Legal Review of the Implementation of Scientific Crime Investigation by the Police as an Effort to Prove Crimes

Abstract

With the advancement of forensic technology, digital analysis, and various other scientific methods, law enforcement officials can now collect and analyze evidence more accurately and systematically. Scientific Criminal Investigation is an investigative process that utilizes science and technology applied to forensic functions within its evidentiary system. All valid evidence under the applicable Criminal Procedure Code has equal legal force. The issue lies in the extent to which such valid evidence is useful and can assist the general judicial process during the investigation. The aim of this research is to determine and analyze (1) the legal legitimacy of the function of the scientific crime investigation method in the process of handling crimes, (2) the nature of the functional urgency of the scientific crime investigation method in efforts to prove crimes, and (3) the problems in applying the scientific crime investigation method in efforts to prove crimes. The approach method used in this research is normative juridical. The specifications of this research are analytical descriptive. The data source used is secondary data. Secondary data is data obtained from library research consisting of primary legal materials, secondary legal materials and tertiary legal materials. The research results and discussion can be concluded: (1) In terms of legal legitimacy regarding efforts to obtain evidence using the scientific crime investigation method, there are several legal provisions that accommodate the legality of the SCI action, including the provisions of Article 120 of the Criminal Procedure Code, in which if the investigator deems it necessary, he can ask for the opinion of an expert or someone who has special expertise. (2) In terms of urgency, this method is very helpful in implementing Scientific Crime Investigation, which has revolutionized the way of proving criminal cases. If implemented correctly, this strategy is said to be very useful for law enforcement in solving cases that lack evidence. When all conventional investigative efforts cannot be revealed and reach a dead end, the law turns to other scientific fields to help and in terms of legality, this is valid and represents a support system in the smooth enforcement of the law. (3) Although the Scientific Crime Investigation method in proving a crime that lacks evidence is very effective and accurate, there are several problems as part of the weaknesses of using this method in revealing various crimes. In principle, SCI uses science that develops along with the times. Examination data becomes more complex and detailed over time. Errors, such as missing or incorrect data, are common when processing evidence, and are related to its limitation or reduction.