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This page links to previously-sent e-newsletters. To view an archived e-newsletter, simply click on one of the links below:
- July 9, 2008 (Volume 2, Issue 14)
Feature -> DNA: Beyond Criminal Justice
Sean Carroll, like many in the forensic arts, works on the cutting edge of the science of identity.
- June 25, 2008 (Volume 2, Issue 13)
Feature -> Injured Veteran Finds New Way 'To Serve and Protect'
When Matt Watters deployed to war as a U.S. Army Ranger for the second time in 2003, he never expected the life-changing experience that would occur. Now a patrol officer in Tacoma, Wash., he serves his community and nation with a similar purpose—but a different mission.
- June 11, 2008 (Volume 2, Issue 12)
Feature -> 1 Across, 4 Down
While the calendar says summer is still ten days away, it already feels like the dog days in many parts of the country! And although the criminal justice system doesn't 'vacation' we all need a break from time to time. This issue, we thought we'd introduce a little fun into the mix!
- May 28, 2008 (Volume 2, Issue 11)
Feature -> Determining Weight Calibration Intervals
Charles Dickens wrote in the Tale of Two Cities "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times". In the laboratory it is always the best of times when management purchases new equipment, and the worst is yet to come when it needs to be maintained. Maintenance should be based on a set of measurements that identify changes in the equipment over time and not some arbitrary date set - with no thought as to why.
- May 14, 2008 (Volume 2, Issue 10)
Feature -> Disaster Preparedness Checklist
The disastrous cyclone that hit Myanmar last week reminds us how brutal Mother Nature can be. No country or region is immune from such natural disasters. Lessons learned from New Orleans' experience with Hurricane Katrina include the fact that being prepared can save lives and minimize the effects on life and property.
- April 30, 2008 (Volume 2, Issue 9)
Feature -> Crime Scene Contamination
Today, more than ever, the quality of evidence in criminal cases is scrutinized in the courtroom. Both defense and prosecuting attorneys look to the manner in which evidence is collected and handled to bolster their cases.
- April 16, 2008 (Volume 2, Issue 8)
Feature -> Hacker to Conduct Free Webinar for Law Enforcement
Jonathan Zdziarski is better known in the hacker community as "NerveGas." He has played a key role in opening the iPhone's environment to third-party software development, and is hailed on many geek news sites for cracking this device and leading the effort to write the first open source applications. Jonathan was the first to develop an application that takes full advantage of the major iPhone APIs with NES.app, a portable Nintendo Entertainment System emulator.
- April 2, 2008 (Volume 2, Issue 7)
Feature -> Estimating Blood Alcohol Levels
Expert toxicologists are frequently faced with forensic estimations of blood alcohol levels during a variety of alcohol related incidents, specifically those involving the operation of a vehicle while intoxicated (DUI). Many toxicologists largely base their calculations on a previously established formula, the Widmark formula, published in 1932 for estimating blood alcohol concentrations (BAC).
- March 19, 2008 (Volume 2, Issue 6)
Feature -> Maximizing the Benefits of Online Training
Online training is currently a hot topic. Providers of web based training offer free seminars explaining how to present information online, how to keep the audience engaged, how to develop effective presentations, and how to use them successfully for corporate training. In this era of overburdened workers, reduced travel budgets, and other limited resources, online training seems to be an ideal solution for maximizing limited resources.
- March 5, 2008 (Volume 2, Issue 5)
Feature -> AAFS Conference Wrap-up
On February 18 - 23, 2008, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) held their 60th Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., and one thing is certain – sixty years shows that forensic science has fostered growth over time.
- February 20, 2008 (Volume 2, Issue 4)
Feature -> The Value of Mentors
Your ability to choose your mentors can be a crucial step toward achievement in all areas of your life. Read this story for 12 steps on building successful mentor-protégé relationships.
- February 6, 2008 (Volume 2, Issue 3)
Feature -> CSI: Not Just for Sworn Officers
After reading Dick Warrington's column in the August/September 2007 issue of Forensic Magazine® (http://www.forensicmag.com/articles.asp?pid=164), I wanted to share my experience as a civilian crime scene technician. Dick pointed out in that column that there are many things to consider when choosing between working as a sworn law enforcement officer and a civilian in a crime scene unit. I hope my story sheds some light on the civilian side.
- January 23, 2007 (Volume 2, Issue 2)
Feature -> Do Your Part to Exonerate the Innocent
The Innocence Project, a non-profit, national organization that works to identify wrongfully convicted people, comprises attorneys, professors of law, law students, and other experts in the field to work together to exonerate the innocent.
- January 9, 2007 (Volume 2, Issue 1)
Feature -> 2008 AAFS Annual Meeting Packed with Opportunities
The 2008 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) will take place February 18 - 23, 2008, at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. This year, more than 130 exhibitors will showcase their latest products and company news, and more than 700 presentations will run the gamut of prominent topics, from the multidisciplinary approach to political, ethnic, and religious incarcerations around the world. Learning and networking opportunities promise to be more plentiful than years past.
