ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN FORENSIC SCIENCE : INVASION OR REVOLUTION?

Document Type : Review Article

Author

Departments of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine Zagazig, University, Egypt

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of software engineering; concerned with a computer process that can mimic human behavior and thought processes such as learning, reasoning, adapting, and self-correction. Forensic science involves the application of more effective scientific principles and techniques to investigate the crime and serve justice, demanding the cognitive examination of massive volumes of complex data. Thus, AI seems to be an appropriate technique for dealing with many of the current difficulties in forensic science. The present review provided an overview of AI, conversing its current and probable forthcoming applications in forensic science. For example, AI can be employed in DNA evidence, pattern recognition, crime scene reconstruction, digital forensics, image-processing, psycho/narco-analysis, ballistics, and satellite monitoring. Artificial Intelligence has limitless applications launching from the crime scene investigation to the day of Judgment. Intelligent software has simplified forensic investigations, explained the reasoning process that varies from one algorithm to another, and reduced the errors that may occur due to cognitive bias. However, every technology has some limitations; for example, intelligent systems require a giant database of knowledge, which may result in false-positive or negative interpretations if inputs are outside the trained data sets. Besides, this can raise some ethical and legal concerns. The blend of master and machine is needed to diminish the functioning load and understand more cases. Technology can make their job easier, but it will never be able to replace them. Because forensic science is an area of specialists, AI will only serve as a supplementary tool.

Keywords