The ForensicWeek.com Show – Airing Episode 34 – “The Security Clearance Investigation”

The ForensicWeek.com Webcast Show is airing Episode 34 this Thursday, September 26th, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EST). The show‘s topic is “The Security Clearance Investigation.” Just what does your life have to look like to be judged a person of trust and responsibility for a sensitive position? What should you expect when an agency, department or organization conducts a background investigation on you for a job or security clearance? Join Host, Tom Mauriello, and special guests, Washington, DC. Attorney, Mark Zaid, and the one and only D*I*C*Eman, Ray Semko, as they present a show that will give viewers a chance to better understand this explosive topic in wake of the shooting incident at the Washington Navy Yard. JUST GO TO www.forensicweek.com to view the show LIVE, or watch this episode or any of the previous shows at your convenience. Thank you for watching!

UK Lets the Cat (DNA) Out of the Bag

In this case, it’s not as important to consider what the cat “dragged in”, but rather what the cat left behind. Besides being a furry household feline friend, cats are now proving very useful in forensic investigations.  During a recent death scene investigation in the UK, law enforcement officials were able to use cat hair DNA to convict David Hilder on manslaughter. Among the evidence that convinced the jury of Hilder’s guilt was a cat hair found on the body.  The hair, after being compared with 152 other local UK cats, proved to be a positive match to Hilder’s cat, Tinker. The UK has just begun to realize the forensic benefits of animal DNA. The US has been reaping these benefits for years largely through a database located in California. So, next time you’re thinking your four-legged friend is a nuisance, remember how important he could be.

Please check out further reading on this topic here!

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

Satter, R. Forensic Magazine. Cat DNA Catches Convict Killer. Retrieved September 17, 2013 from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2013/08/cat-dna-catches-convict-killer#.Ujo1E2TBK7O

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Update Reporter]

A Look at Psychopathy

A Look at Psychopathy

Today, it is a generally accepted claim that psychopaths have had some sort of horrifying experience in their past that has led them to become the way that they are. However, people rarely consider any evidence to support these assumptions. A recent study at a Mexican prison investigated these suppositions. With psychologists’ help, scientists were able to interview inmates, rank their level of psychopathy, and then explore traumatic events of their past. The study outlines all of the details including methods, measurements, statistics, and techniques. At the conclusion of the study, the findings showed a relationship between inmates possessing a higher level of psychopathy and significant childhood victimization and exposure to physical and sexual abuse. The results of the study go on to explain how these traumatic events would eventually shape the characteristics of psychopaths. This study not only supports the aforementioned assumptions, but also lays out the scientific support for them – a worthy read!

For a closer look at this study, pick up a copy of the Journal of Forensic Sciences

Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences

Citation:

Borja, K. & Ostrosky, F. (July 2013). Early Traumatic Events in Psychopaths. Journal of Forensic Science, 58, 927-931.

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Update Reporter]

A Little Help on Dealing with Unusual Surfaces

Lifting prints or receiving evidence from a surface other than what we would expect to be normal is quite hard. Dick Warrington, in his article “tools of the Trade: Dealing with Unusual Surfaces,” goes into how to lift prints and other evidence from surfaces that do not fit the everyday category. The surfaces he covers are multi-textured/multi-contoured, adhesive surfaces, dust surfaces, and wet surfaces. When speaking about multi-textured surfaces, Warrington gives three examples of products and techniques that can be used to help find evidence. The three of those products are AccuTrans, polyethylene tape, and DIFF-Lift tape. Each of these help the user to lift fingerprints and other pieces of evidence from surfaces that are definitely harder to get evidence from.

Full Article Here!

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

Warrington, D. (2013, August 28). Tools of the Trade: Dealing with Unusual Surfaces. Forensic 

     Magazine. 

[Abstract written by Karl "Kip" Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]

Civil Justice for Victims of Crime in Maryland, Free Training Seminar

The National Center for Victims of Crime, along with their cosponsors, will be offering two free training seminars on October 9th and 11th on giving victims access to necessary resources:  filing civil lawsuits; future crime prevention;  and financial aid in order to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of a crime. The program aims to inform on resources and strategies for victims considering civil lawsuits. A panel of attorneys will be present to answer specific questions on Maryland law. The seminars run from 9:00am to 4:30pm, and breakfast and lunch will be provided.

