Computer Forensics, Taking Over
In this article, author Brian Wallace shows how computer forensics has begun to have a major effect on forensics as a whole. He goes over which crimes have had great benefit from computer forensics in the past, notable cases include the BTK killer and Scott Peterson. Provided in the article is a great diagram that gives examples from cases in the past that have been very notable. The diagram itself is an interesting read, along with the summary of it provided by Wallace.
Read the full article here!
Citation
Wallace, B. (2013, October 11). The power of computer forensics. Retrieved from Business 2 Community website: http://www.business2community.com/infographics/power-computer-forensics-infographic-0644262
[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, Forensiq Intern]
Counterterrorism Presentation and Training
FREE training to all present/former intelligence, Counterterrorism, and law enforcement professionals at Peirce College on November 19 from 10-12 in room 51/52. NYPD’s Counterterrorism unit will be presenting Terrorism Awareness and Hostile Surveillance open to all. Then a breakout session for only LEO and CT for training on NYPD’s Shield program.
Go check it out!
[Abstract prepared by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]
Crime Predicting Computer Software
Recently, the company PublicEngines released computer software called CommandCentral Predictive that is designed to better detect local crime hot spots for police agencies. The program provides street-based officers with daily reports identifying likely high-crime areas in which to target. CommandCentral Predictive is intended to be an easy program to navigate – no technical expertise is needed; officers and crime analysts alike can use it. The purpose is to take the pressure off of crime analysts so that they no longer need to discuss tactical directions with each and every officer. This tool can substitute their oversight, allowing for analysis in more stringent areas. By using CommandCentral Predictive, law enforcement organizations can more effectively allocate their resources.
To read more about this product, click here.
Source: forensicmag.com
Citation:
Forensic Magazine. Crime Prediction Tool. Retrieved October 17, 2013 from http://www.forensicmag.com/product-releases/2013/08/crime-prediction-tool#.Ul9s02TBK6O
[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]
Internet Evidence Collection Methodology
“Collection, Preservation, and Presentation”: these are the significant factors identified by Todd Shipley, a highly experienced law enforcement investigator, in his article on internet evidence collection. Defensibility of the evidence in court will depend on the “defined, repeatable, and verifiable” approach investigators take when engaging the evidence. He begins by classifying “internet forensics” and isolating its aspects that prove somewhat problematic for investigators. The tools most often used by investigators for internet evidence collection are not designed for law enforcement and, therefore, do not retain much integrity in court. Shipley cites different sources of expertise including a landmark court case and a previously proposed methodology to come to his conclusion – collection must be verifiable, preservation must be in the original state, and presentation must simulate collection techniques.
For more details on this subject, click here.
Source: forensicmag.com
Citation:
Shipley, T. Collection of Evidence From the Internet: Part 1. In DFI News. Retrieved October 17, 2013, from http://www.dfinews.com/articles/2009/12/collection-evidence-internet-part-1#.Ul9iUmTBK6M.
[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]
Free Forensic Training
Looking for some training in different aspects of forensic science? Interested in forensic anthropology, fingerprint identification, toxicology, DNA profiling, drug testing, or various other forensic-related training sessions? Check out the different training options offered on the RTI International Forensic Science Education website. They offer many training sessions in addition to the aforementioned options. The best part? It’s FREE!
Click here to check out the different training options and register!
Source: forensiced.org
[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]
New Methodology to Determine Height of Blood Spatter Sources
A professor and student at Washington State University developed a formula to determine the height of a source of blood spatter. Prior to this discovery, contrary to its portrayal in the media, forensic science was never able to do this based off of a single droplet because the previously accepted investigative method yielded more than one possible height. Using trigonometry, Fred Gittes and Chris Varney discovered that the height actually can be determined by using not one, but several blood droplets. Their theory proved valuable through successful lab experiments. They are even able to apply their formula to solve other historical height mysteries.
Click here to check out their discovery!
