Some Thoughts on Quality Concerns in Crime Laboratories
According to the much anticipated crime laboratory study report released by the National Academy of Science (NAS) on February 18, 2009, a “badly fragmented” forensic science system needs an overhaul.
Is DNA a Silver Bullet?
By Chris Asplen
Is DNA a silver bullet? While the obvious answer is “no,” the follow-up is always, DNA will never replace a thoughtful, creative detective with the proper resources.
Polonium-210 and The Assassination of Alexander Litvinenko
A highly active alpha particle emitter, Polonium-210 is a fatal toxin, even at very small doses.
Biometrics: Eye on the Future
Biometrics technology has matured, offering some exciting new forensic products—and promising revolutionary innovations in the near future.
Alcohol In the 21st Century: New Standards, New Technology
New technology can reduce calculation times when determining the degree of uncertainty in blood alcohol concentration estimations.
Making Sense of MSDS: The Foundation of Safe Chemical Management
By Vince McLeod, CIH, Glenn Ketcham, CIH
A few months ago an entirely preventable tragedy occurred when a UCLA research assistant was burned over 43% of her body and died eighteen days later in a hospital burn unit. A quick glance at the compound’s MSDS might have prevented this terrible loss.
Marking Evidence at Crime Scenes: Developing a System
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
Pertaining to the seizure of digital devices, there is some misunderstanding concerning what “executing the warrant within ten days” actually means.
Change Is in the Air: Safety and Design of Toxicology Laboratories
By Matthew Pettit, Susan Halla
The proper design of a toxicology lab is more than process and people. There are significant strategies to consider in the design.
