Law enforcement authorities are increasingly interested in 3D modelling for virtual crime scene reconstruction, enabling offline analysis without the cost and contamination risk of on-site investigation. Past work has demonstrated spatial relationships through static modelling but validating the sequence of events in dynamic scenarios is crucial for solving a case. Yet, animation tools are not well suited to crime scene reconstruction, and complex for non-experts in 3D modelling/animation. Through a co-design process with criminology experts, we designed "Criminator"-a methodological framework and XR tool that simplifies animation authoring. We evaluated this tool with participants trained in criminology (n=6) and untrained individuals (n=12). Both groups were able to successfully complete the character animation tasks and provided high usability ratings for observation tasks. Criminator has potential for hypothesis testing, demonstration, sense-making, and training. Challenges remain in how such a tool fits into the entire judicial process, with questions about including animations as evidence.

翻译：执法部门对虚拟犯罪现场重建的三维建模日益关注，该方法支持离线分析，避免了现场调查的成本与污染风险。以往研究通过静态建模展示空间关系，但验证动态场景中的事件序列对案件侦破至关重要。然而，现有动画工具并不适配犯罪现场重建需求，且对非三维建模/动画专业人士而言过于复杂。通过与犯罪学专家开展协同设计，我们开发了"Criminator"——一套简化动画创作的方法框架与XR工具。我们招募了受过犯罪学训练的人员（n=6）与未受训人员（n=12）对该工具进行评估。两组参与者均能成功完成角色动画任务，并在观察任务中给出较高的可用性评分。Criminator在假设验证、案情演示、线索整合及培训方面具有应用潜力。此类工具如何融入完整司法流程仍面临挑战，特别是动画内容能否作为证据使用的问题亟待探讨。