Knoxville Accident Reconstruction Firm Implements “Game-Changing” Handheld Scanner for Crash and Crime Scenes
Bobby Jones and his team at Bobby Jones Accident Reconstruction in Knoxville, Tennessee have used a variety of documentation tools over the years, from tape measures to total stations. Even as the firm’s tools advanced, they found they were still losing a lot of time and productivity due to physical measuring and drawing.

Then, several years ago the Jones team made the switch to FARO® Focus Laser Scanners, which were the first solution that allowed them to utilize highly effective software and produce more usable deliverables – without having to undergo extensive training.
While the firm has been happy with the Focus’s user-friendly design and analysis-ready results, they were still looking for something even better that could help them capture the small details in more complex scenes.
When the FARO® Freestyle 2 Handheld Scanner was released this past summer, it was the obvious next step for improving operations at Bobby Jones. The Freestyle 2 gives users the ability to accelerate on-scene photorealistic 3D reality capture while achieving more accurate and thorough data. It is ideal for capturing intricate scenarios that require a high level of detail, such as crime scene documentation and interior and exterior vehicle scans.
We sat down with Bobby Jones to talk to him about his thoughts regarding the Freestyle 2.
What were your first impressions of the Freestyle 2?
“I would say it’s fast, accurate, lightweight, easy to operate, and a major ‘game-changer’ for both crash and crime scenes.
In my opinion, it’s a must-have supplement to the FARO FocusS, which we were already using. I think it also works great as a stand-alone unit, but I like having both because the Focus allows me to capture the wider view of the scene from a single spot while the portable nature of the Freestyle 2 makes it easy to move around the scene and capture all the details.
The Freestyle 2 also allows us to scan much faster. You can scan an entire vehicle in roughly five minutes. In contrast, it typically requires an hour to capture a whole car using the current Focus scanner.”
How long did it take you to learn how to use the scanner?
“My first exposure to the Freestyle 2 was scanning a crashed vehicle. After a brief introduction to the scanner, I scanned the entire exterior of the car in less than five minutes. The processing time was about 15 minutes and we had an analysis-ready, very accurate 3D rendering.
I just pointed the scanner at the object of interest and made a motion like you’re spray painting, moving up and down while slowly going sideways, and it recorded thousands of overlapping images in RGB color data and depth.
I also found the processing to be straightforward and the workflow is simple, so I would say it’s easy for new users to learn. FARO® SCENE Software processes the scan data, which I’m already familiar with. I think people who are already Focus users and are familiar with SCENE will probably be able to transition with minimal training like I was.”
Tell us your thoughts about the design.
“It seems very durable and sturdy. Cleaning and decontaminating the scanner equipment is easy and fast. I didn’t have to worry about cosmetic damage when working in crash or crime scene environments. You can see the real-time results of the scan on the device mounted on the handheld unit, which is really helpful.
I also like the computer that comes with the scanner. It’s connected by a high-quality USB cable, and the computer is small and lightweight. You can also attach it to your belt or shoulder strap to keep it safe and secure. It’s a Windows 10 with an i7 processor, which gives it plenty of power to capture and process data. It also has HDMI and USB ports so you can connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse like with any other computer.
It has a built-in flash that allows you to scan in total darkness. It can scan in bright sunlight as well, but I believe it requires a bit more time to capture.”
Are there any specific features that stand out to you?
“I was impressed by the accuracy. The scan point accuracy is .5mm at 1m, 2.5mm at 5m, and 15mm at 10m, which exceeds the recommended measurement requirements for forensic mapping.

Because it’s handheld, it’s much easier to scan tight places that would otherwise be difficult to reach. You can easily capture cramped spaces like the interior of a car, an engine compartment, a small closet, underneath a desk, or around damage.”
Who do you think would benefit the most from the Freestyle 2?
“I think anyone who needs accurate measurements of small scenes or items will benefit. Crash and crime scene reconstructionists, crime scene technicians, fire investigators, medical examiners, engineers, safety personnel, and archeologists… I think they could all benefit from using this scanner.”