Research Grant Awarded to Evaluate Footwear Evidence

Jacqueline Speir, Assistant Professor in the Forensic and Investigative Science Program at West Virginia University, has been awarded approximately $389,000 in grant funds to conduct research that will help uncover the forensic value of footwear evidence.

The goal of this research is to better understand potential discrimination of shoe print evidence. In order to determine this, Jacqueline Speir, and her research group will collect, characterize and compare randomly acquired accidental characteristics on the outer sole of hundreds of shoes. The data collected will provide insights into how well footwear impressions deposited at crime scenes can be linked to a single shoe and a suspect.

Funded for the next two and a half years, Speir’s research group will evaluate the similarities of accidental patterns present on shoes and the reported impressions left during the commission of a crime, as well as between impressions collected from different shoes. This research is exceptionally important and the findings could reveal the forensic value of footwear evidence.

To view the full article and to find out more information click here!

Source: West Virginia University

[Abstract written by Noel Andres, ForensIQ Intern 2/19/14]

New Handheld Drug-Testing Device

Intelligent Fingerprinting’s innovative device is offering a revolutionary approach to drug screening. The handheld portable drug-testing device analyzes the sweat from a single fingerprint sample for drug metabolites, which if present, indicate drug use. The device provides results in less than 10 minutes and screens for multiple drugs including Amphetamines, Benzodiazepines, Cannabis, Cocaine and Opiates.  This product will launch 2015 so mark your calendars!

For more information about this fingerprinting drug-testing device click here!

Source: Intelligent Fingerprinting
[Abstract written by Noel Andres, ForensIQ Intern 2/19/14]

“Japan and U.S. to share Criminal fingerprint database”

The United States and Japan have made an agreement on sharing fingerprint databases that would benefit criminal investigations. This database of international fingerprints will aid law enforcement authorities to prevent domestic and foreign threats. This agreement will provide Japanese authorities with data from the FBI and the Department of homeland security. Japan is the first country the U.S. has shared fingerprint databases with.

Click here for full article

Source: Japan Daily Press

[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 021914]

6 Don’ts of Crime Scene Laser Scanning

Documenting crime scenes is important and crucial business, and with technology advancing at such a rapid pace it is becoming easier to do. One advancement that has helped the documentation of crime scenes is that of laser scanning, a method of using lasers to digitally construct a three dimensional copy of the crime scene. Advances with this technology have made it even easier and more efficient to accurately document crime scenes while preserving the integrity of both the scene and the scan data. However, no method is perfect and provided in this article is a list, with thorough explanations, of six don’ts when it comes to using laser scanning technology to document your crime scene.

Click here to view the entire article.

[Abstract written by Walter Tates, Forensiq Inc. Intern. 021914]

Touch DNA

DNA evidence is crucial when it comes to identifying suspects, victims, and whomever else is of interest in an investigation. Finding and retrieving this  evidence is a delicate process which requires technique and proper knowledge of retrieval in order to maintain the integrity of the evidence. This article provides the reader with steps to ensure the proper attainment of DNA evidence left behind by touch.

Click here to view the article.

[Abstract written by Walter Tates, ForensIQ Intern 021214]

Thief’s Kiss Leads to DNA Evidence & Arrest

In an attempt to rob a jewelry store, two young thieves allegedly tied up, gagged, and threatened the owner of a Paris jewelry store after following her home. Out of frustration of the victim not cooperating, the thieves poured petrol over her head and threatened to set it alight if she did not provide the alarm codes for the jewelry store. Eventually the 56-year-old jeweler storeowner gave in and provided the alarm codes.

Hours later after the thieves cleaned out the store of all its precious jewels, one culprit returned to release the tied up woman. As a sign of compassion, the 20-year-old thief gave the victim a kiss on the cheek. This was indeed his biggest mistake!

DNA on the victim’s cheek was obtained and analyzed and forensic scientist at the scene swabbed the woman’s cheek to isolate the genetic profile. The thief’s DNA was identified and found to be on the National DNA Database. Months later the detectives discovered that the DNA matched a man who was being detained in Southern France on suspicion of other crimes. The alleged thief admitted to the crime and stated that he kissed the victim to “make up for the trauma”. The kissing bandit remains in custody while detectives trace his co-conspirator.

Click here for the full article!

Source: The Guardian

[Abstract written by Noel Andres, ForensIQ Intern 2/12/14]

Modified Method for Obtaining Tool Mark Impressions

In the field of investigations, there are various methods and techniques to accomplish different tasks. New techniques and methods are developed frequently to help gather evidence more efficiently, effectively, and in ways that may be easier for others. This article provides a modified method to obtaining tool mark impressions with the step by step process to do so.

Click here to view the full article.

[Abstract written by Walter Tates, ForensIQ Intern 021214]

Collecting Footwear and Tire Impressions in Snow

On March 1, 2014, Lesley Hammer, a Forensic Footwear Examiner and Senior Crime Scene Analyst at the State of Alaska Crime Lab, and James Wolfe, a Police Instructor and adjunct faculty member for the University of Alaska, will host a LIVE stream presentation entitled “Collecting Footwear and Tire Impressions in Snow” which will contain vital information helpful to Evidence Collectors, Law Enforcement Officers, and Forensic Professionals.

Snow impressions can provide extremely valuable evidence in helping resolve criminal investigations; however, photographing and obtaining a cast of a snow impression is often a challenge for the crime scene examiner. In their presentation, Lesley Hammer and James Wolfe will review and discuss techniques for photographing and casting snow impressions found at the crime scene.

