Police Forensic Laboratory Research Articles

The secret life of crime labs

Houston TX experienced a widely known failure of its police forensic laboratory. This gave rise to the Houston Forensic Science Center (HFSC) as a separate entity to provide forensic services to the City of Houston. HFSC is a very large forensic laboratory and has made significant progress at remediating the past failures and improving public trust in forensic testing. HFSC has a large and robust blind testing program, which has provided many insights into the challenges forensic laboratories face. HFSC’s journey from a notoriously failed lab to a model also gives perspective to the resource challenges faced by all labs in the country. Challenges for labs include the pervasive reality of poor-quality evidence. Also that forensic laboratories are necessarily part of a much wider system of interdependent functions in criminal justice making blind testing something in which all parts have a role. This interconnectedness also highlights the need for an array of oversight and regulatory frameworks to function properly. The major essential databases in forensics need to be a part of blind testing programs and work is needed to ensure that the results from these databases are indeed producing correct results and those results are being correctly used. Last, laboratory reports of “inconclusive” results are a significant challenge for laboratories and the system to better understand when these results are appropriate, necessary and most importantly correctly used by the rest of the system.

Badania gleb, wyrobów kamieniarskich i skał – wybrane przypadki opinii wykonywanych w Centralnym Laboratorium Kryminalistycznym Policji w Warszawie

Research on soils, stone products and rocks is part of a scientific discipline known as forensic geology. Among the police forensic laboratories, this type of studies are performed only at the Chemistry Department of the Central Forensic Laboratory of the Police (CFLP) in Warsaw and comprise approximately 2% of all opinions issued annually. Despite a relatively low workload in recent years, the interest of law enforcement agencies in the use of this type of analyses in the criminal proceedings is on the rise. This article presents three exemplary opinions issued in recent years at the CFLP. The first opinion relates to murder, whereby concrete slabs were used to commit the criminal act. The second is related to an agricultural machinery fire, whereby evidence included soil samples recovered at the scene and from the suspect’s clothing. The last opinion concerns the falsification of semi-finished products used for amber jewelry craftsmanship.

The Return on Investment from Rapid DNA Testing of Sexual Assault Kits

The growing queue for DNA analysis in crime laboratories has prevented the analysis from providing investigative leads as turnaround time has grown, limiting the analytical results to a confirmatory role in the courtroom. Rapid DNA technology offers an opportunity to employ an automated system for the development of a DNA profile. The Rapid DNA technology permits a police booking station to take a buccal swab obtained from an arrestee, acquire a DNA profile, and test that profile against a DNA database, all while the arrestee remains in police custody during the booking process. Rapid DNA technologies are a capital-intensive system enabling sophisticated equipment designed for operation by individuals with limited technical training to provide investigative leads with immediate support. We present the testing of rapid DNA technology in a trial program conducted by the Kentucky State Police Forensic Laboratory. The Kentucky test confirms the efficacy of the rapid DNA testing as consistent with the findings from traditional laboratory testing. The economic analysis related to testing indicates that the time saving from the rapid DNA analysis yields benefits that far outweigh the costs from the change in technology.

