Emerging Technologies For The Analysis Of Forensic Traces

This book provides a line of communication between academia and end users/practitioners to advance forensic science and boost its contribution to criminal investigations and court cases. By covering the state of the art of promising technologies for the analysis of trace evidence using a controlled vocabulary, this book targets the forensics community as well as, crucially, informing the end users on novel and potential forensic opportunities for the fight against crime. By reporting end users commentaries at the end of each chapter, the relevant academic community is provided with clear indications on where to direct further technological developments in order to meet the law requirements for operational deployment, as well as the specific needs of the end users. Promising chemistry based technologies and analytical techniques as well as techniques that have already shown to various degrees an operational character are covered. The majority of the techniques covered have imaging capabilities, that is the ability to visualize the distribution of the target molecules within the trace evidence recovered. This feature enhances intelligibility of the information making it also accessible to a lay audience such as that typically found with a court jury. Trace evidence discussed in this book include fingermarks, bodily fluids, hair, gunshot residues, soil, ink and questioned documents thus covering a wide range of possible evidence recovered at crime scenes.

The book "Technology in Forensic Science" provides an integrated approach by reviewing the usage of modern forensic tools as well as the methods for interpretation of the results. Starting with best practices on sample taking, the book then reviews analytical methods such as high-resolution microscopy and chromatography, biometric approaches, and advanced sensor technology as well as emerging technologies such as nanotechnology and taggant technology. It concludes with an outlook to emerging methods such as AI-based approaches to forensic investigations.

The field of forensic DNA analysis has grown immensely in the past two decades and genotyping of biological samples is now routinely performed in human identification (HID) laboratories. Application areas include paternity testing, forensic casework, family lineage studies, identification of human remains, and DNA databasing. Forensic DNA Analysis: Current Practices and Emerging Technologies explores the fundamental principles and the application of technologies for each aspect of forensic DNA analysis. The book begins by discussing the value of DNA evidence and how to properly recognize, document, collect, and store it. The remaining chapters examine: The most widely adopted methods and the best practices for DNA isolation from forensic biological samples and human remains Studies carried out on the use of both messenger RNA and small (micro) RNA profiling Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods for quantification and assessment of human DNA prior to genotyping Capillary electrophoresis (CE) as a tool for forensic DNA analysis Next-generation short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping kits for forensic applications, the biological nature of STR loci, and Y-chromosome STRs (Y-STRs) Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence analysis Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion/deletion polymorphisms (indels) in typing highly degraded DNA Deep-sequencing technologies The current state of integrated systems in forensic DNA analysis The book concludes by discussing various aspects of sample-processing training and the entities that provide such training programs. This volume is an essential resource for students, researchers, teaching faculties, and other professionals interested in human identification/forensic DNA analysis.

Forensic Investigation of Clandestine Laboratories, Second Edition is fully updated to address all aspects of the forensic investigation of clandestine laboratories. While, the first edition focused on the domestic clandestine manufacture of contraband substances, this edition expands the scope to more fully address the clandestine manufacture of explosives that have become a threat that is global in nature. In clandestine laboratory operations, equipment is often simple, household chemical products are utilized, and the education of the operators basic. In fact, most of the time these elements individually are perfectly legal to sell and possess. However, the combination of all these elements is what becomes the scene of illicit activity and a criminal operation. In response to the increase in use of homemade explosive mixtures by terrorists, both domestically and internationally, the section clandestine manufacture of explosives is greatly enhanced. Topics are presented in a manner which, while detailed, will not compromise the tactics, techniques, or procedures utilized by law enforcement and military personnel in their ability to combat the clandestine manufacture of contraband substances and the battle against domestic and international terrorism. Key features: • Examines tell-tale signs to look for in recognizing a clandestine lab • Outlines how to safely process the site of a clandestine lab • Details how to analyze collected evidence in the examination laboratory • Provides guidelines as to what to derive from the physical evidence • Offers specific tactics to effectively present the opinions associated with evidence that has been collected during the investigation in a written report, military style briefing or to a jury in a legal proceeding. Forensic Investigation of Clandestine Laboratories, Second Edition guides the reader through the process of recognizing these illegal manufacturing operations. Then it examines the methods as to how to compile the volume of associated evidence into a package that can be presented in a court of law, or to military commanders for decisive action. It is an invaluable resource, that will prove useful to chemistry lab technicians, forensic investigators, fire and first responder professionals, military personnel, police investigative agencies and narcotics units, and lawyer trying cases involving clandestine labs.

