Forensic Professionals Research Articles

Deep learning approach for forensic facial reconstruction depends on unidentified skull

Facial reconstruction, or facial approximation, is an essential problem in a criminal investigation involving reconstructing a victim's face from his skull to determine the victim's identification at a crime scene. Facial approximation plays a crucial part when there is a lack of clues with investigators. Investigators utilize facial approximation to guess the victims' identities. This research attempted to use computer-aided face reconstruction rather than traditional approaches. Traditional methods of face reconstruction include the use of clay or gypsum. Traditional procedures necessitate forensic professionals to rebuild the victim's face. This research uses the convolution neural network skull part with sift (CNNSPS) model is employed to reconstruct facial features from a skull image utilizing public datasets CelebAMask-HQ and MUG500+. The proposed algorithm was tested on unidentified skull databases, and celebrity faces were used. The genuine datasets are not available, which is the key issue in this research.

Pollution Crime Scenario Reconstruction for Effective Environmental Redress

Dealing pollution cases as criminal offences requires proof beyond reasonable doubt for conviction. To meet this highest standard of evidentiary requirement, forensic professionals need to adopt the best tools and methods available to them. “Crime Scene Reconstruction” is a method adopted in traditional crimes to recreate the exact sequence of events leading to the crime from the physical evidences collected at the crime scene. This paper presents the adoption of the method of crime reconstruction to environmental crimes. All stages of traditional crime scene reconstruction, starting from recognition of physical evidence from the scene, its identification and individualization, collection of data, hypothesis formulation, it’s testing and final reconstruction are explained in the context of environmental crimes. An effective method to apply in the reconstruction of an environmental crime scene must rely on several experts of different scientific domains who are united in defining, through the search for evidences, the causal link that connects the “victim”, the “guilt” and the “perpetrator”. Often, the difficulty in such reconstruction is because the perpetrator’s motive is not really connected to environmental aspects, but only the consequential effects are revealed in the environment. However, even if the actions that caused the damage to the environment were not the real motive of the perpetrator, this does not redeem him from the responsibility of associated environmental crimes, but makes the process of reconstructing the crime more complex, especially in the search for the cause-effect relationship. The activity related to the analysis of an environmental crime scene is to be considered a situational awareness activity that aims to evaluate not only a specific action in a scene but the entire dynamics of a complex scenario. Considering the complexities that are characteristic of environmental crimes, we propose one more stage in addition to the general stages of traditional crime reconstruction, that of presenting the reconstructed scenario in a way that is easy for the legal fraternity to comprehend. Finally, the entire procedure of reconstruction is demonstrated using an actual case.

Forensic Pathology and Unnatural Death Investigations: A Systematic Review of Case Studies and Procedures

Forensic pathology plays a crucial role in investigating unnatural deaths, providing insights that influence legal and judicial outcomes. This systematic review examines case studies and procedures in forensic pathology to identify common methodologies, challenges, and trends in unnatural death investigations. By analyzing a selection of case studies across various regions and types of deaths, including homicide, suicide, and accidental deaths, this review highlights the standard forensic techniques employed—such as autopsy, toxicology, DNA analysis, and imaging technologies—and discusses their impact on case resolution. Findings indicate significant advancements in technology and methodology, yet also reveal challenges such as jurisdictional variations, resource limitations, and inconsistencies in procedure standardization. This review underscores the need for uniform forensic protocols to improve investigative outcomes and legal accuracy. Recommendations include adopting standardized practices, improving resource allocation, and encouraging further research into underexplored areas of forensic pathology. This work aims to provide forensic professionals, policymakers, and researchers with insights that contribute to the refinement of death investigation procedures and support the justice system.

Inadequate Postmortem Reports: Investigating the Underlying Factors

Postmortem reports play a vital role in forensic pathology, providing essential information about the causes of death needed for legal investigations. However, several factors undermine the quality of these reports, threatening their reliability and compromising the integrity of the judicial system. This study explores the key issues contributing to inadequate postmortem reports, such as the absence of standardized protocols, lack of adequate training for forensic staff, communication breakdowns, external pressures on forensic teams, overwhelmed laboratories with insufficient infrastructure, personnel, and equipment, and challenges in implementing new technologies. By examining these elements, the research seeks to identify opportunities for improvement to enhance the quality and accuracy of autopsies. An integrated approach is crucial for establishing standardized practices, upgrading facilities and equipment, increasing staffing and laboratory numbers, improving training for forensic professionals, and promoting better communication among all stakeholders in forensic investigations. The findings emphasize the need to address these systemic issues to produce more reliable postmortem reports, which are essential for delivering accurate forensic insights and ensuring just legal outcomes.

