ForensicWeek.com – OPEN FORUM – Episode 47
ForensicWeek.com is airing Episode 47 this Thursday, January 23, 2014 at 7:00 PM (EST) with an OPEN FORUM Show featuring three preeminent experts in the fields of forensic science and investigations. They are author and Forensic Consultant Dr. Richard Saferstein, and retired NYPD Commanders and trainers, Joseph Giacalone and John Paolucci. Join host, Tom Mauriello and his student interns as they facilitate discussions on the evolution of DNA, expert testimony, and forensics education. Just go to www.ForensicWeek.com and be educated and entertained. Thank you for watching!
ForensicWeek.com Show – Featuring Forensic Art and Illustration
The ForensicWeek.com Show will be airing Episode 46 this Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 7:00 PM (EST). The topic is Forensic Art and Illustration with special guest, Sandra Enslow, a 20 year veteran Forensic Artist with the Los Anglos County Sheriff’s Department. Hear from an expert in the field and learn how the skills of a forensic artist can make a victim’s memory of their perpetrator become real; and the skeletal remains of an unknown come to life. Join host, Tom Mauriello, CEO, ForensIQ, Inc. and his student interns as they produce another episode of www.ForensicWeek.com.
The ForensicWeek.com Airs First Show For 2014
ForensicWeek.com is airing Episode 45 this Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. (EST). The topic, “Blood Spatter Analysis and Crime Scene Reconstruction” with special guest, NCIS Special Agent and Professor at The George Washington University, Elizabeth Toomer. Learn how crime scene blood spatter is analyzed and how it enables investigators to reconstruct the past. So join host, Tom Mauriello and his student interns and finally recognized that “blood is thicker than water.” Thank you for watching!
Technique to Lift Prints from Receipts
In the past, lifting prints from old receipts has posed a problem for forensic investigators, as the chemicals and solvents generally used to lift them would react with the paper to turn it black. Now, scientists have figured out that prints can be obtained from thermal receipt paper, a most commonly used type, using heat and blue light. “By gently heating the paper and exposing it to blue light…they can reveal the fingerprint left behind on the paper by the sweat from your fingertip”. This new development presents promise for fraud investigations.
View the article here.
Source: forensicmag.com
Citation:
Gray, R. (December 19, 2013). Forensic Magazine. Why Forensic Scientists Want to Get Their Hands on Old Receipts. Retrieved December 19, 2013 from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2013/12/why-forensic-scientists-want-get-their-hands-old-receipts#.UrNN0WRDs3M
[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]
ForensicsColleges.com names their “Top 15 CSI Professors”
University of Maryland’s Tom Mauriello is featured as one of the “Top 15 CSI Professors” in ForensicColleges.com blog. The crime scene investigator (CSI) professors on the list of top 15 come from a variety of backgrounds with many, but not all, having extensive service in law enforcement or for a police agency. Others have had interesting careers or experiences—with two on our list, yes, even being involved with underwater crime scene investigation. Who would have through a CSI career could take you there? Others have developed their own niche areas of interest or expertise. Of course, it’s hard to sum up a lifetime of experience in a short bio, but a look at our list of top 15 CSI professors can help you to decide if a CSI career, or even a specific school or program, could be right for you.
The ForensicWeek.com Show – Forensic DNA Analysis
The ForensicWeek.com Show is broadcasting Episode 44, Thursday, December 19, 2013, 7 PM to 8 PM (EST). The topic this week is Forensic DNA Analysis. How significant and accessible is DNA when found at the crime scene and how has research and technology strengthened its value for the investigator? The George Washington University’s Dr. William Watson and Dr. Daniele Podini answer these questions and more when they join host, Tom Mauriello and his student interns on www.ForensicWeek.com.
The Big Picture of Forensic Photography
From Evidence Technology Magazine, author Sanford Weiss speaks about how hard it is to get a job as a forensic photographer. The “CSI Effect,” which is the idea that everything seen on the CSI TV shows can be done in the real world, is a major topic in the article. “Whenever contemporary programs capture the imaginations of the public, they invariably create a thirst for further information, resulting in an upsurge in interest and sales of associated products and technologies.” Weiss goes through advice that might be pertinent to a possible future forensic photographer. Weiss talks about personal experiences, which helped get a head in the practice. Weiss also explains how there are jobs outside of the field of law enforcement that use forensic photographers.
For the full article, click here!
Citation
Weiss, S. (n.d.). Getting a job in forensic photography. Retrieved from Evidence Technology Magazine website http://www.evidencemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=256
[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]
Sirchie Training Calendar, 2014
In an article from Sirchie on forensicmag.com, Sirchie has released its 2014 training catalog. While this was back on November 4th, the classes are still available to register for, and they include many topics, for example, Forensic Photography. Check out the link below to the article on forensicmag.com that you may request information from or you can go straight to the brochure with one of the links below! The full calendar is available on their website as well as possible scholarship opportunities.
For the full article, click here!
For the brochure from Sirchie, click here!
Citation
Sirchie hands-on forensic training. (2013, November 4). Retrieved from Forensic Magazine website: http://www.forensicmag.com/products/sirchie/sirchie-hands-forensic-training#.Uqk9L_RDu8A
[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]
Forensic Identification Technique Called into Question
A recent study conducted at North Carolina State University has shown that using the shape of someone’s skull to make a positive ID may not be as reliable as investigators have previously thought. Dr. Ann Ross of NC State University explained that victims do not always have elaborate enough dental records for comparison, so then investigators would turn to the skull shape. The study found that most of the population has a “cranial vault” shape too similar to one another to depend upon this method of identification. In the experiment, researchers asked 106 members of the Academy of Forensic sciences to identify 5 skulls. Less than half of the participants were able to accurately make the ID.
