Day 2 :
Keynote Forum
David J Dustin
Dustin Forensics, USA
Keynote: How laser scanning and hand held devices are changing scene?
Time : 09:30-10:00
Biography:
David J Dustin is the President of Dustin Forensics in Adairsville, GA. Mr. Dustin began his career in industrial automation field (robotics, programmable logic controllers, industrial laser engraving) and moved to project management. The project management phase included advanced installations of equipment at major manufacturing corporations in the US (Caterpillar, Michelin). Initially started as a hobby, he started a forensic animation company to create animations depicting/recreating everything from surgical procedures; vehicular related events (crashes) to Police involved shootings. A natural progression was to embrace 3D Laser Scanning. Since the integration of 3D Laser scanning, he has gone on to become a recognized expert in the areas of 3D Laser scanning for crime scenes as well as in the investigation of vehicular related events (vehicular homicide) working numerous high profile cases across the US. He is a certified trainer for Faro 3D Laser scanners, and is one of three forensic trainers in North America. Trainees include NCIS, US Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory (USACIL) as well as numerous Police and Sheriff’s agencies.
Abstract:
With the advent of laser scanning and the new hand held capture devices, forensic evidence capture has entered into a newrnera. Conventional capture methods and techniques are laborious and time consuming. The latest generation of 3D LaserrnScanners can capture millions of data points per seconds, scan in cramped spaces and are capable of scanning while invertedrnwhen evidence. Crime Scene Investigators and Technicians can now more accurately and quickly document scenes of all types.rnThe same technology is applicable to accident reconstruction as well and can assist in the prosecution of vehicular homicides. Thernlogical extension of Laser Scanning technology is presentation of the evidence at trial. This truly brings television’s CSI style ofrngraphics into any courtroom in the US. Evidence can be presented in a compelling, tactile manner. While the application of 3DrnLaser Scanning is relatively new to criminal prosecution, it is making significant inroads in our legal system. This presentation willrninclude case examples, capture methods as well as deliverable illustrations.
- 1.Forensic Psychology & Forensic Psychiatry
2. Forensic Toxicology
3. Forensic Engineering
4. Wildlife Forensic Science
Session Introduction
Ronn Johnson
University of San Diego, USA
Title: Workshop on Ethical Issues and forensic psychological practice using the DSM-5 Quadrant with Juvenile Fire Setting and Bomb Making
Time : 10:45-11:25
Biography:
Ronn Johnson is licensed and board certified Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in academic and clinical settings. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology. He has served as a Staff Psychologist in community mental health clinics, hospitals, schools and university counseling centers. His forensic, scholarship, and teaching interests include: Ethical-legal issues, police psychology, women death penalty, and contra terrorism.
Abstract:
Internationally, arson has become a critical forensic issue and juvenile fire setting has increasingly emerged as a significant global problem. For example, juvenile fire setting and bomb making (JFSB) is responsible for 80,000 structured fires including 300 deaths and 1.2 billion dollars in structural damage. As a public safety concern, it has garnered the attention of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, FEMA, and other law enforcement agencies. Providing care for the diverse needs of juvenile fire setters poses a clinical forensic challenge that can also involve ethical issues that must be confronted by interdisciplinary service providers (e.g., police officers, fire service personnel, mental health counselors, psychologists, probation officers, school nurses, etc.,). Clinical forensic work with JFSB is at the core of delivering culturally responsive care and these services must be consistent with recognized ethical standards. Since diagnosis is a critical part of any work with JFSB, this workshop reviews the use of the evidenced-based DSM-5 Quadrant (Johnson, 2014-2015) which was crafted specifically for work with this patient population
Eve E. Carson
Independent Researcher, USA
Title: Crime prevention belongs to everyone. Reconstructing the evidence in a cold case and the effect of external factors on crime resolution
Time : 11:25-11:45
Biography:
Eve Carson earned a BSIM from Purdue University. Eve was married to Steve Webster when his sister Harvard Graduate student. Joan Webster vanished from Logan Airport in Boston, MA on November 28, 1981. Joan’s murdered remains were recovered in Hamilton, MA in April 1990. As a member of Joan’s immediate family, Eve provides unique insight of the extended effects of violent crime and obstacles to crime resolution. The highly publicized disappearance and unresolved murder remains a topic of interest and speculation in the media and publications. Eve volunteers on a crisis line for abuse victims, and is a speaker on criminal justice and abuse topics.
Abstract:
The study reconstructs evidence in the 1981 unresolved Joan Webster murder from extensive documentation including court transcripts, police reports, FBI records, and interviews. The study required a renewal of the case from fragmented information never examined collectively. The forensic study revealed the effect law enforcement, media, and political legal systems have in the resolution of crime. Forensic research of records and evidence separated fact from widely reported speculation during and subsequent to the investigation. Findings are as important in eliminating unsubstantiated theories to refocus resources toward a fact- based resolution of the crime. Research began testing the theory promoted by the state. The state publicity named a prime suspect in January 1983. Findings in this presentation examine the evidentiary items reported in Joan’s remains are analyzed. Research regarding the alleged crime scene is a critical element in examining the case. Authorities never filed charges and never prosecuted the case. However, authorities linked other murder victims to the same suspect, and gained a conviction against the suspect for the 1979 murder of Marie Iannuzzi in July 1984. The media was effective in linking the Iannuzzi murder to Joan Webster’s disappearance. The research examined the Iannuzzi case, the representation of unsubstantiated evidence, exculpatory evidence, and documented evidence against another offender suspected of the Iannuzzi murder. Research expanded into the departments involved in both investigations. After a 2008 publication, making the same allegations, by the former prosecutor involved in the Iannuzzi murder and the Webster disappearance, the Essex country, MA DA’s office, current custodian of Joan’s case, renewed investigation of three other cold cases based on the published representations. Named victims compared to Joan Webster show no similarity in victimology. Finally, previously withheld evidence in the Joan Webster is shared for proper investigation. All crimes have fact-based answers that lead to resolution and closure for the victim, loved ones, and the broader responsibility of public safety.
David J. Thomas
Florida Gulf Coast University, USA
Title: The Aftermath of a Murdered Child: Trauma in the African American Community
Time : 11:45-12:05
Biography:
David J Thomas is a Retired Police Officer from the Gainesville Police Department. He is an Associate Professor at Florida Gulf Coast University where he teaches in the Justice Studies Program and a Senior Research Fellow for the Police Foundation in Washington D.C. He has numerous research interests, authored three books and serves as a Series Editor in Forensic Psychology for Prager Publishing. Finally, because of his research interests, role with the Police Foundation and years of law enforcement and training experience he is a nationally recognized expert in the use of force and police practices.
Abstract:
For years the African American Community has screamed that they have been victims of violent crime and the system has ignored them in essence they feels as though they have no value. The African American Community had no voice and was marginalized until acts of police violence began to be broadcast on the World Wide Web and the media. Police have described today’s survivor as “tomorrow’s suspect”. This study is an examination of the sources of violence in the African American Community; who is most likely to become a victim of gun violence, their rate of exposure and the causes; the symptoms of psychological trauma and trauma related disorders and their impact on the family and the best practices models for prevention, intervention and treatment in such cases.
Nadia Al-Kandary
Kuwait University, Kuwait
Title: Pattern of suicidal death in Kuwait
Time : 12:05-12:25
Biography:
Nadia Al-Kandary, PhD, obtained her bachelor degree in Kuwait University, Faculty of Allied Health and continue her 5th year in University of Central Florida, USA. She obtained her M.Sc degree in University of Lancashire, UCLAN, UK and her doctorate in Forensic and Investigative Science from Forensic School of in University of Lancashire, UK in 2011. She join General Department of Criminal Evidence since 1996 and she is currently assigned as chairman of Forensic Pathology Lab in Kuwait. She has undergone other Certificate and courses in various branches of forensic field. She has conducted several studies and published on diverse topics ranging from medico legal aspect of infant deaths to un-natural cause of death. Dr. Nadia was a guest speaker at the Medicolegal conference in Detroit, Michigan, USA in 2010. She was coordinating the first Forensic Medicine Conference in Kuwait in 2001 and a member of Identification project in Kuwaiti Jail and also a member of the Prison of War project.
Abstract:
This study investigated the pattern of suicide deaths in Kuwait, one of the Gulf States which incorporate a wide variety of multi-ethnic communities over a seven year period from 2003 to 2009. The effects of all demographic factors on each aspect of suicide deaths in Kuwait were studied including age, sex, marital status and nationality. Moreover, the rate of suicide deaths in the Middle East region in general was also reviewed and compared with other parts of the world. The results showed that a total of 347 deaths attributed to suicide occurred in the study period. Hanging was the most preferred suicidal mode of death in Kuwait (209, 60.2%) especially in migrant workers. Falls from heights were more common among females compared to males and this could be the easiest and most available method of deaths due to suicide especially among house maids. Markedly more non-Kuwaiti people died from all the reported methods of suicides except for suicide by the use of firearm in which Kuwaiti residents outnumbered non-Kuwaiti residents. Kuwait has the lowest rate of suicide compared to other Middle Eastern countries. The government of Kuwait needs to take strong measures to control firearms in the general population
Djillali Benouar
University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene, Algeria
Title: A post-event analysis of the El Asnam (Algeria) earthquake disaster of October 10th 1980: A forensic style approach
Time : 12:25-12:45
Biography:
Djillali Benouar is a Professor of Earthquake Engineering and Disaster Risk Management at the Faculty of Civil Engineering USTHB. He has obtained his PhD at Imperial College, University of London (England) and his Master in Stanford University, California (USA) and made his Postdoctoral studies at the University of Tokyo (Japan). He has received two international awards for his research from UNESCO and Thomson Reuters. He has published 40 publications in internationally renowned journals and has over 100 papers in international conferences.
Abstract:
This paper attempts, as a case study to investigate the causes of the El Asnam (Algeria) earthquake disaster of October 10th 1980 which occurred in the central Cheliff valley affecting a rather densely inhabited region. The main shock (M7.2) occurred without a foreshock but was followed by a long series of aftershocks during several months. It caused the loss of more than 3,000 human lives, injuring more than 8,500 and making around 400,000 homeless. It completely destroyed at least 25,000 housing units, damaged about 40,000 beyond repair and inflicted serious slight damage to 15,000 others in addition to the destruction of numerous public buildings, major stores, industrial installations, lifeline systems, transport and commercial facilities and public and hydraulic works in the whole affected zone in five wilayas (provinces). The earthquake affected all levels of economic development. The total cost of damage was estimated at US $5 billion. Disasters are increasingly being understood as ‘processes’ and not discreet ‘events’. Moreover, the causes of disasters are driven by complex engineering, socio-economic, socio-cultural and various geophysical factors. Such interacting driving factors, occurring across a range of temporal and spatial scales, combine in numerous ways to configure disaster risks. Using some selected disasters in Algeria, the dynamics of such risks and their configurations will be explored using a new forensic style approach. Indeed, it seems, the more we have learned, the more we are losing. Building on this new understanding of risks and the changes in the disaster paradigm, these give a range of new ideas and approaches emphasizing the analysis of root causes that can be employed in a new and comprehensive generation of research that associate the development of hazardous conditions including vulnerability and exposure in fundamental chains to societal processes derived from and driven by cultural, ideological, political, social and economic systems over certain periods of time. Recommendations are made of how the findings of this new research can best used to make considerable changes in policy and practice and help to transform the way the administration at all levels, think about and deals with disasters risk reduction
Judith Fronczek
VU Medical Centre, The Netherlands
Title: Wound age determination in forensic pathology and medicine
Time : 12:45-13:05
Biography:
Judith Fronczek is a M.D. working as an autopsy pathologist at Symbiant, Pathology Expert Centre in The Netherlands. She is finishing her Ph.D on new techniques in forensic pathology and autopsy pathology.
Abstract:
In forensic pathology it is not only important to determine whether skin wounds are vital or not but also to give an estimation of wound age. In the past, it was suggested that histological characteristics could classify a vital wound. For example hemorrhage, i.e. the extravasation of erythrocytes after damage of blood vessels, was postulated to represent a vital wound characteristic. Hemorrhage, however, can also occur in non-vital wounds, e.g. due to mechanical manipulation of the body. The same is true for swelling, which may occur in loosely arranged tissue, independent of wound infliction. Therefore a pure morphological description to determine a vital wound is inadequate. Immunohistochemistry of wounds has been studied extensively, especially related to inflammatory cells or extracellular matrix-associated markers. We developed a new method in order to estimate wound age in early post-traumatic vital skin wounds up to 30 minutes old by analyzing immunohistochemical expression of Fibronectin, CD62p and Factor VIII in wound hemorrhage. Furthermore we have developed a probability scoring system, analyzing morphological characteristics and extracellular matrix proteins as well as inflammatory cells and mediators that can be used to determine wound age in skin biopsies of living subjects that can be applied in forensic medicine for wound age determination.