The Impact of Neurological Disorders on Handwriting: Implications for Forensic Document Examination

ABSTRACTHandwriting analysis is a valuable tool in forensic document examination, but the interpretation of observed findings can be complicated when individuals with neurological disorders are involved. The process of handwriting necessitates complex neuro‐muscular synchronization, which requires a much more intricate connection between the brain, muscles, and nerves than simply placing pen to paper. People with neurological illnesses, including Parkinson disease, Multiple System Atrophy, Alzheimer disease, and so on, may have trouble writing by hand. These illnesses can impair writing abilities physically and cognitively, resulting in inconsistencies or erratic handwriting that may be challenging to decipher. Because these illnesses impact a person's handwriting, it becomes challenging for document examiners to make an opinion about the handwriting of the author. A literature search was performed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases to analyze the association between neurological disorders and handwriting and their implications for handwriting analysis. This review article explores the effects of neurological disorders on handwriting. It emphasizes the importance of examining and analyzing handwriting impacted by these illnesses with care and knowledge. Document examiners, forensic professionals, and investigators must comprehend these challenges brought on by neurological illnesses. In forensic settings, specialized training, expertise, and suitable forensic handwriting examination methods (collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting) should be adopted effectively in cases that involve people suffering from neurological disorders. This review majorly focuses on the analysis and interpretation stage of the forensic handwriting examination.

Burnout and Stress in Forensic Science Jobs: A Systematic Review.

Burnout and occupational stress are significant issues among forensic professionals, impacting their well-being and job performance. This systematic review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the occupational stress and burnout experienced by forensic personnel, exploring the profound and multifaceted impact on their physical, mental, professional, and interpersonal well-being. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines using Scopus and WOS databases to search for articles published from 1 January 2000 to 31 August 2024. The search used keywords related to burnout and forensic professions. Inclusion criteria were original articles in English and French, while reviews, book chapters, editorials, and notes were excluded. A total of 10 studies were included after eliminating duplicates and excluding irrelevant articles. The review identified seven key findings. (1) High levels of occupational stress and burnout among forensic personnel necessitate effective stress management strategies and resilience training; (2) autopsy technicians in Romania experience burnout and alexithymia, particularly related to traumatic events involving children, highlighting the need for specialized support systems; (3) disparities in burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were observed in autopsy technicians and resident doctors, suggesting tailored mental health resources; (4) organizational factors, such as peer support and compensation satisfaction, significantly impact burnout and secondary traumatic stress (STS) among sexual assault nurse examiners; (5) burnout among forensic physicians, both in Romania and Egypt, is linked to personality traits, job satisfaction, and socio-demographic factors; (6) pathologists face a range of health issues, including musculoskeletal problems and psychological disorders, underscoring the need for industry-specific health measures; and (7) the lack of wellness resources for forensic professionals calls for improved mental health support and training. The findings highlight the pervasive issue of burnout and stress among forensic professionals globally. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive stress management programs, tailored mental health resources, and organizational support. Future research should focus on developing and implementing effective interventions to enhance resilience and job satisfaction within this high-stress field.

Accuracy of geometric morphometrics for age estimation using frontal face photographs of children and adolescents: A promising method for forensic practice

Age estimation is crucial in legal and humanitarian contexts. Forensic professionals may use various procedures to estimate age, including dental analysis, bone density tests, evaluation of physical characteristics including facial bone structure and development, and image-based methods. Although images are often the only material available, visual observation of photographic material is an imprecise method in age estimation, which can compromise judicial decision-making. Analyzing 4000 photographs from the Brazilian Federal Police database, representing four age groups (6, 10, 14, and 18 years), the study employed automated analysis by marking 28 photogrammetric points. Data were used to establish facial patterns by age and sex using the facial geometric morphometrics method. Performance was assessed through a Multinomial Logistic Regression model, evaluating accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity across the categorical age groups. Analyses were conducted using R software, with a 5 % significance level. The study found that facial geometric morphometrics achieved an overall accuracy of 69.3 % in age discrimination, with higher accuracy in males (74.7 %) compared to females (65.8 %) (p < 0.001). The method excelled at predicting the age of 6-year-olds with 87.3 % sensitivity and 95.6 % specificity but had lower performance at 14 years. It showed greater accuracy in distinguishing age groups with larger age gaps, achieving up to 99.5 % accuracy between certain groups, and was particularly effective in differentiating ages of 6 and 10 years in females and 10, 14, and 18 years in males. The facial geometric morphometrics emerges as a promising approach for age estimation among children and adolescents in forensic settings.

