The Big Picture of Forensic Photography

From Evidence Technology Magazine, author Sanford Weiss speaks about how hard it is to get a job as a forensic photographer. The “CSI Effect,” which is the idea that everything seen on the CSI TV shows can be done in the real world, is a major topic in the article. “Whenever contemporary programs capture the imaginations of the public, they invariably create a thirst for further information, resulting in an upsurge in interest and sales of associated products and technologies.” Weiss goes through advice that might be pertinent to a possible future forensic photographer. Weiss talks about personal experiences, which helped get a head in the practice. Weiss also explains how there are jobs outside of the field of law enforcement that use forensic photographers.

For the full article, click here!

Citation

Weiss, S. (n.d.). Getting a job in forensic photography. Retrieved from Evidence Technology Magazine website http://www.evidencemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=256

[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]

Sirchie Training Calendar, 2014

In an article from Sirchie on forensicmag.com, Sirchie has released its 2014 training catalog. While this was back on November 4^th, the classes are still available to register for, and they include many topics, for example, Forensic Photography. Check out the link below to the article on forensicmag.com that you may request information from or you can go straight to the brochure with one of the links below! The full calendar is available on their website as well as possible scholarship opportunities.

For the full article, click here!

For the brochure from Sirchie, click here!

Citation

Sirchie hands-on forensic training. (2013, November 4). Retrieved from Forensic Magazine website: http://www.forensicmag.com/products/sirchie/sirchie-hands-forensic-training#.Uqk9L_RDu8A

[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]

Forensic Identification Technique Called into Question

A recent study conducted at North Carolina State University has shown that using the shape of someone’s skull to make a positive ID may not be as reliable as investigators have previously thought. Dr. Ann Ross of NC State University explained that victims do not always have elaborate enough dental records for comparison, so then investigators would turn to the skull shape. The study found that most of the population has a “cranial vault” shape too similar to one another to depend upon this method of identification. In the experiment, researchers asked 106 members of the Academy of Forensic sciences to identify 5 skulls. Less than half of the participants were able to accurately make the ID.

To read more, click here.

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

Shipman, M. Forensic Magazine. Questions Raised About Longstanding Forensic Identification Technique. Retrieved December 11, 2013 from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2013/12/questions-raised-about-longstanding-forensic-identification-technique#.UqjZiWRDs3M

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

Differences in Identical Twin DNA Revealed

Eurofins Scientific of Ebersburg, Germany, has uncovered a genetic dissimilarity between identical twins. Previous to this discovery, it has been scientifically accepted that identical twins could not be genetically differentiated. Forensic investigators have largely had to avoid DNA use in court when involving an identical twin. This discovery can change that. Eurofins used ultra-deep next generation sequencing at their Genomics lab to sustain the hypothesis that rare mutations occur around the time the egg splits to form monozygotic twins that will carry through development. The study that led to this conclusion used the DNA from a pair of identical twins and one twin’s son. They found the son and father twin to share a mutation that was not present in the other twin’s DNA.

Check out the article here!

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

Eurofins MWG Operon. Forensic Magazine. Genetic Differences Between “Identical” Twins Discovered. Retrieved December 12, 2013 from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2013/12/genetic-differences-between-identical-twins-discovered#.UqlF82RDs3M

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

Height Predictions with DNA

Scientists are making predictions of body height based on DNA sampling. While there’s still a long way to go with determining the exactness of an individual’s body height, researchers can guess if an individual will be taller than average. What does this mean for forensic science? It means that investigators can gain leads despite having an unknown perpetrator who’s DNA is not in the police system.

To read the full article, click here!

Citation: Griffin, C. (November 20, 2013) Science World Report. Scientists Predict Human Body Height with DNA: How Tall Will Your Child Be?. Retrieved November 21, 2013 from http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/11048/20131120/scientists-predict-human-body-height-dna-tall-will-child.htm.

[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]

SANE Education Guidelines Updated

For the first time the International Association of Forensic Nurses released their Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) education guidelines for free to the public. When an individual is sexually assaulted, if they go to a hospital, they have the option of having a medical examination. The role of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner is to collect evidence off the victim that could potentially be used for prosecuting a case. The goal of the organization in making the guidelines free to the public is in hope to “see a greater adoption of these education standards.”

To read the full article, click here!

Citation: (November 18, 2013) Forensic Magazine. International Association of Forensic Nurses Releases Updated 2013 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Education Guidelines. Retrieved November 21, 2013 from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2013/11/international-association-forensic-nurses-releases-updated-2013-sexual-assault-nurse-examiner-education-guidelines#.Uo56IMSsiyY.

[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]

New Efforts to Reduce Wrongful Convictions

Recently, the International Association of Police Chiefs, along with the Justice Department and the Innocence Project, met to develop guidelines for case investigations and review of innocence claims in order to cut down on wrongful convictions. They are developing many different efforts to achieve this goal. One hope is to adopt a tool that will identify “high-risk” cases for wrongful conviction. Additionally, they are setting standards for eyewitness identification since it has been proven that present tactics yield a high percentage of misidentifications. They are also working to ensure that agencies become more responsive to those who protest their conviction claiming innocence. Policies such as these have already been adopted in cities such as Baltimore and Dallas.

To read more on the subject, view the article here.

