Forensic Specialists Research Articles

The Responsibilities of the Forensic Specialist in the Criminal Process: Problems and Regulatory Solutions

The present work deals with the problem of the activities carried out by the forensic science specialist in the process of the crime investigation. The author pays a great attention to the analysis of the responsibilities of the specialist, which are stipulated in the processual-criminal law and the departmental normative acts of the Forensic Science Service. Arguments are brought in favour of the necessity to eliminate some contradictory processual provisions as well as the necessity to specify and complete the directives that regulate the daily activity of the forensic science specialists.

Metopism and Its Clinical Relevance: A Persistent Suture.

Metopic suture is a dense fibrous joint extending from nasion to bregma. Normally, closure of this suture takes place between 1-8 years of age. Failure of this closure beyond 8 years leads to persistent metopic suture. Persistent metopic suture may mimic skull fracture. To differentiate metopism from frontal bone fracture. 54 dry skull of adult humans in were studied. These skulls were observed for the presence (complete or incomplete suture) or absence of metopic suture. Metopic suture was found in 3.7% skulls. Both complete and incomplete metopic suture were found in 1.85% of the dry skulls. Neurosurgeons, radiologists, otorhinolaryngologists, physicians, anatomists, forensic specialists, anthropologists and evolutionary biologists should have knowledge of this anatomical variation. This case series focusses on the importance of metopism. Metopism is a topic, which has not been much studied.

Relationship between forensic medicine education, stress factors, and mobbing perception from the perspective of specialists in Turkey's universities

IntroductionThe current situation needs to be presented with scientific data to ensure and improve the quality of specialist training. This study examined the quality of education, instructor competence, stress factors, mobbing, and their interconnections in the domain of forensic medicine specialty education in Turkey. Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted through an anonymous, web-based survey targeting forensic medicine specialists who have completed their specialist training in university forensic medicine departments within the last three years. The survey consisted of questions regarding issues included in the core education curriculum, educator characteristics, and perceptions of stress and mobbing. Based on the responses provided, the relationships between these factors were statistically analysed. Results72.7 % of the study population completed the survey. Nearly half of the participants (46.3 %) did not consider the number of instructors adequate. The quality of instructors (scientific competence, educational and teaching skills, interpersonal relations, accessibility, management, and problem-solving abilities) was determined to be partially sufficient (mean = 3.36). Approximately one-third of the respondents indicated that instructors made the greatest contribution to their specialist training, whereas the proportion of those who said otherwise was much higher. Education received for topics included in the core curriculum was partially sufficient level (mean = 3.04). It was observed that there was a significant relationship between the instructor characteristics, sufficiency score of the taught topics, and perception of mobbing (p < 0.01). The sufficiency scores of instructor characteristics had a 1.02-fold impact on sufficiency ratings of the topics covered in residency training. Among the respondents, 76.9 % reported encountering stress factors during their specialty training, with the most frequently exposed stress factor (52.2 %) being disorganisation within the training program. Among the participants, 22.8 % reported experiencing mobbing. ConclusionsEducation and instructor qualifications were correlated; however, stress factors and mobbing adversely affected education. A close association was observed between education, instructors, stressors, and mobbing. Thus independent and objective auditors tasked with verifying whether institutions meet the established educational standards need to be established.

USING FORENSIC SCIENCE IN THE ANALYSIS OF HOMICIDAL CRIMES

Forensic science plays a crucial role in the examination of crime scenes and the collection of evidence, including items such as garments, cigarette remnants, and biological samples, to scientifically establish a suspect’s culpability. DNA testing in cases of assault and homicide is instrumental in verifying the identity of the victim. This evidence significantly aids in expediting both the investigative process and judicial proceedings. However, forensic science is not without its limitations and inherent constraints. Therefore, initial investigators, including the Crime Laboratory Ultimate Evidence System team and forensic specialists, must be aware of these limitations when collecting and analyzing samples to avoid inaccurate findings. Erroneous outcomes can result from inadequate sample sizes, improper collection techniques, or delayed analyses. The enforcement of standardized procedural protocols is essential; without them, the legal admissibility of forensic evidence to conclusively establish guilt is compromised. Consequently, the judiciary may acquit the defendant, extending the benefit of the doubt. This article examines the role and limitations of forensic science within the Indian Criminal Justice System and emphasizes the necessity of adhering to established procedures to obtain reliable results.

