engineers website, “Forensic engineering is the application of engineering principles to the investigation of failures or other performance problems. Forensic engineering also involves testimony on the findings of these investigations before a court of law or other judicial forum, when required.” In simple terms, when something goes wrong and an investigation is required to identify the cause of failure and assign blame, it’s time to hire a forensic engineer.
Our cover story this month, “Electrical Sleuthing Evolves,” provides a glimpse into the life of a forensic engineer and shows us how advancements in technology are supporting and enhancing their investigative process.
As the IoT continues to take over the world, a plethora of sensors and smart devices are generating vast amounts of data on the operational status and performance of all types of components and systems. These inanimate objects now have a “voice” of sorts in the sense that they’re able to communicate essential status, performance, and operational information far and wide. So if a piece of equipment fails or a system malfunctions, forensic engineers can tap into this wealth of data and use it to support their investigation.
But simply having access to more data doesn’t necessarily mean a forensic engineer’s job will be done for them. It may save them some time on the data gathering and analysis front, but they will still have to tap into their investigative skills to interpret the data properly and blend this in with other physical pieces of evidence and environmental factors to draw the proper conclusions.
However, as is the case for all of us today, forensic engineers are being challenged to keep pace with advancements in technology. They too must be well-versed in data analysis techniques and become much more knowledgeable on the IT and electronics front. Automated equipment and software-based control systems are becoming commonplace. Those of us in the technical arena who don’t understand the design and operational issues associated with these systems will be left behind. And nowhere is this more important than in the forensic engineering field, where many times investigations involve personal injury or death.
