Florida
State University Underwater Crime Scene
Investigation Program Puts VideoRay on the Case
8-Pound Underwater Robot Proves
Itself as Tool
for Underwater Crime Scene Investigation
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April 15, 2003, Panama City, FL -- VideoRay LLC announced today
that the Florida State University – Panama City Underwater
Crime Scene Investigation (UCSI) Program used a VideoRay ROV (remotely
operated vehicle) as part of the first water-based simulation to
test Florida’s terrorism response systems on February 4, 2003,
in Niceville, FL. The VideoRay is part of “a new paradigm
for scientific underwater investigations,” says Tom Kelley,
who heads up the UCSI Program.
Joerg Hess, expert in remote sensing and underwater robotics for
UCSI, exposed local, state, and federal officials to the VideoRay
as a first response tool to aid in UNDERWATER terrorists attacks
and crime scene investigations. The VideoRay was one of several
video-equipped robots that accompanied divers, criminologists, scientists,
and engineers in Niceville who tested protocols and technology being
developed for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
The new UCSI program also trains and educates local authorities
on different methods used to look for evidence and search underwater
areas and targets. “We are in the business of educating people
and sharing with them the best technology that is affordable,"
said Kelley. “We needed a small system that is portable and
cost effective – a tool that can fit within a sheriff department’s
budget.”
The VideoRay ROV is used by the UCSI team as an alternate to divers
to get a first look at an underwater crime scene. The VideoRay is
an 8-pound submersible equipped with a video camera operated by
one person from land or boat. The submersible is attached to a 500-foot
long tether and control box, which allows Hess to navigate through
the water and see through the sub’s video eye.
To locate possible targets for investigation, Hess also uses a
scanning sonar mounted on the VideoRay. The sonar can pick up the
presence of a gun underwater, for example. The VideoRay is then
launched to capture video footage of the area and even retrieve
the gun with its manipulator claw. When divers are sent in, the
VideoRay acts as a third eye, giving staff on the shore a close
look at underwater operations. Using the VideoRay also frees divers
from carrying videography equipment.
During the exercise in Niceville, “we showed that the video
we get from the VideoRay is of as good or better quality than what
we were able to get with more expensive ROVs,” says Hess.
“Everyone was flabbergasted. The VideoRay may look like a
toy but it proved itself as a serious piece of equipment.”
The live video captured by the VideoRay was transmitted to Washington
DC.
Background about the UCSI Program at FSU Panama City
Through the School of Criminology & Criminal Justice, Florida
State University Panama City has created a unique forensics program
- Underwater Crime Scene Investigation (UCSI). The UCSI program
teaches criminology students and law enforcement professionals the
techniques and protocols used to conduct prolonged crime scene examination,
whether on the surface or underwater, requiring the location, recognition,
documentation, recovery, preservation and interpretation of evidence.
For more information about the UCSI program at FSU Panama City,
call toll-free (866) 539-7588.
VideoRay Press Contact:
Kayla Patenaude / Ph: (603) 428-3013 /
kaylap@forwater.com
FSU Panama City Press Contact:
Chris Thomes Ph: (866) 539-7588 / cthomes@pc.fsu.edu
For photos of the VideoRay, visit http://www.videoray.com/Press_Room/photo_gallery.htm
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