Determination of Arylcyclohexylamines in Biological Specimens: Sensors and Sample Pre-Treatment Approaches.

Arylcyclohexylamine (ACH) compounds represent a predominant faction within new psychoactive substances. Due to their powerful dissociative effects, they are used in recreational contexts but also in situations of drug-facilitated sexual assault, and therefore, they are a constant target of analysis by forensic experts. In recent years, their consumption has been notably high, especially the use of ketamine, presenting daily challenges for laboratories in the determination of this and other ACH analogues. This review comprises the recent strategies that forensic specialists use to identify and quantify ACH compounds in the laboratory with more traditional analytical techniques and technology, and on the point-of-care testing via sensor technology. The study focuses on analogues of phencyclidine (PCP), ketamine, and eticyclidine, highlighting the consistent need for higher sensitivity in the analysis of various samples collected from real cases and simulations of possible matrices. The review also emphasises the ongoing research to develop more sensitive, quicker, and more capable sensors.

СУДЕБНО-БУХГАЛТЕРСКИЕ ЭКСПЕРТНЫЕ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ В КЫРГЫЗСКОЙ РЕСПУБЛИКЕ

This article analyzes forensic accounting expert organizations in the Kyrgyz Republic divided into state and non-state entities. It examines the tasks and functions of the State Forensic Expert Service under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the specifics of non-state expert organizations. The subjects of discussion are the rights, obligations, and justifications for terminating forensic specialists. This study considers the tasks and types of forensic accounting examinations, such as primary, additional, repeated, commission, and complex. It highlights the problems in developing forensic accounting expertise in Kyrgyzstan, including state monopoly and obstacles to non-state expert activities. Recommendations have been put forth to establish an initiative group that would aid in the advancement of state and non-state forensic activities, and contribute to the formulation of legal provisions and strategic documents relating to this domain.

Added value of postmortem mri in sudden unexpected infant death cases.

We aimed to investigate the potential added value of postmortem MRI (PMMRI) in sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) cases referred to our center between September 2020 and June 2023. Ultimately, 19 SUID cases underwent PMMRI alongside standard autopsy procedures, which included technical examinations such as postmortem CT (PMCT). Four radiologists, two with prior PMMRI experience, provided structured reports following consensus. For each case, the responsible forensic medicine specialist documented the cause of death before and after reviewing the PMMRI report. Additionally, they assessed the overall impact of the PMMRI report and had the opportunity to provide written comments. The results of our study indicate that none of the PMMRI reports altered the prior determined cause of death, which included cases of infection, asphyxia, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, we observed a moderate impact in one case and a low impact in 10 cases. The moderate impact arose from the PMMRI report identifying hypoxic-ischemic changes, where histologic examination of the brain was perceived as normal. Conversely, in the 10 cases with a low impact, the PMMRI reports supported the autopsy findings, specifically indicating brain injury and intra-alveolar cellular infiltrates. In conclusion, our study suggests that while PMMRI may not be pivotal in determining the cause of death in SUID cases, it could aid in detecting hypoxic-ischemic changes and reinforcing brain and lung observations. However, distinguishing genuine lung pathology from postmortem changes using PMMRI remains challenging. Further research is warranted to clarify the role of PMMRI in forensic SUID investigations.

