Seizing Digital Evidence
Collecting physical evidence from crime scenes proves to be slightly different from collecting digital evidence, which poses unique challenges. Some people think that in order to “execute a warrant within 10 days” they must process the digital evidence within that time. However, what it actually means is that the warrant must simply be served within that 10-day period. Additionally, investigators possess different understandings across the board concerning the necessity of an additional warrant to collect digital evidence from within a seized computer. Sometimes they will acquire these extra warrants that detail exactly what types of files will be searched within the computer so as not to violate the 4th amendment. Knowledge of these factors and more can aid in the collection and investigation of digital evidence.
To read more on this subject, click here.
Source: forensicmag.com
Citation:
Forensic Magazine. Executing a Warrant for Digital Evidence. Retrieved November 20, 2013 from http://www.forensicmag.com/articles/2013/10/executing-warrant-digital-evidence#.Uo0DLGTBLKt
[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]
The Death Scene Checklist
When investigating a death scene, there are many things to do and many goals to achieve. Having no structure to your investigation is not a successful way of going through the process of checking a scene out. As author Dick Warrington states in his article on forensicmag.com, an investigator must have a checklist. “Good investigators can keep lots of details in their heads. Great investigators document the details.” Another statement in the article, most cases go to a jury trial. In order to do a good job, and specifically, to remember what happened in the case, a checklist goes a long way. Warrington goes through why a checklist may help whether it is in a complex crime scene or just a simple one where a jury trial will make all the difference. An interesting read for someone who is interested in learning more about the correct way to do investigating. Along with the information provided above, there are links that lead to webinars from Warrington on how to use death scene checklists.
For the full article, click here!
Warrington, D. (2013, October 22). Crime scene documentation: The death scene checklist. Forensic Magazine.
[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]
A New Cybercrime Lab
In an article from the Canberra Times out of Australia, the Australian Federal Police are receiving a new cyber forensics building that will be used to fight cybercrime. After an attack on the Police’s website, construction began on a $106 million dollar crime lab. The lab is being built with the specific purpose of detecting and fighting back against cybercrime. The lab will also hold facilities for “crime scene analysis, as well as firearms, fingerprints, criminalistics and identification sciences.” With a strong fight on cybercrime, this lab will be the beginning of a new age in cyber-forensics.
For the full article, click here!
Anderson, S. (2013, November 22). New forensics lab will help police take the fight to cyber
criminals. The Canberra Times.
[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]
Using their Brains – or not: Neuroscience in the Courtroom
When does science infringe on a court’s ability to appropriately decide a case? Neuroscience, the study of the brain, has challenged previous notions regarding juvenile delinquency and the accountability of juveniles for their crimes. Lawyers have increasingly brought brain scans to trial in order to contest the competency of their defendants at the time of police interrogations, guilty pleas, or the crime. Neuroscientists in this article have mixed feelings about certain studies used in courts. Some believe that brain scans are used too often, and some also feel that these scans could have negative consequences. As of now, it is left to the judge’s discretion on whether such studies should be admitted into evidence.
To read the full article, click here!
Citation: Hamilton, J. (November 12, 2013) NPR. The Case Against Brain Scans as Evidence in Court. Retrieved November 12, 2013 from http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/11/12/244566090/brain-scans-shouldnt-get-their-day-in-court-scientists-say.
[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]
Advances for Blood Stain Analysis
A recent major breakthrough has been noted in the realm of blood analysis. Researchers at Teesside University have developed a blood detecting camera prototype. The device is designed to detect trace amounts of haemoglobin at crime scenes. Not only that, but the camera has been proven to aid with a swift and accurate time of death estimation, especially with fresh blood samples. This device will revolutionize the formerly time-consuming, inefficient techniques of blood analysis at crime scenes. Researchers are hopeful that, in the future, this breakthrough can develop into a method that can be used for other crime scene liquids as well.
To find out more, click here.
Source: forensicmag.com
Citation:
The Independent. The blood detectives: Scientific breakthrough in reading stains may help solve crimes. Retrieved November 13, 2013 from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/the-blood-detectives-scientific-breakthrough-in-reading-stains-may-help-solve-crimes-8906451.html
[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]
Inaccurate Lab Results to Potentially Change Dozens of DUI Convictions
A recent crime laboratory audit in Orange County, Calif. uncovered a “human error” that affects 2,200 DUI cases over the past 6 months. One of the devices on one of the machines used to test for blood alcohol content was apparently calibrated incorrectly. This 0.003% error could render a 0.01% decrease in about 200 cases, bringing the results from 0.08% down to 0.07% which is below the legal limit. Some are expected to challenge their convictions due to this error while others are suspected accept their sentences believing that their BAC, although presently proven to have been legal at the time of analysis, would have been above the legal limit at the time of arrest.
To learn more, check out the article here.