Both the type of snow and weather conditions can be imperative in determining which casting technique to use. Therefore, Hammer and Wolfe will examine methods for utilizing dental stone, fast setting plaster, and sulfur cement casting of snow impressions in order to demonstrate when and where each method is most effective.

To obtain more information or to register for this free online web event click here!

[Abstract written by Noel Andres, ForensIQ Intern, 020614]

Free Forensic Science and Investigation Training Courses Provided by NIJ & Associates

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), together with RTI International, The National Forensic Science Technology Center, The National Academy of Medical Examiners, and West Virginia University, offer a variety of free courses and training which can be beneficial to both criminal justice professionals and the general public. A comprehensive list can be obtained at the NIJ main website and although many courses are in the areas of corrections, law enforcement, and courts and courtrooms, a vast majority is in the field of forensics.

Forensic course topics include but are not limited to: Bloodborne Pathogen Training, Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, Crime Scene and DNA Basics, Crime Scene Investigation, DNA Extraction and Quantitation, Firearms and Toolmarks Identification, Firearms Examiner Training, Fingerprint Identification, Forensic Anthropology, Ethics of Forensic Science, Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS), Shooting Reconstruction, Toxicology, and Questioned Document Identification.

The process of registering for these courses is simple and easy. Each course requires the user to have a separate Login and ID. Once this information is obtained the user must navigate, conveniently at his or her own pace, through the entire online self-paced module or recorded session in order to obtain a Certificate of Completion or other accreditation.

Take advantage of this opportunity and register for any and all the courses that interest you! Remember that both these courses and trainings are not only free to public safety employees but many are also free for the general public. Navigate through each module or recorded session and expand your knowledge in the fields of corrections, forensics, law enforcement, and courts and courtrooms!

Click here for the NIJ main website and a list of all the courses!
[Abstract written by Noel Andres, ForensIQ Intern, 0206114]

Digitally Autopsy as an Option

Matt Chandran, a Malaysian entrepreneur, wants to replace the traditional way of performing an autopsy with digital scanning. This could quicken the process and deal with problems such as “religious sensibilities”. Chandran talks about the huge number of autopsies performed each year. Out of 70 million deaths each year around a tenth of those require an autopsy. Because of this number he sees this digital approach as a service. Chandran wants to remove the distaste of autopsies by using 3D imaging software that won’t require a scalpel. These digital autopsies can make it easier to identify fractures or foreign objects like bullets. Not requiring a traditionally invasive autopsy could be a big advantage. Chandran would like to commercialize this service and have it available to families who would like another option besides the traditional autopsy. Though there are skeptics who think that this digital autopsy won’t be able to replace the traditional way it is certainly a step towards the future.

The real problem for the United States Justice System is that the defense will always question whether not conducting a physical examination could miss valuable information not recorded with a virtual scan.

Click here and view the article.

Citation:

Wagstaff, J. Reuters. Sliced and diced, digitally: autopsy as a service. Retrieved January 4th, 2014 from http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/20/us-autopsies-digital-idUSBRE97J0XB20130820

[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 020614]

New Technique for Analyzing Lipstick Evidence

For forensic investigators the issue of contamination is continually present. One concern is trying to analyze lipstick on objects such as glasses, tissues, or cigarette butts without compromising the evidence. A study done by forensic scientists at the University of Kent found a way to identify lipstick without having to even touch it. The technique they use is called Raman spectroscopy. This technique gives the lipstick a “characteristic vibrational fingerprint“ that can be compared to other assorted lipsticks. This development could also give way to other cosmetic evidence.

Click here to view the entire article and learn more.

Citation:

Univ. of Kent. Forensic Magazine. New Forensic Technique for Analyzing Lipstick Traces. Retrieved January 4, 2014 from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2013/08/new-forensic-technique-analyzing-lipstick-traces#.UvGEKHnyBg0

[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 020614]

A New Software for Skull Identification

In the world of criminal investigation there are several forensic databases for trying to identify a person based on information such as fingerprints or DNA. But Ann Ross at North Carolina State University sees a future in similar software for skulls. Ross and her colleagues have created a software that compares digital scans of unidentified skulls to a database of other skulls. This software could help identify characteristics such as race or ethnicity. Ross speaks of how this could help with undocumented individuals or victims of natural disasters. The best part is Ross is providing this service for free. The only problem Ross and her colleagues are faced with is getting their hands on as many skulls as they can to further their database.

Click here to view the article.

Citation:

Bittle, J. The Week. The secret language of skulls. Retreived January 4, 2014 from                      http://theweek.com/article/index/255311/the-secret-language-of-skulls

[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 020614]

Preserving Crime Scene Integrity

When it comes to investigations, one of the most crucial and important elements of the entire process is that of crime scene integrity.  Another words,  has the crime scene or the evidence at the scene been compromised? Because of this, it is absolutely imperative for those examining the crime scene to take all necessary and even unnecessary steps to ensure that the crime scene remains as undisturbed and true to the crime as possible. This article presents various ways that this may be achieved.

Click here to view this article.

[Abstract written by Walter Tates, ForensIQ Intern, 020614]

Advances in Facial Recognition Software

Facial recognition software is not a new concept, nor is it new technology. However, like many technologies, in its early stages its uses were limited because of the working capabilities of the technology. SRI (Stanford Research Institution) International has introduced what they call the IOM Passport SL System, a new, more effective way to scan multiple targets in a short period of time.

Click here to read the full article.

[Abstract written by Walter Tates, ForensIQ Intern, 020614]