Forensic Institutions Research Articles

Who's Prone to Breaking the Rules?-Predictors of Challenging Patient Behavior in Forensic Addiction Treatment.

Many patients in substance use disorder treatment exhibit behavior that is challenging for therapy. In Germany, offenders with addiction problems may be sentenced to treatment in forensic psychiatric institutions (Sect. 64 of the German Criminal Code). In general, therapy-challenging behavior (TCB) increases the risk that forensic addiction treatment (FAT) will fail. This article identifies a set of indicators allowing therapists to assess the risk of TCB during FAT. We define TCB as any substance use, escapes/abscondence and disciplinary incidents by patients. As potential predictors, anamnestic sociodemographic data, disorder-related variables, and delinquency-related data (set A) in addition to the therapists' assessments of the therapy process (set B) were analyzed. N = 548 records of patients, who had been in treatment for at least 12 and at most 24 months, were included in this study. Patients were treated in several forensic institutions throughout Germany. N = 187 patients showed at least one type of TCB (34.1%). In a first univariate step (applying Chi²-tests or t-test) various possible predictors were identified. Their predictive values were then analyzed in three binary stepwise logistic regression models. The first comprises set A predictors, the second set B and a third inclusive model combined both sets of variables (set AB). The combination of anamnestic and treatment-related variables (AB) proved to be superior to the other models and resulted in a significant model for prediction of TCB (p < .001). It includes seven variables and explains more than one third of TCB variance. The findings allow TCB in FAT to be more quickly identified in a population at risk and offer the possibility to provide these patients with appropriate treatment.

Enhancing postmortem diagnostics: over a decade of ISO 17020 accreditation and guidelines implementation in forensic pathology.

Forensic autopsies remain indispensable for accurately determining the cause and manner of death. However, pathologists face significant challenges inherent to the complex process of postmortem diagnostics (PMD), including the potential for diagnostic errors. The implementation of quality assurance (QA) mechanisms is crucial for minimizing these errors. Nonetheless, the lack of QA programs, specifically tailored for forensic pathology, continues to pose a significant obstacle. This article explores the enhancement of PMD after the adoption of ISO 17020 accreditation at a Belgian forensic institute in 2010. Drawing on over a decade of experience, it details on the development and implementation of label-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) designed to address the various types of deaths in forensic practice. Additionally, it underscores the necessity of adapting international directives from leading organizations into effective local protocols, aiming to standardize practices and improve efficacy. Through a comparative review of existing international guidelines, this study provides forensic pathologists and institutions worldwide with practical strategies for qualitative standardization and improving their PMD.

Enhancing Forensic Laboratories Through University Collaboration: Obtaining Conclusive Reports and Reference Materials via NMR.

Forensic laboratories play a pivotal role in identifying and quantifying drugs in police seizures, often using spectroscopic techniques in combination with chromatographic methods that rely on chemical reference substances (CRS). The demand for a wide variety of CRS is critical, not only for common drugs like cocaine but also for the rapidly increasing number of new psychoactive substances (NPS), which emerge weekly. However, acquiring CRS is costly and bureaucratic because of the restricted circulation of these substances. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) offers a viable alternative to identifying and quantifying substances without the need for specific CRS for each analyte. Although NMR equipment is commonly available at universities, it is typically absent from police laboratories because of its high initial cost. This work highlights a successful partnership between a forensic laboratory and university-based NMR facilities as a cost-effective strategy for obtaining CRS. A case study involving four substances-cocaine, two recently scheduled NPS, metonitazene and dipentylone, and ADB-5'Br-BUTINACA-demonstrates the effectiveness of this collaboration. This partnership allowed the generation of conclusive reports for seized substances, providing early warnings about NPS and helping to prevent potential outbreaks and public health crises. Additionally, the strategy facilitated the acquisition of expensive CRS from samples that would otherwise be destroyed, at a reduced cost and within a shorter timeframe. Furthermore, this partnership enhances student training in advanced instrumental analysis and research, showcasing the benefits of collaboration between forensic and academic institutions.

