Abstract

Jose Almirall started his career 31 years ago in the forensic science laboratory of the Miami-Dade Police Department. Now a professor at Florida International University, he develops analytical tools for forensic investigators, including matching broken glass shards to their source using trace-element analysis and detecting crime-related volatiles, such as those found in drugs or gunshot residue. Almirall is a leader in standardizing and improving the methods used in many types of forensic science. He recently chaired an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) working group on the current quality of fire scene investigations and fire debris analysis. He talked with Louisa Dalton about the complex chemistry of fire and about what forensic tools and standards are needed to safeguard justice in courts. The AAAS working group you chaired set out to identify critical issues in the field of fire investigations. What are some unique challenges of fire investigations?

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