S.P. Goyal
Wildlife Institute of India, India
Title: Gap analysis in forensics using wildlife offence case records
Time : 13:50-14:10
Biography:
Surendra P. Goyal, M.Sc. and Ph.D. (Zoology) is working with the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun 248001, India for last 27 years. He worked on a number of species ranging from Fruit bats to elephant. Dr. Goyal is Nodal Officer, Wildlife Forensic Cell of the Institute. One of the important tasks is to develop protocols for species identification which is needed in implementation of national laws and International treaties. He has initiated a research work on Panthera tigris genome: Implications in forensics” mainly to establish reference genetic database to determine geographic origin of poaching cases and has immense global signficance. He has widely traveled across world to acquire new technologies for use in developing wildlife forensics and in other issues of wildlife conservation
Abstract:
The present study was undertaken to get detailed idea of scenario of wildlife crime in different states of India by using findings derived from reviewing the documentation of wildlife offence cases (>2000) referred to the Wildlife Institute of India between 1987 and 2010. We examined entry of records of documentation including forwarding letter, sample authority letter, FIR/POR copy, Panchnama copy, Sample seal, sketch/photography of crime scene etc. Though the species involved in wildlife forensics are many as compared to that in human forensics however the steps for crime scene management remains the same. Documentation of wildlife crime is an important aspect in forensics. During the review of database, we examined issues pertaining to proper processing of wildlife crime scene. In majority of cases, documentation while forwarding of case was not complete in all aspects which affects the easier processing of the case. Even the chain of custody was poorly maintained in a few cases which is important aspect in case of wildlife forensics. Therefore, we suggest a need to establish capacity building of the forest officials for maintaining the chain of custody. We also suggest that investigating officer should put more stress to prepare and forward complete documents of case including FIR/POR copy, Panchnama, sketch/photographs of crime scene, statements of witness (if any) etc. Sample seal and sealing of case property are an important aspect that is to be kept in mind while forwarding the case property for further analysis because the proper seal ensures that evidence has not been accessed, altered or tempered during transport. In order to prevent evidence from being tempered or opened frequently, samples should be sealed in transparent polythene bag so as it can be displayed without tampering seal to meet the requirements of higher authority or media. Seizure mark should also be stamped on the list of confiscated goods along with seizure documents. We observed that before 2003, FIR/POR copies were not forwarded along with case property for analysis but with the increase in awareness through training programs, we observed proper documentation after 2004. Realizing a need of proper documentation, a new format of POR has been introduced by Madhya Pradesh Forest Department which provides almost complete details of the wildlife offence case. It is suggested that FIR/POR should have dual language i.e., regional as well as Hindi/English language for easier communication at national level. Lack of adequate capacity has been perceived as a major challenge for India’s Forest Department and other enforcement agencies engaged in curbing wildlife crime and illegal trade across the country. Additionally, protocols for wildlife crimes scene management should also be designed and distributed to law enforcement agencies across various states of India. Hence, we identify a strong need of “Training programs” in different areas of forensics especially for the forest departments especially on wildlife crime investigation and collection of evidence. We discuss areas needed for capacity building in the areas of wildlife forensics for effective implementation of wildlife protection Act and CITES
V.R.Rathod
Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories, India
Title: Forensic evidence – Cigarette Butt helped to nail accused
Time : 14:10-14:30
Biography:
Dr. V.R.Rathod has completed her Ph.D. from Mumbai University in the year 2008. She joined Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories, Government of Maharashtra, Mumbai in the year 1994. She has visited several scene of crime and assisted investigating officer in various medico-legal cases. She is one of the pioneers in establishing DNA profiling techniques in the laboratory. She has published about 10 papers in reputed national and international journals. She has also presented her work in several national and international conferences. She has organized workshops on forensic and forensic awareness week for students. She has successfully analysed several medico-legal cases by using DNA.
Abstract:
A forensic analyst routinely encounters a variety of challenging biological as well as forensic evidential samples for analysis. Many of these samples are exposed to environmental insults; hence extracting DNA from these samples is a challenge in itself. In one murder case this laboratory received cigarette butts as the only evidential sample found at the crime scene. The isolation of DNA from control cigarette butts was carried out by using different extraction methods, with varying time of exposure of the samples. DNA was quantified by Real Time PCR (RT-PCR). After the standardization of extraction method from cigarette butts, the method was applied for the case work. DNA was quantified using Quantifiler TM Kit. Amplifiable DNA was used for further processing i.e. PCR amplification and genotyping. DNA from accused blood sample was extracted using Himedia Blood Genomic DNA Extraction Kit. DNA profile generated by the cigarette butt sample was then compared with the reference sample. In the present study it was observed that saliva degrades at the lapse of time and thus the quality and quantity of DNA obtained gets affected. Besides this, depending on the habbit of holding cigarettes in the mouth, the quality and quantity of DNA gets affected.
Dalbir Singh
Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, India
Title: Extent and determinants of costs of acute poisoning in Tricity of Chandigarh - An exploratory study
Time : 14:30-14:50
Biography:
Dalbir Singh completed his MD Forensic Medicine from PGIMS, Haryana (India) in 1986. Presently he is the Professor and Head of Department of Forensic Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research. He has more than 130 research papers published in national/international journals and has actively participated in 81 forensic specialty related conferences in India & abroad. He is presently heading as President of Indian Congress of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Vice President of Indo Pacific Association of Medicine Sciences and Law; he is also the Ex Vice President of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine, Ex Vice President of the Indian society of Toxicology, Ex Secretary General, Indo-Pacific Association of Law, Medicine and Science. He has also been an Editor for Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine. He is also on the Editorial Board of most of the Indian journals & Reviewer to many international journals of the specialty of Forensic medicine/Science. Recently he has been conferred with Dr J P Modi Lifetime Achievement Award 2015 by the Indian Association of Medico-Legal Experts in recognition of his outstanding academic, clinical and research services to the specialty of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
Abstract:
Background: This study was conducted in Chandigarh, India during January 2011-December 2013. Direct, Indirect and Productivity cost of acute poisoning was estimated. The analysis was carried out with the help of IBM Statistics package (SPSS 18). Overall 1799 acute poisoning cases were studied (561 untraceable). The most affected age group was 19 to 26 years (36.2%) and 26 to 40 years (31.6%). More cases were from urban area (68.8%). Maximum victims were students (28%) and house wives (20.4%). Maximum incidence was among those from nuclear family (77.8%). Majority of victims were exposed to poisonous substances at home (82.3%). Suicidal poisoning (57.4%) was most common followed by accidental poisoning (40.3%) and homicidal poisoning (2.0%). Result: Among female victims, suicidal mode was significant more common as compared to male victims. OPC/Carbamate (41.6%) followed by therapeutic poison (29.1%) were the commonly used poison. Most common reason was sickness (21.8%) followed by accidental intake and family dispute (18.3%) each. Most common instances of time to exposure to poisonous substances was between 18-24 hours (56.9%) followed by 12-18 hours (28.3%). Out of 1126 victims of acute poisoning, 27 were brought dead cases. Total direct cost of 1099 poisoning cases on medicine expenditure was 82377.65 USD with an average cost around 74.97 USD per victim. Total travel expenditure of all the victims and or their relatives during their treatment was around 13391.03 USD of 1126 families. The average travel cost was around Rs. 11.90 USD per family. Morbidity cost: Total amount was around 94883.98 USD. The average morbidity related cost per family was around 100.14 USD. Mortality cost: The family of 84 victims, who succumbed to poisoning, spent around 63784.79 USD an average cost about 759.34 USD per family for cremation ceremony etc. The financial burden suffered by families due to death at early age/unexpected time amounted approximately 5441204 USD. The average earnings to be made by victims in their rest of life if they had survived were approximately 64776.23 USD per victim. Conclusion: The tricity had to bear a financial burden of 5695238 USD due to acute poisoning cases. During January 2011 to December 2013 each poison case resulted in 76190.48 USD losses to the society. Recommendation: There is a need to strengthen management of acute poisoning victims in EMOPD especially at peripheral hospitals.
H V Acharya
Directorate of Forensic Science, India
Title: The significance of forensic psychological profiling to unravel criminal investigation
Time : 14:50-15:10
Biography:
H V Acharya has done her doctorate in Forensic Psychological profiling from Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Gujarat, India. She has presented number of scientific papers on Forensis psychology at National conferences. She has also conducted National workshop on “Forensic Hypnosis” and has received best paper award for “Forensic psychology in Jucidiary”. Presently, she is working as Scientific officer in “Directorate of Forensic Science”, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. She has expertise in forensic techniques like psychological profiling, polygrgaph and Narco analysis test
Abstract:
In India, psychological profiling is now recognized as an upcoming area in the field of forensic psychology. The forensic psychological profile is a collection of data of consisting of crime scenes, medical reports, police records, witness statements, suspect narration and psychological findings. The various techniques of profiling has helped in the understanding and assigning the personality of the suspect involved in crime. Earlier, profiling was done by the medical fraternity followed by professional psychologists. With recent advancements in science, many different profiling approaches have made profiling a scientific technique. The forensic psychologist is trained in applying the psychological theories of crime to create a profile. This empirical research focuses on application of psychological tests and forensic techniques like polygraph test, Brain mapping test to develop the forensic psychological profile of the criminal.
Yonghao Mai
Hubei University of Police, China
Title: The development of computer forensic legal system in China
Time : 12:45-13:05
Biography:
Yonghao Mai is Postdoctoral (Criminal Law) in Wuhan University, PhD (Computer Science and Information Engineering) in East China University of Science and Technology. He is the member of Teaching Guide Sub-Committee of Computer Science and Technology of Ministry of Education. He is director of the national key laboratory of computer forensics in Hubei University of Police. He also works as adjunct Professor in Wuhan University, Renmin University of China and Zhongnan University of Economics and Law. He is a registered Computer Forensics Expert in China, and is considered as the first generation cyber-police in China. He is specialist at digital forensic and judicial expertise, law of Information Security, computer security and computer crime. He has published hundreds of research papers on national and international reputed journals. He has published eight academic monographs, and his monograph, practice on judicial expertise of digital data, has been the reference standard for judicial appraiser. He has been in the chair of International Digital Forensic and Investigation Technology Forum in 2013.
Abstract:
On Feb 28th 2005, the Resolution of National People’s Congress on the Administration of Judicial Appraisal (the “Resolution”) was issued, which boosted the reformation of Computer Forensic Legal System in China and accelerated the coordination of Computer Forensic Legal System with China’s national condition and the judicial system. China comes up methods to ensure the neutral status and independent operation of judicial experts and judicial expertise institutions, also incessantly reinforces supervision and training of them. My lecture this time will introduce the way China takes to develop and reform the computer forensic legal system, and mainly includes the following points: 1. The general concept of computer forensic legal system in China. 2. The stages of the reformation of computer forensic legal system in China, contradictions encountered during the reformation and the solutions. 3. How to become computer judicial experts in China and the rights and obligations of them. 4. How to set up and manage computer judicial expertise institutions in China. 5. The generation of judicial opinions in lawsuits. 6. How to sworn evidence on judicial opinions. 7. Case: The Judicial Expert Opinion on Nimaya-a computer virus which aims at destructing computer systems.
Berenis Gonzalez
University of San Diego, USA
Title: A multidimensional approach to assessing and treating juvenile fire setters and bomb makers
Time : 15:30-15:50
Biography:
Berenis Gonzalez is a student of psychology in the University of San Diego, USA
Abstract:
The psychological, environmental, and financial costs to our society caused by Juvenile Fire Setting and Bomb making (JFSB) have been consistently addressed through various government and research reports. Cases of JFSB are unique in that they involve multiple community services such as fire departments, school districts, juvenile justice systems, and mental health services. Due to the underlying psychological processes associated with JFSB behaviors, it is common for JFSBs to suffer from a mental health disorder. In addition, incidents of JFSB are highly diverse and vary across different age groups, settings, and motives. Unfortunately, many JFSB behaviors are often overlooked or unaddressed by mental health professionals, which increases the risk of recidivism and potential risk to public safety as a result. By understanding the behaviors exhibited by JFSBs, conducting comprehensive assessments and applying effective treatment strategies, mental health professionals can deliver appropriate services to meet the needs of each individual JFSB case
Derrick Young
University of San Diego, USA
Title: Ethical and clinical considerations for mental health professionals working with juvenile fire setters and bomb makers
Time : 15:50-16:10
Biography:
Derrick Young is a student in University of San Diego, USA
Abstract:
For quite some time, arson has become and remains a critical issue globally. More specifically, juvenile fire setting has increasingly been an issue within several communities globally. Juvenile fire setting has been known as the end result for over fifty percent of arson arrests. These individuals are responsible for 80,000 structured fires including 300 deaths and 1.2 billion dollars in property damage. This is not an issue that has been taken lightly several law enforcement agencies to include, but not limited to, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, FEMA, other law enforcement agencies, and institutions of learning. Providing care for the needs of juvenile fire setters is very important and has been to mental health providers and other social service workers. The increasing need of those that work in these particular fields is steadily increasing because this type of work is out of the scope of those in the education and law enforcement agencies. Juveniles who exhibit this type of behavior are simply at the hands of the criminal justice system sometimes without the proper care that is necessary to treat them. It is vital to provide psychological work to the young children, as well as working with families involved, in order to educate and bring about change that may be beneficial to everyone. While doing so, there are several limitations and ethical considerations that are to be taken seriously while providing treatment to the juveniles in the process. This will, if done properly, ensure that are legal sanctions are met and everyone on each side are protected legally and ethically
Mihaela Brooks
Criminal Investigative Analyst, Canada
Title: Workshop on Applying criminal and geo- profiling elements to crime scene analysis
Time : 16:25-17:05
Biography:
Mihaela Brooks is starting on 12.15.2014, the new Director of Forensic Psychology at Psychological Profiler Academy. In this capacity, Ms. Mihaela Brooks will coordinate and direct the work will involve training Psychology of Terrorism, Forensic Psychology, Psychological Autopsy course participants Psychological Profiler, being unique in Europe, founded and supported by associate Prof. dr. Ion Duvac psychologist in 2009. The new partnership enhances the international input of expertise in profiling's area, providing a significant strengthening of our community of experts in Psychological Profiler.
Abstract:
Crime scene analysis as a distinctive concept of criminal investigation is a multidisciplinary approach of analyzing and connecting the information collected from various sources derivable from the scene. Academically, there are antagonistic discussions on what crime scene analysis is and who qualifies to perform it. In the real world during the reactive investigative process of the criminal investigation, the investigator has the task to analyse the information/data, to identify, apprehend the offender and to provide evidence in the court. With regard to the analysis of data, the investigators, academics and forensic scientists – each with his/her own educational and work background – have the same goal of answering the investigative questions, but their worlds still remain disconnected and each invokes motives for the shortcomings of an investigation. There is a separation between theory, research and practice. This presentation attempts to bridge the gap between the research and methodologies used by profilers to the “on the scene” analysis of a criminal event and to improve police practices.
