Let’s start at the beginning. The crime scene must first be properly documented; only then can evidence be collected. Photography and diagramming are your tools here. First, get out the camera and take pictures.

Every forensic facility should have a comprehensive fire prevention and protection plan. This plan is designed to protect the building occupants, preserve equipment and property, and assist emergency response teams.

The overused word, awesome, is appropriate for the responsibility that comes with being a juror. The vantage from the jury box is not one of fragments of evidence and samples of fluids.

Ion Mobility Spectroscopy is routinely used to detect trace explosive residues at security checkpoints, but FTIR is better suited to handle the types of samples that enter a forensic laboratory.

Penn State’s undergraduate forensic science program combines a solid foundation in the sciences with practical, hands-on training, ushering in a new way to train forensic scientists for the future.

Welcome to part two in our series on blood-borne pathogens.

In the previous column, Craig was put in charge of starting a Digital Forensics Section. His laboratory director, George, informed him that there was limited funding available to allocate to the section and he needed to be as fiscally responsible as possible.

Automated DNA extraction from samples eases the burden on forensic laboratories and results in more consistent processing. A number of kits specifically developed for use with these extraction techniques are expected to drastically reduce the turnaround time for forensic cases.

One of Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s most recent additions to its arsenal of crime fighting tools is its innovative headquarters and forensic laboratory located in St. Paul.

What is process mapping? Process mapping describes a series of connected steps or actions that achieve an outcome. Organizations often use it to gain an understanding of their existing functional processes and a clear sense of their needs.

Craig is sitting in his office enjoying a cup of coffee when his telephone rings. He answers and on the line is his boss, George, the laboratory director. George informs Craig that he wants to provide Digital Forensic analysis services within the next six months. Craig begins to get an uneasy feeling about where this discussion might be heading.