Juridical Analysis Of The Use Of Dna Forensic Evidence In The Indonesian Criminal Justice System

The use of forensic DNA evidence in the criminal justice system in Indonesia faces various challenges, especially related to regulations that are not fully aligned with international standards. Law No. 8 of 1981 concerning the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), especially Articles 184 and 186, does not provide specific guidelines regarding the procedures for collecting, testing, and using forensic DNA evidence in the criminal evidence process. This study aims to analyze the regulations and procedures governing forensic DNA evidence in Indonesia and propose legal solutions to strengthen the regulations to comply with international standards. This study uses a normative legal research method, focusing on the analysis of relevant laws, legal doctrines, and court decisions. Discussions center on the harmonization of national regulations with international standards, strengthening the capacity of forensic institutions, and reforming legal procedures related to DNA evidence. The research findings indicate that Indonesia needs more comprehensive regulatory reforms related to the use of forensic DNA evidence, especially regarding the accreditation of forensic laboratories according to international standards such as ISO 17025 and the development of transparent and legally accountable evidence collection procedures. In conclusion, although DNA evidence has great potential to strengthen convictions in the criminal justice system, regulatory reform and strengthening of forensic institutions are needed for the Indonesian justice system to adopt higher international standards. Thus, the use of forensic DNA evidence can contribute significantly to justice in criminal law enforcement in Indonesia.

Comparison of identification methods used in Forensic Anthropological services in four distinct institutes in Brazil and the United States

ABSTRACT Identifying unknown deceased individuals, especially those in advanced stages of decomposition, dismemberment, or burning, is a major medico-legal challenge. Forensic anthropologists play a crucial role in these cases due to the numerous characteristics that can be derived from bone remains. Their methods help evaluate the biological profile and individual characteristics, narrowing potential matches. This research investigates the identification methods used by forensic anthropologists in Medicolegal Institutes and Medical Examiner’s Offices in Brazil and the USA. Case reports from forensic anthropology institutes in Vitória, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Velho (Brazil), and New York City (USA) were analysed. In resolved cases, details such as the biological profile, trauma, decomposition extent, and individualization markers were documented. Statistical tests evaluated the association between these variables and identification outcomes. Conventional identification methods included dental analysis, DNA testing, and fingerprint analysis. Additionally, Bayesian methods, visual identification, prosthetics, and X-ray comparison proved useful. This study highlights that forensic anthropologists can employ a variety of methodologies beyond standard practices, enhancing the identification process in complex cases.

Strangulation

Detection of manual strangulation, choking and hanging, as well as the intensity of these actions, helps to clarify the course of events, to enforce the state's right to prosecute and ultimately to protect against further attacks. However, this is complicated by the scarcity of externally visible findings. The forensic examination of the head and neck after strangulation is carried out by means of external inspection to detect injuries and congestion above the strangulation level. Lesions below the surface of the skin, in particular of the subcutaneous fat tissue, the muscles or the laryngeal structures, usually escape the external inspection. Imaging techniques allow internal injuries to be recorded and objectified, which can be of considerable added value in the collection of evidence. Since criminal proceedings must meet the highest standards of security, high demands are placed on imaging and diagnosis. Imaging techniques are suitable for detecting and objectifying internal injuries after aperson has survived strangulation. However, their excellent reconstruction and visualization capabilities also make them avaluable addition to postmortem examinations. After reported and survived strangulation, choking or hanging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the soft tissues of the neck should be performed as soon as possible, and if cerebral damage is suspected, the skull should also be examined. If the event was not survived, whole-body computed tomography (CT) is now standard practice at many forensic medicine institutes.

The Procedure for Appointing a Forensic Examination: Problems of Legal Regulation and Law Enforcement Practice

The procedural procedure for appointing a forensic examination is not clearly defined and raises a number of questions. The analysis of procedural legislation made it possible to identify aspects that need clarification for law enforcement practice: the grounds for appointing commissions, complex and additional forensic examinations, the procedure for appointing forensic examinations in court, the definition of a forensic institution. The need for standardization of forensic examination based on the unification of its main provisions in industry procedural codes is shown. The introduction of additions and changes to the procedural legislation regulating forensic examination is justified.

A kényszergyógykezelés végrehajtása

The author provides on overview of the practical and moral dilemmas surrounding treatment in the Forensic Mental Institutions in Hungary.

Evaluation of whether commonly used risk assessment tools are applicable to women in forensic psychiatric institutions

ObjectiveBy providing a structured assessment of specific risk factors, risk assessment tools allow statements to be made about the likelihood of future recidivism in people who have committed a crime. These tools were originally developed for and primarily tested in men and are mainly based on the usual criminological background of men. Despite significant progress in the last decade, there is still a lack of empirical research on female offenders, especially female forensic psychiatric inpatients. To improve prognosis in female offenders, we performed a retrospective study to compare the predictive quality of the following risk assessment tools: PCL-R, LSI-R, HCR-20 v3, FAM, and VRAG-R. MethodData were collected from the information available in the medical files of 525 female patients who had been discharged between 2001 and 2017. We examined the ability of the tools to predict general and violent recidivism by comparing the predictions with information from the Federal Central Criminal Register. ResultsOverall, the prediction instruments had moderate to good predictive performance, and the study confirmed their general applicability to female forensic psychiatric patients. ConclusionThe LSI-R proved to be particularly valid for general recidivism, and both, LSI-R and HCR-20 v3, for violent recidivism.

