Forensic audio and video examination is a specialized field that involves the analysis and

interpretation of audio and video recordings to assist in criminal investigations. While this field has
become increasingly important in recent years, there are several limitations and challenges that forensic
examiners face. Some of these limitations and challenges include:

1. Poor quality recordings: Audio and video recordings may have poor quality due to several
reasons such as poor recording equipment, environmental factors, and poor storage conditions.
Poor-quality recordings can make it difficult to identify relevant information and can limit the
effectiveness of forensic analysis.
2. Authenticity: Determining the authenticity of audio and video recordings can be challenging.
Recordings may be altered or tampered with, and it can be difficult to determine if they are
original or modified. This can impact the admissibility of the evidence in court and may require
additional analysis to determine authenticity.
3. Lack of standards: There is a lack of standardization in the field of forensic audio and video
examination. Different examiners may use different methods, techniques, and software to
analyze recordings, leading to inconsistencies in results and potential challenges to the
admissibility of evidence in court.
4. Technical limitations: Audio and video recordings can be complex and may require specialized
tools and software to analyze effectively. However, the tools and software used may have
technical limitations, such as the inability to analyze certain types of recordings or limitations in
the accuracy of the analysis.
5. Subjectivity: Forensic audio and video examination can be subjective, and examiners may
interpret recordings differently. This can be influenced by personal biases or the lack of clear
guidelines for interpretation.
6. Privacy concerns: Audio and video recordings may contain sensitive or private information, and
there are ethical concerns around using and sharing such recordings. It is essential for forensic
examiners to ensure that they are following appropriate privacy and data protection
regulations.

In conclusion, forensic audio and video examination is an important field in criminal

investigations. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations and challenges forensic
examiners face, including poor quality recordings, authenticity issues, lack of standards, technical
limitations, subjectivity, and privacy concerns. Addressing these challenges will require ongoing
research, standardization efforts, and the development of specialized tools and software to support the
effective analysis of audio and video recordings.

Reference:

Whitley, R., & Figarelli, D. (n.d.). A Simplified Guide to Forensic Audio and Video Analysis. National
Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC).
https://www.forensicsciencesimplified.org/av/AudioVideo.pdf