S P Goyal
Wildlife Institute of India, India
Title: Developing forensic protocols to identify hair and use of DNA profile data in tracking poaching of Tibetan Antelope ( Pantholops hogdsonii )
Time : 17:45-18:05
Biography:
S P Goyal, MSc and PhD (Zoology) is working with the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun 248001, India for last 27 years. He worked on a number of species ranging from Fruit bats to elephant. He is Nodal Officer, Wildlife Forensic Cell of the Institute. One of the important tasks is to develop protocols for species identification which is needed in implementation of national laws and International treaties. He has initiated a research work on Panthera tigris genome: Implications in forensics mainly to establish reference genetic database to determine geographic origin of poaching cases and has immense global significance. He has widely traveled across world to acquire new technologies for use in developing wildlife forensics and in other issues of wildlife conservation
Abstract:
Tibetan Antelope (Pantholops hogdsonii), a critically endangered antelope, is primarily restricted to the Xinjiang and Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) of China and the Ladakh region in India. Although India does not have a large resident chiru population, however small herds are reported to migrate to Ladakh during the summers and return to the high planes of TAR in the winters. The habitat of chiru in the Indian territory is north of Ladakh in the Karakoram range and Changchenmo Valley at altitudes between 3700-5500 meters above mean sea level. Over the years, the population of Chiru has declined alarmingly primarily due to poaching in Tibet for it’s prized under wool used in weaving of Shahtoosh shawls. In the present study, we describe forensic protocols to identify species from hair (guard and wool) for effective implementation of Acts and CITES using microscopic, SEM and species specific SNPs. First time we document, the genetic variation of Indian population and its relationship with other three main populations of the Tibetan antelope of China. We selected the hypervariable 248 bp control region and amplified the same in thirty samples of Tibetan antelope that were collected from the Changchenmo valley (Ladakh) and hair samples collected from seized shawls of Tibetan antelope. We retrieved control region sequences (n-53) from public domain available at NCBI. Overall nucleotide diversity (π) and haplotype diversity (h) in Indian population were 0.007 and 0.715 respectively. The overall diversity in comparison with Indian and Chinese population were found to be 0.016 and 0.936 respectively. The overall genetic distances between Indian (IND) and three population of China (Xinjiang, Xizang and Qinghai) populations is 0.02. The present study revealed that the Tibetan antelope population in India is close to Chinese population inhabiting in Xinjiang region. Published and observed haplotypes in India of Tibetan antelope were used to locate likely poaching of species for its wools
David J. Lamagna
American Forensic Technologies, USA
Title: Advances iIn microscopy and microanalysis in the field of forensic firearm examination and identification
Time : 17:25-17:45
Biography:
David Lamagna is a Forensic Scientist/Engineer, and Professional Licensed Investigator with training, education and experience in numerous areas of forensic science, engineering and investigation. He has also worked as a municipal police constable in Massachusetts on assignment for certain state agencies, and at large, investigating the whereabouts of fugitives from justice, making arrests, performing evictions, and related services. Mr. Lamagna is a licensed private investigator in several states and has worked within the law enforcement community for the last 26+/-years.
Abstract:
Forensic Firearm Examination and Identification methods and practices have not changed much since Colonel Calvin H. Goddard authored an article for the Army Ordnance entitled \"Forensic Ballistics\" in 1925 in which he described the use of the comparison microscope regarding firearms investigations. Phillip O. Gravelle developed the comparison microscope for use in firearm investigations with the assistance of Colonel Goddard in the early1920’s. An optical comparison microscope consists primarily of two relatively low powered, two-dimensional (2D) compound microscopes joined by an ocular unit or optical bridge. This permits the results of a forensic firearm examination and comparison to be viewed in a split viewing window, enabling two separate objects such as two spent cartridge cases or bullets to be viewed simultaneously. In1935 Major Julian S. Hatcher wrote his seminal treatise on forensic firearm investigations and made the first effort to codify the methods and practices employed in this forensic discipline at that time in history, in addition to predicting futuristic technological developments. Since that era of the initial development of forensic technology for this forensic discipline, very little improvement has been made to develop and apply any modern scientific practices and equipment in this field. If anything, the technology that was initially developed, and the futuristic technological develops foreseen by the aforementioned innovators have not only not been maintained and developed, there has been an actual technological decline in this forensic discipline back to the time before Colonel Goddard had worked with Phillip O. Gravelle to develop this forensic discipline into a science. However, modern metrological methods of actually measuring toolmarks, and other surface finishes have been developed into a real science over the years, and applied to other engineering disciplines that have made use of such equipment as threedimensional (3D) optical microscopes, white-light interferometers, confocal laser scanning microscopes, scanning electron microscopes, etc. The use of such equipment enables the qualified forensic scientist/engineer working as a firearm examiner to actually measure and compare in mathematical terms the threedimensional toolmark, and other surface features of interest in any forensic firearm investigation. The implementation of this well-established, and validated technology into the field of forensic firearm examination and identification is critical at this point in time as the presentation of junk science in the courtrooms in the USA has become more prevalent since the OJ Simpson case, and the development of CSI style television shows, as nontechnical lawyers, judges, and law enforcement personnel attempt to introduce what they mistakenly believe is valid science into courtroom testimony in an effort to gain convictions through the use of “modern scienceâ€. The National Research Council, and the National Academies of Sciences have in 2008 and 2009 respectively, addressed the problem of junk or pseudo science testimony in this field. Yet, the majority of practitioners in this field are nontechnical lay people that do not understand the underlying sciences of firearm and ammunition design, machining science, surface metrology, tribology, microscopy, etc., and have largely ignored the NRC and NAS reports dealing with this subject matter. The limitations of the current methods and practices employed in this forensic discipline will be analyzed and discussed, and compared to the already wellestablished and validated metrological, microscopic and microanalytical methods and practices employed by scientist/engineers working in other well-established scientific disciplines. The presentation will consist of the underlying science of the engineering aspects of firearm and ammunition design, machining science, surface metrology, topography, thermodynamics, tribology, microscopy, statistical modeling, and other relevant scientific disciplines.
Reuben Vaisman-Tzachor
Counseling Center of Santa Monica - A Psychological Corporation Santa Monica, USA
Title: Psychological assessment protocol for asylum applications in federal immigration courts
Biography:
Reuben Vaisman-Tzachor, PhD, FACFEI, DABPS, FAPA, CHS-3 obtained his doctorate in clinical psychology from California School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles in 1993. He is currently an adjunct professor of clinical and forensic psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. He is a Fellow of the American College of Forensic Examiners International, a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychological Specialties, a Fellow of the American Psychotherapy Association, and is certified in Homeland Security Level III. He has conducted studies and published on diverse topics ranging from human-animal interaction, psychological evaluations in federal immigration courts, to psychological profiles of terrorists. He owns and directs the Counseling Center of Santa Monica—A Psychological Corporation, which is a private practice organization in Santa Monica, California
Abstract:
The unique challenge posed to immigration authorities by asylum applications creates a demand for psychological evaluations to provide accurate assessment of asylum seekers and their claims of persecution. The psychological evaluation in asylum cases requires forensic psychology experts to become familiar with the terms and procedures used to adjudicate asylum applications, to understand the legal dilemmas faced by immigration authorities, and to know the standards governing the evidence provided by experts in federal courts. The protocol for psychological evaluations in asylum applications provides the court with evidence that demonstrates the validity of persecution claims made by asylum applicants and justification for the veracity of asylum seekers’ claims, based on professional psychological assessment. It calls for forensic psychology experts to maintain unbiased perspectives and avoid ethical pitfalls, as well as develop a study that considers the questions relevant to the dilemma faced by immigration authorities for each unique case. Careful selection of tools and procedures will guarantee valid information is collected, and the outcomes of evaluations and opinions that develop must be recorded in written reports, which offer clear recommendations for immigration authorities to consider.
Kanika Bell
Clark Atlanta University, United States
Title: Black boys should be indoors by dark!: Victim and offender profile myths in the United States
Time : 17:05-17:25
Biography:
Kanika Bell is a licensed Psychologist and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Clark Atlanta University and Co-Owner of A.T.L. Psychotherapy and Consulting Services, LLC. She has received her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Auburn University and she was trained in Clinical and Forensic Psychology at Wayne State University and Emory University Schools of Medicine. Clinically she provides forensic assessments such as psychosexual, parental fitness and custody and competency evaluations and treatment for sex offenders and batterers to juvenile and adult populations. She also teaches courses in Forensic Psychology, Psychopathology and Psychological Testing at Clark Atlanta University
Abstract:
The overall goal of forensic profiling is to make inferences about potential suspects using evidence from crime scenes and previous cases. Though many forensic psychologists and psychiatrists believe in the validity and utility of forensic profiles, views among the general population vary widely concerning their reliability. This study examines the contradictions between what lay persons believe and what the statistical research shows about the demographics of those most likely to commit particular crimes and those most likely to be victims of particular crimes. Further discussed are how these beliefs are resistant to change and how these attitudes often influence behavior.
Branislav Filipović
University of Belgrade, Serbia
Title: Neuroanatomical correlates of posttraumatic stress disorder. Should organic changes be involved in the definitive diagnosis
Biography:
Branislav Filipovic is a Graduate from School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia in 1986. He got his PhD degree in 1991 in Neuroradiology. In 1995 he was elected as an Associate Professor, in 1999 as an Assistant Professor and in 2006 as a Professor for Anatomy and Neuroanatomy. He finished his internship in Psychiatry in 2001 and since then he works as a Psychiatrist in Private Clinic “Katarzaâ€. For court expert of the Supreme Court in Belgrade he was established in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. He is a Consultant in County Jail Hospital. His areas of interest are the brain changes in psychiatric diseases especially PTSD and schizophrenia. He has published more than 200 references in the international and local journals.
Abstract:
Background: Studies imposing rigorous control over lifetime alcohol intake have usually not found smaller hippocampal volumes in persons with posttraumatic stress disorder. Because the majority of negative studies have used adolescent samples, it has been suggested that chronicity is a necessary condition for such findings. We have hypothesized that the volumes of hippocampus, amygdale, prefrontal cortex and the intracranial volume are reduced in the patients with PTSD and excessive alcohol intake. Patients & Methods: Study has been carried out on 54 therapies naive PTSD suffering subjects and healthy controls divided in two groups: 29 with PTSD and consequent alcoholism, 25 with PTSD but without problems of excessive alcohol intake and 25 healthy volunteers. All the patients underwent same MRI protocol and volumetric evaluation of the region of interest. Results: Only hippocampal volume appeared to be significantly reduced in patients with PTSD and alcoholism. Other differences in the volumes obtained remained to be insignificant. Conclusion: Alcohol intake definitely worsens the deterioration of the hippocampal formation in PTSD suffering patients. Hippocampus, on the first place is the structure affected by PTSD and its volume decrease indicates the severity of the illness
Biography:
As per Gay Ford, any woman who has been subjected to severe deliberate repeated demonstrable physical injury from her marital partner should be called a Battered wife. The terms “Battered wifeâ€, “Marital or Conjugal violenceâ€, “Tortured wife†or “Domestic violence†have been widely used and the related factual data and incidents are highlighted in the article. Battering syndrome refers to a clinical condition in which injuries of different duration and nature are found and rate of incidents varies with nation and culture status. Cobba, Schulte, Snell, Scott, Hanks etc have discussed similar problems in the European context. In this paper, we have highlighted this problem and its socio-cultural relation in particularly SAARC countries like India. Battering of wife is very common in India, however, women have high regard in the matrimonial bond and hence most of these cases go un-surfaced. Faith in age-old family norms, illiteracy, unemployment, old taboos and religious mythology tends to gloss over these cases. Battered wife syndrome refers to a clinical condition where wife receives deliberate, wholly inexcusable violence or injury on one or more occasions including minimal injury to severe or fatal trauma for the most trivial provocation by her husband or other members of her husband’s family. Apart from physical trauma, wife suffers from deprivation of nutrition, care and affection and may be subjected mental agony in these cases. Of the innumerable cases, two specific cases of battered wives aged 18 and 25 years were reported and interesting findings in terms of method and degree of torture are highlighted for presentation.
Abstract:
Harsh Sharma is currently the In-charge Joint Director at Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Bhopal, India. He has been serving the Government, state of Madhya Pradesh since 1982 as a Forensic Scientist helping the police in investigation of crime with over 4000 crime cases inspected including homicide, suicide, accident, arson etc. He did his Doctorate from Barkatullah University, Bhopal. He also underwent other Certificate and Diploma courses at national level institutes in various branches of his field. He has presented about 25 research papers in national & international journals, seminars, symposia etc including in Japan and UK. He was also invited as a Guest Speaker at many Universities and Police institutions in India. He has been awarded DFS Meritorious Award by the MHA, Government of India in 2005 and also won many awards and citation at the national level seminars. He is the recipient of Fellowship award by International Association of Medico-Legal Experts
Surya prakash
Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, India
Title: Role of pysical evidence in a blind murder case
Biography:
S P Sharma has completed his M.Sc. at the age of 20 years from Jiwaji University Gwalior M.P. India and crime scene studies from various prestigious Indian government institutes. He is the incharge joint director of regional forensic science laboratory Gwalior m. p. India, a premier police organization. He has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals and serving as a forensic expert for various scenes of crime units of Madhya Pradesh India and attended several national and international conferences and recipient of meritorious award from home minister government of India.
Abstract:
Physical evidence is one of the investigators most valuable possessions in pursuing the investigation to a successful conclusion. It can establish that a crime has been committed or can provide a link between a crime and its victim or a crime and its perpetrator. In this case physical evidences also help to establish crime, identification of victim and link between crime and Accused.
Rocky Edwards
Forensic Firearm & Toolmark Examiner Expert Witness for Criminal and Civil Cases, USA
Title: Bad boys doing bad things with guns
Biography:
Rocky Edwards is a Forensic Firearm & Toolmark Examiner Expert Witness for Criminal and Civil Cases
Abstract:
A discussion on how technology is used to track firearm related crimes in cities where gun crime is a huge problem. The United Nations estimates there are 850 million small arms in the world, 450 million of those small arms are in the United States. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) manages the National Integrated Ballistic Network (NIBIN). The main tool in the arsenal of the ATF is the Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS). Currently there are about 180 cities in the United States that currently use these systems.. Edwards will discuss how a program which he helped create called “GunOps†provides the ability to track all gun related activity in relation to the IBIS System. GunOps is essentially case management software for ballistics units and it is useful for managing and searching IBIS--â€related information. The program is accessible by Labs, Detectives, Patrol and Management. Edwards will cover how People, Technology and Processes play a key roll in combating gang and firearm related crimes. These processes are instrumental in bringing criminals to justice.
