Crime Scene Investigation Research Articles

Association between forensic DNA and odontology in human identification during mass disaster: a systematic review

BACKGROUND: According to the literature, forensic odontology is one of the most effective and affordable scientific techniques for identifying victims of mass disasters. This research methodically reviews the role and function of forensic odontologists in several global mass disasters. Forensic DNA in odontology is associated with the importance of its application in the identification of humans of mass disasters. As the crime rate continues to rise, the field of forensic medicine has evolved significantly. Forensic dentists play a pivotal role in various areas of crime scene investigations, thereby helping solve innumerable mysteries. AIM: The study aimed to increase the body of knowledge for future research on forensic odontology by conducting a systematic review search to investigate possible forensic DNA in odontology associated with the importance of its application in the identification of humans of mass disasters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, were analyzed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) quality scale. The literature search, conducted until February 2024, informed important research choices. RESULTS: A total of 16 (100%) studies related to forensic DNA of mass disasters were identified. Of these, only seven (43.75%) articles related to dental DNA were included in this review. Of the 4,808 articles obtained, 138 duplicates or irrelevant articles were eliminated. Following a full-text review, seven studies were selected based on eligibility criteria. The highest percentage of victims was identified using dental DNA. In a few studies, some samples were insufficient for complete DNA profiling due to factors such as the method of DNA extraction. CONCLUSION: Forensic odontology has played a significant role in the identification of victims of several mass disasters around the world. Although teeth are an excellent source of DNA for humans, future studies with larger sample sizes, appropriate control groups, and standardized techniques of DNA extraction need to be conducted.

Conjugation of visual enhancers in lateral flow immunoassay for rapid forensic analysis: A critical review.

During crime scene investigations, numerous traces are secured and may be used as evidence for the evaluation of source and/or activity level propositions. The rapid chemical analysis of a biological trace enables the identification of body fluids and can provide significant donor profiling information, including age, sex, drug abuse, and lifestyle. Such information can be used to provide new leads, exclude from, or restrict the list of possible suspects during the investigative phase. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art labelling techniques to identify the most suitable visual enhancer to be implemented in a lateral flow immunoassay setup for the purpose of trace identification and/or donor profiling. Upon comparison, and with reference to the strengths and limitations of each label, the simplistic one-step analysis of noncompetitive lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) together with the implementation of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) as visual enhancers is proposed for a sensitive, accurate, and reproducible in situ trace analysis. This approach is versatile and stable over different environmental conditions and external stimuli. The findings of the present comparative analysis may have important implications for future forensic practice. The selection of an appropriate enhancer is crucial for a well-designed LFA that can be implemented at the crime scene for a time- and cost-efficient investigation.

"DNA Contamination in Crime Scene Investigations: Common Errors, Best Practices, And Insights from a Survey Study"

"DNA Contamination in Crime Scene Investigations: Common Errors, Best Practices, And Insights from a Survey Study"

Firearms and Ballistics

Abstract: This paper deals with a particular aspect of crime scene investigation which is more of a sub set, that is ballistics and firearms. The main aim is to make sure that, crime investigation, which is why the proposed options of crime-solving techniques are so developed is one such topic which desices of relating. At the same time, issues of concern like identifying the main units of ballistic, classifying different types of ballistic evidence, identifying ballistic sites and evidence including firearms that the shooter used in the crime scene and carrying out firearms analysis including historical background of firearms and firearms in general have been presented in this paper. All in all, the above claims are supported by the assertion that, ballistic and firearms crime scene activity and its application in the process of corroborating and collecting evidence. One way of improving the efficiency of law enforcement resources in the United States is sharing ballistic and firearms intelligence

