In Memoriam: Pedro Aragonez
By Chris Asplen
Pedro Aragonez, 42, was murdered in front of his son in Ciudad Chihuahua, state capital of Chihuahua. The assassins ambushed his SUV as he waited for a traffic light and sprayed it with bullets.
A Discussion of Automation for the Forensic DNA Laboratory
By Melissa Schwandt, Cristopher Cowan
Although laboratory automation holds the promise of increasing sample throughput, in practice this does not alleviate the burden on laboratory staff. Rather it shifts the focus of the analyst’s efforts from sample preparation to sample analysis.
International Impact of Forensic DNA Technology
By Ed Huffine
The advent of forensic DNA testing has had a radical and widespread impact on legal-judicial systems. The exact nature of this impact varies from nation to nation, depending on the specific needs of the nation, the existing legal-judicial system, and how DNA technology has been applied.
Is Forensic Science Going to the Dogs?
By Douglas Page
To some, canine forensics is still a bone of contention. The current lack of strict standards and training protocols is one controversy swirling around canine forensics.
Crime Scene Equipment
For an officer first starting out in this field, the work can seem overwhelming. One of the most important things you can do is determine the equipment that is essential to your job.
Earth(movement), Wind, and Fire: Emergency Preparedness is the Key!
By Vince McLeod, CIH, Glenn Ketcham, CIH
Let’s briefly touch on each of the four phases of emergency management. The approach described is scalable from the management of a large county forensic facility to a small independent crime lab or an individual lab.
Implementing LEED: A Case Study of the Scottsdale Forensic Facility
By Gabriela Klieman, LEED AP, Nicholas Raab, PE, Susan Halla
In order to produce a facility that is LEED certified, specific guidelines within the LEED rating system must be followed. Forensic facilities have a number of unique characteristics that differentiate them from other building types.
Ethical Practices in Digital Forensics: Part 2
One common misconception of an examiner’s analytical responsibilities is that he or she is to only analyze submitted evidence to the extent of the investigative request. This is far from the truth.
Editor's Letter: Forensic Tools
DNA is no “magic bullet.” It is only a tool. And a tool is only as good as the person who uses it.