This book discusses new applications of technologies that have been or could be successfully employed to estimate the age of fingermarks. Determining the specific time a fingermark is deposited could become a powerful new development in forensic science and a useful application to law enforcement. This book aims to shed some light on this important and still controversial area of scientific research. The expert chapters review recent discoveries and current developments with a practical bent, focusing on prospective uses in real-world crime scenes. They take a multidisciplinary approach, featuring contributors with diverse specialties including Chemistry, Imaging Technologies, Forensic Science, Biology and Microbiology. The balanced presentation incorporates critiques on fingermark aging studies, explores the reliability of fingermarks as evidence, and discusses how the estimation of “age” can improve robustness of crime evidence. Each chapter describes a unique aspect of fingermark aging observed from a different analytical perspective: 2D imaging; 3D imaging; chemical analysis; chemical imaging; microbiome analysis; electrochemical analysis; and DNA analysis, as well as the role and application of statistics. Illustrations and graphs aid the reader in understanding the concepts being explained. Not just a compilation of techniques and methods, this book’s emphasis on practical applications and its easy-to-read style will appeal to a broad audience of scientists and criminal justice professionals alike. It will be of great interest to law enforcement, academia, and the criminal justice community; including forensic scientists, investigators, lawyers, students, and researchers. It aims to help facilitate debates in the broader community about the feasibility, convenience, and relevance of estimating the age of evidence.

This title brings forensic scientists and chemists up-to-date on the latest instrumental methods for analysing trace evidence, including mass spectrometry, image analysis, DIOS-MS, ELISA characterization, statistical validation, and others. Illustrates comparative analysis of trace evidence by both old and new methods. Explains why some newer methods are superior to older, established methods. Includes chapters on analysis of DNA, ink, dyes, glitter, gun powder traces, condom trace evidence, footwear impressions, toolmark impressions, surveillance videos, glass particles, and dirt. Discusses applications such as mass spectrometry, image analysis, desorption-ionization on silicon mass spectrometry (DIOS-MS), ELISA characterization, and statistical validation.

MODERN FORENSIC TOOLS AND DEVICES The book offers a comprehensive overview of the latest technologies and techniques used in forensic investigations and highlights the potential impact of these advancements on the field. Technology has played a pivotal role in advancing forensic science over the years, particularly in modern-day criminal investigations. In recent years, significant advancements in forensic tools and devices have enabled investigators to gather and analyze evidence more efficiently than ever. Modern Forensic Tools and Devices: Trends in Criminal Investigation is a comprehensive guide to the latest technologies and techniques used in forensic science. This book covers a wide range of topics, from computer forensics and personal digital assistants to emerging analytical techniques for forensic samples. A section of the book provides detailed explanations of each technology and its applications in forensic investigations, along with case studies and real-life examples to illustrate their effectiveness. One critical aspect of this book is its focus on emerging trends in forensic science. The book covers new technologies such as cloud and social media forensics, vehicle forensics, facial recognition and reconstruction, automated fingerprint identification systems, and sensor-based devices for trace evidence, to name a few. Its thoroughly detailed chapters expound upon spectroscopic analytical techniques in forensic science, DNA sequencing, rapid DNA tests, bio-mimetic devices for evidence detection, forensic photography, scanners, microscopes, and recent advancements in forensic tools. The book also provides insights into forensic sampling and sample preparation techniques, which are crucial for ensuring the reliability of forensic evidence. Furthermore, the book explains the importance of proper sampling and the role it plays in the accuracy of forensic analysis. Audience The book is an essential resource for forensic scientists, law enforcement officials, and anyone interested in the advancements in forensic science such as engineers, materials scientists, and device makers.

The Global Practice of Forensic Science presents histories, issues, patterns, and diversity in the applications of international forensic science. Written by 64 experienced and internationally recognized forensic scientists, the volume documents the practice of forensic science in 28 countries from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia and Europe. Each country’s chapter explores factors of political history, academic linkages, the influence of individual cases, facility development, types of cases examined, integration within forensic science, recruitment, training, funding, certification, accreditation, quality control, technology, disaster preparedness, legal issues, research and future directions. Aimed at all scholars interested in international forensic science, the volume provides detail on the diverse fields within forensic science and their applications around the world.