To read more, click here.
Source: forensicmag.com
Citation:
Shipman, M. Forensic Magazine. Questions Raised About Longstanding Forensic Identification Technique. Retrieved December 11, 2013 from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2013/12/questions-raised-about-longstanding-forensic-identification-technique#.UqjZiWRDs3M
[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]
Differences in Identical Twin DNA Revealed
Eurofins Scientific of Ebersburg, Germany, has uncovered a genetic dissimilarity between identical twins. Previous to this discovery, it has been scientifically accepted that identical twins could not be genetically differentiated. Forensic investigators have largely had to avoid DNA use in court when involving an identical twin. This discovery can change that. Eurofins used ultra-deep next generation sequencing at their Genomics lab to sustain the hypothesis that rare mutations occur around the time the egg splits to form monozygotic twins that will carry through development. The study that led to this conclusion used the DNA from a pair of identical twins and one twin’s son. They found the son and father twin to share a mutation that was not present in the other twin’s DNA.
Check out the article here!
Source: forensicmag.com
Citation:
Eurofins MWG Operon. Forensic Magazine. Genetic Differences Between “Identical” Twins Discovered. Retrieved December 12, 2013 from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2013/12/genetic-differences-between-identical-twins-discovered#.UqlF82RDs3M
[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]
ForensicWeek.com Show “focuses” on Forensic Photography – The art of digital photography at the crime scene and for evidence identification and collection.
The ForensicWeek.com Show is broadcasting Episode 43, Thursday, December 12, 2013, 7PM to 8PM (EST). The topic this week “focuses” on Forensic Photography – The art of digital photography at the crime scene and for evidence identification and collection. Special guest Associate Professor Ted Robinson from The George Washington University’s Department of Forensic Science, an expert in the field and author of the book, “Crime Scene Photography.” Want to “zoom-in” and learn more about the topic and the career field? Then join host Tom Mauriello and his student interns at www.ForensicWeek.com. As always – Thanks for watching.
Height Predictions with DNA
Scientists are making predictions of body height based on DNA sampling. While there’s still a long way to go with determining the exactness of an individual’s body height, researchers can guess if an individual will be taller than average. What does this mean for forensic science? It means that investigators can gain leads despite having an unknown perpetrator who’s DNA is not in the police system.
To read the full article, click here!
Citation: Griffin, C. (November 20, 2013) Science World Report. Scientists Predict Human Body Height with DNA: How Tall Will Your Child Be?. Retrieved November 21, 2013 from http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/11048/20131120/scientists-predict-human-body-height-dna-tall-will-child.htm.
[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]
SANE Education Guidelines Updated
For the first time the International Association of Forensic Nurses released their Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) education guidelines for free to the public. When an individual is sexually assaulted, if they go to a hospital, they have the option of having a medical examination. The role of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner is to collect evidence off the victim that could potentially be used for prosecuting a case. The goal of the organization in making the guidelines free to the public is in hope to “see a greater adoption of these education standards.”
To read the full article, click here!
Citation: (November 18, 2013) Forensic Magazine. International Association of Forensic Nurses Releases Updated 2013 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Education Guidelines. Retrieved November 21, 2013 from http://www.forensicmag.com/news/2013/11/international-association-forensic-nurses-releases-updated-2013-sexual-assault-nurse-examiner-education-guidelines#.Uo56IMSsiyY.
[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]
New Efforts to Reduce Wrongful Convictions
Recently, the International Association of Police Chiefs, along with the Justice Department and the Innocence Project, met to develop guidelines for case investigations and review of innocence claims in order to cut down on wrongful convictions. They are developing many different efforts to achieve this goal. One hope is to adopt a tool that will identify “high-risk” cases for wrongful conviction. Additionally, they are setting standards for eyewitness identification since it has been proven that present tactics yield a high percentage of misidentifications. They are also working to ensure that agencies become more responsive to those who protest their conviction claiming innocence. Policies such as these have already been adopted in cities such as Baltimore and Dallas.
To read more on the subject, view the article here.
Source: forensicmag.com
Citation:
Hsu, S. (December 2, 2013). Police chiefs lead effort to prevent wrongful convictions by altering investigative practices. The Washington Post. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/police-chiefs-urge-changes-to-photo-lineups-other-tools-to-prevent-wrongful-convictions/2013/12/02/5d8e9af2-5b69-11e3-bf7e-f567ee61ae21_story.html
[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]
The ForensicWeek.com Anniversity Show – Episode 42 – Fraud Examination and Investigation
The ForensicWeek.com Show is celebrating its first year anniversary by broadcasting Episode 42, Thursday, December 5, 2013, 7 PM to 8 PM (EST). The topic this week is Fraud Examination and Investigation. “OH What a Tangled Web We Weave When First We Practice to Deceive?” – Sir Walter Scott. The crime of fraud is a misrepresentation with an intent to deceive. Professors Tom Coogan and Colin May from Stevenson University’s Forensic Studies Program, are experts and scholars in the fields of fraud investigation and white collar crime. Want to learn more about the topic and the career field? Then join host Tom Mauriello, his student interns and his special guests at www.ForensicWeek.com . As always – Thanks for watching.
