Trace Evidence and Criminalistics; Forensic Science

2012 ◽  
pp. 158-163
Keyword(s):  
Forensic Science ◽  
Trace Evidence

scholarly journals Research Front Essay: Forensic Chemistry

2010 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Forensic Science ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Research Front ◽  
Forensic Chemistry ◽  
Trace Evidence ◽  
Fingerprint Detection

The author discusses the benefits for forensic science from greater engagement with basic and other applied areas of chemistry and gives examples of how his organization, the Australian Federal Police, have partnered with academia and others to promote the use of chemistry in areas of trace evidence, illicit drugs, fingerprint detection, and explosives.

scholarly journals The end of the (forensic science) world as we know it? The example of trace evidence

2015 ◽  
Vol 370 (1674) ◽  
pp. 20140260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claude Roux ◽  
Benjamin Talbot-Wright ◽  
James Robertson ◽  
Frank Crispino ◽  
Olivier Ribaux
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Forensic Science ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Business Models ◽  
The United States ◽  
First Century ◽  
Trace Evidence ◽  
The Us ◽  
Future Challenges

The dominant conception of forensic science as a patchwork of disciplines primarily assisting the criminal justice system (i.e. forensics) is in crisis or at least shows a series of anomalies and serious limitations. In recent years, symptoms of the crisis have been discussed in a number of reports by various commentators, without a doubt epitomized by the 2009 report by the US National Academies of Sciences (NAS 2009 Strengthening forensic science in the United States: a path forward). Although needed, but viewed as the solution to these drawbacks, the almost generalized adoption of stricter business models in forensic science casework compounded with ever-increasing normative and compliance processes not only place additional pressures on a discipline that already appears in difficulty, but also induce more fragmentation of the different forensic science tasks, a tenet many times denounced by the same NAS report and other similar reviews. One may ask whether these issues are not simply the result of an unfit paradigm. If this is the case, the current problems faced by forensic science may indicate future significant changes for the discipline. To facilitate broader discussion this presentation focuses on trace evidence, an area that is seminal to forensic science both for epistemological and historical reasons. There is, however, little doubt that this area is currently under siege worldwide. Current and future challenges faced by trace evidence are discussed along with some possible answers. The current situation ultimately presents some significant opportunities to re-invent not only trace evidence but also forensic science. Ultimately, a distinctive, more robust and more reliable science may emerge through rethinking the forensics paradigm built on specialisms, revisiting fundamental forensic science principles and adapting them to the twenty-first century.

scholarly journals Detection of Nanoscale Soil Organic Matter by Middle Infrared Spectrum for Forensic Science

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Yingzi Liu ◽  
Qiang Li ◽  
Yumei Li ◽  
Jie Bao ◽  
Zhiheng Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Infrared Spectrum ◽  
Forensic Science ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Trace Evidence ◽  
One Step ◽  
The One ◽  
Fingerprint Database ◽  
Middle Infrared

Soil is useful as a kind of trace evidence for forensic science. Thus it is very crucial to identify sources of soil. The nanoscale soil organic matter (NSOMs) can be used to differentiate soil sources because their constituents and contents are relatively stable with time but variant by location. In this study, NSOMs from eighteen regions of Shandong Province in China were examined by middle infrared spectrum (4000–400 cm−1). The results showed that the constituents and contents of NSOMs in eighteen samples were dramatically different; a NSOM fingerprint for each sample was drawn based on these characteristics. This suggests that a national or global NSOM fingerprint database could be rapidly established by the one-step middle infrared spectrum analysis for different soil samples, which will be helpful to determine crime scenes by comparing the middle infrared spectrum of forensic soil with the NSOMs fingerprint database.

Applying Microscopy in Forensic Science

1998 ◽  
Vol 4 (S2) ◽  
pp. 490-491
Author(s):  
Henry C. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Criminal Justice System ◽  
Forensic Science ◽  
Real World ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Serial Killer ◽  
Trace Evidence ◽  
Physical Evidence ◽  
Forensic Scientist ◽  
Forensic Scientists

Microscopy is of vital importance in the real world of the forensic scientist. In today's society, physical evidence is critical to the criminal justice system for the detection, investigation and prosecution of criminal acts. A trail of microscopic fibers led investigators in Atlanta to the conviction of the serial killer, Wayne Williams. Flecks of paint on a hit-run victim, analyzed microscopically, can be compared with the paint on a suspect vehicle to exclude or match it to the crime. The forensic firearms examiner compares the microscopic striations on a bullet to match it to the gun it was fired from. Microscopes are used throughout the modern forensic laboratory. They are essential in searching for evidence. They aid the examiner in identifying and comparing trace evidence. As the scales of justice symbolize forensic science, microscopes symbolize the trace evidence examiner.Because of the variety of physical evidence, forensic scientists use several types of microscopes in their investigations.

scholarly journals 2018 Impression, Pattern and Trace Evidence Symposium

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole S. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Information Sharing ◽  
Forensic Science ◽  
Forensic Sciences ◽  
Trace Evidence ◽  
National Institute Of Justice ◽  
Support Of Research ◽  
Poster Presentations

From January 22 to 25, 2018, RTI International, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and the Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) held the 2018 Impression, Pattern and Trace Evidence Symposium (IPTES) in Arlington, VA, to promote collaboration, enhance knowledge transfer, and share best practices and policies for the impression, pattern, and trace evidence forensic science communities. NIJ and FTCoE are committed to improving the practice of forensic science and strengthening its impact through support of research and development, rigorous technology evaluation and adoption, effective knowledge transfer and education, and comprehensive dissemination of best practices and guidelines to agencies dedicated to combating crime. The future of forensic sciences and its contribution to the public and criminal justice community is a motivating topic to gather expertise in a forum to discuss, learn, and share ideas. It’s about becoming part of an essential and historic movement as the forensic sciences continue to advance. The IPTES was specifically designed to bring together practitioners and researchers to enhance information-sharing and promote collaboration among the impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities. The IPTES was designed to bring together practitioners and researchers to enhance information sharing and promote collaboration among impression, pattern, and trace evidence analysts, law enforcement, and legal communities. This set of proceedings comprises abstracts from workshops, general sessions, breakout sessions, and poster presentations.