Three-dimensional reconstruction of a shooting crime scene

The crime scene is technically the place where an illegal act took place. The investigation first starts at the crime scene. Documentation of the crime scene is of great importance in order to make correct decisions in the investigation and prosecution stages, With the development of technology; the use of different devices and different technologies in crime scene investigation and crime scene documentation has created a new working area for many forensic scientists and law enforcement officers. Taking a general view of the crime scene without contamination, low margin of error in measurements can be shown as the main reasons for the use of laser scanning devices at the crime scene. A firearm crime scene was staged using different evidence. In the staged crime scene, a laser scanning device was also used along with the use of photography, sketching and note-taking methods from traditional documentation methods. In this study, the adequacy of the traditional methods alone, the adequacy of the laser scanning device alone, and the adequacy of the two methods together for reconstruction were discussed. The aim of this study is to determine the contributions and limitations of documenting the crime scene with a laser scanning device in combination with traditional documentation methods to the three-dimensional reconstruction of the crime scene.

Ink, sweat and blood: navigating bloodstain patterns documentation at crime scenes in Ekurheleni North, Johannesburg, South Africa

Violent crimes are often pigeon-holed by bloodstain found at the crime scene. The science of analysing the bloodstains found at the crime scene is referred to as bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA). The bloodstain pattern analysis embraces analysts recognising and interpreting bloodstain patterns to uncover how they were bent, when they were created, who created them and what object was used. Bloodstain pattern analysis is an important technique for determining what happened at the crime scene and presenting answers to the crime that occurred. Bloodstain pattern analysis is a subfield of forensic science that utilises blood evidence to dive a conclusion about a crime and to illustrate the shadows of violent crimes. Though violent crime scenes that involve bloodshed often provide a prosperity of data in the form of the patterns, location, and possible causes of the bloodshed, it is unfortunate that such critical information can be missed and/or evidence demolished due to futile ways of protecting and preserving bloodstain patterns at the crime scene by the crime scene investigators from the Local Criminal Record Centre. The article took qualitative empirical approach where participants were interviewed with the permission obtain from South African police Services and ethical clearance acquired from the University of South Africa. Findings and recommendations in this article were significant for implementation by the police.

AI Applications in Forensic Science: Transforming Crime Scene Analysis and Investigation

AI Applications in Forensic Science: Transforming Crime Scene Analysis and Investigation

The Role Of Animal Police In The Process Of Disclosing A Crime (Study At The K-9 Unit Of Bali Regional Police)

The K-9 Unit of the Bali Regional Police is an elite unit specializing in using sniffer dogs to assist in various police operations, ranging from apprehending criminals and detecting narcotics, to search and rescue (SAR) operations. The ability of sniffer dogs to detect narcotics and explosives is crucial in crime prevention and control efforts. In Bali, an international tourist destination, the threat of narcotics smuggling is very high. Specially trained sniffer dogs can quickly identify the presence of these illegal substances in various locations, such as airports, seaports, and entertainment venues. This study aims to identify and analyze the role of the K-9 Unit of the Bali Regional Police in the process of crime disclosure. Through a qualitative approach with a case study method, data were collected through interviews, observations, and literature studies. Through methods of observation, interviews, and literature study, this research is expected to provide a comprehensive and in-depth overview of the role of the K-9 Unit of the Bali Regional Police. The K-9 Unit of the Bali Regional Police has a significant contribution to disclosing crimes by providing technical assistance using sniffer dogs, which have proven effective in crime scene investigation and have a direct impact on solving criminal cases. Factors affecting the effectiveness of this unit include public demand, environmental conditions, and the availability of human and animal resources. To optimize its role, it is necessary to enhance training, facilities, coordination with related parties, and regular evaluation of the unit's performance.

Discovery unbalanced DNA mixtures and evaluation mixing ratio via a droplet digital PCR method.