Joseph A. Grillo
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, USA
Title: Hot potato: A kkid’s game now played by educated adults (With deadly results)
Biography:
Grillo received a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University in April 2001. His pre-doctoral internship was with the Florida Department of Corrections, where he completed three major clinical rotations at Juvenile, Inpatient, and Central Receiving/Processing facilities. Additionally, he completed a specialty rotation at two maximum-security prisons, as well as Florida\'s Death Row. Dr Grillo was employed by the Massachusetts Department of Corrections as a correctional mental health professional as part of his postdoctoral training at the state\'s super-maximum security prison, where his duties included crisis management, psychotherapy, psychological evaluation, neuropsychological screening and program development. He also worked as a District Court Psychologist in Massachusetts where he routinely conducted a variety of forensic evaluations for the court. Currently he develops workshops in the area of correctional mental health delivery, as well as conducting Forensic Evaluations, Risk Assessments and Consultation Services to community mental health agencies that are receiving forensic populations. Dr. Grillo also teaches graduate courses in forensic psychology at Walden University.
Abstract:
In this workshop, Dr. Grillo explores a number of themes which have spontaneously arisen during his work with hospitals, correctional institutions, and community forensic transition programs while conducting Risk Assessments. During the first portion of this workshop, Dr. Grillo will discuss the process of incarceration as it relates to the “mental health and medical community.†In the second part of this workshop, Dr. Grillo will present his hypothesis of working with multiple agencies, and how “liability†has increased as a byproduct of inmate transition to the community. Systemic Risk will be addressed. The third portion of the workshop will be skill based, assisting practitioners in uncovering and protecting themselves from “deception†at the hands of other institutions (hospitals, correctional institutions, community health centers). Communication skills will be discussed, interviewing, as well as emotional intelligence and the use of micro-expressions. Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1) Become familiar with a number of themes/factors that are related to the incarceration experience. 2) Become familiar with some general treatment and transition obstacles that are inherent in the correctional and community system, and how members of both sectors should be conscious of the liability issues related to proper transition. 3) The concept of Systemic Risk will be discussed as a “possible†and toxic variable in the forensic transition process. 4) Become familiar with communication patterns, emotions, and how both influence decision making. Additionally, how forensic examiners can use techniques to uncover individual and organizational “deception†during the inmate/forensic patient transition from High Risk status to the outpatient community. 5) Learn ways that community hospitals and forensic programs can uncover deception and reduce liability.
Biography:
The author has the title of specialist in voice, post graduate in linguistics and public safety. Master\'s in linguistics area (discourse analysis). It was the prosecutor\'s office\'s technical assistant for 8 years. Now operates as a court expert and teaches courses in forensic science and criminal profiling. Instructor of the Military Police of Rio de Janeiro in the Pacifying Police Units and BOPE, discipline: Analysis of Communicative Behavior.
Abstract:
The search for the real truth is an implicit principle in Brazilian Constitutional Law. The proof in the judicial process as a means to figure confirmation of truth, and therefore it is necessary that researchers have resources to work with such evidence. In this context, it is undeniable the role of testimony. The oldest evidence, is certainly the most prone to inaccuracies, either by mistake, unintentional or malicious falsehood. That said, it is understandable why perjury is a criminal offense (Art.342, Brazilian Penal Code). Testium fides diligenter examinanda, an expression that represents the purpose of this work that reflects on the role of the forensic linguist in investigations in that it brings a challenge dates back to the origins of man\'s relationship with justice: the search for truth. In this sense it is intended to present this case to demonstrate the contribution of discourse analysis in a murder case of great repercussion in Brazil in which the recording of testimony of the principal suspect was examined on request of the police authority. This testimony was subjected to acoustic analysis of the sound wave and linguistic content and provided important information for the case
Swapnil Kishore
CriDyne, India
Title: Behavioral analysis of cyber criminal with reactive active proactive approach
Time : 15:10-15:30
Biography:
Swapnil Kishore is a Counter Terrorism Expert (Islamic Jihad and Cyber Terrorism); Criminologist (Counter Transnational Organized Crime), Cyber Security Consultant (Ethical Hacker & Cyber Forensic Expert), he is well spotted as an intellectual and a professional for more than 5 years. He has been trained under various units of Indian Government Agencies like National Crime Record Bureau, Economic Offence Wing; Central Forensic Science Laboratory and Central Bureau of Investigation. He is a Founder and leading a Consultancy firm, CriDyne to Government, Defense and LEA and Corporate sectors. Furthermore, he is also a Co-founder of Israeli Security-Intelligence and Management Consultancy firm
Abstract:
It is an interesting to cogitate, “if people are attracted towards cyber crime so easily then at what extent they can commit a crime?†Is it interconnected with the certain trait or is it simply an in-born capability of Homo sapiens irrespective of being male or female? With the increase of cyber crimes, the cyber offenders or criminals have gained shrewdly the loopholes of Cyber Acts and exploiting at best to cover their nefarious tracks. Humans are social in nature averagely in every 4 hours or so they get influenced by their surroundings. When a crime occurs, primarily it does not hold the same and previous committed crime modus operandi. Therefore, every crime scene is a dynamic, unique, decisive and analytical within itself. Likewise, the crime investigation whether in physical or cyber should always be an evolving progression rather than the set of instructions. Countering the cyber criminal is a thought provoking and challenging for the worldwide law enforcement agencies and professionals. The main challenge is to reconnoiter the situation before an offender start mapping out for an escape route
Harsh Sharma
Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, India
Title: Medico-Legal expert at crime scenes related to suspicious death
Biography:
Harsh Sharma currently the In-charge Joint Director at Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. He have been serving The Government, State of Madhya Pradesh since 1982 as a Forensic Scientist helping the Police in investigation of crime with over 4000 crime cases inspected including homicide, suicide, accident, arson etc. He did his Doctorate from Barkatulah University, Bhopal, M.P. He has undergone other Certificate and Diploma courses at national level institutes in various branches of my field. He presented about 25 research papers in national & international journals, seminars, symposia etc. including in Japan, and UK. He is a guest speaker at many Universities and police institutions in India. He has been awarded DFS Meritorious Award by the MHA, Government of India in 2005 and also won many awards and citation at the national level seminars. He is a recipient of Fellowship award by International Association of Medico-Legal Experts
Abstract:
Medico-legal expertise is crucial in death case investigations. It begins with body examination and evidence collection at the scene and proceeds with history, physical examination, laboratory tests and diagnosis – in short, the broad ingredients of a doctor’s treatment of a living patient. The key goal is to provide objective evidence of cause, timing, and manner of death for adjudication by the criminal justice system. In homicide, suspected homicide and other suspicious or obscure cases, the medico legal expert should visit the scene of the death before the body is removed. Local practice varies but any doctor claiming to be a forensic medicine expert should always make himself/herself available to accompany the police to the locus of the death. In many cases, the scene investigation can be more important than the autopsy. A thorough and complete investigation commonly leads to the proper diagnosis of the cause and manner of death prior to an autopsy. The present study highlights the role of medico legal experts at death scene for effective crime scene forensic investigation at the incident place, where they can suggest the actual facts for criminal justice system. Some of these facts may disappear when body is shifted for autopsy examination and directive tips for effective crime scene investigation applying their expertise. Interesting findings of the two cases where looks were deceptive and results were surprising would be discussed during the presentation. Such results would have been difficult to achieve if not impossible without the co-ordination and teamwork.
- Track 9: Forensic Anthropology
Track 10: Forensic Pathology
Track 11: Forensic Sociology
Track 12: Forensic Odontology
Session Introduction
Suzanna K. Taylor
University of North Alabama, USA
Title: Cultural considerations in Forensic Science
Time : 09:30-09:50
Biography:
Suzanna K Taylor has worked in Law Enforcement for nine years as a Criminal Investigator/Crime Scene Investigator with the Florence Police Department, Alabama. Her education includes undergraduate degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology from the University of North Alabama and a Master of Science degree in Justice and Public Safety from Auburn University Montgomery. She is a Full-Time Instructor at the University of North Alabama in the Department of Criminal Justice and teaches Criminal Justice courses with a special emphasis in crime scene investigation.
Abstract:
Does the cultural context of any criminal justice element ranging from the crime victim to the forensic science expert have any impact on the pursuit of justice? Is forensic science completely free of cultural adulteration? Two dimensions of the cultural consideration variable this paper focuses on are: What areas of forensic analysis need to be considered to prevent or at least diminish cultural offenses in processing crime scenes and forensic evidence and the need of forensic science professionals and organizations to adopt a consistent scientific culture in processing and analyzing evidence (particularly in DNA analysis). While many empirical sources have addressed individual criminal justice elements in the context of cultural considerations, the writers found an empirical research void that holistically addresses the spectrum of crime scene investigation and the pursuit of justice in terms of cultural considerations in forensic science. The goal of this paper is to provide the reader with an overview of culture in general and how culture impacts the pursuit of justice in the context of crime scene investigation and forensic science both negatively and positively.
Irina Perepechina
Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia
Title: Сrime stain as a complex source of forensic information: the relevance of the integrated view
Time : 09:50-10:10
Biography:
Irina Perepechina is a Professor of Department of Criminalistics of Legal Faculty of Lomonosov Moscow State University. She has both Medical and Legal education, PhD degree (1990) and Doctor of Medicine degree (2003) in Forensic Medicine (Genetic Identification). Her scientific interests focus on fo¬rensic DNA analysis, DNA evidence interpretation, DNA database, DNA phenotyping, forensic serology; legal aspects, theory and methodology of forensic science/medical law. She has more than 140 scientific publications and manuals. She is also a Member of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG), INGO; in 1995-1999-representative of Russian Federation in DNA WG of ENFSI. At the University she lectures Forensic Medicine, Criminalistics, Forensic Genetics and Forensic Science.
Abstract:
Body fluid stains are the source of diverse forensic information. They bear various information fields which can be examined by a number of methods. So, bloodstains can be explored by bloodstain pattern analysis, immunological, biochemical techniques, DNA and RNA analysis, olfactory identification methods etc. Each information field in turn consists of a number of fields of lower order which examination is done to achieve forensic objectives specific for a certain kind of information. The entire spectrum of all these studies is performed by a number of professionals having diverse narrow expertise. Under these conditions, there may be a disadvantage due loss of vision of the integrated information picture. However, such a view is necessary for the successful use of the object for crime investigation. Discussion of the examination of forensically relevant body fluid stains as whole is a subject of this work
Stephanie Giles
Thames Valley Police, UK
Title: A novel scale of time since death estimation for use by forensic investigators
Time : 10:10-10:30
Biography:
Stephanie Giles is a Crime Scene Investigator for Thames Valley Police, the largest non-metropolitan police force in the UK and a part-time Forensic Anthropology PhD student at Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom. She has been an operational Crime Scene Investigator since February 2014 and has so far examined approximately 400 crime scenes. She holds an MSc in Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology and a First Class BSc in Medical Sciences from the University of Leeds. During her MSc, she secured a research scholarship at the Anthropology Research Facility (“The Body Farm”), Knoxville, University of Tennessee. Here she developed a new method to estimate the time since death from decomposition states and conducted research utilising the William Bass Skeletal Collection. Following her Master’s, she was awarded the “Forensic Science Society Prize”, “Head of School Prize”, “Inforce Prize”, “Top Student on the Forensic Programme Award” and the “Cranfield Forensic Institute Distinction Prize”.
Abstract:
Forensic taphonomic studies conducted at decomposition research facilities such as the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (the “Body Farm”) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville have aided forensic anthropologists to develop post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation methods such as Megyesi’s (2005) point-scoring decomposition scale. However, such methods have limited use for forensic investigators who operationally encounter early to moderately decomposed remains. This paper demonstrates that the absence of adequate PMI estimation tools in the death investigation field can lead to inaccurate PMI estimations. By interrogation of 128 decomposition cases, photographs and associated death investigation reports from the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office in Pittsburgh, a novel scale of PMI estimation was developed using rigorous statistics. The resulting Giles-Harrison (G-H) decomposition scale was subsequently compared with Megyesi’s method in a blind trial utilising 10 human cadavers at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility, University of Tennessee. Preliminary findings suggest that the G-H scale was more accurate at estimating the PMI experimentally and allows forensic investigators to make a quick and reasoned PMI estimation operationally.
Narendra Nath Singh
Kothiwal dental college, India
Title: Natural dyes versus lysochrome dyes in cheiloscopy: A comparative evaluation
Biography:
Narendra Nath Singh Completed his BDS in1997 and MDS (Oral Pathology) in 2001 from R. Ahmed Dental College & Hospital Calcutta (First Dental college in India). Received first prize in Essay competition organized by INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF DENTISTS in 1996 for India- Srilanka section. He was awarded fellowship of Pierre Fauchard Academy (2006) and International College of Dentists (2011). At present he is Head of Department and P.G.Guide, Dept. of Oral Pathology, Microbiology & Forensic Odontology. He had been Executive committee member INDIAN ASSOCIATION OF ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL PATHOLOGY 2007-2009 . He is webmaster of www.iaomfp.org since 2009. Under his guidance Department of Oral Pathology, Kothiwal Dental College received four national best presentation award in national conference and convention of IAOMP IN A ROW SINCE 2009.
