Computerized Skull Reconstructions
By Ernie Allen
CT scans and computer modeling allow for faster facial reconstructions to expedite missing persons cases.
High-Throughput Blood Alcohol Analysis Determination Using Headspace Gas Chromatography
By Silvia Gemme, Massimo Santoro
Combining a GC instrument with a headspace autosampler has been proven to offer a reliable tool for the analysis of alcohol in blood.
Delivering Blended Learning to Trace Evidence Examiners
By Charles A. Zona, Richard E. Bisbing
We have found that using a “blended learning” approach, one that augments classroom training with distance learning from the student’s lab, works well for our students.
Cracking Bath Salt Composition
By Frederic Prulliere
This article will provide examples of the use of Direct Deposition GC-FTIR technology in the forensics environment, including demonstration of the Direct Deposition GC-FTIR instrument’s ability to deal with large volumes of samples, while highlighting the specificity of the technology by differentiating typical street drug isomers.
GSR: How Do You Know You're Right?
By Timothy J. Drake, Ph.D.
Using integrated SEM-EDX technology to provide automatic, rapid, and validated results.
DNA Identification of the Missing After the WTC Attacks: A Cooperative Public/Private Effort
By Dr. Robert Shaler, Thomas J. Bode, Sr.
Although DNA had played a significant role in the identification of victims of other mass fatality events, the WTC DNA identification effort created unprecedented challenges. These challenges were met by public/private partnerships that enhanced and created new technology to meet the needs of this human tragedy.
Precise Confirmation and Quantitation of Cocaine and its Major Metabolites in Human Urine Using New GC-MS Methodology
By Matthew Lambing, Eric Phillips, Trisa Robarge
This article will discuss regulatory guidelines that have been developed for the analysis of cocaine and will present a new GC-MS method for the confirmation and quantitation of cocaine and its major metabolites in a human urine matrix.
Take a Look: Choosing the Right Safety Glasses
By Vince McLeod, CIH
Of all the hazards faced as a forensic specialist, the one ubiquitous danger faced almost daily is hazard to the eyes.
Identification of Synthetic Cannabinoids in Herbal Incense Blends
By Thomas J. Gluodenis Jr., Ph.D.
An effective and easy-to-replicate approach to the identification of synthetic cannabinoids in herbal incense blends by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS).
Tragedy in South Africa
By Chris Asplen
The most important factor influencing the potential effect of DNA in any criminal justice system is what the law allows you to do with it.
Case Study: Theft and Murder Unraveled by Forensic Investigation
By Mukesh Sharma, B. S. Khajja, D. R. Godara, Girish K. Mathur
A recent murder case in Rajasthan, India, involving a young married woman was unraveled by the crime scene team. The evidence and laboratory examination provided proof that the victim’s in-laws were trying to mislead the Investigating Officer by fabricating a story of burglary and murder.
Identification: Smarter Facilities Improve the Safety, Efficiency, and Security in Laboratories
By Susan Halla
Smart facilities, including laboratories, can save space and energy (and therefore money) compared to traditional facilities. One area in which facilities are becoming increasingly smart is user identification.
The Equipment Survey: Assuring A Strong Foundation For Integrated Laboratory Design
By Susan Halla, Cy Henningsen
An equipment survey of existing instrumentation in the laboratory is a valuable tool that will be referenced countless times by the project team during the planning and design of a renovation project or new forensic facility.
Keeping The Flow: Getting The Most From Your Chemical Fume Hood
By Vince McLeod, CIH
One of the most important fixtures in any laboratory, including a well-outfitted forensic lab, is the chemical fume hood. Regardless of the specific type selected, there are a few design parameters and basic operational principles that should be used across the board.
Effectively Detect Drugs In Urine
By Petra Gerhards, Pierre Schanen, Gerhard Horner
Advanced TOF-MS technology enables fast, sensitive, and reliable detection of drugs of abuse in urine.
Cracking Watergate's Infamous 18 1/2 Minute Gap
By Philip T. Mellinger
A modern look at the buzzes and clicks on the Watergate tape reveals new information on the perpetrators of the tape erasure and their motives.
Sharpening the Focus: Forensic Photography and Its Impact on Facility Design
By Susan Halla, Ryan M. Rezzelle
The swing into the digital era has changed the face of photography and consequently the need for an updated perspective when planning facilities for a photography section.
Making The Case For 3D Ballistics Imaging Technology
By Mike Barrett
3D scans of cartridge casings and expended bullets offer significant correlation and accuracy advantages. While responsible for solving thousands of firearms crimes in the past, 2D forensic ballistics systems are clearly behind the technology curve.
Facial Recognition: A Valuable Tool For Law Enforcement
By Eric Hess
Facial recognition can be a valuable identification tool when fingerprint identification is unavailable or impracticable.
Automated SEM/EDS Analysis and Classification of Forensic Samples
By Brian J. Bierman
New generation SEMs incorporate computer automation and detector technology that allows for rapid elemental analyses of small particles. Already the gold standard for GSR analysis, the technique is being evaluated for forensic soil comparisons.
Parameters For Selecting A Triage Tool
By John J. Barbara
Triage tools vary greatly in their technical and operational performance capabilities.
Property Crime Sample Processing: Law Enforcement Experiences and Crime Laboratory Efficiencies
By Lisa Calandro, Lynne Burley, Detective Joseph Blozis, Lisa Schade, BS, MHR
Careful attention to sample collection and improved extraction methods coupled with implementation of enhanced amplification systems will greatly benefit laboratories seeking to harness the power of DNA evidence for property crime samples.
RFID In Forensics: What is it and what will it do?
By Randy Nagy, Andrew Singer, Gordon Fraser
Integrated RFID solutions can provide all the software and hardware needed to develop and keep an electronic chain-of-custody from the crime scene through the courtroom.
Speeding The Digital Forensics Process: Bringing High Performance Computing Power into the Field
By Bob Carlson
A new generation of server-based solutions allows investigators to bring massive, data center computing capability into the field.
Film To Digital Conversion For Law Enforcement: An Update
By Steve Scarborough
An effective conversion from film to digital images requires more than a camera. A comprehensive digital imaging system is invaluable when storing, managing, and retrieving digital images.
