North Carolina Office of Indigent Defense Services
// by Jessica Phipps
For years, investigators have relied on the Paint Data Query database to identify the make of a vehicle by matching the physical attributes, chemical composition, and infrared spectrum of the paint, primers, and clear coating layers. However, there are concerns with the database, generic coding being one of them.
Improving a Database to Help Identify a Vehicle by Using Paint FragmentsRead More
// by Jessica Phipps
Two scientists with a long record of research into the forensic value of very small particle populations examined cell phones, handguns, drug packaging, and ski masks from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office examine whether such particles are valuable as physical evidence.
Linking Suspects to Crime Scenes with Particle PopulationsRead More
// by Jessica Phipps
Microtrace is a private microanalytical laboratory offering analytical services that are utilized by prosecutors, defense attorneys, police, forensic laboratories and, occasionally, the news media. Expert testimony and case reviews are provided. The website contains information about research and development in the field.
// by Sarah Ammons
A SCL analyst performed an experiment measuring the direction and distance that shell casings traveled when a gun was fired at various angles and testified to the results, offering opinions about location of the shooter. On appeal, counsel argued that the tests were not “substantially similar.” The COA held that Rule 702 governs admission of …
// by Sarah Ammons
A SCL analyst testified to the results of another analyst’s testing. However, he personally reviewed the data and offered his own opinion, which the court held did not violate the Confrontation Clause.
// by Sarah Olson
Friday, Nov. 6, 2020 and Friday, Nov. 13, 2020Sponsored by NC Indigent Defense Services and the Office of the Capital Defender12.50 hours of general CLE credit anticipated This training is available to current capital roster attorneys, criminal defense investigators, mitigation specialists, and other authorized experts. Registration deadline is Oct. 30, 2020. The full program agenda …
// by Jessica Phipps
Two related NIJ-supported studies evaluated the possibility of using an individual’s skin microbiome — a community of microorganisms that inhabit a specific environment — as a form of trace evidence from evidence found at a crime scene. The first study, led by Dr. Rob Knight of the University of California, San Diego, examined whether the …
Microbial Communities on Skin Leave Unique Traces at Crime ScenesRead More
// by Jessica Phipps
The Journal of Forensic Sciences is now offering an early viewing of a new article by Microtrace scientists. This article is co-authored by Katie White and Christopher Palenik. This article explores the potential usefulness of subvisible toner cartridge particles as evidence in forensic investigations. Modern printing toners represent a prime example of subvisible particles that can be …
// by Jessica Phipps
With funding from the NIJ, Dr. Michael Sigman and Mary Williams from University of Central Florida developed a method for analyzing fire debris samples that are highly contaminated with pyrolysis interferences. This technique provides an alternative objective method for classifying ignitable liquid residues, which is one of the only viable options for helping to progress …
// by Jessica Phipps
Speakers: Dr. Tatiana Trejos, Dr. Luis Arroyo, and Dr. Suzanne Bell.
Offered By: FTCOE.
Achieved Video Available.
Rapid and Effective Identification of Organic and Inorganic Gunshot ResiduesRead More
// by Sarah Olson
Sept. 2020 research by Jonathan J. Koehler and Siquan Liu on the accuracy of distinguishing between two close non-matches. False positive error rates were 15.9% and 28.1% on the two close non-matches on mandatory proficiency tests that were studied. As the size of fingerprint databases grow, the risk of a close non-match being present in …
// by Sarah Olson
Free webinar offered by NCIDS
Forensic Toxicology: Methods Used and Common Errors in Screening and Confirmatory TestsRead More
// by Sarah Olson
Fall 2020 law review article by John Lentini addressing how to defend someone accused of arson.
// by Sarah Olson
This webinar is being offered by the National Association of Public Defense on Oct. 6, 2020. Proper litigation that involves a fire case usually includes a fire origin and cause expert. There are standards and guidelines that the fire expert is expected to follow. This includes, but not limited to proper investigation, documentation, report writing …
Webinar – How to Prepare for a Fire Expert Deposition and LitigationRead More
// by Jessica Phipps
Nanoparticles and other subvisible particles potentially present in nearly all trace evidence are often overlooked in forensic investigations. NIJ-supported researchers have characterized several types of particles and developed detection methods.
Making Use of What’s Not Visible in Trace Evidence ExaminationsRead More