CSI Cell Phone
By Douglas Page
Mobile device forensics forecast: continued oscillation, chance of cloud computing.
Scanning For Answers
By Greg Richards
Laser scanning technology helps investigators piece together a champion boxer’s death.
Clandestine Graves: Geophysical Methods Used In Their Discovery and Subsequent Exposure
By James S. Mellett, Ph.D., CPG
Geophysics involves the use of a variety of electromagnetic techniques that can be used to outline, discover, and plan an exhumation.
The Truth About Deception
By Douglas Page
Forensic scientists, police detectives, and other authorities concerned with finding the truth have access to many behavioral identification techniques. The trouble is, these techniques aren’t used nearly enough.
On the Scene: Improvised Tools of the Trade
By Dick Warrington
Sometimes the techniques taught in classes and workshops, or the tools or equipment we have at our disposal simply won’t work given the specifics of the crime scene in front of us. When you find yourself in such a situation, you need to think outside the box.
Understanding The World of Cellular Telephones: Part 3
By John J. Barbara
Cell phones can and do store data or information that the user may not be aware of. It should come as no surprise that this can provide a tremendous amount of potential probative information (evidence) to investigators.
Mycology: Missing Weapon In Forensic Arsenals?
By Douglas Page
If anyone bothered to look, crime-solving clues can often be found in fungi.
Touch DNA
By Dick Warrington
Recently scientists have developed a new technique for processing DNA called “touch DNA.” With this technique, scientists can test for DNA without a sample from blood or bodily fluids.
Crime Scene Bugs
By Dick Warrington
By studying the types of bugs present at the scene and their stage of development, forensic entomologists can estimate the time of death, and in many cases, determine if the body was moved or disturbed and whether the deceased person had ingested drugs.
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.