RESIDU PESTISIDA GOLONGAN ORGANOFOSFAT KOMODITAS BUAH CABAI MERAH (Capsicum annuum L.) PADA BERBAGAI LAMA PENYIMPANAN

PESTICIDES RESIDUAL OF ORGANOFOSPHATE CLASS OF RED CHILE (Capsicum annuum L.) ON VARIOUS STORAGE DURATIONIn order to control pests and diseases in red chili plants, farmers use pesticides was over as impact leaving residue in the chili. The purpose of this study was to determine type, dose and frequency of pesticides used by the farmers, as well as to determine the organophospate residual in chili on different storage times. This study was conducted in two phases namely survey to 10 respondent farmers in Baturiti district, Tabanan regency used questioner and treatment pilot study used different storage time from 0, 1 and 3 days samples took from Apuan Village, Baturiti, Tabanan. Class of organophosphate pesticide residue analysis conducted in Denpasar Branch Police Forensic Laboratory. The results showed dominant pesticides used was organophosphates profenofos (curacron) 60 % and klorpirifos (kaliandra) 20 %. Dose pesticides used was > 40 ml (> 4 bottle cover volume 10 ml) and > 40 gram (> 4 spoon) for tank volume 17 liter and also > 30 ml (> 3 bottle cover volume 10 ml) and > 30 gram (> 3 spoon) for tank volume 14 liter. Frequency of pesticides used by farmers on 1 plant season was 90 % more than 12 times and the other 10 % used frequency 10-12 times. Farmers do not comply dose and frequency with the pesticides used regulations. Analysis result showed that the treatment effect of different storage time is not real to organophosphate pesticide residues groupon red pepper. The average residues detected are indicating a trend with residue storage profenofos on day 0, 1 and day 3 for 1,20 mg/kg, 2,70 mg/kg and 1,37 mg/kg and the amount of chlorpyrifos residues on the storage day 0, day 1 and day 3 is 0,0027 mg/kg, 0,0039 mg/kg and 0,0021 mg/kg. Profenofos and chlorpyrifos residue content is still below the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) under the provisions of MRL profenofos on red pepper, which is 5 mg/kg and chlorpyrifos, which is 0,5 mg/kg.

Genetyka i daktyloskopia – konkurenci czy sojusznicy

For nearly hundred years, dactyloscopy - as the most effective method of human identification, was treated as the queen of all forensic examination. With the emergence of genetic analysis, particularly when a huge progress in molecular biology and genetics resulted in a more extensive scope of application of biological evidence, the rank of dactyloscopy appears to dissipate. Currently the question is whether it will be completely ruled out of practice or could be utilized alongside genetic examination. For the purpose of verification of theoretical assumptions concerning comprehensive DNA/fingerprint examination opinions and in order to identify potential mistakes which can occur in practice, the analysis of 122 comprehensive opinions from DNA/fingerprint casework examinations was carried out in relation to five police forensic laboratories in Poland in the period between 2010-2013.

Corporate Digital Incident Investigation

<p><strong>Purpose:</strong> Information and communication technology are fundamental part of most business entities. Unfortunately, use of these technologies needs to be secured, and in the case that stipulated and legal regulations are not observed, it is very important to not only recognize but also prove such actions/incidents on time. Therefore, the ability to investigate the events/incidents in organization using traces in the information systems may be key component for regulation enforcement.<br /><strong>Methodology/Approach:</strong> We propose a model for digital investigations within the organization, based on ISO standards and existing models for common digital investigations.<br /><strong>Findings:</strong> The result of our work is a model that can serve as a guide to draft procedures for digital investigations within the organization. Such a procedure should provide evidence of a quality comparable to forensic evidence.<br /><strong>Research Limitation/Implication:</strong> Our model provides an overview of the entire process and recommendations for its implementation; However, it does not provide a list of specific examination methods, because they vary depending on the case.<br /><strong>Originality/Value of paper:</strong> Most of the previously presented models for digital investigations were focused on the investigation of the police forensic laboratories. The originality of our model lies in its focus on investigations in the business organization.</p>

Penentu Jarak Tembak Berdasarkan Kerusakan Proyektil Timah Tanpa Jacket untuk Senjata Api Genggam Jenis Revolver S&W Kaliber .38 Spesial pada Target Tulang

Abstract This study aims to predict the shooting range based on damage the type of lead a projectile without jacket caliber.38 special fired from handguns kinds brand Revolver S & W caliber .38 specials. Based on the phenomenon of criminal cases of abuse handguns types Revolver and the fact that real data it was found that 8% of the amount of lead projectiles without jacket as forensic evidence, the condition has broken the deformed moderate to severe. The study was conducted at the Police Forensic Laboratory experimental method test-fired in the shooting box at short throw distance range of 0.5 to 6 meters , where the bone is positioned at the target position changes location every 0.5 meters, so the total number of shots is 12 times shot on 12 position target location, and finally obtained 12 variations of deformation projectile shot results. Stages test firing conducted through three stages as follows: 1). Phase sample preparation equipment and materials firearms, bullets and target bone. 2). Phase shooting target accurately. 3). Stages of deformation measurements and weighing projectile, arranged in the form of table data. Material samples of bullet used was the type of lead bullets without jacket caliber .38 special with technical specifications diameter of projectile 9.09 mm (real 9.05 mm), length of projectile 17.90 mm (real 18.61 mm), projectile material lead antimony, projectile weight of 10.25 grams, muzzle velocity (initial) 265 m / sec, rounded nose shape, coefficient of form C = 2, the ballistic coefficient i = 0,9 effective range or the distance accurately of 25 meters. Material samples of bone were used as target is 1694 SR veal ribs with bone hardness values (87 ± 1.5) shore, is used for the calibration test firing, a human skull age adults (≥ 35 years) with a value of hardness (78 ± 6 ) shore, is used as the target subjects of research, human ribs (costal C-3 / C-6) adult (≥ 35 years) with a value of hardness (69 ± 19.5) shore, is used as the target subjects of research. Keywords : deformation; projectiles; bones

