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]

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!

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]

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]

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]