To learn more and to register check out the links below:

To attend the seminar in Washington, D.C. (10/9): https://www.signup4.net/Public/ap.aspx?EID=WASH73E

To attend the seminar in Marriottsville, MD (10/11): https://www.signup4.net/Public/ap.aspx?EID=MARY37E

Source: The National Center for Victims of Crime, http://www.victimsofcrime.org/

[Abstract prepared by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]

Improved Microfluidic Technique for DNA

Forensic DNA testing has become a valuable technique for professionals in the criminal justice field due to its ability to accurately and consistently link DNA evidence to an individual or another source. However, accuracy comes into question when the DNA sample comes from contaminated or crude evidence. Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and Applied Research Associates, Inc. have created an improved microfluidic technique designed to overcome extracting a full DNA signature from “real-world, complex mixtures such as dirt.” This new technique will save time and make DNA much easier to obtain from these otherwise difficult samples.

For more details, click here.

Source: forensicmag.com

Forensic Magazine. Microfluidic Technique Recovers DNA for IDs. Retrieved September 19, 2013, from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2013/09/microfluidic-technique-recovers-dna-ids#.UjtB7MasiSo

[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]

Season 2 – The ForensicWeek.com Show – Airing Episode 33

The ForensicWeek.com Webcast Show is airing Episode 33 this Thursday, September 19^th, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EST).  The show, “Bringing the Middle East and Terrorism into Focus,”  will do just that with guest, Joseph Butta, Jr., an independent analyst and author who specializes in issues related to the Middle East — including the 3 great monotheistic religions which originated in this region of the world.    Ray “The D*I*C*EMAN” Semko, a frequent guest of the show will also be on the panel to focus on how to counter the threat of terrorism.  So join Host, Tom Mauriello and his team of student interns as they present a show that will give you the viewers a chance to better understand this explosive topic.  GO TO www.forensicweek.com to watch the show LIVE, or at your convenience to watch this episode or any of the previous shows.  Thank you for watching!

Using Insects to Determine Time of Death

Body temperature, lividity, rigor mortis, decomposition – all factors in estimating time of death. What’s a surprising element that can also aid in TOD estimation? BUGS. That’s right. Contrary to being an unwelcome visitor in your home, insects discovered at death scene investigations are considered to be important pieces of evidence. By examining these bugs, investigators can discover whether or not a body was moved, if a body has been disturbed, if drugs were present in the body prior to decomp, notably, the time of death, and much more. Researcher and crime scene consultant, Dick Warrington, stresses that in order for crime scene investigators to take full advantage of the benefits provided by forensic entomology, they must first understand how to handle the scene. Observing, recording, photographing, and collecting samples of the insects is the key for an accurate analysis. If all steps are completed properly, forensic entomologists can uncover the aforementioned invaluable information.

Did these buggy facts capture your interest? See the full article here

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

Warrington, D. Forensic Magazine. Crime Scene Bugs. Retrieved September 11, 2013, from http://www.forensicmag.com/articles/2010/10/crime-scene-bugs#.UjEsEWTBK7N

[Abstract written by Alexandra Mitzel, ForensIQ Update Reporter]

Government Crackdown on Polygraph Instructors

In order to send a “strong message” to individuals teaching methods on how to pass polygraph examinations, U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady sentenced Chad Dixon, a little league coach and polygraph instructor, to eight months in prison for teaching up to a hundred people, including sex offenders and government employees, how to defeat lie-detector tests. This case and its decision led to questions regarding the government’s campaign against instructors like Dixon. Among the debates were whether or not the government should continue its hunt for these offenders, and where the line was drawn between an individual’s first amendment rights to discuss how to approach the polygraph exam and the “crime of teaching someone to lie while undergoing a government polygraph.”

Check out the full article here!

Source: The Seattle Times

Citation:

Taylor, M. The Seattle Times. Indiana man gets 8 months for lie-detector fraud. Retrieved September 11, 2013, from http://seattletimes.com/html/nationworld/2021772209_lyingpenaltyxml.html.

[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]

Processing of Abnormal Surfaces Made Easier

Some people hold the belief that irregular surfaces cannot be processed in a way that yields useful results. Well, Dick Warrington, researcher and crime scene consultant, is here to challenge that belief. Dick explains that all surfaces can be processed as long as the appropriate method is used. He goes so far as to say, “…the only ‘surfaces’ where you can’t get prints are air and water…”. Right away, he launches in to offer some possible processing techniques for the most difficult surface – multi-textured/multi-contoured surfaces. A tool resembling a caulking gun called AccuTrans can be used on this type of surface to create casts of impressions and lift prints. This tool produces better results than other methods because it mixes its chemicals for you. Another instrument that can be used to process multi-contoured surfaces is polyethylene tape to lift prints. This works well because it can conform to the shape of the surface hosting the print. Another device that can be used on this type of surface that is worth mention is DIFF-Lift tape. Because it is so much stronger than traditional lifting tape, DFF-Lift tape can lift a print from very textured surfaces. Besides multi-textured/multi-contoured surfaces, there are also adhesive, dust and wet surfaces that seem difficult to process. An adhesive side powder can be used to lift prints from an adhesive surface. Electrostatic dust lifters such as PathFinder allow prints to be lifted from dusty surfaces. Finally, a small particles reagent can be used on wet surfaces to retrieve prints. Provided with just these examples, it is evident that surfaces of all types can be processed successfully – as long as the correct technology is utilized.