Three-dimensional visualization of gunshot cavities in ballistic gelatine with computed tomography – A forensic ballistics case study

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging, primarily computed tomography (CT), has proven valuable in the documentation and analysis of gunshot injuries. Explicit visualization of findings may play a pivotal role in judicial settings. This forensic ballistics case study aimed to examine the potential of CT-based 3D reconstruction to digitally visualize gunshot cavities in ballistic gelatine. Three .30 caliber bullets of different types (full metal jacket, soft point, and expanding monolithic) were fired into standardized blocks of 10% ballistic gelatine. The blocks underwent CT scanning with clinical equipment. Gelatine and air were segmented from the CT data using an open-source software. 3D reconstruction views of the segmented gelatine and air components were created. The gunshot cavities were clearly observed in both gelatine and air segmentation. The differences in cavitation between bullet types were evident in both reconstruction approaches, although gelatine segmentation produced higher resolution of small details. The obvious benefit of digital reconstruction was the ability to freely tilt and rotate the 3D images, with the possibility of taking measurements manually or automatically from any plane. Moreover, all the data can be stored for future analysis. This study introduces a preliminary method for digital visualization and documentation of gunshot cavitation in ballistic gelatine, to be fine-tuned and implemented for research purposes and routine practice in forensic institutions.

Comparative analysis of models of organization of forensic activities: International experience

The purpose of the study was to identify the main models of organisation of the forensic system in Ukraine and to assess international experience in the field of expert support of justice, as well as to analyse ways to adapt modern world standards to national expert practice. The theoretical basis of the study was the documents defining the status and organisation of forensic experts in Ukraine, Latvia and the Czech Republic. The functions related to forensic examinations, examination, and seizure were analysed. It was revealed that the organisation of forensic expert activity in European countries is focused on creating an effective system of expert institutions and ensuring optimal conditions for conducting examinations by qualified specialists who are appropriately accredited and included in the official registers of forensic experts. It was emphasised that in Ukraine there is a mixture of two approaches to structuring forensic expert activity. The advantages of such a mixed model include harmonisation of forensic examinations, standardization of expert methods, accreditation of forensic laboratories and publicity of the register of forensic experts. The author substantiated the need to integrate the Ukrainian system of expert support of justice into the international context and to participate Ukrainian forensic institutions in international organisations that bring together foreign expert institutions. This will help to improve the procedures for the participation of forensic experts in justice. The author proposed to establish a single body – the National Service for the Provision of Forensic Expertise, which will be subordinated to the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine. Thus, the practical significance of the study is that its results can be used to centrally address the problem of methodological and information support of expert activity, which in turn will improve the organisation of forensic activities in Ukraine

Smoking, Obesity, and Metabolic Syndrome in Two High Security Settings

Forensic psychiatric patients pose a vulnerable population due to their unbalanced diet, overweight, smoking, adverse effects of medication, and sedentary lifestyle within secure settings. These lifestyle traits have been correlated with a higher incidence of morbidity and a lower life expectancy. Nonetheless, empirical data regarding these topics remains limited. In the current study we examined obesity, metabolic syndrome and smoking patterns in two high-security settings in Flanders. We also examined the influence of psychiatric diagnoses and the usage of antipsychotic medication to these characteristics. Results indicated that obesity, smoking, and metabolic syndrome were highly prevalent across different diagnoses. In contrast to previous findings, there was no association between the presence of metabolic syndrome and the use of (second generation) antipsychotics. Missing information in the electronic files further indicated that there remains room for improvement in the detection and monitoring of physical health. It is recommended that forensic institutions pay more attention to the provision of care programs to manage weight and smoking.

Fundamentals of Forensic Expertology as a Foundation for Training of State Forensic Experts for Forensic Institutions under the Russian Ministry of Justice in Expert Specialties

Fundamentals of Forensic Expertology as a Foundation for Training of State Forensic Experts for Forensic Institutions under the Russian Ministry of Justice in Expert Specialties

Diagnostic accuracy of post-mortem computed tomography for fractures of the hyoid-larynx complex.

