Expert Witness Webinar – What Makes a Credible Witness?
Juries look for many characteristics that establish credibility in a witness, including knowledge, demeanor, communication skills, and response during direct and cross examination. must demonstrate competency in their chosen disciplines and in their interactions with members of the criminal justice system. Join the free webinar offered by The Evidence Conferene to find out what makes a credible witness. The presentation will provide attendees information on factors affecting credibility, and advice on how to strengthen and evaluate credibility. The webinar is scheduled for April 25 at 1:00 PM ET, and will last 90 minutes.
For registration information click here.
The 3 Fs of Spotting Photo Fraud
With advances in digital imaging continually increasing, so has increases in photographic fraud. The field of photo forensics has emerged to help restore and regain some trust in digital photographs. There are a variety of tools experts can use to help determine the history of a photograph. These tools have been characterized into one of three main categories: files, footprints, and flaws, the three Fs. The application of forensic tools in these categories can help verify the authenticity of a photo or detect photographic fraud. The first category, files, relies on the packaging of the image into a file and relates to the format used to save the photo. The footprints category relies on the photo’s collection of pixels, defined by numerical values that represent individual colors. Every editing operation that was done to the photograph leaves behind statistical traces. The last category focuses on flaws of the image, errors made while trying to manipulate factors of a photograph including shadows, lighting, and reflections.
Source: Evidence Technology Magazine
[Abstract by ForensIQ intern, Andrea Williams]
Citation: Connor, K., & Farid, H. (2013, March-April). The 3 Fs of spotting photo fraud. Evidence Technology Magazine, 11(2), 16-19. Retrieved from http://www.evidencemagazine.com/v11n2.htm
Straight to the Bone – Advances in Forensic Anthropology
The Forensic Research Seminar, Straight to the Bone: Advances in Forensic Anthropology, airs live on April 2 at 1pm ET. The seminar will include presentations by experts within the Forensic Anthropology community. Forensic Anthropology experts for these events include Natalie Shirley, Jennifer Love, and Stephen Ousley.
This seminar is sponsored by NIJ and presented by RTI International, NIJ’s Forensic Science Technology Center of Excellence.
If you can’t make it online on Tuesday, two additional times have been added – April 4 at 1pm ET and April 18 at 1pm ET.
Register for this free webinar here.
Source: forensicmag.com and NIJ
Falling Into Decay: Postmortem Interval and Molecular Autopsy
Join NIJ as they host another live webinar. Presentations include:
- Microbial Community Change Associated with Decomposing Corpses, Rob Knight
- Using Differential RNA Degradation to Estimate an Extended Postmortem Interval, Clifton Bishop and Joshua Moor.
Register to attend on one of the following days:
This webinar is presented by RTI International, NIJ’s Forensic Science Technology Center of Excellence, in their Live Forensic Research Seminar Series.
Source: forensicmag.com and NIJ
NIST Offers Forensic Science Education and Training Webcasts
The National Institute of Standards and Technology will be offering two upcoming educational workshops and a conference for forensic science professionals. All three events will be free to attend and viewable through live webcasts.
The first workshop scheduled for April 12, 2013 and will be focused on interpreting forensic DNA mixtures in casework. Some topics to be covered include why working with DNA mixtures is difficult and approaches being used around the world to cope with complex mixtures. The second two-day workshop is scheduled for April 30-May 1, 2013. This workshop will be focused on exploring emerging trends in the forensic analysis of three types of designer drugs: synthetic cannabinoids, substituted cathinones, and novel hallucinogens. The Measurement Science and Standards in Forensic Handwriting Analysis Conference will take place June 4-5, 2013 at the NIST Headquarters in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The conference will focus on enhancing the current state of forensic handwriting analysis through the use of advancements in science and research.
For more information on the DNA mixtures workshop, click here.
For more information on the designer drugs workshop, click here.
For more information on the handwriting conference, click here.
