The admissibility of evidence gathered from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in police interrogation
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Abstract
The investigating officers have the authority to inspect locations that may serve as evidence, take photographs, and create crime scene maps, which could help clarify the case. However, photographs alone may not provide the court with a clear understanding of the distance or direction in which they were taken, nor the relationship between different pieces of physical evidence at the scene.
This study on the use of drones in police investigations examines the legal challenges surrounding the admissibility of evidence obtained through drone technology in police investigations in Thailand. It also proposes guidelines for the use of drones to gather admissible and valuable evidence. The research was conducted through a developmental approach, with a targeted group of ten participants, including experts in drone technology, legal professionals such as judges, prosecutors, and law professors, as well as investigators and evidence collectors from the Royal Thai Police, the Department of Special Investigation, and forensic officers.
The study found that police investigators should utilize drones to capture aerial images of crime scenes, providing an overall view and illustrating the relationship between different pieces of evidence. This should be done alongside ground-level photography of the evidence to be included in the investigation report. Drones can help simplify and ensure accuracy in creating crime scene maps. When taken in accordance with relevant legal procedures, drone images of crime scenes can be considered as admissible physical evidence. If the images are clear and can demonstrate facts relevant to the case, they would hold significant probative value.
The recommendation is that the Royal Thai Police should issue regulations governing the use of drone technology, ensuring that all investigators follow a standardized procedure. This would enhance professionalism, protect the integrity of officers performing their duties, and build public trust and confidence.
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