Mosaic Observation

Mosaic Observation is my term for a detailed, methodical approach to reviewing video evidence. This method involves breaking down video into sections, whether focusing on part of the screen or looping a few seconds at a slower speed. Evolution has trained us to focus on movement as a signal of potential danger, so when viewing video evidence, our attention is naturally drawn to movement. However, important details in the still parts of the frame are often overlooked.

Sectional Analysis: The Grid Method

The first step in my Mosaic Observation technique is dividing the screen into virtual sections. I use a grid of about 16 squares, methodically examine each area of the screen independently. By isolating each square, I can focus on specific details that might otherwise go unnoticed if viewing the footage as a whole. If I find something of interest, I subdivide the grid further, allowing me to zoom in on that particular element. This grid method ensures that every corner of the video is scrutinized, and nothing is left out of my analysis.

Temporal Adjustments: Slowing Down the Footage

Body-worn camera footage is one of the most valuable sources of evidence, but it is often chaotic and confusing. The added audio can overwhelm the brain, making it harder to process the visual information. Using Mosaic Observation, I focus solely on the video, slowing it down and carefully analysing it to gain control over the footage. By comparing body-worn camera footage with crime scene photos, I bring clarity to the video and context to the still images.

Image Enhancements: Revealing Hidden Information

At times, the footage quality may not be optimal for analysis. In these cases, I employ a range of image enhancements—adjusting levels, increasing sharpness, and sometimes altering contrast or brightness to bring out more clarity in the scene. This does not alter the fundamental nature of the video, but rather makes key elements stand out. I always maintain a cautious approach when using enhancements. The goal is to reveal what is already there, not to manipulate the footage. In court, I present only the original footage with annotations, allowing judges and juries to follow the critical observations on the original footage.

Side-by-Side Comparisons: A Holistic View

In some cases, there are multiple pieces of footage covering the same location or event from different angles or at different times. After focusing on each video individually, I place them side by side and watch them as a combined video. By viewing different videos together, I can track changes across time and from multiple perspectives, enhancing my understanding of what truly happened in the scene.

The Mosaic Observation Process: Combining Layers

Mosaic Observation is the combination of all these methods into a cohesive approach. It’s not just about observing the footage—it’s about creating a mental image that integrates

• Sectional analysis (grid method)

• Temporal adjustments (slowing footage down)

• Image enhancements (levels, sharpness, contrast)

• Side-by-side comparisons (analysing multiple videos at once)

I constantly refer back to other available evidence, such as witness statements, physical evidence, and timelines, to ensure that every observation fits into the larger picture of the investigation.

A New Perspective on Video Evidence

Mosaic Observation is a careful, layered examination, much like how a bird of prey circles its terrain from different angles until it spots its target. The strength of this approach lies in its depth. I spend considerable time reviewing the same footage repeatedly, allowing me to catch details others might miss—such as a fleeting shadow of an object or subtle eye movements that suggest intent. These small details can uncover inconsistencies or alternative narratives that are not obvious at first glance. In any investigation, video footage often serves as a critical piece of evidence. However, understanding the full narrative that the footage presents requires more than simply watching it through once. My approach, which I call Mosaic Observation, involves a multilayered method of video analysis, allowing me to extract more detail from the footage. Rather than treating video as a single, continuous stream, I break it down into sections, layers, and comparisons to build a comprehensive mental image that correlates with other evidence in the case uncovering critical insights that may shift the direction of a case and provide alternative interpretations of events.