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.
Triage A Computer
By John J. Barbara
Triaging a computer allows investigators to gather volatile data that would be lost by pulling the plug on a live system.
LABRADOR: New Alpha Dog in Human Remains Detection?
By Douglas Page
The newest advance in clandestine grave detection may come from a handheld device, not from the next generation of human remains detection dogs.
DNA-PROKIDS
By Arthur Eisenberg, Ph.D., Lisa Schade, BS, MHR
Using DNA Technology to Help Fight the Trafficking of Children
Before You Pull the Plug
By John J. Barbara
Collecting a computer into evidence requires careful consideration.
Tool Mark Impressions
By Steven L. Petersen, CCSI, Shawn L. Naccarato, DDS/CCSA
A slightly different technique for collecting tool mark impression evidence.
The Role of the Forensic Crime Scene Officer
By Dick Warrington
Today’s high-tech world greatly increases our ability to put the “bad guys” in jail. But technology only takes you so far. As crime scene officers, we have to expand the role we play in order to take full advantage of the technology out there.
The Database Dilemma
By Chris Asplen
The past several months have been full of contrasts and contradictions. We have seen fascinating cases solved illustrating the incredible effectiveness of forensic DNA technology.
Documenting Bloodstain Patterns Through Roadmapping
By Daniel R. Winterich
An accurate and methodical technique for documenting bloodstain patterns is invaluable in crime scene analysis.
Cloud Computing: Another Digital Forensic Challenge
By John J. Barbara
Cloud computing raises some unique law enforcement concerns regarding the location of potential digital evidence, its preservation, and its subsequent forensic analysis.
What Can We Get From a Suspect?
By Dick Warrington
Every crime scene is different. Yet, our primary job as crime scene investigators is always the same: to tie a suspect to the scene. The way to accomplish this goal is to collect as much evidence as possible from the scene and the suspect.
Examining Cellular Phones and Handheld Devices
By Don L. Lewis
From minor crimes to major cases, law enforcement is faced with the proper handling and analysis of these devices.
Forensic Audio
By Kent Gibson
If only it were true, as the televised CSI seems to promise, that any audio recording could be made intelligible with a little bing from a computer. The realities of forensic audio may surprise you—amazing things are possible, but not all things.
Forensic Archeology in Criminal and Civil Cases
By Micaela N. Obledo
Should it be performed meticulously by professionals with proper tools or hurriedly by trustees with shovels?
To Search or Not to Search…the Search Continues
By John J. Barbara
The examination of a computer’s hard drive without an additional warrant may become problematic.
Marking Evidence at Crime Scenes: Developing a System
By Dick Warrington
One of the most basic—and most important—tasks a crime scene officer has is locating, collecting, packaging, and marking evidence found at a crime scene. In this article, I’ll address the marking of evidence collected.
To Search or Not to Search
By John J. Barbara
Pertaining to the seizure of digital devices, there is some misunderstanding concerning what “executing the warrant within ten days” actually means.
The Case Against PI Licensing for Digital Forensic Examiners
By John J. Barbara
Over the past year or so, many private sector digital forensic examiners have expressed concern regarding whether or not his or her state requires them to obtain a PI license.
DNA Collection and Packaging
By Dick Warrington
In order to make the most of evidence, you need to know where to look for it, how to collect it, and how to package it. If you put in the effort to do the job right, you will be rewarded with an even stronger case.
The European Court of Human Rights Decision: What It Did and Did Not Say
By Chris Asplen
For the last several years, the European Court of Human Rights has been considering the cases of 'S' and Marper v. the United Kingdom. On December 4, 2008, the Court issued its “Grand Chamber Judgment” considering the issue of the “retention of fingerprints, cellular samples, and DNA profiles after criminal proceedings were terminated by an acquittal."
3D Scanning: A New Tool for Cracking Tough Cases
By Peter DeLaurentis
What do U.S. federal investigators and anthropologists at the Smithsonian Institute have in common? They are both pioneering the use of 3D scanning technology to solve challenging mysteries.
Anti-Digital Forensics, The Next Challenge: Part 2
By John J. Barbara
This issue, we take a look at the general categories of anti-digital forensics.
What Anthropology Brings to the Table
By Matthew Davis, Susan Halla
In this article, we explore how anthropology has evolved along with facility design over the years from academia to popular culture and from a single case to mass graves.
Crime Scene Videos
By Dick Warrington
I’m pleased to announce an exciting new feature available through Forensic Magazine®. Starting this month, you’ll be able to access a selection of crime scene videos directly from Forensic Magazine’sweb site.
Anti-Digital Forensics, The Next Challenge: Part 1
By John J. Barbara
In the last several years, the term Anti-Digital Forensics has entered the vernacular in the Digital Forensics discipline. Conceptually, ADF concerns an approach to manipulate, erase, or obfuscate digital data or to make its examination difficult, time consuming, or virtually impossible.