Gender Identity in Forensic Death Investigation: A Narrative Review and Suggested Guidelines for Documenting and Reporting.

In the current body of forensic literature, there is little guidance available regarding death investigations of transgender, intersex, and gender diverse individuals. An increase in the prevalence of gender diverse identifying people and the frequency in which these individuals experience a premature death makes it more likely these deaths will fall under the jurisdiction of the medical examiner's office. The inability to navigate these diverse cases due to a lack of training, education, and support may leave forensic professionals without the tools needed to accurately represent these deaths.This narrative review is intended to provide the foundational knowledge needed by forensic death investigators when investigating gender identity in death, including suggested guidelines for a more effective and empathetic death investigation. A better understanding of the implications and applications of this information when included in reports will bolster the quality and quantity of the data reported and collected. This will lead to more accurate monitoring and reporting of violent, suicidal, and homicidal deaths of transgender, intersex, and other gender diverse individuals, and a higher identification rate of unidentified remains with gender diverse markers.

Silver nanoparticles forensic uses and toxicity on vital organs and different body systems

This study aimed to investigate the forensic uses and potential toxicity of silver nanoparticles on vital organs and different body systems. A systematic review methodology was used to identify and critically evaluate the literature on the forensic uses of silver nanoparticles in different fields and to assess their potential toxicity on various vital organs and body systems. The study found that silver nanoparticles have potential forensic uses, particularly in forensic biology and forensic toxicology, but there are concerns about their potential toxicity. The study recommends further research on the mechanisms of toxicity of silver nanoparticles and the development of safe and effective strategies for their use in forensic science. The study’s strengths include its systematic review methodology and use of multiple databases, while limitations include a limited time frame and focus on English language publications. Future research should focus on investigating the potential risks of silver nanoparticle exposure for forensic professionals.

Morphometric analysis of the mastoid process using cone beam computed tomography

The sexual dimorphism of the mastoid process, as demonstrated by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), is not well examined in forensic anthropology or clinical diagnostics. The mastoid region can be precisely imaged in three dimensions using CBCT, which reveals minute anatomical variations between males and females. These characteristics can help forensic professionals identify the sex of unidentified human remains, helping to solve crimes and aid in the search for missing persons. Moreover, recognising sexual dimorphism in the mastoid process in clinical settings can help with precise patient identification and individualised medical treatments, highlighting the important function of CBCT in both the forensic and medical areas.

Fibers and Forensics : A Review of Textile Analysis in Stab Wound Cases

This paper covers the complex field of forensic textile stabbing analysis, including its past growth, methods, case studies, applications, and database use. The evaluation begins with an outline of its historical background and proceeds to examine diverse analytical techniques and equipment essential for proficient analysis. It follows the development of stab analysis from simple visual inspections to advanced instruments. The review clarifies the critical function of stab analysis in criminal investigations via the lens of case studies and academic publications. The relationship between stab analysis and other forensic specialties is also examined, with a focus on cooperation with material engineering domains. The study emphasizes the value of stab analysis in modern forensic science by demonstrating its potential. This article offers insights to improve analysis procedures and further the cause of justice, making it a useful tool for forensic professionals, advocates, and researchers alike. Through a combination of historical viewpoints, methodological developments, and multidisciplinary efforts, the review facilitates innovation in conventional forensic technology, which in turn helps to resolve complex criminal cases.