- December 19, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 35)
Feature -> A Look Back at Saw Mark Analysis
One of the things that makes forensic science so interesting is that it is a community of professionals of many disciplines, specialties, and sub-specialties with a common goal - to support the justice system with information to ensure that that the guilty (and only the guilty) are convicted.
- December 5, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 34)
Feature -> Heroes of Disaster
Three years ago, this past October, I took over as Chief Editor of Forensic Magazine®. In that time, I have met lots of heroes - both in person and through the stories we have run in the pages of the magazine. This holiday season, I thought I'd share some of my favorites.
- November 20, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 33)
Feature -> IACP Announces August Vollmer Excellence in Forensic Science 2007 Award Winners
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) recognizes the significant impact forensic science has on the criminal justice system with the August Vollmer Excellence in Forensic Science Award. This award, created to honor the proactive, innovative use of forensic technologies by law enforcement, was awarded at the annual IACP conference in New Orleans, LA, last month.
- November 7, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 32)
Feature -> Using LIMS to Decrease Turnaround Time of DNA Analysis, part 2
By 2000, the FSS had encountered a need to develop the automation systems to increase capacity – demand had increased to in the region of 300,000 samples per annum, and there was a need to extend automated processing beyond buccal swabs to other sample types such as chewing gum, cigarette butts and other samples types that are common in forensic DNA profiling. The new technologies that were developed included modified chemistries for various stages of the process, as well as improved automation that was able to handle samples in a more efficient and effective manner.
- October 24, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 31)
Feature -> Using LIMS to Decrease Turnaround Time of DNA Analysis (First of two parts)
Forensic Science Service Ltd., trading as The Forensic Science Service (FSS), is a UK Government-owned company which provides next generation forensic science to international law enforcement agencies, world judiciary systems and private sector customers.
- October 10, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 30)
Feature -> ASCLD 2008 wrap-up: Working to ensure excellence
Scores of law enforcement professionals gathered in Orlando recently to take part in the 35th annual American Society of Crime Lab Directors workshop and symposium.
- September 26, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 29)
Feature -> New crime lab provides needed help to southern Louisiana
When Hurricane Katrina slammed into New Orleans in late August of 2005, it triggered a mass exodus of people fleeing the battered city.
Many of those found their way to nearby Slidell.
- September 12, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 28)
Feature -> New device speeds up sample collection, accuracy
A scientist at the Los Alamos National Laboratory has come up with a device to help investigators collect crime scene evidence in a new, efficient way.
- August 29, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 27)
Feature -> Teen sticks to research after IAI success
Avery Lee Smith has turned a few heads during her short time in the forensic science field. Her research is interesting, her focus admired and her creativity lauded. Not bad for a 13-year-old.
- August 15, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 26)
Feature -> Forensic Analysis of Computer Programs: Part 2 – Static Malware Analysis
In the previous article we introduced you to the discipline of Reverse Engineering known as Malware Analysis which is becoming a critical tool for computer crime investigations. We also discussed how the techniques of Malware Analysis can be divided into two distinct categories, and we focused on the category called dynamic analysis. Now we will turn our attention to the other category called Static Malware Analysis.
- August 1, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 25)
Feature -> Forensic Analysis of Computer Programs: Part I - Dynamic Malware Analysis
The practice of Reverse Engineering of computer programs has grown out of its obscure and nefarious origins and entered the realm of Computer Forensics.
- July 18, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 24)
Feature -> "Essential" education: IAI conference to teach, train, challenge
More forensic professionals are preparing to attend the International Association for Identification conference – which kicks off this weekend - than any other of its previous 91 gatherings.
- July 6, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 23)
Feature -> Evidence photographers' group expands with AVA
The recent merging of two professional associations will now allow forensic photographers to hone their skills and expand their education further, according to a spokesperson for the group.
- June 20, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 22)
Feature -> "Now we're at the starting line": DNA firm discusses opportunities following ASCLD accreditation
Human Identification Technologies, Inc. (HIT) announced this week that it has been recognized as the first ASCLD/LAB International accredited DNA laboratory in California.
- June 13, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 21)
Feature -> Nation's largest crime lab opens its doors: Q&A with project managers
The newest crime-solving technology isn't scripted on a movie set; it's everyday reality at the new Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center at California State University, Los Angeles.
- May 23, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 20)
Feature -> CSI for the layman: Forensic experts, companies play role in launching museum exhibit
"CSI: The Experience" will debut Friday at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. The $2 million exhibit will allow visitors to walk through one of three simulated crime scenes, collect data, and attempt to solve a mystery. The 6,000 square foot space was created by five separate teams of designers.
