A systematic review of sensors to combat crime and routes to further sensor development
Abstract
Forensic science plays an important part in crime reduction but faces many challenges. These include the validity, cost and complexity of current sensors used, and a reliance on trained professionals to conduct analyses. Recent advances in sensor technologies present a promising opportunity for rapid, decentralized, and cost-effective analysis by untrained individuals in the field. To date, a comprehensive systematic review covering sensing technologies and use cases has been lacking. This paper addresses that gap. After the initial screening of papers, 1,482 publications were included in the review, from which data on target analytes and sensing technologies were extracted. Given that law enforcement have limited resources, a second screening examined papers that focused on low-cost sensing devices published from 2020 onwards (N = 791). Overall, our review identified eleven key analyte categories that had been researched: illicit drugs, fingerprints, explosives, body fluids, food safety, poisons and toxins, pollutants, counterfeits and documentation, fire, gunshot, and others. Low-cost sensing technologies identified were categorised into electrochemical, colourimetric, immunoassay, luminescence and SERS. We review trends in the research reported, barriers to commercialisation and adoption, and review the use of these types of sensors by law enforcement agencies. Current sensors used by authorities face challenges of high costs, specificity issues, limited detection…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 791 participants or records.
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