A comparative study of photogrammetric methods using panoramic photography in a forensic context.

Taking measurements of a scene is an integral aspect of the crime scene documentation process, and accepted limits of accuracy for taking measurements at a crime scene vary throughout the world. In the UK, there is no published accepted limit of accuracy, whereas the United States has an accepted limit of accuracy of 0.25 inch. As part of the International organisation for Standardisation 17020 accreditation competency testing is required for all work conducted at the crime scene. As part of this, all measuring devices need to be calibrated within known tolerances in order to meet the required standard, and measurements will be required to have a clearly defined limit of accuracy. This investigation sought to compare measurement capabilities of two different methods for measuring crime scenes; using a tape measure, and a 360° camera with complimentary photogrammetry software application. Participants measured ten fixed and non-fixed items using both methods and these were compared to control measurements taken using a laser distance measure. Statistical analysis using a Wilcoxon Signed Rank test demonstrated statistically significant differences between the tape, software and control measurements. The majority of the differences were negligible, amounting to millimetre differences. The tape measure was found to be more accurate than the software application, which offered greater precision. Measurement errors were attributed to human error in understanding the operation of the software, suggesting that training be given before using the software to take measurements. Transcription errors were present with the tape measure approach. Measurements taken using the photogrammetry software were more reproducible than the tape measure approach, and offered flexibility with regards to the time and location of the documentation process, unlike manual tape measuring

Forensic Science Education and Training

A comprehensive and innovative guide to teaching, learning and assessment in forensic science education and practitioner training. Includes student exercises for mock crime scene and disaster scenarios. Addresses innovative teaching methods including apps and e-gaming. Discusses existing and proposed teaching methods

The Ethical Considerations for Creating a Human Taphonomy Facility in the United Kingdom

Human Taphonomy Facilities are outdoor laboratories where forensic scientists investigate and monitor the decomposition of donated human cadavers in a variety of conditions. The use of human cadavers for this purpose is potentially controversial, as opinions differ about the value of the research conducted at such facilities and the extent to which the dignity of the deceased is preserved. As a result of the use of human cadavers for forensic research, there are ethical issues to consider if contemplating the creation of such a facility. Currently, there is no such facility in the UK, and the legal and ethical landscape in the UK regarding the use of human tissue is unique. Therefore, this chapter outlines the ethical considerations surrounding the creation of a Human Taphonomy Facility (HTF) in the United Kingdom. It starts with an overview of why controlled experiments are necessary for forensic investigations, and their potential importance for search and dating discovered remains. The chapter then acknowledges and discusses the usefulness of animal proxies for this research, with benefits of replicants, known age/diet, and availability. The rest of the paper then defines a HTF, explaining the need for controlled research and the importance of using human remains for controlled experiments. Finally, a discussion on why donation of human organs is routine and whole cadavers is not, the potential ethical considerations for body donation, the mechanics of how to run a HTF, and ultimately the considerations of public opinion

Soilwater Conductivity Analysis to Date and Locate Clandestine Graves of Homicide Victims

In homicide investigations, it is critically important that postmortem interval and postburial interval (PBI) of buried victims are determined accurately. However, clandestine graves can be difficult to locate; and the detection rates for a variety of search methods (ranging from simple ground probing through to remote imaging and near-surface geophysics) can be very low. In this study, simulated graves of homicide victims were emplaced in three sites with contrasting soil types, bedrock, and depositional environments. The long-term monthly in situ monitoring of grave soil water revealed rapid increases in conductivity up to 2 years after burial, with the longest study evidencing declining values to background levels after 4.25 years. Results were corrected for site temperatures and rainfall to produce generic models of fluid conductivity as a function of time. The research suggests soilwater conductivity can give reliable PBI estimates for clandestine burials and therefore be used as a grave detection method

Analysis of Leachate, fatty acids and Mineralogy Following the Discovery of a Homicide Grave: Potential Implications for Police Led Open Area Ground Searches for Burials

Police and law enforcement ‘open area ground searches’ may take place in a variety of geographical settings and over large tracts of land to locate unmarked graves, drugs, weapons, firearms and other items related to homicide, organised crime and terrorism. Reconnaissance techniques that can reduce substantially the search area bring benefits in terms of time, resources and detectability. Leachate and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may be potentially generated at a homicide grave. The migration and detectability of the organic compounds and leachate are dependent on several factors, such as the geology, geomorphology and hydrogeology of the burial site, and circumstances of the burial (e.g. was the deceased wrapped in plastic, which could have impeded leachate and flows of organic compounds). A shallow, unmarked, homicide grave was detected, located and recovered with the police at a remote location in Northern Europe. This grave contained the body of a victim who had been buried more than a decade earlier. Following the recovery of the body soil samples were collected using a 30mm diameter soil auger and transferred into 40 ml, glass vials containing a screw cap and a polypropylene septa. The soil samples were taken up to 0.75mbgl at and beneath the floor of the grave, along strike (slope) of the grave, up to 100 m downslope and 75 m upslope. A control sample was also collected at approximately 250 m from the grave, at a higher elevation and in an area of similar geology, but which could not have been influenced by the grave’s contents. The geology comprised strong, well-jointed, coarse grained, feldspathic sandstones of Namurian age, overlain by Periglacial deposits and organic peat soils. The leachate, organics and mineralogy were analysed and results compared to the equivalent control sample. Experimental techniques were developed to extract anions and bio-amines from the soil samples. The data showed elevated levels of putrescine, at nearly 150 ppb at the grave, downslope and for several meters upslope at localities where detector dogs had showed an ‘interest’ before the grave was discovered. The mineralogical analysis, using integrated automated mineralogy and petrology (QEMSCAN), detected the presence of calcite (at an abundance of less than 1%) in the soil profile beneath the grave. No calcite was detected using automated analysis in any of the other samples analysed. The texture of the calcite as imaged using scanning electron microscopy indicates that it is likely to be diagenetic in origin, precipitated within the soil profile rather than being detrital in origin. Calcite was not detected by XRD in any of the samples analysed, although this could be due to its low level of abundance. Additionally, the organic analysis detected the presence of elevated stanols at the grave site and downslope. The preliminary results are interesting and further research is required to test whether this approach can be reliably applied operationally to open area searches for burials

Increasing the accessibility and impact of justice-related student and practitioner research

Much good quality research by pre-doctoral students and casework focused practitioners remains unpublished. However, their findings could contribute to the evidence base underpinning science and practice within international justice system contexts. There are two main challenges to making findings accessible: reaching all criminal justice stakeholders, and encouraging collaborative efforts in research addressing 'real world' problems. This article presents the rationale for a new, open access repository. The aim is to share good quality pre-doctoral and practitioner criminal justice research across traditional disciplinary and international borders. Such a repository should be easy to use, well maintained and sustainable. Its reach, value and impact also need to be measurable. We present the major considerations relating to the operation and workflow of such a repository, and outline the potential value, benefits and limitations. Our research suggests that the proposed repository could foster interdisciplinary and collaborative work to benefit global justice systems and societies