Source: MIT Technology Review
Citation:
Emerging Technology From the arXiv. (March 1, 2011). Blood Spatter Breakthrough For Forensic Scientists. In MIT Technology Review. Retrieved October 9, 2013, from http://www.technologyreview.com/view/423166/blood-spatter-breakthrough
[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]
The JFK Assassination Reexamined
To this day, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy continues to haunt and fascinate the American public. In wake of the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s unfortunate passing, Duquesne University’s Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law will be hosting a symposium for legal, medical, forensic, and investigations experts to reexamine the evidence. The symposium aims to educate students and professionals about the details of this historic event and will examine the importance of continued study on this “cold-case murder.” It will be held October 17th through the 19th.
For more information on the event, including agenda, speakers, and registration, click here!
Citation: Fuoco, M. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Symposium to analyze evidence in JFK’s death. Retrieved October 10, 2013 from http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/symposium-to-analyze-evidence-in-jfks-death-706519/.
[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]
Baby Hope Finds Its Mother
DNA has linked the “Baby Hope” case to a mother. In 1991, a body was found on the side of the Henry Hudson Parkway. The body was badly abused and was not in good condition. Back in 2007, investigators exhumed the body in order to retrieve DNA evidence, but were not able to. In 2011, after many advances in DNA technology, they were able to retrieve a profile from the body. After a tip over the summer a person was matched to the case, and after DNA tests, was found to be the mother. This is an interesting case because it shows how much DNA technology has advanced in the only 4 years, from ’07 to ’11.
Full Article Here!
Citation
Press, A. (2013, October 8). NYPD: Mother in ‘Baby hope’ cold case found using DNA; cooperating with
authorities. Retrieved from ABC15 website: http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/national/
nypd-mother-in-baby-hope-cold-case-found-using-dna-cooperating-with-authorities
[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]
Television to Real Life: Innovations in DNA Analysis Devices
Fiction is slowly becoming a reality for forensic investigations. Television shows like CSI solve crimes in forty minutes, analyzing DNA at a remarkable speed to aid police in pinning the culprit to the scene of the crime. Yet, in reality, it can take weeks to process DNA evidence. However, Dr. Frederic Zenhausern, a bioscience professor at the University of Arizona, has created a portable DNA analyzer that can be directly transported to the crime scene to analyze the evidence in a few hours, rather than a few weeks. The goal of the printer-sized device, MIDAS, will be to aid police in speeding up the judicial process and making arrests quicker arrests.
For the full article, click here!
Citation: Liriano, K. Downtown Devil. Bioscience professor presents portable, speedy DNA identification system at Science Center. Retrieved October 10, 1013 from http://downtowndevil.com/2013/10/07/48697/bioscience-professor-presents-portable-speedy-dna-identification-system-at-science-center/.
[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]
Crime Scene? There’s an App For That!
Currently, the Forensic Institute for Research and Education is seeking active duty law enforcement officers to be the beta testers for a newly developed app for processing crime scenes. The app, available to iPhone and Android users, is called the Checklist App for Scene Investigation (CASE). Its purpose is to provide a more effective way for first responding officers to document a crime scene. The Terms of Use for the app state that the app is not intended to replace any crime scene protocol, but rather, it is intended to enhance the processing ability. The beta testing requires 30 day use of the app beginning in October.
If you are an interested officer, know an interested officer, want to know more information, or are ready to register to be a beta tester for this app, please visit the website here!
Citation:
FIRE is Seeking Beta Testers for Checklist App for Scene Examination (CASE). In Middle Tennessee State University. Retrieved September 26, 2013, from http://www.mtsu.edu/fire/app%20beta%20test.php.