Abstract:
Background: Cheiloscopy is the study of lip prints. Lip prints are genotypically determined and are unique and stable. At the site of crime, lip prints can be either visible or latent. To develop lip prints for study purpose various chemicals such as lysochrome dyes, fluorescent dyes etc are available which are very expensive. Vermilion (Sindoor used by married Indian women) and indigo dye (Fabric whitener) are readily available, naturally derived and cost effective reagents available in India. Objective: To compare the efficacy of Sudan black, vermilion and indigo in developing visible and latent lip prints made on bone china cup, satin fabric and cotton fabric. Materials & Methods: Out of 45 Volunteers 15 lip prints were made on bone China cup 15 lip prints on Satin fabric and 15 on Cotton fabric, Sudan black, vermilion and indigo were applied on visible and latent lip prints and graded as good (+, +), fair (+) and poor (-) and statistically evaluated. Results: The vermilion and indigo dye gives comparable results to that of Sudan black for developing visible and latent lip prints
Kingsley Chiwuike Ukaoha
University of Benin, Nigeria
Title: Towards the design of an open source based forensic tool for IP address spoofing attacks
Time : 11:05-11:25
Biography:
Kingsley Chiwuike Ukaoha is currently a Senior Lecturer of Computer Science at the University of Benin, Nigeria and holds a PhD degree in Computer Science from the University of Benin. His research interests are in the areas of Software Engineering, Digital Forensics, E-Learning and Internet-based research. He is the Deputy Project Coordinator of the Forensics Research Group, University of Benin and Member of the following professional bodies; Association for Computing Machinery (ACM); Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the American College of Forensics Examiners Institute (ACFEI). He has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals and attended several international conferences and workshops
Abstract:
IP address spoofing attack is a process in which a user or an attacker changes his or her IP address so as to appear as someone else on the network when the victim replies it goes back to the spoofed address and not to the attacker’s real address thus making the attack’s source tracing difficult for a Forensic Investigator. A network can be polluted through a spoofed IP address. Loss of sensitive data and files, denial of service, document forgery, network poisoning and many more havoc can be caused by IP address spoofing. A network Forensic Investigator is expected to be able to identify criminal activity like IP address spoofing and the people behind the crime, open source based forensic tools can enhance the success rate of the investigator in unraveling the crime and the criminals by providing different forensic models that can be used in the development of new cybercrime investigation tools. This work seeks to introduce open source models for rapid development and building of new cybercrime solutions that can be used as forensic tools in different cases and environment. This is applicable to post-mortem investigations, live triage execution, evidence extraction from mobile devices or cloud services and evidence collection or evidence processing from a network. This framework will provide new solutions with the construction of cutting-edge forensics automation technologies to address existing problem of IP address spoofing attacks in cybercrime scenarios
Stella C. Chiemeke
University of Benin, Nigeria
Title: Framework for the development of a scalable android–based forensic investigation process on mobile devices
Time : 12:05-12:25
Biography:
Stella Chiemeke obtained her PhD in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure in 2004. She is the Director of Intellectual Property Technology Transfer Office in the University of Benin. She has published over seventy (70) research articles and presented about ten (10) scientific papers at International Conferences held outside Nigeria. She is a member of many recognized professional bodies both in Nigeria and abroad. She is a fellow of Nigeria Computer Society, (FNCS) and a member of Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN). Her research interest in the area of Software Engineering and Digital Forensics.
Abstract:
There is an increase in the need for mobile forensics because of the prevalence of mobile devices which has become a huge source of electronic evidences in cyber investigation all over the world. Digital forensics is a challenging, fast-paced but interesting field with a powerful impact on various situations. These situations could include external and internal corporate investigations, litigations, investigations of crime and crime scenes, intelligence information gathering, national and international security. Mobile forensics is arguably the fastest growing and evolving digital forensic disciplines, they offer significant opportunities as well as many challenges. Mobile device forensics is a rapidly changing field that poses challenges in trying to retrieve information. In digital investigations, forensics procedure must be followed strictly to achieve maximum result unlike what obtains in other electronic and media technologies. Most basic mobile devices have a proprietary Operating System (OS) although many of the smart phones make use of the same OSs as Computer (or a stripped-down version of the Computer-based OS). These OSs include Linux, Windows Mobile, RIM OS, Palm OS, Symbian OS, android and with the introduction of the Apple iPhone, a version of Mac OS X. Typically, phones store system data in Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory (EEPROM) which enables service providers to reprogram phones without having to access memory chips physically. The development of a scalable android-based forensic investigation process involves the standard forensic procedural way of acquisition and analysis of data from android OS based devices. This is expected to give proper understanding to a forensic examiner or security engineer of the platform and tools to be used in making successful investigation and analysis of android devices. The developed process is expected to address the rising number of attacks hitting android-based mobile devices by specifying necessary counter measures against various attacks on android-based mobile devices
Isabel Fernández Corcobado
ISForensic’s Office, Spain
Title: Microbiological chronotanatodiagnosis. The innovative way to determine the Time of Death
Time : 12:25-12:45
Biography:
Isabel C. Fernández Corcobado has completed his Ph.D at the age of 39 years from Granada University Faculty of Medicine & EEZ Research Center of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). She is the director of Innovative Science Forensic’s Office, an On-Line Service for Professionals of Forensic Sciences & Criminalistics. She has published the innovative technique of Microbiological Chronotanatodiagnosis to determine the Time of Death – as mentioned in the EurekAlert news service operated by the American Association for the Advancement of Science -, to provide with an add-in tool to the existing methods, in order to make easier to materialize the evidence in court
Abstract:
Microbiological Chronotanatodiagnosis. The innovative way to determine the Time of Death. As the result of our investigation about cadaverous decomposition and putrefaction phenomena, which is associated to human microflora and the post-mortem evolution of corporal temperature, our objective is to provide a new tool to diagnose time of death, through microbiological indicators. This is useful for Criminalists, Crime Scene Investigators or Police Forensic Services, Coroners and Medical Examiners, Medicolegal Death Investigators, Criminal Investigators or Homicide Detectives, Attorneys or Judicial Investigators and similar professionals. The results of our laboratory culture of 592 Propionibacterium acnes microbiological traces, that were taken from the skin of 40 living individuals and 29 corpses and the statistical analysis of it, using Lineal Regression, show that 97% of the variance for the variable 'hours from death' - with respect to corpses with certified time of death - may be predictable by means of the growing parameters of Propionibacterium acnes. About the crime origin of the cause of the death, our data reveal that the ratio ‘hours from death/P.acnes growing parameters’, show lower values in case of accidental deaths and higher values on natural ones. So that, in order to materialize the evidence in court, the professionals can obtain at least two basic pieces of information with this innovative tool that we offer: When the death happened? Was it an intentional death?
Gebeyehu Belay Gebremeskel
Chongqing University, China
Title: Computational forensics techniques in the era of big data: Cloud security and privacy
Time : 13:05-13:25
Biography:
Gebeyehu Belay Gebremeskel is Student at Chongqing University
Abstract:
Purpose: Managing big data security and privacy as distributed computing environments and cloud-based infrastructures are high-tech technology and challenging. It demands advancing and scientific or digital investigating methodology via augmenting forensic science and techniques. The issues are how to secure and safe users’ and cloud providers’ in the cloud ecosystem. How to use computational forensics techniques for cloud big data and its performance analysis? What improvement is needed for live analysis techniques for the better of big data applications? How to improve large-scale data analysis techniques using computational forensics? These issues are impossible to address using traditional security mechanisms which are tailored to securing small-scale static data. Conventional approaches are inadequate the use of large-scale cloud infrastructures with a diversity of software platforms, spread across large networks of computers, also increases the attack surface of the entire system. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to investigate these and other related issues to improve big data applications, security and privacy matters in the cloud systems. Method: The method is augmenting computational forensics techniques in the field of big data to demystifying cloud security and privacy challenges. It is the technique of analyzing large-scale and federated data of certain features and quantizes the likelihood that a well-known source has created it using various forensic techniques. Results: The approach is discussed the existing big data security and privacy challenges. In this research, we introduced a novel and generic methodology of computational forensics engineering and present a set of techniques that can adopt and scale up to various related issues. We are also proposing a dynamic analytic approach for feature and statistical data collection, extraction, entity clustering and validation. We also discussed in details how big data within the cloud protection and paradigm applications. Scope & Limitation: The research focused on big data technology towards cloud security and privacy using forensic techniques. The details about cloud computing architecture, applications and challenges did not include in this work. Originality: Proponents of the big data cloud ecosystem tout its vastness, flexibility and scalability as advantages for the implementation of cloud services. However, from security and privacy point of view, this can be a veritable security and privacy challenge which demands dynamic and paradigm computational forensics techniques. It is vitally essential to gather and analyze any fraud detections in terms of time, location and various computing techniques. The benefit of forensics for big data cloud security is a fundamental to establish and map computational and storage structures, which support the scope and realm of risk management. The computational forensic technique is capable and adaptable to cope with security and privacy challenges by trying to identify the tool used to generate a particular big data cloud safety. The developed computational forensics technique tool identifies one from a pool of synthesis tools that has been used to generate a particular optimized design.
Parthasarathi
Ministry of National Security, Jamaica
Title: Homicidal Asphyxia: An approach to interpret Forensic Evidence
Biography:
Parthasarathi is Consultant Forensic Pathologist, Ministry of National Security,Jamaica
Abstract:
A 74 year old man was found dead in a closet of clothes in his house. His body was tied by a car seat belt by multiple knots continued from the front of the neck through wrists, abdomen and ankles. His mouth and nostrils were covered by a plastic bag tied at the back of the neck. At autopsy examination, an oblique ligature mark was found at the front of the neck. Intense violaceous congestion was found at the face, neck shoulders and upper chest. Some abrasion marks on the chest wall and few intra muscular hemorrhagic spots were found in the intercostal muscles. Crime scene visit and judicious interpretation of the available autopsy findings revealed that the victim was killed by combined effect of ligature strangulation, traumatic asphyxia and smothering by plastic bag
Sudhir Kumar Gupta
All India institutes of medical sciences, India
Title: Forensic evaluation of Narco Test
Biography:
Sudhir Kumar Gupta is professor & head forensic medicine all India institute of medical sciences
Abstract:
The human being is capable to lie by using his power of fantasy and imagination in brain however in the practice medical science there is no way of distinguishing reality from imagination and fantasy only mere speculation or leads of facts is possible. The Narco test is based on the principle that a person is able to lie using his power of conscious brain imagination and therefore under the influence of the sedative and hypnotic drug the capacity of his imagination, fantasy to create a lie is blocked or diminished by leading the person into an altered conscious state of mind means whatever the person says in the state of trans is restricted to the facts available in his real memory or truth of brain however the use of narcotic and psychotropic drugs in Narco tests on healthy human being may lead to medical side effects and health hazards to the person and required a holistic forensic psychiatric evaluation. The paper is aiming to present the forensic psychiatric evaluation of the six accused gone under Narco test in India including the short and long duration effects and side effects of drugs used. The points which are very important for doctors in this test are Health status of person/existing disease and mental capacity along with understanding of legal consequences of statement made under the influence of drug. Forensic evaluation based on the duration of effect of drugs required by requesting agency, Medical selection of drugs, Route of administration, Quantity of drugs to be used, Medical backups for during and post test effects on the health and life its preventive/saving arrangements and the Certification of hypnosis/trans stage. In the United States of America, the New Jersey Supreme Court banned the use of Narco in Pitts. V. State for lack of scientific reliability. In India the main argument against Narco is that it is infringement of the fundamental right under Article 20 (3) of the Constitution, Narco is a tool for investigators. Since the results of the test cannot solely be used to prove the guilt of the accused, advocates of Narco analysis point out that it is not violate the right against self-incrimination. Statements made under the test have to be corroborated by further evidence
Gladys Nwokoye
University of Benin, Nigeria
Title: Forensic Accounting: An instrument for fraud prevention in Nigeria
Time : 11:45-12:05
Biography:
Gladys Nwokoye obtained her PhD in Financial Management from the University of Benin, Benin City in 2014. She is the Coordinator of Insurance Programme in the Department of Banking and Finance in the University of Benin. She has published over Twenty (20) research articles and presented about four (04) scientific papers at International Conferences held outside Nigeria. She is a member of many recognized professional bodies both in Nigeria and abroad. She is a member of Nigeria Computer Society, (MNCS) and a member of Chartered Institute of Bankers in Nigeria(CIBN). Her research interest is in the area of Financial Management and Investment Analysis
Abstract:
The ever-increasing financial statements allegations and misappropriation of assets that permeates the public and private sectors entities in Nigeria necessitates the need for forensic accounting. Forensic accounting always involves an investigation, and the mission is to ask the question: was employee or management fraud committed? What are the economic damages resulting from a fraud? How much was embezzled? What happened in a contract dispute? This is followed by testing about the answers in the court of law. It provides an understanding on the key techniques in preventing fraudulent financial reporting, understanding of the legal elements of fraud and other financial crimes, an understanding on how government accounts should be reviewed for indicators of financial fraud and other related problems, knowledge support in finance and accounting related cases of litigation terms, and necessary expert witnessing. However, forensic accounting as an emerging trend has some challenges that must be circumvented to make it more effective as an instrument for financial crimes prevention. In the light of the above, the thrust of this paper therefore is to empirically investigate the effect of forensic accounting as an instrument for checkmating financial fraud in Nigeria.
Mack S. House
Crime Scene Investigator Diver Technologist International, USA
Title: Training and accountability in Underwater Crime Scene Investigations
Biography:
Mack S. House Jr. is a Published Author in Forensic Science and considered a Internationally Reputed Expert, Speaker and Published Author in Underwater Crime Scene Investigations. Honorably discharged, after serving four years in the United States Navy. Began his career assisting Dr, Hobart Wood, M.E. Mecklenburg County, North Carolina and has continued his career by becoming a Certified Law Enforcement Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Anesthesia Technician (ASATT), Tissue Recovery Technician, All prerequisites for the ADN program, CPR Instructor, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, soul designer of a two manned submarine (ASME) certified and Surface Support Vessel (OSHA & Coast Guard).
Abstract:
The increase diver involvement in conducting underwater investigations has led to an increase in diver mortality. Inadequate training in Safe Diving protocols and operations has been one of the contributing factors regarding this concern. As an investigative team, poor training in Human Anatomy and Physiology have been not only compromised diver safety, it is responsible for critical evidence being missed or not considered. The preservation of evidence and chain of custody have also been neglected. In addition to these important facts, biological hazards have become a serious medical concern for the diver as well. Lack of training in this area compromises the safety of the diver, dive team, land based csi personnel, first responders and law enforcement officers. The growing demand for education and accountability in this unique branch of forensics has led to an increased need for certified divers in the field with extensive knowledge of Crime Scene Investigation protocols utilized by land based investigative teams. The implementation of land based protocols and procedures must be adapted for the underwater environment by substituting various methods and equipment as to provide for the best investigative procedure as humanly possible. The term “Technologist†is more definitive in that the Technologist specializes in the application of specialized diving procedures and safe diving practices as well as specific scientific knowledge and understanding. Solving both theoretical and practical problems associated with crime scene investigations and forensic science.