Legal Status and Assessment of the Competence of a Forensic Expert and Specialist: Conceptual Framework and Practical Implementation

Legal Status and Assessment of the Competence of a Forensic Expert and Specialist: Conceptual Framework and Practical Implementation

Quick installation technology DNA profile – Rapid DNA

The investigation of criminal offenses requires modern, up-to-date, practical means. The ANDE Rapid DNA Identification System is a new technology that generates a DNA ID from forensic samples in less than two hours. In today’s conditions, its use in forensics, practical activities of law enforcement agencies on a permanent basis is very relevant. ANDE technology is specially designed and proven to be robust, mobile and suitable for use in harsh environments.&#x0D; The National Police of Ukraine is tasked with the enormous task of identifying victims of horrific crimes related to the ongoing war with russia. Over the past year, it has been proven that a significant percentage of these victims cannot be identified through forensic DNA alone, given her critical condition. The enormous amount of forensic DNA processing work required to address this situation far exceeds the capabilities of traditional DNA laboratory infrastructure. In addition, the logistical overhead associated with managing the efficient storage, movement, tracking, and provenance of large numbers of bodies or even DNA samples across wide geographic areas causes significant wastage of critical resources and long delays. ANDE technology accelerates DNA processing from months or even years to less than two hours. Forensic specialists use mobile DNA laboratories to identify dead. Today, the National Police operates 32 mobile laboratories. Rapid DNA’s secure, field-ready mobile systems provide the most accurate and efficient DNA identification results.&#x0D; Thus, the main goal of this study is to provide practical recommendations for forensic support for the use of rapid DNA profiling technology, using Rapid DNA as an example, in pre-trial investigation.&#x0D; The stated provisions and practical recommendations in the article are relevant in the context of the use of modern technologies by practical workers.

Peculiarities of the specialist's participation in the search during the investigation of appropriation, waste of property or its possession by abuse of official position

The procedural and organizational-tactical bases of the involvement of a specialist in a search in criminal proceedings on the appropriation, embezzlement of property or taking possession of it by abuse of official position are investigated. Data from official statistics testify to the low quality of investigations into official embezzlement in Ukraine. The main subjects investigating the criminal offense provided for in Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine are investigators of the National Police. Accordingly, a forensic specialist of the National Police or a forensic expert of the Expert Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is most often involved in the search in such criminal proceedings. Emphasis is placed on the mandatory participation of a specialist during the search in the investigation of official embezzlement with the aim of continuous video recording of its progress in the event that witnesses cannot participate. The factors that are guided by the investigator when determining which specialist should be involved in the search are highlighted. It was concluded that in the studied category of criminal proceedings, it is advisable to involve specialists from various fields in the search, whose functions will depend on the stages of the investigative (search) action. The joint actions of the investigator and the specialist at the preparatory, working and final stages of the search are revealed. The recommendation to involve in the search the specialist who participated in the previous procedural actions was supported. Proposals have been made to engage relevant specialists to inspect computer equipment and extract electronic (digital) information. The procedure for removing electronic (digital) information at the scene of a search in criminal proceedings on the appropriation, waste of property or possession of it by abuse of official position has been revealed. It was emphasized that in criminal proceedings under Article 191 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, specialists during a search: use scientific and technical means to identify certain objects, their hiding places; recognize the essence of objects, things, documents, examine them beforehand; provide consultation and reference assistance regarding the collection of evidence, the appointment of examinations for the identified objects; technical means are used to record the progress and results of the search.

Using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to probe artificial dye degradation on hair buried in multiple soils for up to eight weeks