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

Hsu, S. (December 2, 2013). Police chiefs lead effort to prevent wrongful convictions by altering investigative practices. The Washington Post. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/police-chiefs-urge-changes-to-photo-lineups-other-tools-to-prevent-wrongful-convictions/2013/12/02/5d8e9af2-5b69-11e3-bf7e-f567ee61ae21_story.html

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

Face-Reading Technology

Face-reading software is becoming more and more popular nowadays for many different reasons. Companies such as Affectiva and Emotient have developed technology that can read fleeting facial expressions and register the emotion. This software was developed over a 2.5 year period while studying 1.5 billion facially delivered emotions from individuals via webcam who consented to the study. Affectiva places heavy emphasis on getting consent before usage of the software so as not to rattle privacy concerns. Scientists and companies alike see this type of software leading future advances in different fields including police investigations, education, gaming, advertising, and medicine. It even introduces promise to aid autistic children in picking up facial clues.

Take a look at this fascinating article here!

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

Eisenberg, A. (November 30, 2013). When Algorithms Grow Accustomed to Your Face. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/01/technology/when-algorithms-grow-accustomed-to-your-face.html?_r=0

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

Be Careful Around The Holidays!

While trying to be a part of the holiday spirit, or at least the “great shopping time” spirit, a word of advice is that one needs to be careful when shopping online around the holidays. Why? Because hackers have the ability to steal your information off of your banking websites. In an article from ABC News, Ira Victor, Director of Digital Forensics Practice at Data Clone Labs says “the cyber criminals can essentially drain your savings account without you even knowing it, or alerting the bank.” But what can we do? Isn’t cyber Monday one of the busiest shopping days online of the year? Ira’s solution is to do all your banking over the phone, or even in person if it is possible to avoid cybercrime and hacking.

For the full article, click here!

Citation
Boatman, S. (2013, December 2). Hackers targeting online banking on cyber monday. Retrieved from News4.com website:                                   http://www.mynews4.com/news/local/story/Hackers-Targeting-Online-Banking-On-Cyber-Monday/gTBXsLq4VESmHgx3GfI-                   Eg.cspx

[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]

Computer Forensics Webinars

Forensicfocus.com currently has several archived computer forensics related webinars available on their site. The featured presentations, in general, appear to be about 30 minutes long, although some do range from 18 to 60 minutes. The reasonable lengths of the productions allow them to easily be incorporated into one’s daily schedule. Some of the featured webinars include “Finding Evidence in an Online World – Trends and Challenges in Digital Forensics”, “Mobile Forensics: MPE + Android Malware Detection”, and “Some Pitfalls of Interpreting Forensic Artifacts in the Windows Registry” to name a few.

To check out these webinars, visit the website here.

Source: forensicfocus.com

Citation:

Forensic Focus. Webinars. Retrieved November 20, 2013 from http://www.forensicfocus.com/webinars

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

Seizing Digital Evidence

Collecting physical evidence from crime scenes proves to be slightly different from collecting digital evidence, which poses unique challenges. Some people think that in order to “execute a warrant within 10 days” they must process the digital evidence within that time. However, what it actually means is that the warrant must simply be served within that 10-day period. Additionally, investigators possess different understandings across the board concerning the necessity of an additional warrant to collect digital evidence from within a seized computer. Sometimes they will acquire these extra warrants that detail exactly what types of files will be searched within the computer so as not to violate the 4^th amendment. Knowledge of these factors and more can aid in the collection and investigation of digital evidence.

To read more on this subject, click here.

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

Forensic Magazine. Executing a Warrant for Digital Evidence. Retrieved November 20, 2013 from http://www.forensicmag.com/articles/2013/10/executing-warrant-digital-evidence#.Uo0DLGTBLKt

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

The Death Scene Checklist

When investigating a death scene, there are many things to do and many goals to achieve. Having no structure to your investigation is not a successful way of going through the process of checking a scene out. As author Dick Warrington states in his article on forensicmag.com, an investigator must have a checklist. “Good investigators can keep lots of details in their heads. Great investigators document the details.” Another statement in the article, most cases go to a jury trial. In order to do a good job, and specifically, to remember what happened in the case, a checklist goes a long way. Warrington goes through why a checklist may help whether it is in a complex crime scene or just a simple one where a jury trial will make all the difference. An interesting read for someone who is interested in learning more about the correct way to do investigating. Along with the information provided above, there are links that lead to webinars from Warrington on how to use death scene checklists.

For the full article, click here!

Warrington, D. (2013, October 22). Crime scene documentation: The death scene checklist. Forensic Magazine.

[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]

A New Cybercrime Lab

In an article from the Canberra Times out of Australia, the Australian Federal Police are receiving a new cyber forensics building that will be used to fight cybercrime. After an attack on the Police’s website, construction began on a $106 million dollar crime lab. The lab is being built with the specific purpose of detecting and fighting back against cybercrime. The lab will also hold facilities for “crime scene analysis, as well as firearms, fingerprints, criminalistics and identification sciences.” With a strong fight on cybercrime, this lab will be the beginning of a new age in cyber-forensics.

For the full article, click here!

Anderson, S. (2013, November 22). New forensics lab will help police take the fight to cyber
criminals. The Canberra Times.

[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]

Using their Brains – or not: Neuroscience in the Courtroom

When does science infringe on a court’s ability to appropriately decide a case? Neuroscience, the study of the brain, has challenged previous notions regarding juvenile delinquency and the accountability of juveniles for their crimes. Lawyers have increasingly brought brain scans to trial in order to contest the competency of their defendants at the time of police interrogations, guilty pleas, or the crime. Neuroscientists in this article have mixed feelings about certain studies used in courts. Some believe that brain scans are used too often, and some also feel that these scans could have negative consequences. As of now, it is left to the judge’s discretion on whether such studies should be admitted into evidence.

To read the full article, click here!

Citation: Hamilton, J. (November 12, 2013) NPR. The Case Against Brain Scans as Evidence in Court. Retrieved November 12, 2013 from http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/11/12/244566090/brain-scans-shouldnt-get-their-day-in-court-scientists-say.

[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]