Source: Forensic Magazine and NIST
[Abstract by ForensIQ intern, Andrea Williams]
Citation: (2013, March 6). NIST offers forensic science education and training webcasts. Forensic Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/nist-offers-forensic-science-education-and-training-webcasts.
Every Clue Counts – Forensics Inconceivable Without Microscopy
Shell casings, fingerprints, hair, and fibers – All are examples of physical and trace evidence that contain huge weight in the success of solving a case. However, the real value of the evidence is proven when it is placed under a microscope where investigators can find the tiny clues that link a perpetrator to the crime. There are several types of microscopes and macroscopes that crime scene technicians use, but for a close examination of tiny clues on suspected evidence, investigators use comparison macroscopes. This type of macroscope allows investigators to compare the impression and striation marks on shell casings and bullets from a scene with that of a projectile from a lab test fire. By matching up firing pin impressions, breech marks, and/or ejactor and extractor marks, investigators can prove that a suspected weapon was in fact the weapon used in the commission of a crime. Similarly, comparison microscopes also allow for the comparison of tool mark impressions, suspected documents, hairs, fibers, paint chips and glass that are found at crime scenes.
[Abstract by ForensIQ Intern – Mark Lombard]
Source: forensicmag.com
Citation:
Wiesner, J. Leica Microsystems. Every Clue Counts – Forensics Inconceivable Without Microscopy. Retrieved March 12, 2013, from http://www.leica-microsystems.com/science-lab/forensics/every-clue-counts-forensics-inconceivable-without-microscopy/
Senate Panel Casts Votes on Gun Purchases
While background checks are now required for firearm sales by the nation’s 55,000 federally licensed gun dealers, they are not required for private sales between individuals, like those at gun shows or online. In Congress’ first gun votes since the Newtown, Conneticut school shooting, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to deter gun trafficking and straw purchasing by heighten federal penalties against illegal firearms purchases. The Democratic-led panel voted 11-7 to impose penalties of up to 25 years for people who legally buy firearms but give them to someone else for use in a crime or to people legally barred from acquiring weapons. The committee was expected to vote on several other bills, including one that would require background checks for nearly all gun purchases and another that would provide around $40 million a year for schools to buy security equipment but no verdict has yet been reported. The debate made it clear that new gun restrictions face a difficult road getting through a Congress where the National Rifle Association and conservative voters have such a loud presence.
Source: Alan Fram at The Associated Press, and forensicmag.com
Citation:
Fram, A. Forensic Magazine. Senate Panel Casts Votes on Gun Purchases . Retrieved March 12, 2013, from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/senate-panel-casts-votes-gun-purchases?et_cid=3130957&et_rid=515363537&linkid=http%3a%2f%2fwww.forensicmag.com%2fnews%2fsenate-panel-casts-votes-gun-purchases
Crime Tech Quickening Forensics Analysis
According to Peter Massey, former detective at the Hamden Police Department and current lecturer at the University of New Haven in Connecticut, the new advances in forensic science and technology will allow immediate lab testing results to speed up criminal investigations. New technology like the Raman spectroscopy can be used to detect molecular vibrations in suspicious powdery substances to determine if they are explosive without destroying potential evidence. Additional new technologies and advancements according to Massey include Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction methods, advancements in biometric technologies, and handheld electronic narcotic sniffers and flashlight sensors detecting alcohol levels in the air, some of which are already in wide use in police departments nationwide. Massey stated the future of forensic science is bringing the laboratory to the crime scene.
Source: Forensic Magazine and Yale Daily News
[Abstract by ForensIQ intern, Andrea Williams]
Citation: Ligato, L. (2013, February 28). Crime tech quickening forensics analysis. Yale Daily News. Retrieved from http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2013/02/28/crime-tech-quickening-forensics-analysis/
US Army Purchases Latent Fingerprint Development System from Linde Canada
Based on the technology developed by Linde Canada, Ltd., the first beta of the ADROITTM FC 300 automated latent fingerprint development system uses a gaseous application process for discovering and developing latent fingerprints. The new dry, non-contact technology eliminates hazardous carrier solvents used in traditional fingerprint processing methods, as well as the possibly damaging physical application of these materials by dipping, spraying, brushing, and drying. In 2012, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory (USACIL) tested a prototype for the Linde system and now they have purchased the first commercial unit for further study. According to Calvin Knaggs, Linde Canada technology marketing manager who developed the technology, “the interest and feedback provided by the USACIL was invaluable in bringing the capabilities of the technology to where it is today.
