MPD Enhances Crime Scene Investigations with 3D Laser Technology
Published on May 08, 2025
MARANA- The Marana Police Department has new technology to help with its crime scene investigations.
The department recently received a Trimble X9 3D scanner, a tool that the Crime Scene Unit has requested for several years. The equipment was purchased through a Department of Justice grant with the help of Congressman Juan Ciscomani's office.
“We've been waiting for one of these for three years, so we're super fortunate to have one now, and it's going to be really cool to show people how we use this in critical incidents,” said Crime Scene Specialist Taylor Pitzer.
The scanner was delivered on December 27, 2024, and has already been used in a major investigation during the plane crash at the Marana Regional Airport on February 19, 2025.
According to Crime Scene Property and Evidence Supervisor Brian Aronson, the technology will allow them to fully document a crime scene without relying on support from other agencies.
“This laser scanner enhances our ability to accurately document crime scenes and critical incidents. It allows us to capture detailed, 3D representations that can be vital in both the investigative process and presenting evidence clearly to a jury,” said Aronson.
Using the speed of light, the scanner emits a laser that records the scene in a highly detailed diagram form, allowing law enforcement to obtain precise measurements with minimal error.
“It knows the distance and how fast this light goes. So, once it comes back, it knows the distance of the objects and it creates a bunch of different points. That makes a 3D model of the space. And then it also takes pictures, which gets overlaid on that data to show the space in a 3D rendering,” explained Pitzer. “It is helpful to show the crime scene, especially as this goes to trial. We could show a jury, but we can also show the public as well what crime scenes look like and help show what we can do day in and day out with new technology. Before we had a 3D scanner, everything was drawn by hand, so we only had 2D hand drawn scales that went to trial potentially, that were not to scale.”
Pitzer noted that the scanner has drastically reduced measurement error, with current readings accurate within a centimeter or even a millimeter.
“We're super excited to continue to elevate the technology that we're bringing into the Marana Police Department and provide more service for the citizens of the Town of Marana,” Pitzer added.
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