The discovery of clandestine burials poses unique challenges for forensic specialists, requiring diverse expertise to analyze remains in various states. Bones, teeth, and hair often endure the test of time, with hair particularly exposed to the external environment. While existing studies focus on the degradation of virgin hair influenced by soil pH and decomposition fluids, the interaction between artificial dyes on hair and soil remains underexplored. This paper introduces a novel approach to forensic hair analysis that is based on high-throughput, nondestructive, and non-invasive surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and machine learning. Using this approach, we investigated the reliability of the detection and identification of artificial dyes on hair buried in three distinct soil types for up to eight weeks. Our results demonstrated that SERS enabled the correct prediction of 97.9% of spectra for five out of the eight dyes used within the 8 weeks of exposure. We also investigated the extent to which SERS and machine learning can be used to predict the number of weeks since burial, as this information may provide valuable insights into post-mortem intervals. We found that SERS enabled highly accurate exposure intervals to soils for specific dyes. The study underscores the high achievability of SERS in extrapolating colorant information from dyed hairs buried in diverse soils, with the suggestion that further model refinement could enhance its reliability in forensic applications.

PHASER: Perceptual hashing algorithms evaluation and results - An open source forensic framework

The automated comparison of visual content is a contemporary solution to scale the detection of illegal media and extremist material, both for detection on individual devices and in the cloud. However, the problem is difficult, and perceptual similarity algorithms often have weaknesses and anomalous edge cases that may not be clearly documented. Additionally, it is a complex task to perform an evaluation of such tools in order to best utilise them. To address this, we present PHASER, a still-image perceptual hashing framework enabling forensics specialists and scientists to conduct experiments on bespoke datasets for their individual deployment scenarios. The framework utilises a modular approach, allowing users to specify and define a perceptual hash/image transform/distance metric triplet, which can be explored to better understand their behaviour and interactions. PHASER is open-source and we demonstrate its utility via case studies which briefly explore setting an appropriate dataset size and the potential to optimise the performance of existing algorithms by utilising learned weight vectors for comparing hashes.

Forensic Audio and Voice Analysis: TV Series Reinforce False Popular Beliefs

People’s perception of forensic evidence is greatly influenced by crime TV series. The analysis of the human voice is no exception. However, unlike fingerprints—with which fiction and popular beliefs draw an incorrect parallel—the human voice varies according to many factors, can be altered deliberately, and its potential uniqueness has yet to be proven. Starting with a cursory examination of landmarks in forensic voice analysis that exemplify how the voiceprint fallacy came about and why people think they can recognize people’s voices, we then provide a thorough inspection of over 100 excerpts from TV series. Through this analysis, we seek to characterize the narrative and aesthetic processes that fashion our perception of scientific evidence when it comes to identifying somebody based on voice analysis. These processes converge to exaggerate the reliability of forensic voice analysis. We complement our examination with plausibility ratings of a subset of excerpts. We claim that these biased representations have led to a situation where, even today, one of the main challenges faced by forensic voice specialists is to convince trial jurors, judges, lawyers, and police officers that forensic voice comparison can by no means give the sort of straightforward answers that fingerprints or DNA permit.

Interdepartmental communication training for forensic medical experts

Is to identify the main communication problems encountered by forensic medical experts and specialists during the interdepartmental interaction, and to develop proposals to overcome them. A comprehensive approach was used to achieve the aim of the research, including the carrying out of a qualitative focus group interview of forensic medical experts and resident doctors. The main communicative problems have been determined and proposals for their elimination have been formulated, the types of communication trainings on interdepartmental interaction have been identified.

Forensic DNA and the importance of its application in the odontology legal: Narrative review

Forensic medicine is associated with the application of science to legal matters. One of the primary objectives of the judicial system is identifying a piece of evidence or an individual involved in a crime; forensic specialists play a critical role in this process. Legal odontology is one branch of forensic medicine and dentistry that focuses on using dentistry in the legal system. According to Interpol DVI regulations, dental features are one of the main components of identification. Consequently, the identification of unidentified human remains using dental features is one of the principal applications of legal odontology. The use of DNA as a human identifier, particularly in cases of severely decomposed, burned, or mutilated remains, has been made easier by recent developments in DNA technology and the use of saliva and teeth as sources of DNA. These developments also help to connect the criminal to the crime. In light of this, we provide a review of forensic genetics applications from the perspective of legal odontology here. In this review, results were manually extracted from articles indexed in the Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and EBSCO databases that respond to the search terms that were carried out in English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, and French. Such as Forensic DNA, forensic genetics, legal odontology, forensic odontology, and dental DNA, to describe the medical-dental management of legal odontology to date.

