Criminology: Expert gives insights on modern investigation, digital forensics

• By Korede Lolu-David, LASU

Robert Fried, a forensic expert and Executive Vice President of the Society of Forensic Investigation, New York City, highlighted the dynamics of modern investigation with the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Fried was the guest speaker at the Criminology and Security Studies Lecture Series of the Department of Sociology, Lagos State University (LASU).

It was entitled: “Digital Forensic Investigation: Processes, Techniques, and Applications.”

He noted that in modern investigations, whether extracting health data from a smartwatch or utilizing AI to parse thousands of ephemeral messages, the human element remains paramount.

According to him, though AI is the critical investigative engine, it cannot be left unsupervised because of document forgery, media manipulation, and system failures, among others.

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“In investigations, every digital contact leaves a trace. Electronic evidence is no longer secondary; it is the connective tissue of the investigation. Swiping a touchscreen leaves trace DNA; deleting a file leaves operating system logs; using a smart device leaves a network footprint. The evidence is always there–if you know how to look through the forensic lens,” he said.

Speaking on the significance of the lecture, the Head of the Department of Sociology, Prof. Jubril Jawando, described it as a testament to the department’s commitment to intellectual excellence and its responsiveness to the rapidly evolving dynamics of crime and security in the digital age.

“We are particularly honored to host globally renowned forensic experts whose insights have illuminated the fragile nature of digital evidence and the profound implications of the emerging Quantum Era. As we have heard, the transformation from traditional investigative methods to complex digital ecosystems presents both unprecedented opportunities and serious challenges, demanding not only advanced technological tools but also critical human reasoning.

“This lecture series, therefore, serves as a vital platform for bridging theory and practice, equipping our students and professionals with the knowledge required to navigate these complexities,” he said.

Programme Coordinator and Moderator for the Master's in Criminology and Security Studies at LASU, Prof. Adedeji Oyenuga, said forensic science is inherently multidisciplinary, adding that it applies the Three Ts of Science- Theory, Technology, and Technician—to investigations, requiring constant collaboration with other fields to solve crime.

“The Lecture Series initiative was established to equip Criminology and Security Studies students with practical, field-relevant knowledge. We have progressively introduced students to hands-on sessions to bridge theory and practice.

“Our Lecture Series has significant value for both Security Studies and Criminology. For Security Studies, it supports the shift from protective and reactive models to preventive, proactive security systems.

“For Criminology, it streamlines investigative work. While criminologists traditionally rely on mental reconstruction of events, AI now simplifies simulation and scene reconstruction. Additionally, the Internet of Things (IoT) provides accessible intelligence from data that individuals release unconsciously, and data mining broadens the scope of available intelligence.

The department remains committed to creating opportunities that foster student growth and enhance their competitiveness in a global context,” he said.