Note: An existing study of the technology, entitled “Latent Print Development Using Low Pressure Sublimation Vapor Deposition: Evaluation of a Prototype System,” has already been published in the Journal of Forensic Identification.
Click here to view a video of the Linde ADROITTM FC 300
Source: forensicmag.com and Linde
Citation:
(2013, 27). Linde US Industrial Gases, Equipment & Chemicals.U.S. Army purchases first ADROIT™ FC 300 latent fingerprint development system from Linde Canada. Retrieved March 3, 2013, from http://www.lindeus.com/en/news_and_media/press_releases/2013-02-27rnanews.html
Preserving Biological Evidence
A significant resource will become available for law enforcement personnel and evidence technicians in the first quarter of 2013. The Biological Evidence Preservation Handbook: Best Practices for Evidence Handlers is a definitive guide for the handling of biological evidence. The guide was produced by the Technical Working Group on Biological Evidence Preservation and co-sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Institute of Justice. With a broad range of various backgrounds, the group produced the guide to, “create best practices and guidance on how to properly preserve, process, store, and track biological evidence to safeguard against contamination, premature destruction, or degradation.” The handbook addresses many aspects of biological evidence such as details on tracking the biological evidence chain of custody and best practices for temporary and long-term storage of biological evidence. Additionally, the Technical Working Group on Biological Evidence Preservation plans to develop a document that will describe the different evidence tracking technologies available.
Source: Forensic Magazine and Evidence Technology Magazine
[Abstract by ForensIQ intern, Andrea Williams]
Citation: Mayo, K. (2013, March/April). Preserving biological evidence. Evidence Technology Magazine, 11(2) Retrieved from http://www.evidencemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1179&Itemid=26
NFSTC Launches Forensic Science Simplified Website
A new online resource for understanding the basics of forensic science and courtroom admissibility has been announced by the National Forensic Science Technology Center.
The new website, ForensicScienceSimplified.org, is a beneficial resource for law enforcement, courtroom personnel and the general public. Developed by forensic science experts and under a cooperative effort with the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the website provides valuable information for understanding forensics. The site is free to use and is available for both computers and mobile devices. Some of the forensic science topics include fingerprints, bloodstains, crime scene investigation, questioned documents, firearms, DNA, forensic photography, and trace evidence. Each topic includes basic information, expectations and limitations, frequently asked questions, and common terms and misconceptions.
Source: Forensic Magazine and NFSTC
[Abstract by ForensIQ intern, Andrea Williams]
Citation: (2013). Forensic Magazine. NFSTC Launches Forensic Science Simplified Website. Retrieved March 6, 2013, from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/nfstc-launches-forensic-science-simplified-website
State-of-the-art van will help state police crime scene investigators
More and more law enforcement agencies are purchasing new and high tech tools to aid them in crime scene investigations. Similar to the Decatur, NJ police department’s “crime scene machine,” the Illinois State Police have recently been given a refurbished 19-foot van to serve as a mobile crime laboratory for major crime scenes. Equipped with the necessary tools for processing a crime scene and state-of-the-art technology to label evidence and directly upload it to the computer database, the van will be deployed to large-scale violent crime scenes that require extensive investigative and evidence collection resources. According to ISP CSSC Lieutenant Matt Davis, the vehicle will enhance the CSI unit’s overall mission to “provide factual, timely, and proven assistance to [the] criminal investigations” of suburban police agencies, task forces, and metropolitan drug and enforcement groups.
