The role of expert witnesses in the search for missing persons and drowning victims - lecture by Maciej Rokus.

On 17 May 2025, an expert lecture was held on the theme of 'The Future. "Trace on the other side - the role of the expert in the search for missing persons and drowning victims using the latest technology and forensic analysis". The event was organised on the initiative of the authorities of the Faculty of Social Sciences and brought together a large number of students, academics and people interested in criminology, psychology
and safety. The lecture was hosted by Mr. Maciej Rokus - Plenipotentiary of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivode for Safety, head of the Polish Diving Special Group and an expert witness at the Regional Court in Katowice.

Key issues covered in the lecture

Attendees at the lecture were able to learn about our guest speaker's wide range of specialisms, including reservoir safety, in-water research with divers and sonar, search methods and victim location techniques in difficult conditions. During the meeting, the speaker presented a comprehensive overview of modern methods and tools used in the work of specialist teams. The presentation included numerous references to real-life cases, allowing participants to gain an insight into the practical aspects of an expert witness's work and the challenges of conducting searches in difficult water conditions.

Humanitarian dimension of search operations

Another important element of the lecture was the emphasis on the humanitarian dimension of search operations - roli empathy, responsibility and cooperation with the families of missing persons. The speaker drew attention to the need to combine technical knowledge
with sensitivity to human tragedies, which is an important foundation for the work of experts in the field.

Strong interest in a valuable lecture

The event was met with great interest from the academic community, as evidenced by the numerous questions to the guest speaker and active discussion after the speech. Participants emphasised the exceptional educational value of the meeting and its inspirational nature. On behalf of the Dean's team, we would like to thank Mr Maciej Rokus for accepting the invitation and all participants for their presence and activity. This lecture will certainly remain in the memory for a long time as a an example of the interdisciplinary combination of knowledge, experience and modern technology for safety and human life. After this lecture, we will certainly not look at the surface of the water the same way again.