Detecting Explosives with Light

Research from the University of Adelaide has created a sensor that can detect tiny quantities of explosives with the use of light and special glass fibers. This fibre sensor can detect explosives in concentrations as low as 6.3 ppm (parts per million). Its analysis time are only a few minutes. Traditionally explosives detection has involved looking for metals that encase them such as in land mines. But today explosive devices will often have no metal in them so we need to be able to detect the explosive material itself. It uses a plastic material that emits red light when illuminated with green laser light, and the amount of red light it emits is reduced by the presence of explosives. It also has high sensitivity and it can detect tiny quantities of an explosive. This can also be used to quantify the amount of explosive by looking at how the light emission changes over time. This type of technology could help greatly in the fight against terrorism.

Click here for full article

Source: Science Daily

[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 051514]

New Zealand and U.S. share fingerprints

Once again the United States has made and agreement with an allied country to share fingerprint databases. The New Zealand police will allow the U.S to access their fingerprint database to combat crime and terrorism. New Zealand authorities will have to send individual requests to the US for data matching. As before with Japan, the U.S agencies that will be involved will include the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. They will be able to compare fingerprints to see if there’s a match and be able to share further information such as addresses, convictions, known associates and aliases.

Click here for full article

Source: New Zealand Herald

[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 041014]

TREXPO Offers Free Training

From May 12-14th at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C there will be a law enforcement expo offering free training. There will be free access for qualified active members of law enforcement. Attendees can learn about new offerings from top vendors, including active shooter and go bags, dispatch solutions, evidence handling systems, guns and ammunition, mobile apps, non-lethal weapons, personal protection equipment, tactical response vehicles and more. The free education being offered at TREXPO includes:

• “Boston Marathon Bombing: A Collaborative Approach to Catch a Terrorist”
• “Marksmanship Under Stress”
• “Resiliency & The Bulletproof Mind: What Happens to the Mind and Body in Combat, and How to Survive and Thrive in this Environment” and “Keeping Our Schools SAFE From Attacks on Our Children: Sandy Hook, Columbine, and Beslan”
• “Tactical and Live Demos”
• “Law Enforcement Firearms Forums”

Click here for full article

Click here for more information on the expo

[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 032714]

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]

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.

Click here for full article

Source: Washington Post

[Abstract written by Alicia Terrell, ForensIQ Intern, 022714]

“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]

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]

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 4^th, 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]

Be Careful Around The Holidays!

While trying to be a part of the holiday spirit, or at least the “great shopping time” spirit, a word of advice is that one needs to be careful when shopping online around the holidays. Why? Because hackers have the ability to steal your information off of your banking websites. In an article from ABC News, Ira Victor, Director of Digital Forensics Practice at Data Clone Labs says “the cyber criminals can essentially drain your savings account without you even knowing it, or alerting the bank.” But what can we do? Isn’t cyber Monday one of the busiest shopping days online of the year? Ira’s solution is to do all your banking over the phone, or even in person if it is possible to avoid cybercrime and hacking.

For the full article, click here!

Citation
Boatman, S. (2013, December 2). Hackers targeting online banking on cyber monday. Retrieved from News4.com website:                                   http://www.mynews4.com/news/local/story/Hackers-Targeting-Online-Banking-On-Cyber-Monday/gTBXsLq4VESmHgx3GfI-                   Eg.cspx

[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]

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]

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!

Counterterrorism Presentation and Training

FREE training to all present/former intelligence, Counterterrorism, and law enforcement professionals at Peirce College on November 19 from 10-12 in room 51/52. NYPD’s Counterterrorism unit will be presenting Terrorism Awareness and Hostile Surveillance open to all. Then a breakout session for only LEO and CT for training on NYPD’s Shield program.

Go check it out!

[Abstract prepared by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]