400,000 Rape Kit Backlog
The Department of Justice says there are around 400,000 rape kits that are being untested around the country. In 2001 after New York City processed its 17,000 backlog their arrest rate for rape cases increased from 40 to 70 percent. Also in Detroit they analyzed the first 10 percent of their 11,000 backlog which led them to 46 serial rapists. Local authorities cannot afford to process all their kits containing DNA that could lead to convictions. Testing a rape kit could cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500. The White House announced an initiative to devote 35 million of the 2015 budget to processing unopened kits. Reopening of these kits could make a difference since rapists have one of the highest recidivism rates. These women go through exams that can take up to four hours and some will never hear anything about it because it can’t be processed.
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Source: New Republic
[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 031314]
The ForensicWeek.com Show – “ASPCA’s Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Projects.”
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orensicWeek.com is airing Episode 54 this Thursday, March 13, 2014 at 7:00 PM (EST). The topic for discussion is “ASPCA’s Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Projects.” The show will take a captivating look at a specialized field that collects and analyzes evidence in animal related crimes. Special guest, Dr. Randall Lockwood, Senior Vice President of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Forensic Sciences and Anti-Cruelty Projects, will discuss how they work alongside animal rescuers and various agencies to collect and analyze evidence that local, state and federal law enforcement use to clinch cruelty convictions. So join host, Tom Mauriello, LIVE and archived on www.ForensicWeek.com. Thank you for watching!
Intelligent Fingerprinting for Drug Screening
A British company, Intelligent Fingerprinting, is developing the first handheld fingerprint-based drug screening device. This device is a non-invasive technology that can screen for multiple drugs and gives results in less than ten minutes. They have gotten funding from private US-based investors on top of government funded grants that will support their final stages of providing this product commercially. This could end the hassle of specialist collection arrangements and biohazard disposal facilities. The device is expected to go into pilot production in 2014.
With Colorado and Washington having legalized recreational marijuana there is the question of road side testing for impaired driving. Maybe this type of technology could shed light on the issue.
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Source: Forensic Magazine
[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 030514]
3D FingerPrinting
Anil Jain and a team of Michigan State University computer scientists and research collaborator Nick Paulter at the National Institute of Standards and Technology built the first three-dimensional model of a fingerprint. What they develeoped was a method that takes a two-dimensional image of a fingerprint and maps it to a 3D finger surface. It has all the ridges and valleys of the human fingerprint and its made using a 3D printer. They call this a fingerprint “Phantom.” This technology gives a “precise fingerprint model with known properties and features that can be used to calibrate existing technology used to match fingerprints.” This could improve the accuracy in fingerprint sensing and matching.
Anil Jain’s Technical Report on 3D Fingerprint Phantoms
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Source: Michigan State University
[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 030614]
Fun Crime Scene Cheat Sheet Infographic
This infographic gives a quick visual representation of the different types of crime scene professionals and the work each must contribute to collectively solve a crime. Quickly yet clearly, this inforgraphic summarizes some of the key concerns and uses of evidence found at a crime scene by giving brief descriptions on: how to lift fingerprints, suggesting clues to look for while estimating the time of death, the use of forensic entomology, analyzing DNA profiling and bloodstains patterns, and describing the process of how an autopsy is completed. Do not substitute this crime scene cheat sheet infographic for training, but use it as a guide for recalling tips and advice of the different types of crime scene professionals and their work.
Click here to view the fun crime scene cheat sheet infographic!
Source: Forensic Nexus
[Abstract written by Noel Andres, ForensIQ Intern 3/6/14]
DNA Evidence Solves Boston Strangler Cold Case
In January of 1964, Marry Sullivan was raped and murdered shortly after moving to Boston. Her murderer was not found, however Alberto DeSalvo, known as the Boston Strangler, admitted to murdering her and 10 other victims. He later went back on his confession and left room for doubt in the case. Almost 50 years later, DNA evidence surfaced that would put an end to all doubts and solve the case.
Click here to read the full article.
[Abstract by Walter Tates, ForensIQ Intern. 030614]
Study Shows How Dogs are Trained to Detect Explosives
Training a dog is no easy feat. Training a dog to detect explosives is considerably much more difficult. This article overviews a study conducted by Indiana University-Perdue University Indianapolis that explored the method used to train police dogs and determine its effectiveness. With the results of the study, options can be discussed on what can be done to make canine detection legally admissible evidence in court.
Click here to view the article.
[Abstract by Walter Tates, ForensIQ Intern. 030614]
Nile Blue Improves Crime Scene Fingerprinting
West Australian chemists, at Curtin University, are developing a new technique that could provide crime investigators with a safer, simpler and more versatile method for obtaining good quality fingerprints from non-porous surfaces and in wet or humid conditions.