Role of Forensic Investigations in Reduction of Financial Fraud Among Commercial Banks in South Sudan

Financial fraud poses a significant challenge to the banking sector globally, including South Sudan. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of forensic investigations in mitigating financial fraud within commercial banks. Employing a mixed-methods approach and an explanatory research design, the study targeted 119 respondents and nine commercial banks. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analyses. The findings revealed a strong association between increased levels of forensic investigations and a significant reduction in financial fraud among commercial banks in South Sudan. The study emphasized the crucial role of adopting sophisticated technologies like data analytics and forensic accounting techniques, as well as implementing robust internal control mechanisms, in enhancing the effectiveness of forensic investigations. Through bolstering forensic investigation practices, not only can financial fraud be curbed, but the overall integrity and trustworthiness of South Sudan's banking sector can be enhanced. To address financial fraud effectively, the study recommended that commercial banks invest in advanced forensic investigation tools and technologies, enabling them to better detect and prevent fraudulent activities. Furthermore, enhancing the training and capacity-building of forensic professionals within these institutions was identified as a means to improve their effectiveness in dealing with fraud. Strengthening internal control systems and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability were also highlighted as vital steps. This research holds significance in informing policy and practice within South Sudan's banking sector. Through highlighting the effectiveness of forensic investigations in combating financial fraud, the study emphasizes the importance of prioritizing forensic capabilities within commercial banks. Moreover, it contributes to the existing literature on forensic investigations and financial fraud, offering valuable insights for researchers and policymakers alike

Biomechanics as support for forensic expert reports in after pedestrian-car collisions

This paper systematically explores the mechanical properties of facial and cranial bones, aiming to contribute to the understanding of brain and cervical spine injuries from a mechanical/biomechanical perspective. The research also seeks to provide insights applicable in forensic practice, bridging the gap for engineering professionals not typi-cally involved in forensic medicine. Strength and stiffness parameters of facial and cra-nial bones were utilized to analyze forces leading to fractures, proposing a simple analyt-ical approach for determining head velocity upon striking a car windshield. Experimental testing was conducted to examine defects on the windshield resulting from an impactor's crash, simulating head impacts at varying velocities. Two approaches for determining head impact velocity during pedestrian-car collisions were explored. The first, neglect-ing body deformation effects, assumes that the manikin's center of gravity moves at the same speed as the impacting vehicle, resulting in an impact velocity that is approximate-ly twice the car's speed. The second, a more realistic scenario, considers slower move-ment of the body's center of gravity, yielding an impact velocity that is about one and a half times the car's speed, with a specific angle relative to the X-axis. Calculation reveals that head impact velocity decreases with reduced windshield inclination at constant ve-hicle speed. Experimental testing with an adult head impactor monitored impact velocity, acceleration, contact time, and puncture diameter and depth on the vehicle glass. Results align closely with published data, emphasizing higher injury risk near the location of fixation of the windshield to the frame of the vehicle. In forensic investigations, the re-search findings, including newly measured or calculated parameters, offer practical ap-plications. Acknowledging simulation limitations, the study emphasizes the reliance on experimental data for a more realistic understanding. Application of knowledge in expert opinions for car crashes with injuries involves considering windshield defect dimen-sions in relation to speed, minimizing the need for revision by expert opinions. This comprehensive exploration contributes to understanding biomechanical factors influenc-ing injuries, particularly in vehicular accidents, and underscores the importance of em-pirical data in forensic practice. The proposed analytical approach and experimental insights provide valuable tools for forensic professionals and contribute to the broader understanding of injury mechanisms.

Forensic Professionals’ Stress Inventory (FPSI): Development and psychometric properties

Professionals in the justice system are particularly susceptible to occupational stress and burnout due to factors intrinsic to their profession. The Forensic Professional's Stress Inventory (FPSI) was designed to assess stress and psychological distress specifically in justice system professionals. A preliminary 41-item scale was administered to a sample of 690 forensic professionals (i.e., judges, lawyers, and attorneys). Exploratory factor analysis, exploratory structural equation modeling, and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to find the most interpretable and parsimonious factor solution for FPSI. The 25-item bifactor model (with four first-order factors) demonstrated the most adequate fit to the data. Overall, FPSI revealed adequate psychometric properties and would be a useful instrument for assessing psychological strain and stress in forensic professionals.