[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Update Reporter]
Death Row Debate
The question of capital punishment provokes heated discussions even amongst the most moderate political minds. For the case of Warren Lee Hill, the controversy of whether or not mental capacity should play a role in death penalty cases has a profound impact on his current court appeal. In 2002, the Supreme Court ruled in Atkins v. Virginia that executions of mentally retarded criminals qualified as “cruel and unusual punishment.” Hill was already serving a life sentence for killing his girlfriend, when he received the death penalty conviction for killing a fellow inmate. However, his court-appointed lawyers, during his trial did not have the resources to obtain Hill’s IQ test scores of 70, thus the jury who sentenced him to death did not hear that Hill was mentally incapacitated at his trial. Despite the new evidence, previous courts did not acknowledge a “miscarriage of justice” as the information would only affect Hill’s sentence and not the verdict.
To read the full opinion, click here!
Citation: Clancy, M. USA Today. Supreme Court vs. Warren Lee Hill: Column. Retrieved October 2, 2013 from http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/09/29/warren-hill-supreme-court-disabled-murder-column/2892171/.
[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]
A Second Chance, After the Death Penalty
A man put to death by the death penalty in Texas is having his case re-looked at. Cameron Todd Willingham was executed for the deaths of his three daughters in a fire in 1991. A phony testimony has come to light and now, investigators are checking out the case one more time. Not only was the testimony used against Willingham false, but the arson investigation that went on during the case was found to have “erroneous forensic analysis” which was “ the basis for Willingham’s conviction,” says author Bob Ray Sanders in his article on the “Star-Telegram” website. There is a call from the Innocence Project to reinvestigate the case.
For the whole article, click here!
Citation
Sanders, B. R. (2013, October 1). Further investigation needed in case of executed man.
Star-Telegram. [Abstract written by Karl "Kip" Zenowich, Forensiq Intern]
DNA Evidence Finds a Link Between California Cases
While the case is not solved, police have linked DNA from a murder earlier in the year to a 10 year old rape case. An interesting account is brought to you off of crimevoice.com as they describe a murder in February. The murder case apparently had evidence collected in the same area as where the rape from 2003 had occurred. The DNA was from the rape case had been collected and put into the FBI’s database, and was matched to the DNA collected from the murdered person, Sylvia Mark Flores. Because of simple DNA matching, a criminal who eventually will be caught will be charged with two counts of criminal activity, most likely putting him or her away for a nice long time.
For the full article, click here!
Citation
Brown, L. (2013, September 16). Cold case assault connected to early 2013 murder.
[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]
The Future of DNA in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
For years, law enforcement has had to fight to have DNA recognized as being reliable and valuable in court. Now that it is admissible and heavily trusted within the criminal justice realm, it is being used in many different contexts to fight different injustices. One territory in which DNA promises to be useful is within the human trafficking world. The DNA technology exists that would trace trafficking patterns, identify victims, pinpoint individuals and the extent of their involvement; however, just like in the early stages of overall DNA use, its acceptance is still minimal. Chris Asplen, forensic DNA technology consultant, addresses these issues within his article.
Read more about where DNA is headed in the fight against human trafficking here.
Source: forensicmag.com
Citation:
Asplen, C. Forensic Magazine. DNA and Human Trafficking. Retrieved October 2, 2013 from http://www.forensicmag.com/articles/2013/08/dna-and-human-trafficking#.Ukz-YGTBK-U
[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]
DNA Testing Time Cut in Half
The Hennepin County Sheriffs Office in Minnesota has recently reduced the time it takes them to test DNA… by half! Thanks to several contributing factors, the lab has been reaping many benefits from this decrease in processing time. The lab has been able to focus their DNA analysis efforts not only on the most recent DNA samples that they receive, but also on their backlog, including property crime samples. Sheriff’s Office’s Kip Carver said, “Violent crime in the county is down 38 percent. The crime lab is very much a part of that.” The Sheriffs Office attributes the advancement to the hiring of more lab techs, more thorough training, federal grant money, a new lab, and the teamwork of other federal agencies.
To read more about this progressive development, click here!
Source: forensicmag.com
Citation:
Prather, S. (October 1, 2013). Hennepin County crime lab cuts DNA testing time in half. In StarTribune. Retrieved October 3, 2013, from http://www.startribune.com/local/west/226040991.html.
[Abstract written by: Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]