Regarding the issue of aquaplaning and the interaction of a car tire with the road surface through a layer of water

Problem. The process of interaction of a pneumatic tire of a car wheel with the surface of the road surface, which is covered with a layer of water, affects the safety of the vehicle movement, therefore, the assessment of the effect of aquaplaning when writing the conclusions of the auto technical examination is an actual direction of research. The study of the effect of aquaplaning will allow forensic experts and specialists in the automotive industry to make an objective analysis and form non-subjective conclusions. Goal. The purpose of the work is to determine the design parameters and operational features of the pneumatic tire, as well as the speed of the vehicle on the process of interaction of the car wheel tire with the surface of the road coating, which is covered with a layer of water. Methodology. The approaches adopted in the work to solve the set goals are based on the theory of aquaplaning, the theory of the interaction of the pneumatic tire with the road surface, the theory of the vehicle and the laws of theoretical mechanics. Results. The obtained results of the research in the form of an analysis make it possible to assess the impact of the aquaplaning effect of a pneumatic tire on road safety. It was established that the thickness of the water layer affects the conditions for meeting the requirements established by the traffic rules, since the decrease in the height of the tire tread pattern leads to unstable contact of the tire with the road surface. Originality. The results of the study provided an opportunity to get an idea of the influence of the design parameters of tires on road safety in terms of forming the conclusions of the motor-technical examination. Practical value. The obtained results can be recommended to forensic experts when writing expert opinions and for expert research

ОТДЕЛЬНЫЕ АСПЕКТЫ УЧАСТИЯ СПЕЦИАЛИСТА-КРИМИНАЛИСТА В ВЫДВИЖЕНИИ ВЕРСИЙ, ПЛАНИРОВАНИИ РАССЛЕДОВАНИЯ И РАСКРЫТИЯ ПРЕСТУПЛЕНИЙ

One of the main factors of high-quality and timely investigation and disclosure of crimes is the tactically well-organized interaction of various law enforcement agencies. The article examines the relevance of the use of special knowledge at the stage of putting forward versions and further planning of investigation and disclosure of crimes, which has not been discussed recently. The rationale is given for how and how the knowledge, experience, thinking, inner conviction of a forensic specialist or a forensic expert provide the necessary assistance in the thought process of putting forward versions and planning an investigation. Actual problems are identified, solved by using special knowledge for the purposes of putting forward versions, checking them and further planning the investigation and disclosure of crimes. Illustratively, the paper shows concrete examples of combining special knowledge with professional legal knowledge in matters of putting forward versions and planning an investigation. The concept and essence of the expert version are considered and analyzed from the standpoint of effectiveness in establishing the facts included in the subject of proof. Based on the survey of law enforcement officials, the importance of the participation of a forensic specialist in building versions and planning investigative and other actions as forensic support of the investigation is shown. The relevance of the interaction of an investigator and a criminologist in the process of disclosure, investigation and prevention of crimes is noted.

Problematic issues related to forensic examination of written language and handwriting in pre-trial investigation

