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]

ForensicWeek.com Show airing Episode 41 – “The Art and Science of Fingerprint Examination.”

The ForensicWeek.com Show is airing Episode 41 this Thursday, November 21, 2013, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EST).  The topic for discussion is “The Art and Science of Fingerprint Examination.”  Learn about the significance of this physical evidence as a form of personal identification and crime scene presence.  Join Host, Tom Mauriello and special guest retired Maryland State Police Latent Fingerprint Examiner, Tim Ostendarp.  They will delve into the field of fingerprint examination and how technology has increased the value of latent fingerprints found at a crime scene.  Hear about a day in the life of a fingerprint examiner from a professional who began his career as a police officer and then moved into the crime lab seeking new challenges. Just click on www.ForensicWeek.com and be educated as well as entertained.  Thanks for watching.

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]

Advances for Blood Stain Analysis

A recent major breakthrough has been noted in the realm of blood analysis. Researchers at Teesside University have developed a blood detecting camera prototype. The device is designed to detect trace amounts of haemoglobin at crime scenes. Not only that, but the camera has been proven to aid with a swift and accurate time of death estimation, especially with fresh blood samples. This device will revolutionize the formerly time-consuming, inefficient techniques of blood analysis at crime scenes. Researchers are hopeful that, in the future, this breakthrough can develop into a method that can be used for other crime scene liquids as well.

To find out more, click here.

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

The Independent. The blood detectives: Scientific breakthrough in reading stains may help solve crimes. Retrieved November 13, 2013 from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/the-blood-detectives-scientific-breakthrough-in-reading-stains-may-help-solve-crimes-8906451.html

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

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]

ForensicWeek.com Show is airing Episode 40, “Computer Forensics and CyberCrime”

The ForensicWeek.com Show is airing Episode 40, “Computer Forensics and CyberCrime” Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013, 7 PM to 8 PM EST.  Computer Forensics is a branch of digital forensic science pertaining to legal evidence found in computers and digital storage media.  Cybercrime includes traditional crimes conducted through the use of a computer and the Internet. For example; hate crimes, telemarketing and Internet fraud, identity theft, credit card account thefts, and child pornography are considered to be cybercrimes when a computer is involved.  Learn the truth about this topic from special guest, Retired Special Agent and Computer Forensics expert, Jim Christy.  So join host, Tom Mauriello and his student interns at www.forensicweek.com and view the show LIVE, or watch it later at your convenience with all previous ForensicWeek.com shows.  Thank you for watching!

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]

The ForensicWeek.com Show airing Episode 39, “The Science and Evidence of Alcohol Use & Abuse”

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013, 7 PM to 8 PM EST.  Learn from two experts who create the research that help determine the evidential standards for alcohol use and abuse— Dr. Ken Beck from University of Maryland School of Public Health, and Jim Fell, Pacific Institute, Alcohol, Policy and Safety Research Center.  Also on the show is return guest, Mark Zaid, Attorney, who defenses clients who have their own use of alcohol judged by security clearance standards.  So join host, Tom Mauriello and his student interns at www.forensicweek.com and view the show LIVE, or watch it later at your convenience with all previous ForensicWeek.com shows.  Thank you for watching!

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]