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]
The ForensicWeek.com Show airing Episode 39, “The Science and Evidence of Alcohol Use & Abuse”
The ForensicWeek.com Show is 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!
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]
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]
The ForensicWeek.com Show is airing episode 38, “Bullying—Beyond A Reasonable Doubt.”
The ForensicWeek.com Show is airing episode 38, “Bullying—Beyond A Reasonable Doubt.” October is Anti-Bullying month and this Thursday, October 24, 2013, 7 PM to 8 PM EST, ForensicWeek.com joins a worldwide effort to STOP BULLYING by broadcasting a show that will educate forensic and criminal justice students and professionals on how to respond to this aggressive behavior among school aged children. Join Host, Tom Mauriello and special guest expert, Dr. Quanda Watson-Stevenson, Athens State University, Alabama, whose research concentrates on bullying, school violence and incidents, high risk students, intervention and prevention of school violence, juvenile justice and delinquency. JUST GO TOwww.forensicweek.com to view the show LIVE, or watch it later at your convenience with any of the other previous ForensicWeek.com shows. Thank you for watching!
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]
The ForensicWeek.com Show highlights the Stevenson University MOOC in Forensic Studies
The ForensicWeek.com Show is airing episode 37, “MASSIVE OPEN ONLINE COURSES (MOOC) in Forensic Studies,” this Thursday, October 17, 2013. MOOCs are being supported by top universities and colleges in a wide range of subjects that are similar to university courses. Stevenson University, Baltimore County Maryland, is offering their first worldwide MOOC this semester – “Survey of Forensics.” Join Host, Tom Mauriello and learn more about their program and these online courses aimed at large-scale participation and open (free) access via the internet. Stevenson University special guests on the show LIVE include Forensic Studies Department Chair, Dr. Thomas Coogan; Instructional Designer, Kelly Miller; and several MOOC students from around the world who are participating in this program. JUST GO TO www.forensicweek.com to view the show LIVE, or watch it later with any of the previous shows at your convenience. Thank you for watching!
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]
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]
The ForensicWeek.com Webcast Show is airing Episode 36, “Undercover Narcotics Operations.”
LIVE this Thursday, Oct. 10rd 7PM to 8PM (EST). Being undercover is disguising one’s own identity for the purposes of gaining the trust of an individual or organization to learn secret information or to gain the trust of targeted individuals in order to gain evidence of a criminal activity or enterprise. Traditionally it is a technique employed by law enforcement agencies around the world. Join Host, Tom Mauriello and his guest, retired undercover narcotics officer, David Reichenbaugh, as they uncover the mystery that surrounds these operations. JUST GO TO www.forensicweek.com to view the show LIVE, or watch any of the previous shows at your convenience. Thank you for watching!
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]
ForensicWeek.com Show – Airing Episode 35 – “Unlocking the Door to Forensic Locksmithing”
The ForensicWeek.com Webcast Show is airing Episode 35, “Unlocking the Door to Forensic Locksmithing.” LIVE this Thursday, Oct. 3rd 7PM to 8PM (EST). Forensic locksmithing is the examination of a lock or other security device using scientific methods to determine if and how the device was opened, neutralized, or bypassed. This valuable field can make the different to determine the capability and opportunity a suspect may have had to commit a crime. Join Host, Tom Mauriello, and guest, Steven Mauriello (the name is no coincidence), as they present a topic of discussion that openings the door for viewers to better recognize the ability of a locksmith to close your case. JUST GO TO www.forensicweek.com to view the show LIVE, or watch any of the previous shows at your convenience. Thank you for watching!