Small amounts of DNA from a perpetrator collected during crime-scene investigations can be masked by large amounts of DNA from the victim. These samples can provide important information for the perpetrator's conviction. Short tandem repeat (STR) detection system is not sensitive enough to detect trace amounts of minor components in unbalanced mixed DNA. We developed a system using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) capable of discovering trace components and accurately determining the ratio of mixed DNA in extremely unbalanced mixtures. The non-recombining regions of the X chromosome and Y chromosome were quantified in the DNA of male and female mixtures using duplex ddPCR. Absolute quantification of low-abundance portions of trace samples and unbalanced mixtures was done using different mixing ratios. The ddPCR system could be used to detect low-abundance samples with < 5 copies of DNA components in an extremely unbalanced mixture at a mixing ratio of 10000:1. The high sensitivity and specificity of the system could identify the mixing ratio of mixed DNA accurately. A ddPCR system was developed for evaluation of mixed samples of male DNA and female DNA. Our system could detect DNA quantities as low as 5 copies in extremely unbalanced mixed samples with good specificity and applicability. This method could assist forensic investigators in avoiding the omission of important physical evidence, and evaluating the ratio of mixed male/female trace samples.

Virtual Reality Immersive Simulations for a Forensic Molecular Biology Course—A Quantitative Comparative Study

Molecular biology is a complex, abstract, subject that can be challenging for higher education students to comprehend. The current manuscript describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of two immersive VR simulations of a DNA lab and a crime scene investigation (CSI) for a forensic molecular biology course in the context of the “TESLA” Erasmus+ project. It illustrates the instructional design and technical aspects of the VR simulations’ development. The experimental study employed a comparative quantitative research design. The guiding research questions examined how instructional modalities (online vs. face-to-face) affect learners’ perceptions of VR-based training in higher education and the key factors influencing learners’ intention for their adoption. Forty-six (n = 46) undergraduate students completed a 17-item questionnaire, which served as the main data collection instrument. Results demonstrate that both online and face-to-face VR-based instruction can effectively convey core concepts, thus challenging the traditional notion that face-to-face interaction is inherently superior. Its implications underscore the potential of VR simulations to supplement or even substitute traditional teaching methods, particularly for complex science subjects.

EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF GEOSPATIAL VIRTUAL REALITY IN FORENSIC CSI: AN OVERVIEW

This paper presents a discussion on the applicability of geospatial data sources such as laser scanners and photogrammetry integrated with VR so that crime scene investigation (CSI) can be improved in data management, time consumption, and user experience. CSI is a part of forensic science where physical measurement and evidence consist of objects connecting to the case are recorded in the crime scene. Traditionally, the method of acquiring information on the crime scene is using hand sketching and 2D photography. Even 3D models are used, but the display on the screen does not support full information of the data, making the presentation of the data visually limited. Geospatial method has the advantage of 3D information that is able to digitally measure dimensions and volumetric properties of physical objects. The geospatial surveying such as laser scanning, and photogrammetry can be used to preserve the evidence by recording the physical crime scene in the digital world. The scanning world known as point clouds are essentially used to calculate the angle, distance and dimensions, area, volume, and speed of objects as well. The point clouds can be optimised into virtual reality (VR) with realistic textured details making the user experience more intuitive.

Cigarette paper as evidence: Forensic profiling using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and machine learning algorithms

This research highlights the underestimated significance of cigarette paper as evidence at crime scenes. The primary objective is to distinguish cigarette paper from similar-looking alternatives, addressing the first research objective. The second objective involves identifying cigarette paper brands using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and machine learning (ML) algorithms. Accurate differentiation of cigarette paper from normal paper is emphasized. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, coupled with principal component analysis (PCA) for dimensionality reduction, is employed for brand identification. Among fifteen ML algorithms compared, the CatBoost classifier excels for both objectives. This research presents a non-destructive, effective method for studying cigarette paper, contributing valuable insights to crime scene investigations.

