Forensic practice comes first
The laboratory’s core commercial work is independent forensic expert reporting and associated expert evidence for legal matters. Its focus is the scientific question: what the evidence can support, and the limits of that interpretation.
RHEM Labs is based in Adelaide, Australia. The laboratory is led by Dr Richard Matthews, Principal Forensic Expert, whose practice spans digital traces, computer systems, mobile evidence and acquisition and integrity questions.
Research informed by casework
Casework identifies questions that existing methods may not adequately resolve. RHEM Labs reinvests part of the proceeds of forensic expert work into research and development addressing those problems.
The resulting methods, tools and knowledge can improve forensic practice. Some may develop into operational capabilities or future products. SPOT — Sensor Pattern Origin Testing is one such project.
Engineering and scientific method
The laboratory takes an engineering approach: understand the underlying system from first principles, develop a scientifically defensible method, test it empirically and apply it where it is useful.
An evidence-focused approach
The examination goes beneath tool-generated reports to the underlying systems, data structures and scientific assumptions. Vendor outputs are assessed in context, including what they can and cannot establish.
Clear questions, appropriate methods and transparent limitations are central to useful expert opinion. Technical observations and conclusions must be distinguished, with assumptions and competing explanations made explicit.
Explore forensic expert witness services or read about the research program.