Biography:
S K Dhattarwal completed his MD Forensic Medicine from PGIMS, Rohtak in 1987. He is the Sr. Professor and Head of Department of Forensic Medicine, Pt B. D. Sharma, PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India. He is Medico-legal Advisor to Govt. of Haryana, India. He has published more than 27 papers in international journal and 79 in national journal and has attended a large number of international and national conferences. He is member of many professional/medical organizations and is the President of Indian Medical Association, Haryana. He is Associate Editor of Medico-legal Update – An International Journal and Editor, Haryana Medical Journal. He has recently contributed a Chapter on Disaster Management in book by Gautam Biswas
Abstract:
Forensic experts are among few whose occupational contact with cadavers exposes them to the hazard of infection, either in a controlled setting, such as a mortuary or where bodies may be damaged and tissues scattered, such as at the scene of an accident. Forensic experts, mortuary attendants, embalmers, funeral directors, and members of the emergency services handle corpses. All of these are potentially at risk of exposure to pathogenic microorganisms carried by the cadavers with which they come in contact. Infectious agents such as mould spores or lead dust are a great risk to those involved in exhumations. Infectious conditions and pathogens in the recently deceased that present particular risks in tropical countries include tuberculosis, group A streptococcal infection, gastrointestinal organisms, hepatitis B and C viruses, HIV and possibly meningitis and septicaemia due to meningococcal infection. The observance of control of substances hazardous to health regulations, use of appropriate protective clothing, transportation of cadavers to the mortuary in waterproof body bags or fiberglass temporary coffins and appropriate training of morgue and emergency staff will go a long way in protecting all who handle cadavers against infectious hazards.
Narendra Nath Singh
Kothiwal dental college, India
Title: Natural dyes versus lysochrome dyes in cheiloscopy: A comparative evaluation
Time : 10:30-10:50
Biography:
Narendra Nath Singh Completed his BDS in1997 and MDS (Oral Pathology) in 2001 from R. Ahmed Dental College & Hospital Calcutta (First Dental college in India). Received first prize in Essay competition organized by INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE OF DENTISTS in 1996 for India- Srilanka section. He was awarded fellowship of Pierre Fauchard Academy (2006) and International College of Dentists (2011). At present he is Head of Department and P.G.Guide, Dept. of Oral Pathology, Microbiology & Forensic Odontology. He had been Executive committee member INDIAN ASSOCIATION OF ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL PATHOLOGY 2007-2009 . He is webmaster of www.iaomfp.org since 2009. Under his guidance Department of Oral Pathology, Kothiwal Dental College received four national best presentation award in national conference and convention of IAOMP IN A ROW SINCE 2009.
Abstract:
Background: Cheiloscopy is the study of lip prints. Lip prints are genotypically determined and are unique and stable. At the site of crime, lip prints can be either visible or latent. To develop lip prints for study purpose various chemicals such as lysochrome dyes, fluorescent dyes etc are available which are very expensive. Vermilion (Sindoor used by married Indian women) and indigo dye (Fabric whitener) are readily available, naturally derived and cost effective reagents available in India. Objective: To compare the efficacy of Sudan black, vermilion and indigo in developing visible and latent lip prints made on bone china cup, satin fabric and cotton fabric. Materials & Methods: Out of 45 Volunteers 15 lip prints were made on bone China cup 15 lip prints on Satin fabric and 15 on Cotton fabric, Sudan black, vermilion and indigo were applied on visible and latent lip prints and graded as good (+, +), fair (+) and poor (-) and statistically evaluated. Results: The vermilion and indigo dye gives comparable results to that of Sudan black for developing visible and latent lip prints
Biography:
S.K. Dhattarwal completed his MD Forensic Medicine from PGIMS, Rohtak in year 1987. He is the Sr. Professor and Head of Department of Forensic Medicine, Pt B. D. Sharma, PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India. He is Medico-legal Advisor to Govt. of Haryana, India. He has published more than 27 papers in International Journal and 79 in National Journal. He has attended large number of International and National Conferences. He is member of many professional/medical organizations. He is President of Indian Medical Association, Haryana. He is associate Editor in Medico-legal Update – An International Journal and Editor, Haryana Medical Journal. He has recently contributed a Chapter on Disaster Management in book by Gautam Biswas
Abstract:
The physical examination of patients with injuries that have been self-inflicted deliberately is part of the routine work in clinical forensic medicine. We came across a series of cases where fractures on the skull and other injuries were present, which individually were inconclusive however when studied together revealed a startling pattern. Most of the cases showed scalp and skull injury of similar size at a similar location and attended to by specific group of doctors in a government setup or in a particular private hospital. A total of 89 cases were received from senior superintendent of police regarding the injuries and the nature along with the request to give expert opinion as early as possible
Obasohan osariemen valentine
University of Benin, Nigeria
Title: Forensic as a tool to combat rape in our society
Time : 11:25-11:45
Biography:
Obasohan Osariemen Valentine is a member of Forensic Research and Development Centre (FORDEC) Uniben in her final phase of social work degree, who during her various posting as a social worker to schools, Counseling Rehabilitation Centre and Nigeria Prisons came in contact with series of Rape cases and victim, which motivated my interest with the Abstract on Forensic as a Tool in Combating Rape in Nigeria. Currently a civil servant with the department of Orthopaedics and Trauma University of Benin Teaching Hospital Nigeria
Abstract:
Rape is considered as a major violence against women and a major global burden. The United Nation at the 57th Session of Commission on the “Status of Women†recognizing the magnitude of this problem, therefore emphasized structural productive approach to prevent violence against women and girls by strengthening multi-sectional services so as to protect the victims. This research focuses on Rape as a major violence against women and the need to urgently integrate the utilization of forensic technology to assist in identifying the culprit so that appropriate sanction will be melted out to serve as a deterrent to others and justice for the victim in question. This research analyzes the challenges often encountered in the course of integrating forensic as a tool for investigating rape cases. Methodology opens close questioner that was administered on bias basis to females and other relevant stakeholders to assess their level of knowledge of the role of forensic in rape cases. The result shows that significant numbers of the analyzed revealed fear of stigmatization and reprisal attack from the culprit and a major hindrance to victims reporting to the hospital for collection of semen and analysis in rape cases. In conclusion, there is a great need for much more advocacy and education on the role of forensic as a primary tool in investigating rape cases so as to sanction the culprit and reduce incidence of future occurrence in our society
Gregory McDonald
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, USA
Title: Introduction to post mortem change
Biography:
Gregory McDonald completed medical school in 1989 at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed an anatomic pathology residency at the Lankenau hospital followed by a fellowship in forensic pathology at the hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in conjunction with the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office. He is currently the Vice-Chairman of Bio-Medical Sciences and director of the Forensic Medicine program at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He also serves as the deputy coroner at the Office of the Coroner in Montgomery County in Pennsylvania.
Abstract:
This lecture is designed to introduce the attendees to the changes which occur to a body during the early, middle and late stages of the postmortem interval (PMI). These changes include rigor mortis, livor mortis and algor mortis. Other topics which will be discussed include the role of forensic entomology in determining the time of death and postmortem changes which can mimic antemortem trauma. The roles that temperature and environment play in the process of decomposition will also be discussed.
- Track 5: Forensic DNA Analysis
Track 6: Forenisc Chemistry
Track 7: Digital forensics
Track 8: Forensic Accounting
Session Introduction
Robert D Blackledge
Forensic Chemist Consultant, USA
Title: Symposium on The “Six Thinking Hats†Method of Removing Bias from Case Review by Robert D Blackledge, Forensic Chemist Consultant, USA
Time : 10:00-10:40
Biography:
Robert D Blackledge has received his BS (Chemistry) degree from The Citadel, Charleston, South Carolina, in 1960 and MS (Chemistry) from the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, in 1962. Before starting with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Tallahassee Crime Lab in 1971, he has worked in forensic science for over thirty years. Breaks included eleven years with the US Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory-Europe and with “Aby’s” NCIS Lab from 1989 to 2006. He is the Author or Co-Author of over fifty journal articles and book chapters. He is the Editor of “Forensic Analysis on the Cutting Edge: New Methods for Trace Evidence Analysis”, Wiley-2007
Abstract:
A case review should occur prior to closing any major criminal investigation or taking a criminal case to trial. With no preconceived notions case review should consider all aspects of the investigation, all possible motives, subjects, interpretations of the evidence and ask if there are any investigation avenues that have not been pursued or pursued to a sufficient extent. Unfortunately, we have all had the experience at meetings where one or two individuals by the force of their rank, overbearing personalities, loud voices and strong, inflexible opinions dominate the discussion. These individuals remind me of my days in the military and the often-used entry in a fitness report: “This officer is often wrong, but is never in doubt”. Such situations are totally counterproductive as far as the desired goal of a thorough and completely unbiased case review and tend to skew the group’s objective assessment of sentinel events in the criminal justice system. There is a way of conducting meetings that prevent their domination by a few individuals, guarantee participation and insure the topic under discussion is considered in an unbiased manner. This method was introduced by Dr. Edward de Bono in his book, Six Thinking Hats. The “Six Hats” are visualization tools that help sidestep the ego and provide a path to non-judgmental decision making. The six “thinking hats” are different ways of looking at an issue that has to be decided. By giving each person a role (and each person eventually playing all of the roles), the method reduces the amount of personality-based conflict, encourages more participation and gives validation to many different ways to present the question. This presentation will provide a brief introduction of the visualization tools used in the book Six Thinking Hats and how their incorporation into the “Case Review” process can minimize the likelihood of Sentinel Events.
Khalid M. Lodhi
Fayetteville State University, USA
Title: Generating human DNA profile(s) from cell phones for forensic investigation
Time : 10:55-11:15
Biography:
Khalid Mahmud Lodhi, an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Fayetteville State University (FSU). In addition, he serves as the Director of the forensic science program. Dr. Lodhi started his forensic career at ReliaGene Technologies as a Senior Scientist, where he was a member of team who worked on forensic DNA database. He then joined Indianapolis Marion County Forensic Services Agency as a forensic scientist, where he investigated over 100 criminal cases involving DNA, and testified as an expert witness. Dr. Lodhi received several scholarships and prestigious awards to receive his education and career advancements such as NUFFIC/FAO fellowship, UNESCO research fellowship, Asia 21 Scholarship, Yoneyama Rotary Scholarship, Kenan Fellowship, and Fulbright Specialist award. Dr. Lodhi’s current research interest involve (1) the identification of one or more individual(s) using Low Copy Number DNA from a touched object; (2) innovative methods of forensic education, and (3) identification of one or more individual(s) from hematophagous insects. Dr. Lodhi supervises the research of graduate, undergraduate and high school students on these projects. He is the author of several high-ranking international peer reviewed journals. He is the member of American Academy of Forensic Sciences and International Association for Identification.
Abstract:
Cell phones were used to collect human DNA. Sufficient quantity and quality of human genomic DNA was obtained from the cell phones using Quantifiler® Human DNA Quantitation Kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA). Genetic profiles were developed from the DNA on the cell phones and were compared with the reference DNA profiles from the buccal cells of the cell phone owners. Complete STR profiles were generated from 33% (N=36) of the participants’ cell phones. In addition, 28% of cell phones had partial DNA profiles matched with the cell phone owners. While, 33% of the cell phones had unknown partial or complete profiles. Four of the unknown partial profiles had more than two alleles at the STR loci indicating multiple unknown cell phone users. The Y chromosome was detected at the Amelogenin locus from the DNA profiles generated from two females’ cell phones identifying unknown male contributor(s). Our study demonstrates that DNA collected from the cell phones can be used as reliable physical evidence in forensic investigations
Robert D. Blackledge
Forensic Chemist Consultant, USA
Title: National & University laboratories: An ignored Forensic science resource
Time : 11:15-11:35
Biography:
Robert D. Blackledge received a BS (Chem.) from The Citadel, Charleston, South Carolina, in 1960 and MS (chem.) from the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, in 1962. Starting with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Tallahassee Crime Lab in 1971, he worked in forensic science for over thirty years. Breaks included eleven years with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory-Europe, and with “Aby’s†NCIS Lab from 1989 to 2006. The author or co-author of over fifty journal articles and book chapters, he is the editor of, “Forensic Analysis on the Cutting Edge: New Methods for Trace Evidence Analysisâ€, Wiley-Interscience, 2007.
Abstract:
Billions of dollars of tax payers’ money is spent every year for the operation of national and university research laboratories. This is good! It is essential that the United States maintain its edge in technology. However, as far as the examination of forensic evidence (not just research), these resources are today being ignored by the forensic science community. This is not just bad! It is extremely wasteful and does not serve justice. This presentation will examine how this situation came about, how it may be remedied, and provide examples.
Biography:
Jerry Messman earned a PhD in analytical chemistry from the University of Maryland (College Park, Maryland USA). Jerry’s professional career in analytical chemistry and metrology began with the National Bureau of Standards (NBS), and continued with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where he participated in the certification of diverse Standard Reference Material (SRM) chemical artifacts for trace metal concentrations and also optical SRM artifacts for the qualification of UV/VIS absorption spectrophotometers. As part of his current responsibilities for Stranaska Scientific LLC, Jerry also provides metrological consulting services to crime laboratories and the criminal defense legal community.