The compound Nile red is presently used, providing investigators with both contrast and photoluminescence, making it easier to detect fingerprints on non-porous materials. Although proven useful, Curtin University’s Professor Simon Lewis states that this is expensive and the process uses toxic materials that pose health and safety risk to personnel. Professor Lewis’s team of researchers have found that when the compound Nile blue A is made up in water, a small amount converts to Nile red in sufficient quantities to develop fingerprints. Nile blue A is a less expensive reagent and can be used on non-porous surfaces like ceramic, glass, plastics, and adhesive tape.
Professor Lewis also states that while more work needs to be done, testing shows great potential for the new process, particularly in staff training and for use in developing countries. The main objective of his Australian research team is to improve crime scene fingerprinting by finding a way to obtain clear prints from different surfaces and extracting clear prints in wet or humid conditions.
Interested in reading more about improvements in crime scene fingerprinting? Click here!
Source: Science Network Western Australia
[Abstract written by Noel Andres, ForensIQ Intern 2/27/14]
Smart Gun
With the height of gun control debate there is a new technology that can possibly bring some ease. A large firearm store in California has added to its inventory a smart gun called the Armatix iP1. What is so unique about this firearm is the accessory that is required with its purchase. For this smart gun to fire a watch has to be worn. There are electronic chips in the watch and the gun that communicate with each other. If the watch is close enough to the gun a green light turns on and it is able to be fired. This could change the future of gun making technology.
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Source: Washington Post
[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 022714]
First-ever Application of Rapid DNA Technology
The Palm Bay Police Department in Florida was the first to use Rapid DNA technology in a criminal investigation. The DNA profiles were obtained from California based IntegenX’s RapidHIT 200. It is one of two stand-alone devices available in the world that can produce DNA profiles in less than 90-minutes. In January 2014, the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) began processing samples from active criminal cases. The results from the RapidHIT 200 were compared to those from a lab and more than 100 samples matched. The Palm Bay PD is now using the RapidHIT 200 weekly. Chief Doug Muldoon of the Palm Bay PD is very satisfied with the technology saying “The ability to solve selected crimes in less than a day is essential to protecting the public.”
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Source: Space Coast Daily
[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 022714]
Packaging Evidence
In the process or collecting evidence, it is of crucial importance to store and package it properly. If packaged incorrectly, the evidence can be damaged, destroyed, or compromised. Knowing how to store specific types of evidence so that they may be transported from crime scene to crime lab can make the difference between having useless evidence, and evidence that can be helpful in an investigation. This article gives tips and guidelines on how to properly package various types of evidence, ranging from DNA and blood evidence to physical evidence such as liquids, powders, and weapons of various natures.
Click here to view the full article.
[Abstract by Walter Tates, ForensIQ-Inc. Intern.]
Protecting the Crime Scene at the Initial Response
Protection of a crime scene begins with the initial responding officer, and because of this, it is important for responding officers to know what should be done to make sure that the crime scene is not tampered with or disturbed. This brief article provides the basic procedures that all initial responding officers should follow to ensure that they are doing their part to protect a crime scene.
Click here to view the full article.
[Abstract by Walter Tates, ForensIQ-Inc. Intern.]
The ForensicWeek.com Show airing Episode 52 – Exposing Junk Science in the Courtroom
| ForensicWeek.com is airing Episode 52 this Thursday, February 27, 2014 at 7:00 PM (EST). The topic for discussion is “Exposing Junk Science in the Courtroom.” Their special guest is, Dorothy Clay Sims, attorney and author of the book, “Exposing Deceptive Defense Doctors,” who has spent over a decade teaching lawyers tips on exposing bad experts. Ms. Sims is also retained in criminal cases to assist the defense attorney in cross-examining the state’s forensic expert, as she did most recently in the Casey Anthony case. So join host, Tom Mauriello, LIVE or view the recorded show archived on www.ForensicWeek.com . Thank you for watching!
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“Why some people don’t have finger prints”
It’s always been a thought that someone who wasn’t born with fingerprints could commit the perfect crime. But how could this rare condition happen? Dermatologists refer to this condition as “immigration delay disease”. This is because it causes problems when the person tries to move to a different country. But the scientific term is adermatoglyphia. For years this phenomenon was not understood till a couple of years ago when dermatologist figured out that this was related to a genetic mutation. This was discovered two dermatologists studied a Swiss woman with the condition. Come to find out this was a condition that ran in her family. The dermatologist found that this was caused by a section of DNA that codes for protein. This mutated gene blocks the protein from forming. People who have this disease only have symptoms of having no fingerprints and fewer sweat glands. Without this rare family researchers may have never discovered the cause.
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Source: Mother Nature Network
[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 021914]
New Technology uses Body Odor for Identification
In Spain, scientists have created an “electric bloodhound” that can smell out individuals based on identifying qualities. They say that there are patterns that are recognizable in humans. These patterns are steady therefore everyone has their own odor that would separate them from others. These scientist claim that this technology is so correct that it could replace things like fingerprinting or iris scanning. This would be a less aggressive and less intrusive way for personal identification. This type of technology could be used in places like airports or borders checkpoints where the only identify verification are based on physical resemblance from a photo.
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Source: Washington Times
[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 021914]
