AIEWE 2013 Expert Witness Bootcamp
The American Institute for Expert Witness Education’s (AIEWE) Expert Witness Bootcamp is hosting an intensive three-day clinic designed to develop and enhance the testifying and communication skills of professionals who serve as expert courtroom witnesses in a variety of industries including accounting, financial and valuation, marital dissolution, fraud investigation, medical, high technology, fire and others.
Attendees will work on simulated case studies that incorporate their actual work product and engagements. Members of the AIEWE faculty of seasoned experts, witness preparation consultants, strategic communications coaches, and trial attorneys who have an average of more than 25 years of experience will coach participants in a variety of real world scenarios include jury and bench trials in federal and state courts, matrimonial courts, and in arbitration.
The 2013 training schedule coming to three locations:
- March 21-23 Chicago, IL
- September 19-21 Atlanta, GA
- December 12-14 Las Vegas, NV
- Customized in-house training also available. Please inquire.
Price for attending the Bootcamp is $1,755 for members and $1,950 for non-members. Early registration discounts are available. In addition, the AIEWE is offering a limited-time discount of $250 off any Bootcamp if registered and paid by February 28, 2013. To register, call Member Services at (800) 677-2009. Dates and locations are subject to change.
Date of Article: January 28th, 2013
Citation:
Forensic Magazine. AIEWE 2013 Expert Witness Bootcamp Schedule . Retrieved January 28, 2013, from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/aiewe-2013-expert-witness-bootcamp-schedule?et_cid=3061739&et_rid=515363537&linkid=http%3a%2f%2fwww.forensicmag.com%2fnews%2faiewe-2013-expert-witness-bootcamp-schedule
Open up DNA Databases to All
In most states, prosecutors have exclusive access to over 11 million DNA samples in the CODIS national database to match known and unknown suspects to crimes. Over the last decade, there have been dozens of cases where an attorney for a convict has dug into the case file and found untested DNA that could exonerate their client. However, when they ask the court to test the new evidence, judges say they do not have the power to force prosecutors to retest. If the CODIS system was open, government and judicial watchdog groups maintain that hundreds and maybe thousands of prisoners could substantiate their innocence. These massive DNA databases have been built by American taxpayer funds ever since the DNA Identification Act was passed in 1994, but if we find ourselves in trouble and our lawyer discovers DNA evidence that needs to be checked out, we are not allowed access. Currently only nine states (including Colorado, Ohio, and Maryland) grant defense attorneys access to DNA databases, but if suspects are innocent until proven guilty, why not level the playing field and give the defense a chance to prove their innocence?
Date of article: January 27, 2013
[Abstract by ForensIQ intern, Mark Lombard]
Citation:
Dimond, D. Rockland County Times Newspaper. Open up DNA Databases . Retrieved January 28, 2013, from http://www.rocklandtimes.com/2013/01/27/open-up-dna-databases-to-all/
Fighting crime with fiber research
A new chemical process developed by researchers from N.C. State University will help forensic analysts identify and match the dyes used on small fiber samples. Investigators can use this process to conclusively prove if two fibers share specific dyes or impurities, therefore matching trace evidence samples of fibers in criminal court cases. Trace evidence is “anything involved in a crime that can be transferred between people, objects or the environment, such as hair or dirt,” and is a big part in major investigations. Thomas A. Dow, a professor in mechanical engineering, is also involved with furthering the project and is working on creating a small machine that will allow investigators to use this process to perform chemical analysis of fibers in the field.
[Abstract by ForensIQ intern, Mark Lombard]
Source: Forensicmag.com
Citation:
Cabaniss, J. Technician Online. Fighting Crime with Fiber Research . Retrieved January 29, 2013, from http://www.technicianonline.com/features/article_3a69c174-66ae-11e2-8fc0-0019bb30f31a.html
Knobbly Knee Identification
Forget digital fingerprints, iris recognition, and voice identification, the next big thing in biometrics could be your knobbly knees. New research has shown that our kneecaps are just as unique to identifying us as individuals, as fingerprints and other body parts are. Computer scientist of Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI, Lior Shamir has now demonstrated that a knee scan based on an MRI could be used to quickly register and identify people in a moving queue, such as an airport checkpoint. This approach has been tested and achieved an accuracy of around 93 percent. According to Shamir, “deceptive manipulation [of kneecaps] requires an invasive and complicated medical procedure,” which is more “resistant to spoofing” when compared with methods for altering a face, fingerprints, or an iris.