Source: forensicmag.com
Citation:
Winton, R. Los Angeles Times. Lab error could affect hundreds of Orange County DUI cases. Retrieved November 13, 2013 from http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-oc-dui-20131111,0,899864.story#axzz2kLRNb4Cz
[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]
The Omnivore Field Kit
It’s hard to get video evidence in today’s world. Only a few years ago, videotape evidence was used in many cases throughout the world. Now we have moved into the age of the Digital Video Recorder (DVR). In an article from policeone.com, an article from police and security news’ website goes through a few disadvantages to having the new DVR system as a system that gathers video recordings and then provides a solution. An example of a shortcoming is that some media storage devices’ connection ports that are being used to collect video evidence might be incompatible with other devices. The article states that sometimes these connection ports are broken or just the wrong type altogether. A solution from Ocean Systems is the Omnivore Field Kit. The kit is capable of connecting to any type of video device and capable of storing many uncompressed files of video evidence. In a very slim and portable case, the Omnivore Field Kit is available to make investigations with video evidence progress much smoother.
Read the full article here!
Ocean systems releases video acquisition field kit. (2013, October 2). Retrieved from Policeone.com website: http://www.policeone.com/police-products/investigation/computer-forensics/articles/6491797-Ocean-Systems-releases-video-acquisition-field-kit/
[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]
Digital Evidence Warrants
When executing a warrant for digital evidence, author John J. Barbara states in his article from forensicmag.com, one must execute the warrant within 10 days. However, he states, most investigators “have interpreted this to also mean that the forensic analysis of the digital devices must be completed within ten days after they are seized.” Barbara goes further to explain that there is no guideline that states one must do so. Barbara then talks about how many warrants are actually needed to go through computer evidence. This article is an interesting read for anyone learning about the legal side of obtaining search warrants and executing them.
For the full article, click here!
Citation
Barbara, J. J. (2013, October 29). Executing a warrant for digital evidence. Retrieved from Forensic Magazine website: http://www.forensicmag.com/articles/2013/10/executing-warrant-digital-evidence#.UoTcYBpJOAg
[Abstract written by Karl “Kip” Zenowich, ForensIQ Intern]
ForensicWeek.com Show is airing Episode 40, “Computer Forensics and CyberCrime”
The ForensicWeek.com Show is airing Episode 40, “Computer Forensics and CyberCrime” Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013, 7 PM to 8 PM EST. Computer Forensics is a branch of digital forensic science pertaining to legal evidence found in computers and digital storage media. Cybercrime includes traditional crimes conducted through the use of a computer and the Internet. For example; hate crimes, telemarketing and Internet fraud, identity theft, credit card account thefts, and child pornography are considered to be cybercrimes when a computer is involved. Learn the truth about this topic from special guest, Retired Special Agent and Computer Forensics expert, Jim Christy. 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!
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]
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!
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!
Another Tragedy Due to Cyberbullying
Another Tragedy due to Cyber Bullying
The recent case of a young Florida girl who committed suicide has received a lot of media attention. 12-year-old Rebecca Ann Sedwick ended her life last month in order to escape the cyber torment she received from a large group of girls – two in particular. Those two particular girls, of ages 12 and 14, were arrested last week for their involvement in the events leading to the suicide, failure to show remorse, and actions that suggested the cyber attacks would continue. This case has brought to light the many different anti-bullying programs in place in different states. It has also shed light on the fact that the amount of cyberbullying-related suicides of young people has risen significantly in the past several years. USA Today explains that they believe the most effective way to fight these bullies will actually not be through computer forensic investigations or legislation, but rather through peer disproval of the behavior. “Fighting back against bullies and denying them peer approval are the best antidotes.”
To read more, click here.
Citation:
CBSNews.com. (October 15, 2013). Rebecca Ann Sedwick suicide: 2 arrests made in death of bullied Florida girl. In CBSNews.com. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57607530/rebecca-ann-sedwick-suicide-2-arrests-made-in-death-of-bullied-florida-girl/
Sanburn, J. (October 16, 2013). A Florida Tragedy Illustrates Rising Concern about Cyber-Bullying Suicides. In Time. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from http://nation.time.com/2013/10/16/a-florida-tragedy-illustrates-rising-concern-about-cyber-bullying-suicides/
The Editorial Board. (October 23, 2013). Cyberbullying calls for new weapons: Our view. In USAToday. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/10/23/rebecca-sedwick-suicide-cyberbullying-criminal-editorials-debates/3173189/
[Abstract written by Alex Mitzel, ForensIQ Intern]
Do blow out games count as bullying?
Blow out games, in any sport, are never satisfying for both the winning and losing teams. Yet, in Texas, one unhappy parent took a loss to an extreme, calling Aledo High School’s 91-0 victory in a football game a case of bullying. The parent accused Aledo’s coach, Tim Buchanan, of “not easing up when the game was in hand.” Buchanan, however, had tried to stop the game from slipping out of control, when at halftime, he approached the referees and asked them to keep a running clock for the final quarter. According to Buchanan, his players had a hard time grasping how their actions could be defined as “bullying” against the definitions they had come to understand. With each bullying accusation, Texas law requires school districts to investigate the incident. For this case, the school district found that there had been “no grounds” for the complaint.
To see the full article, click here!
Citation: Weber, P. (October 23, 2013) MSN News. HS football coach: no bullying found in 91-0 win. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from http://news.msn.com/us/texas-dad-alleges-bullying-in-91-0-football-game.
[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]
