Inaccurate Lab Results to Potentially Change Dozens of DUI Convictions

A recent crime laboratory audit in Orange County, Calif. uncovered a “human error” that affects 2,200 DUI cases over the past 6 months. One of the devices on one of the machines used to test for blood alcohol content was apparently calibrated incorrectly. This 0.003% error could render a 0.01% decrease in about 200 cases, bringing the results from 0.08% down to 0.07% which is below the legal limit. Some are expected to challenge their convictions due to this error while others are suspected accept their sentences believing that their BAC, although presently proven to have been legal at the time of analysis, would have been above the legal limit at the time of arrest.

To learn more, check out the article here.

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

Winton, R. Los Angeles Times. Lab error could affect hundreds of Orange County DUI cases. Retrieved November 13, 2013 from http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-oc-dui-20131111,0,899864.story#axzz2kLRNb4Cz

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

The Omnivore Field Kit

It’s hard to get video evidence in today’s world. Only a few years ago, videotape evidence was used in many cases throughout the world. Now we have moved into the age of the Digital Video Recorder (DVR). In an article from policeone.com, an article from police and security news’ website goes through a few disadvantages to having the new DVR system as a system that gathers video recordings and then provides a solution. An example of a shortcoming is that some media storage devices’ connection ports that are being used to collect video evidence might be incompatible with other devices. The article states that sometimes these connection ports are broken or just the wrong type altogether. A solution from Ocean Systems is the Omnivore Field Kit. The kit is capable of connecting to any type of video device and capable of storing many uncompressed files of video evidence. In a very slim and portable case, the Omnivore Field Kit is available to make investigations with video evidence progress much smoother.

Read the full article here!

Ocean systems releases video acquisition field kit. (2013, October 2). Retrieved from Policeone.com website: http://www.policeone.com/police-products/investigation/computer-forensics/articles/6491797-Ocean-Systems-releases-video-acquisition-field-kit/

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

Digital Evidence Warrants

When executing a warrant for digital evidence, author John J. Barbara states in his article from forensicmag.com, one must execute the warrant within 10 days. However, he states, most investigators “have interpreted this to also mean that the forensic analysis of the digital devices must be completed within ten days after they are seized.” Barbara goes further to explain that there is no guideline that states one must do so. Barbara then talks about how many warrants are actually needed to go through computer evidence. This article is an interesting read for anyone learning about the legal side of obtaining search warrants and executing them.

For the full article, click here!

Citation

Barbara, J. J. (2013, October 29). Executing a warrant for digital evidence. Retrieved from Forensic Magazine website: http://www.forensicmag.com/articles/2013/10/executing-warrant-digital-evidence#.UoTcYBpJOAg

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

Undetectable Guns

In light of 3D printing, it has become possible for individuals to create working weapons out of plastic, thus posing a new threat in access to weaponry. The current federal law mandates that a gun manufacturer must use a certain amount of metal in the finished product for the gun to be detectable by security scanners. This law on undetectable firearms will expire on December 9, and federal officials now must discern the proper course of action in dealing with plastic guns. Some members of Congress have argued that important components of the gun should be made of metal.

To read the full article, click here!

Citation: Yost, P. (November 14, 2013) Forensic Magazine. Undetectable Guns a Law Enforcement Challenge. Retrieved November 14, 2013 from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2013/11/undetectable-guns-law-enforcement-challenge#.UoUyMvmsiyY.

[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]

College Students Get Involved to Solve Cold Case

Columbia College’s Cold Case Homicide class is getting the unique opportunity to work with law enforcement agencies to re-examine the 1992 murder case of an Eldon, Missouri man. The class, led by adjunct professor, Mike Himmel, will take another look at evidence to catch anything that investigators may have previously missed. Students will be applying their forensic skills in their brand new state-of-the-art science center. With the help of the students, evidence can be processed much faster than a handful of detectives could do on their own. In the past, the Cold Case Homicide class has aided in the discovery of Mary Nobles’ body, the conviction of her killer, John David Brown, and the identification of persons of interest in Carolyn Williams’ murder case.

To read more, click here.

