Technologies for Criminal Investigations

The Technologies for Criminal Investigations (TCI) Research Group works on improving detection by means of advanced and innovative techniques.

The key focus of the research group is on issues relating to detection. Solutions are not always classically reactive and reconstructive like an investigation at a crime scene, but can instead, also be of a more proactive nature focusing on detection and prevention. Innovation and innovative technology is the common thread in both these areas. TCI is a joint research group of Saxion and the Police Academy.

Our areas of expertise

Nanotechnology

Developing nano sensors, lab-on-a-chip devices and further development of existing techniques that can measure at the nano level.

Data science & AI

Data science technology development and application, such as machine-learning, deep-learning, AI, software-development (algorithms) and big-data analysis.

Robotics & cyber technology

Application of robotic platforms within detection: drones and ground-based vehicles.

Interested in collaborating or have questions?

Please contact us.

Jaap Knotter, PhD

Lector Technologies for Criminal Investigations

06 - 1098 0331 Working days: Monday & Thursday, other days by appointment
[email protected]

Our focus

The Technologies for Criminal Investigations Research Group focuses on improving and applying investigation and detection techniques using advanced and innovative technology. The key focus of the research group is on detection. Detection may not only be of a classical nature for example at a crime scene, but can also be proactive, aimed at detection and prevention. Innovation and technology is the common thread in both these areas.

Sensing & Measuring

Making the invisible visible and measurable using nanotechnology.

Data driven Investigations

From human perception to digital perception.

The research group in the media

This mini-laboratory is aimed to help detectives (destentor.nl)
TCI presented new research tools to 112vandaag and the Stentor on 12 June, with Jaap Knotter, Micky Breukers, Lisa Vrijdag and Kars Waanders. One of the tools is CrimeMate. CrimeMate enables the on-site measurement of chemical components from body fluids, giving, among other things, a better estimate of the time of death. TrueScene 3D was also presented. TrueScene 3D is a tool that can help police create 3D reconstructions of crime scenes, allowing police to virtually return to the scene at any time, even after the crime scene no longer exists.
Opening of Nano Forensic Lab at Saxion Deventer (Algemeen Dagblad)
On 5 February, the new Nano forensic Lab was opened in the Saxion building in Deventer. In this new lab, the Applied Nanotechnology and Technologies for Criminal Investigations research groups will collaborate with a large number of external partners to further develop the latest micro and nanotechnologies for forensic application.
Superfast trace evidence (Magazine PIT - Regieorgaan SIA)
That cigarette butt, that chewing gum or a few hairs. Traces like these are often not investigated after a crime. While information on DNA can push research in an important direction. However, this is currently too costly and often takes too long. This is why Saxion University of Applied Sciences is investigating how two innovative crime scene tests can make trace evidence more accessible.
The Crime Agency: Was Maddie McCann kidnapped by Christian B.? (Radio1 - The Crime Agency)
Who is Christian B.? The German is a prime suspect in the Maddie McCann case. This month marks 17 years since the British toddler disappeared. Presenter Maaike Timmerman goes through the latest developments with AD correspondent in the UK Geert Langendorff and investigative journalist Sandra van den Heuvel. Jaap Knotter is professor in Technologies for Criminal Investigations at Saxion University of Applied Sciences and the Police Academy, and he talks about which new techniques could help find the girl.

Collaborations

As a research group, we work closely with public organisations, government bodies and businesses. We can also enter into new collaborations working on issues on a project basis.

Are you interested in working on a research project with us? Or would you like to know more about our focus areas to determine whether a project or research fits with our research group? Please contact us to discuss the options.

The Police Academy focuses on developing and improving the quality of the police profession. Knowledge and research are key aspects in this. For education as well as practice.

We develop our knowledge through applied scientific research. This knowledge is important as we use it to answer questions from the police. Our research often involves topical matters. At the same time, we maintain an appropriate distance from the day to day business of police work.

The new Nano forensic Lab opened at Saxion Deventer on 5 February 2024. We use this new lab to collaborate with the Applied Nanotechnology Research Group and a large number of external partners in the further development of the latest micro and nanotechnologies with a possible forensic application.

For example, the development of an electronic nose (an e-nose) to detect and record odour profiles. Another example is fingerprint dating using quantum nanoparticles. Lab-on-a-chip devices are also being used to carry out advanced analysis on traces found at the crime scene. These techniques enable the forensic investigator at the scene to investigate more quickly and efficiently.

Twente Safety Campus is the place to be when it comes to safety innovation and development. Fire, police, education, business community and emergency services such as GHOR (disaster coordination) work together there along with many partners.

The campus was established in 2008 as a result of an enthusiastic collaboration that included a fire-fighting training site at the former Twente Airport. In the meantime Twente Safety Campus has become internationally renowned. Teams from different European countries train there for dealing with large-scale disasters. We develop leading innovative concepts in close cooperation with the University of Twente, Saxion and businesses. We draw inspiration from developments in society and as such can respond quickly to current events. We work with realistic scenarios, professional research and experiential learning.

Our society is digitalising at a rapid pace. This produces incredible innovations, from online banking to digital detection methods. At the same time, it carries major risks: hackers take down systems and criminals steal sensitive data. In today's society, solving issues concerning digitalisation and security is therefore a top priority. In the Centre for Security and Digitalisation, knowledge institutions, companies and government bodies join forces to address these questions.

We are part of the Digitalisation and Technology Knowledge Centre. This Knowledge Centre is concerned with developing the technology used by the police, and preparing police officers for using it.