Post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) is routinely used at many forensic institutions to guide the following autopsy and is especially useful for diagnosing fractures. This systematic review aims to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of a PMCT scan in fracture diagnosis of the hyoid-larynx complex (HLC) compared to traditional autopsy in cases involving traumatic neck injuries. We searched PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science and included papers with cases n ≥ 3 published between January 2000 and April 2023 reporting on PMCT and autopsy findings of fractures of the HLC. The search provided 259 results of which 10 were included. Overall sensitivity and specificity were 0.70 [0.59; 0.79] and 0.92 [0.80; 0.97] for hyoid bone fractures and 0.80 [0.62; 0.91] and 0.76 [0.63; 0.85] for the thyroid cartilage. The results show great variation, and a large range between studies. These results indicate that PMCT cannot replace autopsy in cases with HLC fractures. Future larger prospective studies are needed, examining fracture details, scan protocols and different slice thicknesses using uniform reporting.

Regulatory and legal regulation of financing the activities of forensic institutions in the Russian Federation

The authors of the article, based on a comparative legal analysis of the system of sources of legal regulation of financing of forensic institutions, as well as domestic scientific literature, propose to “transfer: the signs of the system to the concept of a mechanism. Within the framework of the system analysis carried out, the authors of the article proceed from the definition of the system of financial and legal mechanisms for ensuring forensic expert activity as an object of public administration, which is a legal relationship regulated by the norms of law to achieve the set goals and objectives, the use of methods, tools and rules having monetary, organizational, accounting and control content. The article substantiates the need for an integrative approach to the definition of a system of financial and legal mechanisms for ensuring judicial expert activity as a single system subject to legal regulation. The authors propose to define the mechanism of financial support for the activities of a forensic expert institution/organization as a system of education from the norms and institutions of national law contained not only in regulatory legal acts relating to various branches of legislation, but also local acts of state and non-state institutions and organizations; legal and technical documents, among which should be mentioned instructional letters, regulations, methodological recommendations, technical standards, GOST standards, etc., as well as contracts of normative content that ensure international cooperation on forensic activities.

Areas of modernization of the system of training and certification of forensic experts in Ukraine based on the adaptation of foreign experience

Abstract The article is devoted to the study of the existing system of training and certification of forensic experts in Ukraine and to the provision of proposals for its modernization, taking into account the positive experience in the field of forensic science of the USA, Great Britain and some countries of the European Union. In Ukraine, the procedure for the training and certification of forensic experts is determined by ministries and other central executive authorities, which manage state specialized institutions that carry out forensic activities. A study of foreign experience in the training and certification of forensic experts made it possible to identify general and specific elements, sustain the benefits of the implemented measures, and formulate priorities and guidelines. The research resulted in the justification of the need to develop a single regulatory act that would determine the procedure for training, internships and certification of forensic experts, as well as the creation of a single qualification body that would help ensure uniform approaches to determining the qualification of forensic experts working in state specialized forensic institutions, their territorial branches, expert institutions of municipal ownership, and forensic experts who are not employees of these institutions. It is proved that the development and implementation of uniform standards for training forensic experts on the basis of a centralized approach, regardless of where these specialists will work in the future, will help address the problem of training personnel. The author concludes that improving the quality of training, internship and certification of forensic experts requires new approaches to organizational, economic, teaching, methodological and technical provision. The author substantiates the need for fundamentally new forms of activity which will ensure the effectiveness and transparency of the assessment of knowledge by means of modern information technologies in the current reform environment. It is stated that Ukraine should raise the criteria for admission to the profession of a forensic expert. The author specifies the issues that need to be enshrined in law.

Fire Experts Certification: Trends, Issues, Proposals

The paper discusses issues related to the certification of forensic fire experts in forensic institutions of the federal fire service of the Ministry of the Russian Federation for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters (EMERCOM of Russia). Particular attention is given to the staffing and balance of experts who have the right to carry out expert examination under competencies approved by the EMERCOM of Russia. It is shown that in many expert departments there are no experts in most of the fields of forensic fire examination approved by the EMERCOM of Russia. The authors draw attention to the need to unify the specializations of forensic fire examinations with other expert institutions and organizations. The number of specializations in forensic fire examination and the improvement of training of fire experts are discussed. It is proposed to reduce the number of specializations in forensic fire examination approved as the competence requirements for employees of the federal fire service of the EMERCOM of Russia for «Forensic fire examination» specialization. In order to increase the efficiency of forensic expert activities, the authors recommend creating and consistently maintaining a database of forensic fire experts in Russia.