Exploring the Impact of Hand-Foot Syndrome on Fingerprint Persistence: A Comprehensive Review

The hand-foot syndrome, also known as Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia (PPE), is a dermatological condition associated with certain chemotherapeutic agents. From a forensic perspective, understanding the manifestations of PPE becomes crucial in cases involving drug-related exposures or poisoning. This abstract explores the dermatological aspects of handfoot syndrome, its potential forensic implications, and the importance of recognizing and documenting such findings in medico legal investigations. Additionally, the abstract discusses the relevance of PPE in establishing a link between a specific chemotherapeutic drug and its adverse effects, aiding forensic experts in determining the cause of morbidity or mortality in relevant cases. Hand-Foot Syndrome (HFS), a dermatological condition commonly associated with chemotherapy, presents a unique avenue for forensic investigation. This study endeavors to unravel the forensic implications of HFS, shedding light on its potential significance in post-mortem examinations. Characterized by erythematous and desquamative changes on the palms and soles, HFS has distinct clinical manifestations that may serve as valuable markers in forensic pathology. Our research employs a comprehensive approach, integrating dermatological analysis with forensic perspectives. Through an extensive review of case studies and medical records, we aim to establish a nuanced understanding of HFS patterns and their correlation with diverse forensic scenarios. By identifying and documenting these distinctive dermatological features, forensic professionals can potentially utilize HFS as an additional tool in their investigative arsenal. Furthermore, this study explores the temporal aspects of HFS progression, seeking to determine the reliability of its manifestation timeline in forensic reconstructions. By elucidating the chronological patterns of HFS development, forensic experts may enhance their ability to establish a timeline of events in cases involving suspicious or unexplained deaths. In conclusion, this research contributes to bridging the gap between dermatology and forensic science, offering insights into the forensic relevance of Hand-Foot Syndrome. The findings presented here aim to empower forensic practitioners with an additional layer of diagnostic precision, ultimately aiding in the pursuit of justice and accurate cause-of-death determinations.

Unveiling the Veil of Cognitive Bias in Forensic Medicine Decisions

Abstract The practice of forensic medicine and pathology, as other specialties that are based on cognitive abilities, is greatly impacted by cognitive bias. In this article, the effects of cognitive bias on forensic pathologists are emphasized with a particular focus on how opinions on different parts of death report might be distorted by irrelevant information, including the circumstances of death. The forensic professionals are encouraged to use structured methods for making decisions that give weight to medically pertinent data and reduce the impact of unimportant background information. The article promotes the development of frameworks for policies and training programs that lessen cognitive bias in the hope of improving the objectivity and dependability of forensic findings. Reducing cognitive bias in forensic medicine is essential for maintaining the credibility of forensic science as well as for ensuring that people are treated fairly in the legal system.

Exploring the Impact of Hand- Foot Syndrome on Fingerprint Persistence: A Comprehensive Review

The hand-foot syndrome, also known as Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia (PPE), is a dermatological condition associated with certain chemotherapeutic agents. From a forensic perspective, understanding the manifestations of PPE becomes crucial in cases involving drug-related exposures or poisoning. This abstract explores the dermatological aspects of handfoot syndrome, its potential forensic implications, and the importance of recognizing and documenting such findings in medicolegal investigations. Additionally, the abstract discusses the relevance of PPE in establishing a link between a specific chemotherapeutic drug and its adverse effects, aiding forensic experts in determining the cause of morbidity or mortality in relevant cases. Hand-Foot Syndrome (HFS), a dermatological condition commonly associated with chemotherapy, presents a unique avenue for forensic investigation. This study endeavors to unravel the forensic implications of HFS, shedding light on its potential significance in post-mortem examinations. Characterized by erythematous and desquamative changes on the palms and soles, HFS has distinct clinical manifestations that may serve as valuable markers in forensic pathology. Our research employs a comprehensive approach, integrating dermatological analysis with forensic perspectives. Through an extensive review of case studies and medical records, we aim to establish a nuanced understanding of HFS patterns and their correlation with diverse forensic scenarios. By identifying and documenting these distinctive dermatological features, forensic professionals can potentially utilize HFS as an additional tool in their investigative arsenal. Furthermore, this study explores the temporal aspects of HFS progression, seeking to determine the reliability of its manifestation timeline in forensic reconstructions. By elucidating the chronological patterns of HFS development, forensic experts may enhance their ability to establish a timeline of events in cases involving suspicious or unexplained deaths. In conclusion, this research contributes to bridging the gap between dermatology and forensic science, offering insights into the forensic relevance of Hand-Foot Syndrome. The findings presented here aim to empower forensic practitioners with an additional layer of diagnostic precision, ultimately aiding in the pursuit of justice and accurate cause-of-death determinations

