On the Path Towards Standardisation of a Sensor API for Forensics Investigations.

Forensics investigations need to be conducted efficiently and accurately especially in situations where time is a scarce resource. Novel technologies, like forensic sensors, can aid investigators in trace detection, visualisation, identification and interpretation on site. Arising from the need to connect different sensors to a remote digital management software, a network-enabled Sensor API is proposed to enable any compliant CBRNe Sensor to connect and exchange information in a harmonised and interoperable way. As a result, a Standardisation Workshop agreement, on CBRNe SENSOR API - Network Protocols, Data Formats and Interfaces, was initiated to promote standardisation of the Sensor API. The new proposed standard will allow sensor manufacturers to focus on sensor development work, benefitting from already defined interfaces and data models. Moreover, forensic investigators, acting as end-users, can better understand and analyse (well defined) sensor outputs, thus improving their work efficiency and facilitating technology acceptance.