Unidirectional dispersal of blow fly larvae following decomposition fluids from a pig carcass

The decomposition of a body, and the associated gaseous and liquid discharges emanating from it, attract gravid female blow flies which lay their eggs in or on the body. After the eggs have hatched, the emerging larvae start feeding on the body. As decomposition progresses, the blow fly larvae often migrate away, typically in a random manner in search of favourable conditions for pupation. In this paper, we report on a rarely described phenomenon of unidirectional mass migration of blow fly larvae and postulate on the factors which may drive this process. A decomposition trial utilising a 60-kg pig carcass, deployed in the summer months in Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, South Africa, was conducted in 2022. On the fifth day of the trial, simultaneous unidirectional mass dispersal of blow fly larvae was observed. The larvae moved downhill in a southeasterly direction, following the flow of decomposition fluids oozing out from the pig carcass. The ‘larval migration stream’ had a length of approximately 1.5 m with a width of 40 cm, tapering to 17 cm at the terminal point. The larval migration stream consisted of the larvae of Chrysomya albiceps and Chrysomya chloropyga. This study demonstrates the importance of understanding the timing and pattern of dispersal of post-feeding blow fly larvae in each geographical region. This is crucial as the minimum post-mortem interval can be miscalculated if older immature insects dispersing from the corpse are not considered and collected during crime scene investigations.

Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction – Criminal Procedure and Criminalistics Aspects in North Macedonia

Crime Scene Investigation and Reconstruction – Criminal Procedure and Criminalistics Aspects in North Macedonia

Forensic intelligence: Expanding the potential of forensic document examination

AbstractForensic document examination is characterized by its longevity, diversity, and evolution over time. Predominantly, published research within this field has focused on handwriting examination, the articulation of forensic conclusions, and the development of technical instrumental advancements, focusing on the use of document examination in the resolution of casework. This is a persistent and common problem within forensic science that Kirk identified in 1963 and that other authors have reaffirmed more recently. Ultimately, this has resulted in the potential of forensic intelligence, remaining relatively underexplored in the field of document examination. Forensic intelligence is a different way to view and analyze traces, shifting the focus from the traditional identification of source and activity, to instead identifying trends in criminal activity to assist in the reduction, prevention, and proactive disruption of crime. Despite a distinct disparity between these strands of research, there has been a persevering evolution toward the implementation of a systematic forensic intelligence method for the examination of fraudulent identity documents. Since its initial inception into the research community, this method has expanded and been implemented across Europe, and Canada, with tests also being conducted in Australia. These first tangible steps toward a forensic intelligence capacity within document examination have also inspired new work using forensic intelligence and systematic comparisons within the field of handwriting examination, as well as the recognition of the transversal potential of this method, with it being applied to both physical and digital documents. In this review, the fields of document examination and forensic intelligence will first be introduced, along with a subsequent examination of the research that has led to the creation of a forensic intelligence model within the field of document examination. It should be noted that this review has largely been limited to a review of research that has been published in English and French due to the language of the authors.This article is categorized under: Crime Scene Investigation &gt; From Traces to Intelligence and Evidence Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence &gt; Emerging Technologies and Methods Crime Scene Investigation &gt; Epistemology and Method

Forensic species identification: practical guide for animal and plant DNA analysis

The importance of non-human DNA in the forensic field has increased greatly in recent years, together with the type of applications. The molecular species identification of animal and botanical material may be crucial both for wildlife trafficking and crime scene investigation. However, especially for forensic botany, several challenges slow down the implementation of the discipline in the routine.Although the importance of molecular analysis of animal origin samples is widely recognized and the same value is acknowledged to the botanical counterpart, the latter does not find the same degree of application.The availability of molecular methods, especially useful in cases where the material is fragmented, scarce or spoiled preventing the morphological identification, is not well known. This work is intended to reaffirm the relevance of non-human forensic genetics (NHFG), highlighting differences, benefits and pitfalls of the current most common molecular analysis workflow for animal and botanical samples, giving a practical guide. A flowchart describing the analysis paths, divided in three major working areas (inspection and sampling, molecular analysis, data processing and interpretation), is provided. More real casework examples of the utility of non-human evidence in forensic investigations should be shared by the scientific community, especially for plants. Moreover, concrete efforts to encourage initiatives in order to promote quality and standardization in the NHFG field are also needed.