Abstract:
Metrology is an enabling infrastructural science that underscores science-based quality measurement systems in forensic chemical analysis and testing laboratories. It is an essential “rules” oriented requirement of laboratory accreditation, but if practiced from a “results” oriented perspective, even greater benefits can be derived. Chemical metrology can be the missing link in casework when trying to prove that quantitative forensic measurement data have the necessary scientific integrity and validity, and that chemical measurement results will be able to withstand intense scrutiny during courtroom testimony. A sound metrological cornerstone, and a clear understanding of metrological principles and concepts and their implementation, are essential for the successful operation of modern forensic science laboratories and their ability to earn and sustain public trust. This presentation will provide a basic introduction to metrology and its relevance to a select few of the many facets of the overall analytical measurement process. The key metrological concepts of calibration, traceability and measurement uncertainty will be described as they apply to chemical applications of quantitative forensic analysis. Examples will be presented to illustrate how knowledge and training in chemical metrology facilitates the recognition of scientific weaknesses in laboratory methods validation and instrument qualification as well as scientific deficiencies in commercial certificates for measurement standards, laboratory data and analysis reports
Irina Perepechina
Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia
Title: Forensic aspects of decision theory application to court decisions using the results of DNA analysis: Mathematical model and empirical (sociological) data
Time : 11:55-12:15
Biography:
Irina Perepechina, Professor of Department of Criminalistics of Faculty of Law of Lomonosov Moscow State University. She has both medical and legal education, Ph.D degree (1990) and Doctor of Medicine degree (2003) in forensic medicine (genetic identification). Her scientific interests focus on forensic DNA analysis, DNA evidence interpretation, DNA database, DNA phenotyping, forensic serology; legal aspects, theory and methodology of forensic science/medical law. She has more than 140 scientific publications and manuals. A member of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG), INGO «Criminalists Congress»; in 1995-1999 - representative of Russian Federation in DNA WG of ENFSI. At the University Dr. Irina Perepechina lectures forensic medicine, criminalistics, forensic genetics, forensic science
Abstract:
The decision point concerning identity of a person is inevitable irrespective of the degree of reliability of the DNA identification and, therefore, accurate decision justification is of demand. Decision theory develops formal models of rational decision making under incomplete information and provides solid ground to recommendations on forensic DNA identification use in legal studies, as suggested by Goubko and Perepechina (2001). We report a revised model of forensic aspects of decision theory application to court decisions based on DNA information (conditionally assuming that the court's decision on a particular criminal case depends directly on the results of the DNA analysis). The refined mathematical model employs hypothesis of the rational behavior to reveal factors influencing decision-making, and to study border probability values, which can be assessed as sufficient for the judgment. The key element of the model is the empiric adoption the level of type I vs type II judgment errors by the society. Our analysis shows that under realistic values of model parameters contemporary DNA analysis methods provide enough level of reliability of DNA identification. To identify the model we develop a questionnaire and execute a poll.
P A Sermon
Nanomaterials Laboratory, UK
Title: Design of forensic nano-taggants with an unmistakable fingerprint
Time : 12:15-12:35
Biography:
Paul Sermon was a Professor of Chemistry at Brunel University and Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Surrey. He is now Professor of Nanomaterials at Brunel University where he has an active research group optimising nanomaterials for catalytic, medical and energy applications
Abstract:
Selected functionalised markers, tags and taggants with unmistakable fingerprints and useful optical, colorimetric and fluorometric properties can be incorporated into products and packaging to prevent and detect fraud or counterfeiting. They are forensically useful for banknotes, textiles, inks, cigarettes, spirits, medicines, pharmaceuticals, fuels, automotive parts and consumer goods. It is claimed that they have not been counterfeited and do not affect the product specification or introduce adulteration. They can also be used to define environmental forensics or explosive traceability. Some taggants are molecular (example volatiles for inclusion in illicit drugs); others are microscopic nanoengineered particles. These can be multi-layered, bar coded or emit from the UV to the IR. In these entire applications one requires taggant uniqueness and detectability. We describe here microscopic uniquely-labelled forensic taggants with tightly-defined compositions, a forensically-recognizable morphology, an optical response and tuneable transferability. We outline their use in forensic coatings to deter gun crime
Andrew Blyth
University of South Wales, UK
Title: Solid State Drives & USB Technology: The Challenges that we Face for Data-Recovery and Computer Forensics
Time : 12:35-12:55
Biography:
Professor Andrew Blyth completed his PhD in 1995 from the Computing Laboratory at Newcastle University, UK. He is the director of the Information Security Research Group at the University of South Wales, UK. He has published more than 30 conference/journal papers in the areas of computer network defence and computer forensics
Abstract:
Increasing Solid State Drives (SSD) and USB technology are being used in everything from Laptop, Tables, Washing Machines and Car Management Systems (CMS). The growth in the Internet of Things (IoT) is driving the utilization of SSD/USB technology into an increasingly wide variety of platforms. Within this paper we will explore the forensic and data recovery challenges that we now facing with current SSD/USB technology. In particular, attention will be paid to the security mechanism that SSD/USB technologies are utilizing to secure data from unwarranted tampering and modification. We will examine the driving factors that are driving the adoption of such technology and explore various strategies that we can utilize to mitigate such protection mechanisms. Finally within the paper we will explore various approaches that a forensic/data recovery analyst can utilize to extract data from SSD/USB devices even if physically damaged
Hiba Mohammed Ali Babiker
Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Germany
Title: Genetic diversity and population structure of populations from Sudan based on 15 autosomal markers
Time : 13:40-14:00
Biography:
Hiba is a postdoctoral fellow at Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology since October 2014. She completed her doctorate degree in 2014 from Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön and Christian Albrechts University in Kiel, Germany. She earned her M.Sc. degree in biology from Uppsala University in Sweden in 2010. Prior to her masters she worked at the forensic Laboratory in Khartoum, Sudan as a Forensic DNA Analyst for the period 2003-2008. She obtained her B.Sc. degree in Cell and Molecular Biology from United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates in 2002.
Abstract:
Studies of genetic variation in African populations have gained attention since evidence from both archeology and genetics confirmed that the genetic diversity in African populations is the highest compared to populations in other continents. Sudan is located in northeastern Africa, with substantial ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity. It forms a major part of the Nile valley which is hypothesized to be a way out of Africa for human migrations. We sampled 498 individuals from 18 Sudanese populations representing different ethnic and linguistic groups and typed them using the 15 Identifiler microsatellite markers. The combined power of exclusion (PE) was 0.9999981, and the combined match probability was 1 in 7.4×1017. The genotype data from the Sudanese populations was combined with previously published genotype data from Egypt, Somalia and the Karamoja population from Uganda. The Somali population stands out genetically from the other northeast African populations. Individuals from northern Sudan showed similar clustering pattern as those from Egypt, and individuals from southern Sudan clustered with those from the Karamoja population. We conclude that the combination of the 15 STR loci is a useful and powerful tool for personal identification and parentage analysis in Sudan despite the levels of population structure. However, a larger set of markers is recommended for the detection of fine-scale population structure. Most of the genetic variation was observed within populations and the genetic difference between linguistic and geographic groups was not great, but it seems that, in Sudan, geography plays an important role in determining differences between the populations
Marcelo Firmino de Oliveira
Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Brasil
Title: Voltammetric detection of LSD using a chemically modified carbon paste electrode with Schiff base complex
Time : 14:00-14:20
Biography:
Marcelo Firmino de Oliveira has completed his PhD in analytical chemistry at the age of 30 years from Universidade Estadual Paulista – Instituto de Química, Brazil. He is a Professor of Analytical Chemistry at Universidade de São Paulo – Departamento de Química - FFCLRP, Brazil. He has published 50 papers in reputed journals. His workgroup has three master students, and four postdoctoral students.
Abstract:
The consumption of LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) continues to rise in Latin America, especially in Colombia and Brazil, according to the World Drug Report of 2014. Despite of various studies in the electrochemical detection for seized drugs, like cocaine, there is only one work about voltammetric detection of LSD in the literature. It is important to highlight the specificity obtained in this analytical technique through chemical modification in electrode surface. This study proposes a methodology with chemically modified carbon paste electrode using a Schiff base complex, [UO2(Ac-ophen)]•H2O, for voltammetric detection of LSD. The experimental procedure was carried out mixing graphite powder, modifier and paraffin (40:20:40/m:m) in an easy and fast way. We analyzed LSD by Differential Pulse Voltammetry, which is known by its high sensitivity for the analyte. The use of an aqueous system for the analyses is an innovation, so is the new application of this Schiff complex. For a potential range from -1.5 to 1.5 V in a scan rate of 10 mV s-1, there is an oxidation current peak related to a reaction between the modifier and the drug. After the optimization of all the experimental parameters, we constructed an analytical curve using the standard addition of LSD. The linear correlation coefficient was 0.992 and the values obtained for limits of detection and quantification were 168.2 and 559.5 ng mL-1, respectively. The results indicate this methodology is suitable for analyses in trace levels of LSD in seized samples.
V.R.Rathod
Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories, India
Title: Identification of a missing person from small naturally preserve blood stain detected on stone
Time : 14:20-14:40
Biography:
Dr. V.R.Rathod has completed her Ph.D. from Mumbai University in the year 2008. She joined Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratories, Government of Maharashtra, Mumbai in the year 1994. She has visited several scene of crime and assisted investigating officer in various medico-legal cases. She is one of the pioneers in establishing DNA profiling techniques in the laboratory. She has published about 10 papers in reputed national and international journals. She has also presented her work in several national and international conferences. She has organized workshops on forensic and forensic awareness week for students. She has successfully analysed several medico-legal cases by using DNA.
Abstract:
A criminal while committing the act of crime tries to avoid being seen or heard. In the act of crime he tries to control his movement. But in the fear of being heard or seen, this controlled movement is not possible. The uncontrolled steps in the commission of crime may serve evidential material, like fingerprint, footprint, hair, fibres, clothes, blood/semen deposits, paint scratches etc. These materials can act as a mute witness against criminal and are impartial. The study of evidences has two purposes one is to determine guilt or innocence, second is to locate the accused or in other words, linking of the victims and the accused to the crime scene. The range and diversity of material evidence is indeed unlimited. It can be man-made or naturally occurring. In the present case, the person was murdered and his body was burnt beyond recognition. On the crime scene, burnt bones and a stone was found, on which small blood stain and few hairs were stuck. DNA profiling, the advanced technique for identification of an individual was applied. DNA was extracted from this naturally preserved blood stain and profiled. The DNA profiling of the son of missing person was also carried out. The Identifiler and Y-filer of son matched with the DNA profile of the blood stain detected on stone. Though whole body was destroyed but it was from the small naturally preserved blood stain, the missing person was identified.
Melek Erol
TUBITAK Marmara Research Center, Turkey
Title: Selectivity of amino acid reactive reagents and a magic way of development of latent finger marks
Time : 14:40-15:00
Biography:
Melek Erol has completed her PhD in Chemistry from Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ. She is currently a Chief Senior Researcher at Chemical Technology Institute, TUBITAK Marmara Research Center in Turkey. She has published 10 papers in reputed journals and has been working on the development of nanotechnology based products for defense and forensic science applications.
Abstract:
We report on the selectivity of several amino acids sensitive molecules towards different amino acids present in finger marks. Amino acid reactive reagents studies include lawsone, 5-hydroxy-1, 4-naphthoquinone (juglone), genipin and ninhydrin. Florescence or color formation of these active molecules when applied onto the amino acid spots on filter paper was compared as a function of amino acid concentration, temperature and time. Fluorescence spectra were collected at excitation wavelengths of 505-590 nm. The fluorescent character for the conditions of 10 mM amino acid concentration and 150ºC heat treatment was decreased in the following order: Genipin>juglone>lawsone>ninhydrin. Development of real fingerprints on paper surfaces using different active reagents will also be compared. Interestingly, in this study we have observed that the amino acid spots and latent fingermarks on paper surfaces were fluorescently developed when heated at 150º C without the use of any active reagents. The quality of the finger marks developed by heating at 150º C was comparable to the quality of the ones developed by DFO. Possible mechanisms of this magic way of fingermark development on paper surfaces will also be discussed
Jean-Marie van der Elst
TAS Forensics LLC, USA
Title: Financial forensics and loss of earnings determinations in uninjured scenarios: The increasing role for forensic industrial psychology in investigating and determining post-morbid uninjured scenarios in personal injury loss of earnings claims
Time : 15:00-15:20
Biography:
Jean-Marie van der Elst is currently enrolled for a DBA degree at FIT, Melbourne, USA. He holds a Masters Degree (Economics & Finance) from University of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where he was a Lecturer in the Faculty of Economic Sciences before completing the SEP program at Columbia, NY. He has been a Treasurer at GMSA, Finance Director Tetra Pak UK, Switzerland & Russia, CFO RJR Russia and GM Coca-Cola Tanzania. He has founded TAS Forensics, developing a niche market for international financial forensic services and recently opened TAS Forensics LLC, Florida and he is a member of ACFEI. He facilitates settlements applying his unique blend of international academic, corporate and entrepreneurial skills & experience.