- May 9, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 19)
Feature -> DNA backlogs scrutinized
As forensic scientists deal with increasing work loads, pending legislation is poised to increase the already daunting backlogs DNA analysis laboratories are facing.
- May 2, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 18)
Feature -> Research highlight: Pattern formation in draining thin film suspensions
Building an accurate timeline of events is a challenge often faced by forensic investigators... Studying patterns formed by draining thin film suspensions may help, according to the author of a new article in 'Langmuir: The ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids.'
- April 25, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 17)
Feature -> Timeline of a forensic fraud
A 48-year-old British man spent years passing himself off as a forensic expert and raking in hundreds of thousands of dollars before being exposed, put on trial and sentenced to jail.
- April 18, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 16)
Feature -> Forensic teams sign-on to solve mystery celebrity deaths
Forensic anthropologist Dr. William M. Bass recently helped put to rest a decades-old rumor surrounding the death of one celebrity, and is poised to help solve the mystery surrounding the death of a second.
- April 11, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 15)
Feature -> CSI: The Experience – Bringing hard science to the fans
Viewers of the CSI TV shows might believe that DNA identification can be done in minutes, fingerprint analysis can be whipped up with a few clicks on a keyboard and toxicology reports can be completed on the spot.
- April 4, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 14)
Feature -> Meet the pros: Xhemajl Ademaj
Xhemajl Ademaj is a busy man. As chief of the dactyloscopy sector of the Central KPS Forensic Laboratory in Prishtina, Kosovo, Ademaj must also find the time to teach crime investigation methods and the science of dactyloscopy at a nearby university, and act as head of the legal-criminalistics department of the college.
- March 28, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 13)
Feature -> Using LC/MS/MS for toxicology at AIT Laboratories
When the toxicology market starts changing, how do forensic professionals keep up? According to Tim Dahn, they keep moving or they find themselves left in the dust.
- March 21, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 12)
Feature -> Expert witness role debated in UK
A pair of recent, high-profile cases in the U.K. involving forensic experts has many taking a hard look at the role of the expert witness, and the future of such authorities there.
- March 14, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 11)
Feature -> State of the state: Preparing for a career in forensics
Universities across the country are full of students hoping to launch a career in forensic investigations.
- March 7, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 10)
Feature -> Meet the pros: Lab Director Anthony J. Tambasco
Anthony J. Tambasco enjoys the challenge of solving the unknown. As director of the Mansfield Police Laboratory in Mansfield, Ohio, Tambasco has plenty of opportunity to do just that.
- March 1, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 9)
Feature -> AAFS 2007: Technology, issues and forensic advances deep in the heart of Texas
Scores of students, trainees, members and fellows of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences gathered last in San Antonio, Texas last week to discuss the latest issues and advances at the group’s 59th annual meeting.
- Feb. 21, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 8)
Feature -> Forensic art: The Casket Man - a case study (second of two parts)
After another transport back to Detroit, the skull was prepped for a three-dimensional facial reconstruction. This included determining how to set his mandible. While dissecting the head, I found that the funeral home had not laid him out with a denture in place. He did however have his mouth stuffed with filler cotton. Also, the superior ridge of the mandible was smooth, as if a denture was worn for some time. I decided to set the mandible as if he once wore a denture. Positioning of the edentulous mandible can be done by placing a dowel (or a No. 2 pencil works just fine) through the mandibular notches, behind the pterygoid bones.
- Feb. 15, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 7)
Feature -> Forensic art: The Casket Man - a case study
A funeral home on the west side of Detroit had succumbed to economic pressures. Neighbors watched as weeds took over the lawn of the once grand plantation-style brick estate. The tall, white pillars and broken windows made the place looked ramshackle, like a haunted house...
- Feb. 7, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 6)
Feature -> Steganography: Ticket to Hide (Final of three parts)
In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, several attempts were made to determine whether and to what extent steganographic images were present on the Internet...
- Jan. 31, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 5)
Feature -> Steganography: Flying under the radar
Currently, not enough computer forensic examiners have the first clue what steganography is or how it works, much less how to detect or disable it.
- Jan. 24, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 4)
Feature -> Psst. Wanna See a Steganographic Picture? When it comes to digital photos, what you see may not be what you get
Geek frat boys use it to smuggle exam answers around campus. Authors use it to create watermarks in digital files so ownership of intellectual property can later be substantiated. But not all applications of steganography are so benign...
- Jan. 17, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 3)
Feature -> In the Lab: Attempting to identify gender and age through urinalysis screening Feature
Can gender and age be determined through urinalysis? The following research, led by Dennis Walsh - an Associate Professor of Forensics at MassBay Community College, sought to answer this question.
- Jan. 10, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 2)
Feature -> Bringing files back from the dead
For years, tech-savvy criminals had only to send illicit files to their desktop trash bin in order to put them out of the reach of investigators. Now it's not so easy.
- Jan. 5, 2007 (Volume 1, Issue 1)
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