Enhancing latent palmprints using frequency domain analysis

Latent palmprints are integral to crime scene investigations, constituting a significant portion of encountered prints. They often suffer from poor ridge impressions, noise, and pronounced creases, setting them apart from other palmprint types. While progressive enhancement techniques are widely used for fingerprints, palmprints with numerous thick creases and larger sizes benefit more from region-growing techniques. Frequency domain-based palmprint enhancement excels in separating creases from ridges and reshaping ridge structures accurately. The key challenge lies in identifying suitable initial blocks for both region-growing and iterative enhancement techniques. Existing frequency domain-based quality maps, primarily designed for fingerprints, exhibit limited performance when applied to palmprints, especially latent ones. To address these issues, this paper introduces a new approach that combines region-growing and frequency domain-based enhancement techniques to improve latent palmprints. Our method leverages high-quality blocks, employs the orientation field obtained in the frequency domain to correct possible orientation errors in starting blocks, and utilizes varying weights to enhance all block types effectively. The experimental results indicate that the proposed approach surpasses the existing state-of-the-art techniques in terms of recognition accuracy.

Explosion injuries—Crime scene investigation, documentation and reconstruction

Explosion injuries—Crime scene investigation, documentation and reconstruction

Understanding post-impact biomechanics of ballistic cranial injury by smoothed particle hydrodynamics numerical modelling

AbstractVirtual crime scene investigation using numerical models has the potential to assist in the forensic investigation of firearm-related fatalities, where ethical concerns and expensive resources limit the scope of physical experiments to comprehend the post-impact biomechanics comprehensively. The human cranial numerical model developed in this study incorporates three main components (skin, skull, and brain) with dynamic biomaterial properties. The virtual model provides valuable insights into the post-impact biomechanics of cranial ballistic injuries, particularly in high-speed events beyond conventional investigative capabilities, including the velocity of ejected blood backspatter, cavitation collapsing, and pressure waves. The validation of the numerical model, both quantitatively and qualitatively, demonstrates its ability to replicate similar bone fractures, entrance wound shapes, and backward skin ballooning observed in physical experiments of the human cranial geometry. The model also yields similar temporary cavity sizes, wound sizes, and blood backspatter time against the physical cranial model, aiding in bloodstain pattern analysis. Additionally, the numerical model enables exploration of ballistic factors that vary in each crime scene environment and influence cranial injuries, such as projectile type, velocity, impact location, and impact angle. These established injury patterns contribute to crime scene reconstruction by providing essential information on projectile trajectory, discharge distance, and firearm type, assisting in the resolution of court cases. In conclusion, the developed human cranial geometry in this study offers a reliable tool for investigating firearm-related cranial injuries, serving as a statistical reference in forensic science. Virtual crime scene investigations using these models have the potential to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of forensic analyses.

Post Mortem Interval Calculation of Oryctolagus Cuniculus Through Forensic Entomofauna – A Tool for Resolving Medicolegal Issues in Crime Scenes

Post mortem interval (PMI) is an essential tool in crime scene investigations and is pivotal for resolving medicolegal issues. Developmental rates of insects can be utilized for the calculation of PMI of known and unknown animal and human cadavers. In the present study, PMI for rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linnaeus 1758) was calculated through insect developmental rates and insect successional patterns on decomposing carcass of O. cuniculus. A total of 8 species of insects belonging to three orders and 8 families were identified on the O. cuniculus carcass. The blow fly, Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann 1819) belonging to the family Calliphoridae was the common and first visitor species to the rabbit carcass. The developmental rate of C. albiceps associated with the ambient climatic conditions was used as a model for the calculation of PMI. Temperature correction factor of the carcass temperature versus met station temperature was found as y = 0.9185x + 3.3624; R² = 0.8343. The accumulated degree days (∑ADD) were found as 535 while the accumulated degree hours (ADH) were found as 12842 with a resultant PMI of 7 days (ADD) and 167.4 h (ADH). Five decomposition stages of O. cuniculus were identified as fresh, bloated, active decay, advanced decay and dry remains stage. Findings of the present study can be applied for the calculation of PMI of known and unknown animal and human cadavers for resolving medicolegal issues in crime scenes.