[Abstract by ForensIQ intern, Mark Lombard]
Source: Inderscience Publishers
Citation:
Forensic Magazine. Knobbly Knee Identification . Retrieved January 29, 2013, from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/knobbly-knee-identification?et_cid=3057073&et_rid=515363537&linkid=http%3a%2f%2fwww.forensicmag.com%2fnews%2fknobbly-knee-identification
Biometrics for National Security and Law Enforcement: Training Summit 2013
As technology continues to advance and national security remains at the forefront of discussion, it comes as no surprise that biometrics is a hot topic. The ability for scientists to determine ways to accurately identify people based upon physical and behavioral characteristics has been achieved; however, improvements in equipment, interoperability and database accuracy are essential. Biometrics is key to our nation’s intelligence and security efforts in the fight against terrorism. Establishing an individual’s identity with certainty provides our military personnel an immediate edge and aids our national security capabilities.
Key Areas of Discussion Will Include:
- An In-depth Workshop Day Focusing on Secure Interagency Information Sharing
- Exploring Biometrics strategies and Acquisition Efforts
- Examining I.D. Verification Through Diverse Tracked Sessions on DNA, Fingerprint, and Facial/Iris Recognition Analysis
- Uncovering Requirements for Cost Effective Biometric Solutions
- Discussing Biometric Capabilities on a National and Local Law Enforcement Scale
At IDGA’s Biometrics for National Security and Law Enforcement you will have the exclusive opportunity to interact, network, and learn from leading representatives from military, government agencies, and private industry
NFSTC launches YouTube channel
The National Forensic Science Technology Center has just launched a new YouTube channel that contains recorded conferences, lectures, and technology transition workshops for forensic science practitioners. With over 380 videos ranging from one minute to over an hour, this new “treasure trove of information” provides access to presentations from some of the world’s leading forensic science experts. Viewers can subscribe to the channel to get notified each time a new video is uploaded and it’s all available for free.
Link to NFSTC YouTube channel.
Date of Article: January 10th, 2013
[Abstract by Mark Lombard, ForensIQ Intern, January 15th, 2013]
Citation
National Forensic Science Technology Center . NFSTC launches YouTube channel. Retrieved January 15, 2013, from http://www.nfstc.org/nfstc-launches-youtube-channel/
Houston ahead of curve in forensic science
Crime Scene Machine: New Vehicle Helps Gather Evidence
The inside of the new crime scene investigation vehicle has storage for all the equipment the Decatur Police Department might need at a crime scene.
ATF Firearm Serial Number Restoration Training
The National Institute of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms are offering a free course in serial number restoration for those currently working as a firearms/toolmark examiner or trainee in a forensic laboratory. This is an advanced and technical 3-day class offered throughout the country that supports the identification and tracing of firearms recovered in criminal investigations. Also, the course will provide students with hands-on training, utilizing various methods to raise severely damaged or obliterated serial numbers from firearms. (NOTE: Prospective students must provide documentation verifying that they perform restorations for their department.)
Three sessions are scheduled at:
- Scottsdale Police Department, Scottsdale, Ariz., February 26-28, 2013
- Illinois State Police, Chicago, Ill., March 12-14, 2013
- National Laboratory Center, Ammendale, Md., July 16-18, 2013
More information about this course.
NIJ Forensic Toxicology Training
RTI International, with funding from NIJ, is offering new online forensic toxicology courses.
All three courses are free and a variety of continuing education credits are available for each:
- Fundamentals of Sample Preparation Used in Forensic Toxicology
- Fundamentals of Chromatography used in Forensic Toxicology
- Fundamentals of Mass Spectrometry Used in Forensic Toxicology
More information on RTI forensic toxicology courses.
For a list of all NIJ funded courses click here.
DOJ Issues Report on Campus Sex Crime Investigations
The U.S. Department of Justice, aided by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and others, has recently released a report titled Promoting Effective Criminal Investigations of Campus Sex Crimes. The report provides college administrators and law enforcement officials recommended tools for investigations of campus sex crimes, as well as various creative approaches for training and educating students beyond the standard orientation sessions that gloss over important issues. The recommended investigative tools include templates for communicating with victims and offenders, checklists for the initial response to an incident, and written materials for victims on what to do and types of available assistance. Although these investigative tools and procedures are not required, they can aid administrators and campus safety agencies in strengthening campus awareness, victim assistance efforts, and investigations of campus sex crimes.
Date of Article: January 8th, 2013
[Abstract by Mark Lombard, ForensIQ Intern, January 14th, 2013]
Citation
Barran, P. Barran Liebman LLP – Labor and Employment Law Firm . DOJ Issues Report on Campus Sex Crime Investigations.Retrieved January 14, 2013, from http://www.barran.com/display-alert.asp?AlertID=175
U.S. Cities Relying on Precog Software to Predict Murder
A precog in the film Minority Report who can see the future and predict events.
