The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in everyday life is becoming increasingly prevalent, with many professionals incorporating it into their work. The ability to analyse large amounts of data, identify patterns and automate tasks, creates an argument that AI can improve the efficiency and accuracy of forensic investigations. However, integral parts of a forensic investigation still require human intervention, which raises the question as to whether AI could or should ever do the job of a forensic investigator.
Chartered Engineer and materials expert, Dr Sophie Parsons explored the topic of AI in forensic investigations in her presentation An Honest Take on AI and Forensic Investigations from and Engineering Luddite at AICLA 2025. Sophie discussed whether this should be used in activities such as site visits, laboratory examinations, and report writing, highlighting the pros and cons of each. She explained that automating processes could allow investigators to dedicate more time to higher-value tasks such as critical thinking and problem-solving, which are essential for root cause analysis, as well as preventing recurrences.
However, the use of AI to create or contribute to reports has cause for concern. Sophie raised questions such as whether AI can be trained sufficiently enough to avoid bias, and whether there is a risk of copyright breach if information is amassed from other online sources. She referred to Part 35 of the Civil Procedural Rules (CPR) in the UK that govern what you can and cannot do during court litigation. This states that where experts are instructed to give opinions which are relied on for the purpose of court proceedings, these opinions must be independent, regardless of the pressures of litigation. Sophie questioned whether the use of AI to write a report, is therefore still of the expert’s own opinion.
Dr Sophie Parsons joined Hawkins in 2012 and has since provided expertise in materials failure analysis and corrosion incidents in both the marine and land-based sectors. As a materials engineer, Sophie has conducted investigations involving failure/corrosion of glass, ceramic, plastic and metal, and is experienced in criminal work involving trace evidence. Sophie is also Head of Hawkins Marine and has conducted investigations involving the failure of marine coatings, the liquefaction of Group A cargoes and their associated laboratory testing, as well as incidents involving cargo and hull damage. Sophie regularly presents to law firms, P&I Clubs and loss adjusting companies on materials failure analysis, corrosion, and cargo/liquefaction matters. If you would like Sophie to present or investigate failure for your organisation, please get in touch.