The article retrospectively examines the genesis of theoretical and law enforcement issues, legislative and other regulatory frameworks relating to forensic examination of written language and handwriting with a view to improving them and further prospects for their use in forensic science and forensic examination. The genesis of the emergence and introduction of the first state, international, religious, economic and other types of documents, methods and types of their execution and registration, and the improvement of the historical documentary system in our country and the persons who could execute them in various fields of use in the country and in ensuring the vital activity of the population, as well as the mechanism of the first identification actions with this category of writing and handwriting are investigated. The role, essence and significance of written language, handwriting and documentary studies in their historical aspect in terms of formation, improvement and use in establishing and identifying the person who executed a certain document or written text are determined. Separate objectives have been identified to improve knowledge, including subculture and skills, on the detection, establishment and preparation for forensic examination of written language and handwriting by detectives, investigators, forensic specialists, experts, prosecutors, investigating judges and court personnel, taking into account the requirements of the time regarding the use by criminals of documents made both by conventional means and with the help of computer equipment, the Internet, mobile communications, as well as other modern telecommunications achievements and digitalisation of the pre-trial process. The article investigates the peculiarities of forensic methods of examination of written language and handwriting objects to be taken into account by officials who, in particular, conduct pre-trial investigation of criminal offences committed with the use of ordinary or forged written documents, handwriting forgery, and other criminal methods of their use with a view to qualitative preparation and conduct of relevant handwriting and authenticity examinations. Based on the results of the study, the author's scientific positions and ways of solving the existing problematic issues have been developed.

Examining the Continuation of Suicide Prevention in Probation System: Empirical Evidence from Europe

The policies of the vast majority of nations and jurisdictions prioritize the prevention of suicide. In an effort to comprehend and eventually prevent suicide, psychologists, social scientists and forensic specialists from a variety of disciplines have provided suicide theories to explain the characteristics that render certain individuals more susceptible to suicidal behavior than most others. This review of the international practices for the continuation of suicide prevention in probation considers risk factors for suicide in probation, how probation can provide initiatives for prevention strategies, and what is currently identified as strategies to lower suicide among persons who are on probation supervision, generating the best practices and evidence. The aim of this review is to explore how to provide suicide prevention program (SPP) to probationers and what are best international practices that ensure the continuation of the suicide prevention program after early conditional release of a prisoner. The author examines implications of findings resulted from these studies and makes suggestions for possible best practices. The programs designed to improve the mental health of at-risk offenders need to be reliable and thoroughly evaluated for effectiveness in probation. Additional services for mentally disturbed offenders need to be arranged after their release from prison in order to be reintegrated into the community. Practical implications are examined.

The misidentification of the deceased person beyond visual recognition within the pre-trial investigation: problematic issues and legal consequences

Objective. The purpose of the article is to highlight the issues of misidentification of a person within the framework of pre-trial investigation of criminal proceedings on the facts of discovery of corpses of unidentified persons which are not subject to visual identification. The author focuses on the stages and procedure for identification of a deceased person, as well as on some legal consequences of misidentification and ways to eliminate them. Methodology. The methodological basis of the study is the results of the practical experience of one of the authors of the article during his practical work in the pre-trial investigation unit of the National Police of Ukraine during 2015-2021. Results. The author concludes that it is inadmissible for investigators and experts to make mistakes in the identification of the dead in situations where identification of the body is impossible due to various factors, including force majeure, because incorrect identification of a person within the pre-trial investigation may lead to confusion in the transfer of the deceased's body to the family, incorrect execution of title documents, and other consequences that will seriously affect the fate of the deceased's family in terms of moral and material (social) security. This situation is typical for the discovery of bodies of deceased persons (military and civilian) in places of spontaneous burials, including mass graves, as a result of hostilities, temporary occupation of certain regions, which were recorded after de-occupation and stabilization measures in certain regions of Ukraine. Scientific novelty. The work of legal experts has hardly been devoted to the study of the identification of the bodies of the dead during the pre-trial investigation, partly limited to the analysis of certain rules on the legal grounds and tactics of conducting a crime scene inspection or exhumation, while forensic scientists have been more concerned with this issue. Therefore, the scientific novelty of the authors' work is based on practical developments and supported by knowledge in the field of criminal procedure and forensics, which is timely and extraordinary. Practical significance. The conducted research and analysis of the problem, supported by practical experience, will contribute to a deeper understanding of the problem of misidentification of the deceased person beyond visual recognition and acquires a recommendation content for synergy in the work of pre-trial investigation and forensic medicine specialists.