Forensic Magazine Newsletter

	March 3, 2010

Subscribe \| Advertise \| Contact Us

FEATURE ARTICLE

Tool Mark Impressions

By Shawn L. Naccarato and Steven L. Petersen

The following describes a modified technique for obtaining tool mark impressions utilizing polyvinylsiloxane impression material. The techniques described have been successfully utilized by investigators with the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Services Team in Caldwell, Idaho.

PRODUCT FOCUS

More Choices, More Results with New STR Technology

The PowerPlex® ESX and ESI kits provide more results with 8 CODIS loci and Amelogenin, plus 7 new loci. Multiple configurations provide a nearly full panel of miniSTR loci for superior performance with degraded DNA. In addition, these kits offer improved sensitivity and resistance to inhibitors. AVAILABLE NOW!

www.promega.com

INDUSTRY CALENDAR

March 23-24, 2010 GovSec/U.S. Law Conference Washington, DC March 23-24, 2010 Kansas IAI Spring Conference Manhattan, KS March 24-26, 2010 Wisconsin Assoc for Identification Conference Stevens Point, WI Mar 28-Apr 1, 2010 7th Annual Advanced DNA Technical Workshop – West San Diego, CA See More Events	May 17-21, 2010 MAAFS State College, PA May 24-27, 2010 California State Division IAI Seminar Rancho Mirage, CA May 24-27, 2010 CEIC Summerlin, NV June 6-9, 2010 Wisconsin Coroners and Medical Examiners Association Summer Conference Wisconsin Dells, WI

INDUSTRY NEWS

Twin Murder Case Highlights Importance of Fingerprints

In a justice system that often relies heavily on high-tech DNA testing, it was fingerprinting that succeeded where DNA failed in the case of a murder in which a man was nearly convicted for a crime his identical twin committed.

Detroit Crime Lab Closure Backlogged Michigan’s Justice System

The closure of the Detroit Police crime lab two years ago is adding to heavy backlogs of forensic evidence at labs across the state, causing the justice system in Michigan to "grind to a halt," prosecutors and other law enforcement officials told a House panel.

New Alaskan Crime Lab Could Combat Cold Cases

Officials say until the new state crime lab gets built more and more cases go cold every day. The Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory processes 6 times more DNA evidence from violent crimes than any other publicly funded crime lab in the nation.

“John Doe” Indictment Leads to Arrest

The DNA profile charged in a 2004 “John Doe” indictment lead to an arrest for two rapes in Queens. The DNA profile was linked to Mauricio Rosales, 32, after he pled guilty in November to stealing more than $3,000 from a former employer.

Firebombed Scottish Forensic Lab Leads to Delays

A firebomb attack in Edinburgh at one of Scotland’s four forensic science laboratories is suspected to be an attempt to destroy evidence. Although no evidence has been lost, legal experts said that delays in reopening the facility could hold up trials.