Facing Death Anxiety: Effects of Professional Exposure To Death and Dying

Previous research has examined the relationship between exposure to death and dying and death anxiety. However, the extent to which research in this area provides a coherent body of work is unclear. To investigate varied exposures of death and dying and to reproduce findings, a measure that encompasses the range of ways in which people can be exposed is necessary. Accordingly, this study developed a new measure, the Exposure to Death and Dying Scale (ED&amp;DS), and investigated specifically how professional exposure to death and dying was related to death anxiety in high-exposure and non-exposure professions. Professional exposure is defined as exposure to death and dying in a professional setting, as opposed to in one’s personal relationships or with one’s self. The Death Anxiety Scale Extended (DAS-E) was used to provide a score for unease surrounding death. Participants (N = 468) were separated into different groups based on their profession: non-exposure professions and high-exposure professions, which consisted of 6 sub-categories: mental health professionals, the general medical field, nursing, mortuary professionals, end-of-life care, and forensic professionals. Professional exposure rates to both death and dying were calculated, as well as death anxiety scores and time spent in each profession. Non-exposure professions were shown to have lower levels of exposure than all categories of high-exposure professions. One-way ANOVA revealed that exposure (vs. non) professionals had a lower level of death anxiety. High-exposure occupations varied in levels of death anxiety. The mental health group had the highest mean death anxiety (111.52), followed by the forensic professionals (107.36), general medical field (106.66), nurses (104.79), mortuary professionals (104.60), and end-of-life carers (93.89). Although there was a trend toward a decline in death anxiety with increasing time spent in high-exposure occupations, there was also an increase in death anxiety among individuals with the longest tenure in their field, indicating that this is not a clear linear relationship. Overall, this study showed that the higher professional exposure to death and dying, the lower that individual’s reported death anxiety was, regardless of the type of exposure experienced.

D2WFP: A Novel Protocol for Forensically Identifying, Extracting, and Analysing Deep and Dark Web Browsing Activities

The use of the unindexed web, commonly known as the deep web and dark web, to commit or facilitate criminal activity has drastically increased over the past decade. The dark web is a dangerous place where all kinds of criminal activities take place, Despite advances in web forensic techniques, tools, and methodologies, few studies have formally tackled dark and deep web forensics and the technical differences in terms of investigative techniques and artefact identification and extraction. This study proposes a novel and comprehensive protocol to guide and assist digital forensic professionals in investigating crimes committed on or via the deep and dark web. The protocol, named D2WFP, establishes a new sequential approach for performing investigative activities by observing the order of volatility and implementing a systemic approach covering all browsing-related hives and artefacts which ultimately resulted in improving the accuracy and effectiveness. Rigorous quantitative and qualitative research has been conducted by assessing the D2WFP following a scientifically sound and comprehensive process in different scenarios and the obtained results show an apparent increase in the number of artefacts recovered when adopting the D2WFP which outperforms any current industry or opensource browsing forensic tools. The second contribution of the D2WFP is the robust formulation of artefact correlation and cross-validation within the D2WFP which enables digital forensic professionals to better document and structure their analysis of host-based deep and dark web browsing artefacts.

Static and dynamic predictors of forensic mental health decision-making.

In Canada, individuals found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder (NCR) fall under the supervision of a jurisdictional review board (RB) per the Criminal Code. Limited research has examined whether RB decisions balance the needs of public safety with social reintegration as intended by federal legislation. To fill this gap, the present study determined whether forensic decisional outcomes in one provincial RB system accounted for information relevant to violence risk. Study instruments included the Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI), Historical Clinical Risk Management-20 Version 3, and the Revised Violence Risk Appraisal Guide. A retrospective longitudinal design was employed to examine an NCR cohort (N = 109) that entered the RB system between 2005 and 2010 and their respective RB hearings (N = 327) until 2015. Results indicated that risk-relevant information was supplied to the RB by forensic professionals; however, key criminogenic risk and need factors as defined by the LS/CMI were absent in clinical reports. RB decisions were still strongly predicted by empirically supported risk factors linked to violent recidivism. Higher release likelihoods corresponded to a proportionally greater reliance on dynamic risk factors to enact dispositions. Forensic risk instruments are central aspects of correctional rehabilitation, and the results demonstrated their relevance to forensic tribunals. It is recommended that information from a forensic risk instrument be routinely delivered to RBs to support evidence-based decision-making. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).