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

Forensic Magazine. Columbia College Students Work to Solve Murder Cases Gone Cold. Retrieved October 30, 2013 from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2013/10/columbia-college-students-work-solve-murder-cases-gone-cold#.UnFYnJTBJjk

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

Forensic Science – Sherlock Holmes Style

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry recently opened an exhibit that features interactive forensic presentations stemming from the Sherlock-Holmes era. The setting of the two-story exhibit is inspired by the Holmes’ stories and is sprinkled with hands-on, Victorian-era forensic activities led by museum staff. Some of the featured demonstrations include poison testing, observation skills, and handwriting matches. These demos help to prep museum guests for their final activity – they are tasked with searching for a missing wife and daughter. In January the exhibit will move to the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio.

To read more, click here.

Source: Oregon Public Broadcasting

Citation:

OPB. Bringing Sherlock-Era Forensic Science to Life. Retrieved October 30, 2013 from http://www.opb.org/artsandlife/article/bringing-sherlock-era-forensic-science-to-life/

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

Zombies and The Science of Dying

Zombies have taken over American popular culture as a beloved monster icon. From comedies to thrillers, zombies have attained media sensationalism to the recent generation of television viewers and movie goers.  At Rutgers, forensic scientist, Kimberlee Sue Moran created a zombie survival guide that proves that there is “really nothing to be afraid of.” Moran clarifies the science of dying, and demonstrates that upon death a zombie would be “too stiff or too sloshy” to chase humans. According to Moran, people’s fascination with death comes down to fear of the unknown and loss of control. Halloween acts a cultural mechanism to deal with this uncertainty and fear that death brings.

To read the full article, click here!

Citation: (October 14, 2013) Rutgers Today. Rutgers Forensic Scientist Shares Zombie Survival Guide. Retrieved October 31, 2013 from http://news.rutgers.edu/news/rutgers-forensic-scientist-shares-zombie-survival-guide/20131014#.UnO06PmsiyY.

[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]

Free Online Training on Human Identification in Mass Incidents

On Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at 1:00 P.M, Dr. Christopher Maguire, forensic scientist, will host a live 60 minute online training on human identification in mass fatality incidents. Dr. Maguire will be discussing organization and management of incident response teams, the forensic techniques employed in human identification, and personal examples to illustrate the effectiveness of techniques he has learned in the field.

To register and learn more, click the link here!

[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]

Texas Governor’s Office Provides Forensic Training for Law Enforcement Officers

In an interesting report from the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, the Governor’s office of Texas has given Texas A&M a donation of around $300,000 for specific training. The training will be all about forensics, and it is for around 300 law enforcement officers and “noncommissioned” personnel in the state that will be investigating violent crimes. According to the article, the goal is to provide the training necessary to increase effectiveness of investigations on crime scenes throughout the state.

For the full article, click here!

Citation

Welch, W. (2013, October 30). Texas criminal justice division grant will fund CSI training for   300investigators. Retrieved from Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service website:http://www.teex.com/teex.cfm?pageid=teexresc&area=teex&storyid=1249&templateid=23

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

Grace’s Law

Grace’s Law

Cyber bullying has become a majorly hot topic in recent news. Thankfully, a new bill is in motion, the Misuse of Interactive Computer Service bill, or Grace’s Law, will give investigators and computer forensic experts a way to use their findings in these cases to get convictions. 15-year-old Grace McComas of Howard County committed suicide on Easter Sunday in 2012 due to months of cyber bullying. Grace’s family, along with Baltimore Ravens’ football player, Ray Rice, led a fight in support of legislation to make cyber bullying a legally punishable crime. Grace’s Law makes the bullying of a minor through use of technology, namely a computer or smartphone, illegal with the possibility of a fine up to $500 or one year in prison. On October 1, 2013, The Maryland General Assembly passed Grace’s Law.

To read more, click here.