Photo courtesy of Dreamworks/20th Century Fox
New crime-prediction software currently being used in Maryland and Pennsylvania promises to reduce homicide rates by predicting which prison parolees are most likely to commit murder, therefore uncovering which should receive higher levels of supervision. University of Pennsylvania criminologist and creator of the algorithm, Richard Berk says the software replaces the ad hoc decision-making of parole officers and claims that it could identify eight out of 100 future murderers. The software analyzes two dozen variables to predict risks of future offending, but interestingly enough the most predictive variables were the type of crime and the age at which it was committed. People assume that if someone committed murder, then they will murder again, but what really matters is what that person did when they were young (Berk, Wired.com).
Date of Article: January 10th, 2013
[Abstract by Mark Lombard, ForensIQ Intern, January 14th, 2013]
Citation
Zetter, K. Wired.com . U.S. Cities Relying on Precog Software to Predict Murder. Retrieved January 14, 2013, from http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2013/01/precog-software-predicts-crime/
Proposed Law Collects DNA with Every Felony Arrest
A proposed bill in the Indiana statehouse would collect DNA samples from everyone who is arrested on a felony charge. Currently, the Department of Corrections (D.O.C.) takes DNA samples from people convicted of certain crimes and places them into a database of convicted criminals, but those who receive suspended sentences or probation are left out of the collection. As Allen County Superior Court judge, Fran Gull says, “A small percentage of our population commits a vast majority of the crimes. We get frequent fliers who come through, so having information available to law enforcement could help them solve additional crimes that may have been perpetrated by these” repeat offenders.
The bill will be heard in the Committee on Judiciary on January 23rd, and will go into effect July 1st, 2013 if it becomes law.
Link to full article and a video.
Date of Article: January 10th, 2013
[Abstract by Mark Lombard, ForensIQ Intern, January 15th, 2013]
Special thanks to Forensicmag.com
Citation
Wane.com. Proposed law collects DNA with every felony arrest.Retrieved January 14, 2013, from http://www.wane.com/dpp/news/crime/proposed-law-collects-dna-with-every-felony-arrest
Forensic scientists need skeletons to train – but they’re down to bare bones
Heavy increases in the need for forensic science courses in unison with strict laws governing human tissue use and legislation repatriating historic remains have left universities struggling to provide actual remains for study and practice. In result, forensic science students are becoming more and more dependent on technology to provide hands-on experience. A British company named Anthronomics is working with computer game developers to alleviate this need by designing new software that creates 3D digital images from scans of existing skeletal collections. These scans can then be used by universities that, as Dr Piers Mitchell, President of the British Association for Biological Anthropology and Osteroarcheology, says “do not have well established archaeological collections and may not be connected to a medical school.” Many students currently rely on studying remains from Anglo-Saxon times or on plastic casts, but as skeletal remains are returned and universities look for a cheaper alternative, 3D images may be the best substitute.
Date of Article: January 4th, 2013
[Abstract by Mark Lombard, ForensIQ Intern, January 8th, 2013]
Citation
Brown, J. The Independent The Independent | News . Forensic scientists need skeletons to train â but theyâre down to bare bones – Science – News – The Independent. Retrieved January 8, 2013, from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/forensic-scientists-need-skeletons-to-train–but-theyre-down-to-bare-bones-8439073.html
Virtual Autopsies Provide New Insights into Death
A new method of examining cause of death, which combines images from powerful computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) together with surface scans of corpses, is being developed and used by Swiss forensic scientists. The idea of this new method is draws on a collaborative effort between radiologists and forensic scientists, where autopsies can be planned more effectively after examining abnormalities present in the combined CT, MRI, and surface scans. According to specialist Wichmann of the Hamburg university hospital, relatives of the deceased often do not allow an autopsy to be performed because they do not want the body of their family member to be cut open. Virtual autopsies relieve these concerns and have also allowed Swiss pioneers to circumvent an otherwise excessively messy situation.
Pictured left: How a virtual autopsy is conducted. Courtesy of Universität Zürich Institut für Rechtsmedizin
Date of Article: January 6th, 2013
[Abstract by Mark Lombard, ForensIQ Intern, January 8th, 2013]
Citation
Thadeusz, F. Forensic Magazine. Virtual Autopsies Provide New Insights into Death | Forensic Magazine. Retrieved January 8, 2013, from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/virtual-autopsies-provide-new-insights-death?et_cid=3027348&et_rid=515363537&linkid=http%3a%2f%2fwww.forensicmag.com%2fnews%2fvirtual-autopsies-provide-new-insights-death