The impact of chemical trace evidence on justice outcomes: Exploring the additive value of forensic science disciplines

2020 ◽  
Vol 307 ◽  
pp. 110121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter A. Woodman ◽  
Caroline Spiranovic ◽  
Roberta Julian ◽  
Kaye N. Ballantyne ◽  
Sally F. Kelty
Keyword(s):  
Forensic Science ◽  
Trace Evidence ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Science Disciplines

The transfer and persistence of metals in latent fingermarks

The Analyst ◽  
2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhiannon Boseley ◽  
Daryl Howard ◽  
Mark Hackett ◽  
Simon W Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Forensic Science ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Material Transfer ◽  
Science Knowledge ◽  
Trace Evidence

In forensic science, knowledge and understanding of material transfer and persistence is inherent to the interpretation of trace evidence and can provide vital information on the activity level surrounding a...

scholarly journals To the question on classification of digital footprint

2020 ◽  
pp. 64-71
Author(s):  
Vladislav Yur'evich Ivanov
Keyword(s):  
Forensic Science ◽  
Computer Technology ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Trace Evidence ◽  
Digital Footprint ◽  
Evidence Analysis ◽  
New Type ◽  
Current Context ◽  
Traditional Approaches ◽  
Different Characteristics

The subject of this research is the digital footprint and its place in the traditional classification trace evidence in forensic science that is divided into material and ideal. The advent of computer technology led to the need for detailed examination of the trace pattern formed as a result of human activity in computer space, and thus to supplement trace evidence analysis with the new type of trace evidence. A number of forensic experts advances the original concepts on determination of place and role of these traces in trace evidence analysis. The author analyzes different points of view expressed by forensic experts on the matter, as well as presents an original substantiated opinion. The main conclusion of this research consists in the need for rapid adaptation of the approaches of forensic science to the current conditions of information society. The established within forensic science traditional approaches lose their relevance in the current context of the development of computer technology. Commission of unlawful actions in the computer space, particularly with application information and telecommunications technology on the Internet, contributes to the emergence of a specific trace evidence pattern that cannot be attributed to either material or ideal traces. Therefore, it is necessary to supplement the existing classification with a separate section – the digital footprint, which has substantially different characteristics than material or ideal trace evidence.

scholarly journals ABOUT TECHNIQUE CREATION OF AN INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH ON VEGETABLE ORIGIN TRACES

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 556-572
Author(s):  
O. Grosheva
Keyword(s):  
Forensic Science ◽  
Interdisciplinary Research ◽  
Dynamic Contact ◽  
Movement Direction ◽  
Literature Analysis ◽  
Layer Formation ◽  
Trace Evidence ◽  
Evidence Analysis ◽  
Series Of Experiments ◽  
Scientific Base

Issue of developing appropriateness a technique for establishing a mechanism for formation of vegetable origin traces on clothing items is investigated. Argument is given about the need to develop such a technique is based on special literature analysis. It is important to use specialized expertise in the form of forensic science including interdisciplinary research to make a correct and objective decision in this case. As a rule, interdisciplinary forensics is an interdisciplinary research because it integrates the knowledge of various branches of science. As separate categories, forensic biological examination and forensic trace evidence analysis have a sufficiently developed scientific base. At the same time, regarding their integration in the form of interdisciplinary researches; there is a shortage of appropriate techniques. This directly relates to the need of developing a technique for establishing green layers on object carriers (garments). It is argued that only integration of the forensic biologist (botanist) knowledge about the nature of vegetable origin layering in combination with the specialized expertise of a forensic trace evidence expert based on tracing mechanisms will lead to a scientifically based result. A series of experiments was carried out which results revealed complexes of signs enough to establish the contact nature (static, dynamic) and the movement direction during dynamic contact. This allowed us to conclude that next series of experiments would be expedient which would simulate circumstances of the contact of clothes with the vegetation of various terrain sections during the crime commission. Together, the experiments will become the basis for creating technique for the mechanism detection of green layer formation on clothing.

scholarly journals Synthesis of Best Practices in Forensic Trace Evidence Analysis: Towards a Uniform Approach to Complexity Evaluation

2016 ◽  
pp. 54-61
Author(s):  
T. M. Volkova
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Forensic Science ◽  
Trace Evidence ◽  
Complexity Measures ◽  
Forensic Casework ◽  
Uniform Approach ◽  
Forensic Practice ◽  
Evidence Analysis ◽  
Regional Centers

The paper addresses the problem of improving the practice of forensic trace evidence examinations with the help of criteria that affect the evaluation of their complexity. It offers a synthesis of data submitted by seven regional centers and four laboratories of the system of forensic science organizations of the Russian Ministry of Justice. It demonstrates that relevant parameters are not always taken into account when assessing the category of analysis complexity, which leads to underestimation of complexity measures in some cases. Recommendations are offered for the optimization of forensic practice to incorporate characteristics reflecting realistic conditions of actual forensic casework.

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