Forensics topic 3: Mobile, remotely controlled technologies to examine a crime scene in case of an accident or a terrorist attack involving CBRNE materials

Specific challenge:

In the event of an accident or a terrorist attack (including those involving CBRNE materials), the physical examination of the crime scene by hand may not be possible, or could be severly restricted due to the presence of hazardous material or risk of building collapse. Therefore, there is a need for the development of mobile, remotely- controlled technologies to enable an improved identification/detection of CBRNE materials and collection of forensic material / evidence in a variety of situations and conditions.

Scope:

The proposal should focus on the “mobile, remotely controlled” characteristics of the technologies to be developed to enable the assessment of hazardous scenes where the deployment of personnel is difficult as a result of an accident or terrorist attack. This should include technologies to enable the verification of CBRNE materials through the identification / detection (including visual recognition) of the type of substance and the collection of forensic material / evidence. The output should be operational in a variety of weather and terrain conditions, and demonstrate that they are cost effective. Proposals should link with existing projects. Tools/technologies should have a minimal disruptive effect on the crime scene.

Whereas activities will have an exclusive focus on civil applications, coordination with the activities of the European Defence Agency (EDA) may be considered with possible synergies being established with projects funded by the EDA programmes. The complementarity of such synergies should be described comprehensively. On-going work within the European Framework Cooperation (EFC) should be taken into account.

Tools developed need to be available to law enforcement agencies at a fair price.

Proposals addressing this topic may involve the use of classified background information (EU or national) or the production of security sensitive results. As such, certain project deliverables may require security classification. The final decision on the classification of projects is subject to the security evaluation.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of between €3m and €5m would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Expected impact:

Improved remotely controlled identification / detection and collection of forensic evidence in case of accidents or terrorist attacks involving CBRNE materials. Higher cost effectiveness of CBRNE forensics. For industry, better understanding of modern operational CBRNE identification/ detection requirements, thus increasing the competitiveness of their mobile equipments and products.

The outcome of the proposal is expected to lead to development up to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4; please see part G of the General Annexes.

Type of action: Research & Innovation Actions