Citation:

Ames, B. (April 11, 2013). Grace’s Law, a cyberbullying bill, called ‘landmark legislation’. In The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/ellicott-city/ph-ho-graces-law-passes-20130410,0,4834495.story

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

Another Tragedy Due to Cyberbullying

Another Tragedy due to Cyber Bullying

The recent case of a young Florida girl who committed suicide has received a lot of media attention. 12-year-old Rebecca Ann Sedwick ended her life last month in order to escape the cyber torment she received from a large group of girls – two in particular. Those two particular girls, of ages 12 and 14, were arrested last week for their involvement in the events leading to the suicide, failure to show remorse, and actions that suggested the cyber attacks would continue. This case has brought to light the many different anti-bullying programs in place in different states. It has also shed light on the fact that the amount of cyberbullying-related suicides of young people has risen significantly in the past several years. USA Today explains that they believe the most effective way to fight these bullies will actually not be through computer forensic investigations or legislation, but rather through peer disproval of the behavior. “Fighting back against bullies and denying them peer approval are the best antidotes.”

To read more, click here.

Citation:

CBSNews.com. (October 15, 2013). Rebecca Ann Sedwick suicide: 2 arrests made in death of bullied Florida girl. In CBSNews.com. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57607530/rebecca-ann-sedwick-suicide-2-arrests-made-in-death-of-bullied-florida-girl/

Sanburn, J. (October 16, 2013). A Florida Tragedy Illustrates Rising Concern about Cyber-Bullying Suicides. In Time. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from http://nation.time.com/2013/10/16/a-florida-tragedy-illustrates-rising-concern-about-cyber-bullying-suicides/

The Editorial Board. (October 23, 2013). Cyberbullying calls for new weapons: Our view. In USAToday. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/10/23/rebecca-sedwick-suicide-cyberbullying-criminal-editorials-debates/3173189/

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

Do blow out games count as bullying?

Blow out games, in any sport, are never satisfying for both the winning and losing teams. Yet, in Texas, one unhappy parent took a loss to an extreme, calling Aledo High School’s 91-0 victory in a football game a case of bullying. The parent accused Aledo’s coach, Tim Buchanan, of “not easing up when the game was in hand.” Buchanan, however, had tried to stop the game from slipping out of control, when at halftime, he approached the referees and asked them to keep a running clock for the final quarter. According to Buchanan, his players had a hard time grasping how their actions could be defined as “bullying” against the definitions they had come to understand. With each bullying accusation, Texas law requires school districts to investigate the incident. For this case, the school district found that there had been “no grounds” for the complaint.

To see the full article, click here!

Citation: Weber, P. (October 23, 2013) MSN News. HS football coach: no bullying found in 91-0 win. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from http://news.msn.com/us/texas-dad-alleges-bullying-in-91-0-football-game.

[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]

Bully Deterrence

Can the criminalization of bullying deter the act? According to Professor Nadine Connell, the answer to that question is no. She argues that punishment in the criminal justice system might not be effective for either the bully or the victim. Punishment might not solely deter bullying because children and adolescents often respond to immediate interests, rather than weighing on long-term consequences, and lack the ability for emotional self-regulation. Instead, Dr. Connell suggests that the best way to combat bullying is for adults to quickly respond to it, and to encourage behavior that “benefits society and modeling such civility and respect ourselves.”

To read the full opinion, click here!

Citation: Connell, N. (October 23, 2013) USA Today. Criminal charges don’t deter bullies: Opposing view. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/10/23/bullying-bullies-rebecca-sedwick-nadine-connell-editorials-debates/3173171/.

[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]

New Cyber Forensics Certification Program Out of Illinois

Rend Lake College, Ila, Illinois, is starting a Cyber Forensics Certification program. The program will consist of four classes that students are required to complete to become certified in cyber forensics.  “The class will help our students develop forensic skills to uncover digital evidence,” says Ron Meek, a criminal justice instructor at Rend Lake College. The class will use EnCase software, which is known to be used by the Secret Service and other agencies. In order to relate to our topic this week, cyber forensics can be used to hunt down cyber bullies on social networks and other websites along those lines.

For the full article, click here!

Citation:

New cyber forensics certification planned for fall 2014 semester at RLC. (2013, October 22). Retrieved from Hispanicbusiness.com website: http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/2013/10/23/new_cyber_forensics_certification_planned_for.htm

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