Fires and related incidents in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (2006–2013)

Fire incidents in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, reported to the Forensic and Mechanical Engineering section of the Dubai Police Forensic Laboratory during 2006–2013 were reviewed. A detailed examination of more than 5000 incidents, representing a wide range of fire types is presented. Statistical comparisons on the type of incident and the cause and origin of the fire have been evaluated. City areas covered by each police station are also identified. The outcomes of the study indicate that more than one third of the total number of incidents involved motor vehicles and these accounted for more than half of all deliberately set fires in Dubai. A further one third of the incidents reviewed were in residential units. Electrical failures were shown to pose the highest risk of accidental fire and the Bur Dubai Police Station was the busiest in terms of fire investigation caseload.

Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of designer drugs: Hydrochlorides of metaphedrone and pentedrone

This article, written as a result of cooperation between a police forensic laboratory and an academic institution, outlines the possibility of applying single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis as an effective method of identifying designer drugs in forensic analysis. This technique allows crystalline samples to be determined with full assurance about their identity, even in the case of new substances for which no reference standards yet exist. Here, single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements of single-crystal specimens obtained from two samples were performed. Solution and refinement of the structures demonstrated that the target compounds were metaphedrone and pentedrone hydrochlorides – synthetic cathinone derivatives used as recreational stimulants. In addition to the identification of the title compounds, this paper gives a first report on their crystal structures. Once the CIF-files containing the crystal structure data of the title compounds have been deposited in the Cambridge Structural Database – the world repository of small molecule crystal structures – it will be possible to identify single crystals of the title compounds quickly on the basis of simple parameters (lattice parameters a, b, c, α, β, γ and unit cell volume). This description of the relationship between the geometrical parameters of moieties and the analysis of intermolecular interactions occurring in crystals of the title compounds extends knowledge about the synthetic derivatives of cathinone and may play a role in future studies, leading to a better understanding of their characteristic properties.

Drugs and driving: a retrospective study of the analyses of blood and urine specimens submitted to the Lothian and Borders Police Forensic Laboratory

A comprehensive review of 75 samples of both blood and urine from 72 different drivers suspected of being impaired by drugs in the Lothian and Borders Police Force, Scotland area of jurisdiction, between 1st January 1995 and 2nd May 1997, was undertaken. The police reports, analytical results and criminal conviction records relating to each of the drivers were examined. This provided useful information concerning differences in laboratory procedures and produced a profile of the average drugged driver. The average age of the drivers was 23 years. Only two females were within the sample. Drugs were found in 65 cases (86.7%). Polydrug use was found in seven cases (9.3%). The drugs found, in order of frequency, were benzodiazepines (40%), cannabinoids (24%), alcohol (16%), methadone (12%), dihydrocodeine (9.3%), ecstacy (5.3%), amphetamine (2.7%), volatiles (1.3%) and morphine (1.3%). 90.3% of the drivers had previous convictions for criminal offences and 47.2% had convictions for drugs-related offences. Recommendations concerning police and medical training are discussed with particular reference to the Drug Recognition Expert program.

PDQ—Paint Data Queries: The History and Technology Behind the Development of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Forensic Laboratory Services Automotive Paint Database

IntroductionFor more then twenty years the R.C.M. Police Forensic Laboratories have been systematically gathering chemical and colour information on automotive paints. Initial work conducted within the R.C.M.P. laboratories showed that automotive paints could be differentiated by colour, layer sequence and chemistry of the paint layers comprising each of the topcoats and the primer system. Beginning in the mid 1970s, systems for classifying this data and the storage and retrieval of the information were developed and presented in the literature.