Abstract:
Forensic practices document established procedures for ascertaining and determing quantitatively-based loss of earnings in personal injury claims. These have similar charactersitics in many international markets where claims are lodged, depending on the applicable laws in existence. Typically claims are focussed on 3 areas. Investigation and determination of pre and post-morbid activities and earnings and the critical determination of uninjured activities and earnings, were it not for the accident or incident. Recent experience reveals the increasing role of forensic industrial psychology when investigating claimant’s activities and related earnings in the determination of uninjured scenarios. Claimants increasingly exagerate premorbid claims of their activities and hence earnings, leading to overstated and often unsubstantiated post-morbid uninjured claims. This trend is well worn, however as forensic accountants we have seen significant benefits from close cooperation with industrial psychologists when unpacking claims and related earnings prior to actually determining the numbers. This has necessitated a broader perspective and insight when investigating claims and has demanded an approach at least as lateral as the depth of professional expertise demands in our investigations. The courts and defendants demand a greater understanding and clarity of motivations behind the numbers supporting claimant losses. Given that uninjured scenarios often extend for many years into the future, these determinations are particularly material. The input of Industrial Psychologists is adding significant value to the role and efficiency of the forensic accountants in their understanding, investigations and determinations of losses
Majdah Alotaibi
University of Bath, United Kingdom
Title: To determine the geographical origin of street ketamine samples by using 13C and 15N stable isotope ratio analysis
Time : 15:20-15:40
Biography:
Majdah is lecturer assistant at University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia and she is currently in her third year doing a PhD at University of Bath, UK. Her project is focusing on ‘’impurity profile of illicit drugs’’ using different techniques, HPLC, LC-MS/MS, NMR, ESI-MS and GC-MS
Abstract:
The anaesthetic ketamine is abused for its dissociative effects resulting in it being a controlled substance. There is a need to determine the sources of the abused ketamine, in particular whether it is being diverted from legitimate veterinary and clinical supplies or manufactured abroad and imported illegally. Element analysis by isotopic ratio was employed to help answer this question. Therefore, the isotopic ratio values of 11 street samples were compared with the available ketamine pharmaceutical products, VetalarTMV and Ketalar®, as well as an authentic ketamine HCl sample purchased from Sigma Aldrich. MATERIALS AND APPARATUS Eleven different ketamine samples obtained from different sources were subjected to isotopic ratio analysis, EA-IRMS analysis. VetalarTMV and Ketalar® were purchased as ketamine hydrochloride injections, ketamine HCl was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. All % elemental data are traceable to The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) primary references, with 15N calibrated to reference IAEA-N1 ammonium sulfate and 13C calibrated to reference IAEA-CH-3 cellulose. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We applied the EA-IRMS technique to obtain evidence for any of the seized and amnesty bin ketamine samples we are investigating having been diverted from hospital or veterinary supplies. The δ13C ‰ and δ15N ‰ values of these samples were therefore compared with the data from ketamine obtained from known geographical sources, specifically VetalarTMV (Germany), Ketalar® (Ireland), and authentic ketamine HCl (India). δ13C and δ15N of samples of interest were determined by EA-IRMS, avoiding any extraction step to nullify potential isotopic fractionation from the solvent. Based on the δ13C‰ and δ15N‰ (parts per thousand) values, 8 of the 11 samples can be grouped into three sets: I (seized samples), II (Bristol night club amnesty bin), and III (Glastonbury 2013 amnesty bin). The δ15N ‰ isotopic ratios of the 11 samples varied between 4.175 and 13.975‰. These results show that the seized ketamine samples had almost identical values of δ13C‰ and δ15N‰ and therefore might be from a single source. Similarly, all the Bristol night club samples could be grouped together. The VetalarTMV and Ketalar® samples had different δ15N‰, but very close δ13C‰ values which did not match any of the illicit samples. None of the illicit samples had an isotopic ratio fingerprint comparable to the purchased ketamine (Indian). Three samples from the Glastonbury 2013 amnesty bin appeared to have distinctive profiles. CONCLUSIONS This study shows the feasibility of using δ13C‰ and δ15N‰ values to link or discriminate between various ketamine samples. None of the illicit samples had isotopic ratio fingerprints equivalent (or even similar) to the VetalarTMV and Ketalar® samples, suggesting they had not been diverted from veterinary or hospital supplies, nor purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. Therefore, they are the products of illegal synthesis.
Edeaghe Ehikhamenor
University of Benin, Nigeria
Title: The DNA paternity law of Edo state
Time : 15:40-16:00
Biography:
Edeaghe Ehikhamenor is a senior lecturer at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, and the founder/national coordinator of Save Accident Victims Association of Nigeria (SAVAN) (www.savan.org) and pioneer project coordinator of Forensic Research and Development Center (FORDEC). He earned a bachelor of dental surgery, (BDS) a master’s in Pharmacology, and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Benin, and also had a short postdoctoral training on DNA analysis at Lakehead University, Ontario, Canada. He has extensive research experience on digital screening of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs with saliva and biological fluids to establish skills impairment on a driving simulator. He loves multitasking and crisscrossing from one discipline to another
Abstract:
All vulnerable individual such as the child, mother and father based on circumstances in that they found themselves. Eligibility for vulnerability: A child shall be considered vulnerable wherein the father whether married or unmarried to the mother denials biological fatherhood or paternity of the child in question. A child shall be considered vulnerable wherein the denials of the alleged father constitute lack of identification and denial of any form of welfare to sustain him or her. A father shall be considered vulnerable wherein he believes that he is been considered as the biological father of the child by the mother and the child based on his financial status, fame and leadership position in the society with intent to reap where they did not sole. Therefore the alleged father becomes a ready target for any greedy woman and child desperate to make him a father at all cost. A mother shall be considered vulnerable where the mother believes that the child or children in question is a product of herself and the alleged father but the father in question that is denied is compelling her to take a sole responsibility of upbringing of the child in question. Therefore the Edo state Government DNA Paternity test thereby makes it compulsory without any encumbrance for any of the party above (the child, the alleged father and the mother) to request for a compulsory DNA paternity test individually or together to expediently resolve the paternity dispute in a centre duly agreed by the party or with the aid of ministry of justice that can sometimes act as an umpire in the paternity dispute. The law makes it compulsory and indeed prohibitive for any of the party to use any reason what so ever to delay or denial doing the paternity test to establish prove of true paternity. Paternity is the legal establishment of the identity of a child’s father. Paternity can be done in a variety of circumstances such as: The child is born to a married couple; the child is born to an unmarried couple but the parent marries after the child is born and signs a legitimating form and the child is born to an unmarried couple who never marry. It is an unquestionable right of a child to know the biological father and DNA testing offers the best opportunity for now
J M R Jayasundara
Government Analyst’s Department, Sri Lanka
Title: It is an accidently or deliberately destroyed: Scientific findings of forensic documents examiner
Time : 16:15-16:35
Biography:
J M R Jayasundara has completed PG. Diploma in Forensic Document examination and computer forensic Central forensic science institute in 2004 Advance Training at Australia (Sydney, Canberra, Mel born, Federal Forensic Science Lab) Hong-Kong Govt. Forensic science Lab, American Academy of Forensic sciences INTERPOL Forensic science Lab (Lyon, France) Since 1994 Forensic Document Examiner in the Government Analysts Department ,Sri Lanka and also an Attorney –at-law , Visiting Lecture at University of Sri Jayewardenepura The Open University of Sri Lanka National Police Academy, Life member of Medico-legal Society of Sri Lanka. he has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals
Abstract:
Case: The magistrate Kandy central part of Sri Lanka has requested to examine and report whether the partially destroyed 2 piece of paper marked as B and C belong to the land registry marked as A or not?
Introduction: One day a suspicious incident was happened in Kandy land registrar’s office. The suspect was a lawyer who came to find some land title details on behalf of his client. While he was finding the details suddenly tore a tiny piece of paper from the particular registry and put it in to the mouth and chewed. One of the officer’ who was working there suddenly show the incident and he fought with the suspect and forcedly opened his mouth and toke out the chewed things and the suspect and the production was produced to the police station. The police investigators handed over the above mentioned production to the magistrate Kandy. The magistrate has sent the court production marked as A, B and C.
Methodology: The examination and comparison of the above mentioned material A, B and C by stereo microscope, VSC6000 and by other optical and analytical techniques have revealed that the toned ends of particular page of A (Land Registry) and B were matched exactly. And I have identified that the hand written figures on B (chewed piece of paper) and the hand written figures of remaining pages of A (the land registry) tally with each other
Conclusion: It is not an accident it is a deliberate action.
Elizabeth Iyamu-Ojo
University of Benin, Nigeria
Title: The requirement of consent to DNA testing: A case for reform in Nigeria
Time : 16:35-16:55
Biography:
Elizabeth Aiwekhoe Iyamu-Ojo is a Lecturer at the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State and is currently undergoing her PhD in the same institution with her thesis title as “Forensic Science as an Intervening Mechanism in the Nigerian Criminal Justice System.” She is the Director of Community Services of the Forensic Research and Development Committee (FORDEC), University of Benin and has published several papers in reputed journals.
Abstract:
The requirement of consent is a sine qua non to DNA testing generally. It is in the main premised on the need to uphold the right to privacy as well as the right to bodily self determination. The importance of DNA testing cannot be over emphasized as its use over the years has metamorphosed. With advancing technology, its use as a means of procuring evidence to establish paternity of a child, resolving some immigration issues, solving crime or indeed any other form of research has however been hindered by the requirement of consent. In Nigeria, there are increasing cases of absconding fathers who avoid parental responsibility by denying paternity and refusing consent to DNA testing. This calls to question the issue of the child’s right to information about his/her parentage for whatever reason may be advanced and the “Parents” right to privacy and bodily self determination exercised by withholding consent to DNA testing. This paper weighs the contrasting rights vis-a-vis the principle of “Best Interest of the Child” enshrined in the Nigerian Child’s Rights Act and concludes that it has become imperative in Nigeria to enact legislation compelling any or all parties involved in such a scenario or any other to subject themselves to mandatory DNA testing in protection of the child and finally suggests reform in the form of a proposed Bill for consideration by either the Edo State government or the Nigerian National Assembly.
Edeaghe Ehikhamenor
University of Benin, Nigeria
Title: Digital forensic as tool for fighting cyber crime in Nigeria
Time : 17:15-17:35
Biography:
Edeaghe Ehikhamenor is a senior lecturer at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, and the founder/national coordinator of Save Accident Victims Association of Nigeria (SAVAN) (www.savan.org) and pioneer project coordinator of Forensic Research and Development Center (FORDEC). He earned a bachelor of dental surgery, (BDS) a master’s in Pharmacology, and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of Benin, and also had a short postdoctoral training on DNA analysis at Lakehead University, Ontario, Canada. He has extensive research experience on digital screening of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs with saliva and biological fluids to establish skills impairment on a driving simulator. He loves multitasking and crisscrossing from one discipline to another
Abstract:
The era of information computer technology (ICT) on a global level needs no introduction, but the spread to developing nations like Nigeria needs repeated academic analysis so as to sustain the momentum of knowledge and useful applications in all its ramification. With Nigeria continually advancing in Information Technology with provision of limitless benefit for individuals, businesses, commerce and industry, there is need for expository analysis at different level. Digital forensic is a major component of ICT. In recent years, digital forensics has emerged as an essential source of tools and approaches for facilitating digital preservation and curation, specifically for protecting and investigating evidence from the past. Institutional repositories and professionals with responsibilities for personal archives can benefit from forensics in addressing digital authenticity, accountability and accessibility. Digital forensic must have a definitive academic curriculum in our tertiary institutions so that skilled professionals can be able to handle sensitive and security issues and demonstrably protecting its evidential value. Forensic technology makes it possible to: identify privacy issues; establish a chain of custody for provenance; employ write protection for capture and transfer; and detect forgery or manipulation. It can extract and mine relevant metadata and content; enable efficient indexing and searching by curators; and facilitate audit control and granular access. The major motive for digital forensic is to fight Computer crime which is defined as criminal activity involving information technology infrastructure, which includes unauthorized access, illegal interception, data interference (unauthorized damaging deletion, deterioration, alteration or suppression of computer data), system interference, misuse of devices, forgery and electronic fraud. This paper attempts to provide an expository overview of digital forensic, with regards to the awareness, uses, benefits and challenges in our Nigeria
Wilson Akhiwu
Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria
Title: Improving digital forensics practice in Nigeria through academic initiatives
Time : 16:55-17:15
Biography:
Wilson Akhiwu is under Nigeria Police Force in Nigeria
Abstract:
Forensics practice in Nigeria is not a new phenomena with a lot of our law enforcement personnel and other individuals possessing the requisite qualifications but fully unable to practice in the country due to a variety of factors ranging from dearth of facilities, lack of awareness about forensics practice and its attendant benefits and little or no interest from the arms of government amongst others. In this paper, we report on an academic research initiative that produced the Forensics Research Group (FRG) and the Forensics Research and Development Centre (FORDEC), its objectives, membership spread and interestand initiatives put in place to partner other sectors in the study, awareness, propagation and practice of forensic science in Nigeria and especially digital forensics.
Harvey Hou
Alabama State University, USA
Title: Nanoforensics: Forensic application of nanotechnology in Illicit drug detection
Biography:
Harvey J.M. Hou has completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Peking University in China and postdoctoral studies at Rockefeller University. Currently, he is an Associate Professor of Forensic Science at Alabama State University. He has published 86 papers, including two books and 47 peer-reviewed journals, and served as an editorial board of Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology and Journal of Forensic Research. He has organized or co-organized 20 conferences/symposia since 2004. He is passionate about microbial forensics, nanoforensics, forensic drug analysis, DNA profiling, and firearm/explosive analysis.
Abstract:
In recent years nanotechnology has been increasingly proven to be a powerful tool in a number of areas including medicine, imaging, and energy sciences. Nanotechnology might have a potential to make significant positive contribution in forensic drug detection to solve crimes. We hypothesized that the nanoparticles and chemically modified nanoparticles may alter or enhance the spectroscopic signals of forensic drugs in fingerprint samples. The nanoparticle have unique and unified nanostructures and may specifically interact with forensic drugs via their well-controlled nanostructures. In this work we explored the spectroscopic properties of the nanoparticles and possible identification of the forensic drug cocaine in fingerprint samples using the comparison microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Six types of nanoparticles were used for the analysis of forensic drug cocaine, including gold nanoparticle (10 nm), gold nanoparticle (30 nm), silver nanoparticles (20 nm), and titanium oxide nanoparticles (15 nm). We also utilized four types of fingerprint powders for preparing fingerprint samples, including black powders, red fluorescent powders, orange fluorescent powders and green fluorescent powders. The experimental data indicated that the gold, silver, and titanium oxide nanoparticles exhibited different IR patterns, suggesting that FTIR is able to distinguish these three types of nanoparticles. For example, the silver nanoparticle have a broad linear absorption IR band between 4000 and 500 cm-1. The titanium oxide nanoparticles have two IR signals, a wide peak at 2900-3000 cm-1 and a sharp peak at 1620 cm-1. The gold nanoparticles showed three IR peaks at 3400, 1580, and 1390 cm-1. In the presence of the fingerprint powders, the forensic drug cocaine showed negligible IR signal. In contrast, the typical IR signals of cocaine at 2948 cm-1, 1714 cm-1, and 1324 cm-1 were observed in the presence of the gold and silver nanoparticle. This observation is stimulating and indicates that the detection of cocaine using nanoparticles is achievable. The reason for the enhancement of cocaine IR analysis in the presence of nanoparticle is likely due to the homogeneity of nanoparticles. We concluded that the nanoparticles promote the detection of the forensic drugs in fingerprint samples. Future work will be placed on the characterization of a variety of novel nanoparticles especially the chemically modified nanoparticles in analyzing forensic drugs including cocaine, methamphetamines, and marijuana using bioanalytical methodologies.