Sahmyook University-Police University Institute of Security Policy Research, MOU for Collaboration on 'Odor Evidence' Study

On the 22nd, Samyook University and the Police University Institute of Crime Policy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to secure the objectivity of odor evidence in the small conference room of the Centennial Memorial Hall on campus. President Kim Ilmok of Samyook University (right) and Director Lee Junhyung of the Institute of Crime Policy are posing for a commemorative photo.

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Samyook University and the Police University Institute of Security Policy will establish a cooperative system to secure the objectivity of odor evidence.

On the 22nd, Samyook University signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the first time in Korea to secure the objectivity of odor evidence at the small conference room of the Centennial Memorial Hall on campus.

Through this agreement, Samyook University and the Institute of Security Policy will establish a cooperative system to concretize and specialize research related to odor evidence, including △operation of scent detection dogs △development of odor evidence collection methods △establishment of scent detection lineups.

Odor evidence is recognized for its evidentiary value in countries such as Germany and Japan, and unlike fingerprints or DNA, which can be intentionally damaged by criminals, it has the characteristic of not being erased at the scene. If the individuality of odor is scientifically secured like fingerprints, it is also possible to identify the perpetrator.

Samyook University has expertise in operating scent detection dogs that can identify odors left at the scene and the subjects. Professor Jeong Hoon of the Department of Animal Resources Science monitors the training process of scent detection dogs and conducts research to secure the objectivity and reliability of odor evidence. He has also led research on dogs' scent detection behavior, including authoring a standard manual for odor evidence.

The Police University Institute of Security Policy has been operating a portable gas collection device for four years. This device concentrates and collects trace gases and consists of a high-sensitivity mass spectrometry device and system for analyzing various components of samples. Using this device, research is underway to develop an optimal analysis platform for scent that can identify individuals.

In October last year, Samyook University signed an MOU with the Gyeonggi Northern Provincial Police Agency and jointly introduced the scent detection dog "Pado" (Labrador Retriever) to strengthen research capabilities on odor evidence.

Kim Ilmok, president of Samyook University, said, “We expect the recognition and continuous development of odor evidence, a new technique in forensic science,” and added, “I hope the objectivity of odor evidence will be secured and used effectively in security fields.”