For further detail on these processing methods, be sure to read the full article here

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:

Warrington, D. Forensic Magazine. Tools of the Trade: Dealing with Unusual Surfaces. Retrieved September 11, 2013, from http://www.forensicmag.com/articles/2013/08/tools-trade-dealing-unusual-surfaces#.UjFK_mTBK7N

[Abstract written by Alexandra Mitzel, ForensIQ Update Reporter]

Better Science Could Mean a New Day in Court

Recently, Texas lawmakers approved Senate Bill 344 which, according to this article, is the first law in America to allow defendants a new trial in light of relevant scientific evidence that was not accessible at the time of the first trial because the science had yet to be developed. For Robert Avila, the passage of this law might save his life. In his original trial, where he stood accused of killing his girlfriend’s 19 month old child in a fit of jealousy while babysitting her two children, Avila denied involvement in the child’s death despite the evidence stacked against him – including a signed confession and evidence that demonstrated that the four-year-old present could not have inflicted injuries serious enough to kill the baby. However, 12 years later, new biomechanical evidence reveals that there is a chance that the toddler could have accidentally caused the child fatal injuries. At the time Avila went to trial, forensic pathologists did not have the tools to consider this possibility. With the passage of this bill, Avila might have another day in court, and another chance to prove his innocence.

Read the full article here.

Source: The Texas Tribune

Citation:

Grissom, B. The Texas Tribune. New Law Gives New Hope to Death Row Inmate. Retrieved September 12, 2013, from http://www.texastribune.org/2013/09/08/new-law-gives-new-hope-death-row-inmate/.

[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]

Bone Tissue for Toxicology

There are many different methods used to determine what types of drugs are in a dead body. One new technique that is in the works is examining bone tissue to find what is present.  Since the adult body has 206 bones in it, it is likely that “bones could potentially represent a significant ‘sink’ for drugs and their metabolites.”  This article identifies  two questions, “Is there variation in drug concentration within the same skeleton?” and “Does burial affect drug detection in skeletal tissues?”  These questions are followed by research in an attempt to find answers each question.  All in all, it is found that this technique is still in its infancy, and needs more time and experimenting in order to perfect it.

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation:
Gautam, L. (2013, July 3). Drugs from Unusual Matrices: Using Bone Tissue as a Forensic Toxicology
Specimen. Forensic Magazine.

Click here to Link to full article

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

Computer Software Advances Facial Composite Use as an Investigative Tool

More and more law enforcement agencies are adopting the use of facial composite software programs as a replacement for facial composite sketches drawn by artists.  The reason for this implementation? Agencies do not possess the funding to employ a full-time sketch artist, nor can they afford to risk credibility by contracting a civilian sketch artist.  In order to combat these problems, agencies are researching and discovering that a computer software designed to create facial composite sketches is more cost-effective and, arguably, more multifaceted than traditional hand-drawn facial composites.  Tech geniuses already exist within criminal justice departments, so training them in the use of another type of software is no daunting task.  “Converting from pencils to pixels is easy.”  Although this appears to be the best route for law enforcement agencies looking to retain the use of facial composites, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:  the quality of the image the computer produces, the time that it takes to thoroughly interview the eyewitness, training to keep up-to-date with the program, and the cost of the software itself.

To learn more, check out the full article here

Source: forensicmag.com

Citation: Streed, M. W. Forensic Magazine. From Click to Capture: Making the Case for Digital Composite Images. Retrieved September 11, 2013, from http://www.forensicmag.com/articles/2013/07/click-capture-making-case-digital-composite-images#.Ui_SdWTBK7M

[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]

The ForensicWeek.com Webcast Show airing Episode #31 – “Forensic Accounting – Following the Money.”

The ForensicWeek.com Webcast Show is airing Episode #31 – “Forensic Accounting – Following the Money,” Thursday evening, July 18, 2013 at 7:00 PM (EST).  Join Host, Tom Mauriello and his special guests, forensic accountants, Bryan Copas and Darrell Dorell.  Learn how forensic accountants investigate non-violent white-collar crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering.  Watch the show LIVE or view it at your convenience.  Just GO TO www.forensicweek.com