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]

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]

Criminal Justice Related Internships Available at Illinois Central College

Illinois Central College is offering internship opportunities for students and graduates of their Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement and Paralegal Programs. The Criminal Justice Internship (Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and 9-1-1 Dispatch) is being offered for the Summer of 2014 and has been rated by students as their most rewarding and favorite elective course. Guidelines for how to apply, deadlines for required meetings, course requirements, and people to contact for more information about the program are listed on their website. If you are a student or graduate of ICC’s Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement and Paralegal Programs, do not miss this opportunity to gain experience in the criminal justice field.

Click here to visit the website.

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

Bully Deterrence

Can the criminalization of bullying deter the act? According to Professor Nadine Connell, the answer to that question is no. She argues that punishment in the criminal justice system might not be effective for either the bully or the victim. Punishment might not solely deter bullying because children and adolescents often respond to immediate interests, rather than weighing on long-term consequences, and lack the ability for emotional self-regulation. Instead, Dr. Connell suggests that the best way to combat bullying is for adults to quickly respond to it, and to encourage behavior that “benefits society and modeling such civility and respect ourselves.”

To read the full opinion, click here!

Citation: Connell, N. (October 23, 2013) USA Today. Criminal charges don’t deter bullies: Opposing view. Retrieved October 23, 2013 from http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/10/23/bullying-bullies-rebecca-sedwick-nadine-connell-editorials-debates/3173171/.

[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]

Microscopic Criminal Catchers

A research facility in southeastern Texas has been investigating the use of bacteria as a new forensics tool. Entomologist, Sibyl Bucheli, was inspired by her work with insects, and thought, “If insects change through time, then so do bacteria…And if insects can be used, so can the bacteria.” The researchers at the facility believe microbes could offer endless possibilities in enabling police investigations. Among these possibilities include improving time-of-death estimates, determining cause of death, linking individuals to things they have touched, and concluding if a body was moved after death. Although the research remains in the early stages of development, with practical uses for the research years away, the scientists eagerly take on this challenge of microscopic investigative analysis.

To read the full article and listen to the NPR broadcast, check out the link here!

Citation: Stein, R. NPR. Could Detectives Use Microbes To Solve Murders? Retrieved September 25, 2013 from http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/09/23/219375086/could-detectives-use-microbes-to-solve-murders.

[Abstract written by Emily McGowan, ForensIQ Intern]

The ForensicWeek.com Show – Episode 24 – “The Dollhouse Murders – A CSI Learning Tool”

The ForensicWeek.com Webcast Show is airing Episode 24 – featuring “The Dollhouse Murders – A CSI Learning Tool,” tomorrow – Thursday, May 23, 2013, at 7:00 P.M.  The Dollhouse Murders is a book written by host, Tom Mauriello, who produced the stories in association with six dollhouse dioramas built as learning tools in the crime lab, thus making his science more accessible than ever before.  Each of the dollhouses depicts a snap shot in time of a scene that may or may not be a crime. So join host, Tom Mauriello, and the rest of the ForensicWeek.com team and walk through each of the dollhouses and learn exactly how serious crimes are investigated.  Watch the show LIVE or view it at your convenience.  Just GO to www.forensicweek.com    See The “Dollhouse Murders” Book Cover

U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Case on Collecting DNA from Arrested People

The United States Supreme Court will hear the battle over collecting DNA samples from arrested but not convicted individuals this month and rule to either allow or prohibit the collection nationwide. A little over half of the states currently collect a DNA sample from arrested but not yet convicted offenders along with standard fingerprints and basic identification procedures after arrest. Proponents for DNA collection of arrested offenders argue that identifying offenders as soon as possible will save innocent lives and prevent future crimes from occurring. Opponents argue that DNA collection of individuals who are not convicted is unconstitutional and a violation of the fourth amendment’s protection from unreasonable searches and seizures. The Supreme Court will hear the 2009 Maryland v. King case in determining the constitutionality of DNA collection of arrested but not convicted offenders.

Date of Article: February 2, 2013

Source: Forensic Magazine

Citation:

Savage, D. (2013, February 2). Supreme Court to hear fight over taking DNA from arrested people. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-court-dna-20130203,0,4970458.story

The forensicweek Show – Episode 007 – “The Truth and Lies of the Polygraph – Part I – Misconceptions”

The forensicweek.com Show is airing Episode 007 this Thursday evening, January 17, 2013 at 7:00 PM (EST), discussing the “Truth and Lies of the Polygraph.”  This first of a series of episodes will discuss the polygraph (commonly incorrectly referred to as a lie detector) and focus on the misconceptions of the polygraph process and how to properly prepare to take one.  So join host, Tom Mauriello, former federal polygraph examiner, and the rest of the forensicweek.com team and learn the “real” truth about this investigative technique for seeking the truth.  Watch the show LIVE or view it at your convenience after the show is aired.  Just GO TO www.forensicweek.com or directly to http://www.youtube.com/forensicweek/.

For more information and resources for the Polygraph go to Polygraph Consultation for further information.