[Abstract by ForensIQ Intern – Mark Lombard]
Citation:
(2013, 1). Newsbug.info. Illinois State Police unveil high tech crime scene services command van. Retrieved March 5, 2013, from http://www.newsbug.info/iroquois_countys_times-republic/records/article_bbe64414-8244-11e2-883d-001a4bcf887a.html?goback=%2Egde_4447786_member_218891736
New DNA Technology Helps Get Convictions
Newly developed DNA computer software is being praised for its assistance with two robbery convictions in Kern County, California. True Allele is a new computer software program capable of sorting through contaminated evidence using mathematical formulas. The software can help identify whether a particular person’s DNA was present at a crime scene even if the DNA has been in the field for a while or may be contaminated or degraded. True Allele was paid for with a $100,000 grant from the National Institute of Justice. Now that the new technology has been proven in the courtroom, more use of the software is expected.
Date of Article: February 20, 2013
Source: Forensic Magazine and KGET
[Abstract by ForensIQ intern, Andrea Williams}
Citation: (2013). KGET 17. New DNA technology helps convict criminals. Retrieved February 25, 2013, from http://www.kget.com/news/local/story/New-DNA-technology-helps-convict-criminals/JX2dC0lgpki4kD_tCdHsvQ.cspx
NYPD and Microsoft Create Crime-fighting Tech System
A new crime-fighting technology software is allowing the New York Police Department to instantaneously pool data from the department’s copious arrest records, emergency calls, over 3,000 citywide security cameras, license plate readers and portable radiation detectors, and assembles it into an easy-to-use and interactive map. The Domain Awareness System, otherwise known as “the dashboard,” began development back in 2009 when the NYPD approached Microsoft Corp. to build a software that would mine data for the Lower Manhattan Security Initiative, a network of private and public cameras and other tools monitored by the department’s counter terrorism bureau. From there, officers worked directly with programmers to create a system that is truly “by cops for cops.” The system is currently only being utilized by the NYPD, but Microsoft vice president in charge of program management, Dave Mosher, said that they are looking to bring the technology to smaller municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and companies that handle major sporting events.
[Abstract by ForensIQ Intern – Mark Lombard]
Citation:
Long, C. (2013, 20). Forensic Magazine. NYPD, Microsoft Create Crime-fighting Tech System . Retrieved February 26, 2013, from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/nypd-microsoft-create-crime-fighting-tech-system?et_cid=3103514&et_rid=515363537&linkid=http%3a%2f%2fwww.forensicmag.com%2fnews%2fnypd-microsoft-create-crime-fighting-tech-system
Washington Police Agencies Step Up Testing of ‘Crime Guns’
“Is the gun from your murder case hiding in the evidence vault of a neighboring police department?” firearms expert Pete Gagliardi asked the group of detectives and personnel from 31 police agencies at a Washington Criminal Justice Training Center seminar last week. Each time a gun is fired, it ejects a shell that has marks as unique as fingerprints. This important piece of evidence gives agencies that have collected firearms off the streets a great tool against murders with firearms and other gun crimes. However, many police agencies have several firearms that have not been tested and are simply sitting in their vaults. Brad Buckles, the ATF director in 1999 when the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) was created, said that “there are thousands, probably tens of thousands of firearms around the country in police department vaults that are never test-fired and are never entered into that system. Recently however, the ATF is following the Washington State Patrol’s Seattle crime lab’s lead in gaining more advanced analyses of shell casings through the use of a new 3D terminal that connects to the NIBIN network.
See the full article and a video here.
Source: forensicmag.com
[Abstract by ForensIQ Intern – Mark Lombard]
Citation:
Ingalls, C. (2013, 20). King5.com. Washington police agencies step up testing of ‘crime guns’. Retrieved February 26, 2013, from http://www.king5.com/news/local/KING-5-Investigation-prompts-WA-police-agencies-to-take-closer-look-at-their-crime-guns-192113341.html