Forensic study of the mechanical properties of prosthetic materials: Submersion in mangrove environment – A pilot study

IntroductionIt is crucial for dental surgeons to use the mechanical properties of dental prosthetic materials to correlate the submersion time in a mangrove environment. ObjectiveThis study aimed to submerge dental prosthetic materials, such as acrylic resin and zirconia, contained within acrylic resin disks in a mangrove environment, and analyze the alterations in mechanical parameters, such as surface roughness and microhardness, to estimate submergence time in similar forensic situations. Materials and methodsA total of 6 specimens was embedded in acrylic resin disks numbered from 1 to 6. The materials were polished for initial parameter readings a day before submersion, and new readings were obtained 1after submersion. All specimens were subjected to surface roughness analysis, in addition to Knoop microhardness analysis for acrylic resin and Vickers microhardness analysis for zirconia. After the experiment, the data were computed for statistical comparation of the materials properties different parameters. ResultsThere was a significant increase in surface roughness and Knoop microhardness was reduced in the Acrylic Resin samples (p< 0.05); however, no statistically significant differences were observed in the roughness or Vickers microhardness values of the zirconia samples. ConclusionZirconia prosthetics were more resistant to degradation when submerged in a mangrove environment compared to acrylic resin ones; however, owing to the obstacles inherent in this study, we suggest further research on the properties of prosthetic materials submerged in mangroves or other environments, which could bolster the work of dental professionals in forensic medical institutes.

A narrative of recovery in forensic hospitals

AimConcerns about the applicability of recovery orientation to forensic care have surfaced due to the traditionally restrictive practices associated with forensic institutions. We interviewed 19 experts-by-experience and 18 professionals working with them across five Finnish forensic hospitals and one out-patient clinic to describe how they define recovery in forensic. MethodsWe utilized semi-structured, one-on-one interviews and then analyzed the collected data using structural narrative analysis. Our points of interest were the plots of the recovery stories and the ways in which various factors affected recovery. We also investigated whether staff and experts-by-experience had different perceptions of recovery in forensic psychiatry, and whether recovery-oriented practices were present in these accounts. ResultsA wider mutual narrative with a chronological plot was identified, and recovery-oriented practices and goals were found with a special emphasis on offending. Insight into mental illness, motivation for self-care, trust in therapeutic relationships, and gaining possibilities to proceed in care were found to promote recovery, whereas insufficient understanding of the illness, a closed environment, lack of trust, and substance abuse hindered the recovery process. Both the professionals and experts felt that the most prominent goal of recovery is integration into society. Conclusions and implications for practiceThe views of the interviewed experts-by-experience and professionals regarding recovery were rather univocal. Forensic psychiatric services in Finland were found to demonstrate recovery-oriented features, which can be promoted further by involving experts-by-experience in different assignments. The results also highlight that the families of patients should become more active partners in care. Impact and implications statementRecovery in forensic psychiatric hospitals can be perceived as a process towards a new role in society. To reach this goal the forensic patients need support from staff, peers, and family. We found numerous factors which enable and hinder the recovery process, and which should be considered during forensic care.

Calcification and atheroma plaques: is there any impact on the anatomical features of the aortic root and its elements?

ObjectivesMorphometric information of the structures within the borders of the aortic root is a guide for surgical interventions. It is essential to determine the effects of aortic calcification and atheroma plaque findings on the structures of this region. This study aims to establish the normal values of aortic root structures and to investigate the impact of pathologic findings in order to guide diagnosis and treatment in the clinic. MethodsThe aortic root structures were morphometrically analyzed in fresh hearts of 110 patients (89 males, 21 females) brought to the forensic medicine institution. The distances between the bases of the aortic sinuses, their widths and heights, and the lengths of the commissures were measured to differentiate between pathologic and non-pathologic aortic classes. Parameters were compared according to gender, age, body mass index, and body surface area. ResultsThe mean age was 44.71 ± 15.57 years in 21 female patients and 53.66 ± 15.67 years in 89 male patients. The results of the pathologic aorta group with calcification and atheroma plaque findings were higher than the non-pathologic aorta group in all parameters (P < .05). ConclusionsCalcification and the presence of atheroma plaque in the aorta increase the size of the structures at the aortic root. Gender, age, body mass index, and body surface area are among the criteria that will cause changes in the structures of this region. These results will help surgeons to know the normal values of aortic root structures and to consider the effects of pathologic findings in aortic valve repair operations.