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Education and Training in Forensic Science: A Guide for Forensic Science Laboratories, Educational Institutions, and Students

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Introduction

Forensic science plays a crucial role in the justice system by providing scientific and foundational information for investigations and the courts.1 The Technical Working Group on Education and Training in Forensic Science (TWGED) focused primarily on education and training in those disciplines traditionally and generally associated with the work of forensic science laboratories, commonly referred to as “criminalistics.” (For more information on criminalistics, see “What Is ‘Criminalistics’?”) Criminalistics is the profession and scientific discipline directed toward the recognition, identification, individualization, and evaluation of physical evidence in legal proceedings by the application of the natural sciences. There are many other forensic science specialty areas whose educational and training requirements are distinctly different from the traditional laboratory science areas, such as forensic computer science, forensic entomology, and forensic psychology; these are more fully described in appendix A....

How to Use This Guide This Guide is intended for use by forensic science laboratories in hiring and training forensic scientists, educational institutions offering or seeking to establish forensic...

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Exploring the Spatial Configuration of Places Related to Homicide Events

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Mobility and Homicide

Introduction

This research provides a comprehensive exploration of the spatial etiology of homicides in Washington, D.C. Three basic elements of convergence (victim’s home, offender’s home, and homicide location) and three associated measures the relative distances between the locations are analyzed. All six elements are explored both individually and jointly to increase our understanding of homicides. The initial analysis focuses on the patterns of the three locations separately and then examines the distances between locations. The second phase analyzes the spatial interactions among victims and offenders through the application of both traditional and distance spatial typologies. Finally, the third phase is a comprehensive exploration of techniques for visualizing the distributions and associated relationships. In sum, this research fills a gap in the criminological literature by (1) disaggregating homicides by motive to provide a more exact analysis of movement for each particular type; (2) exploring the distances to homicide for victims and offenders; (3) describing the relationships between victims,

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Real Time Knot Tying Simulation

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Abstract

While rope is arguably a simpler system to simulate than cloth, the real-time simulation of rope, and knot tying in particular, raise unique and difficult issues in contact detection and management. Some practical knots can only be achieved by complicated crossings of the rope, yielding multiple simultaneous contacts, especially when the rope is pulled tight. This paper describes a simulator allowing a user to grasp and smoothly manipulate a virtual rope and to tie arbitrary knots, including knots around other objects, in real-time. One component of the simulator precisely detects self collisions in the rope, as well as collisions with other objects. Another component manages collisions to prevent penetration, while making the rope slide with some friction along itself and other objects, so that knots can be pulled tight in believable manner. An additional module uses recent results from knot theory to identify which topological knots have been tied, also in real-time. This work was motivated by surgical suturing, but simulation

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The Most Useful Rope Knots for the Average Person to Know

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Single-Loop Knots

A single-loop knot is useful when you need to throw a rope over something such as a post (to tie up a boat, for example), or when you need to attach something to a loop of rope (as in rock climbing), etc.If you don't tie knots in rope very often then it might be difficult to remember which knot to use, and how to tie it properly, when you need a loop. Therefore, it's a good idea to learn one or two good knots which you can remember easily. For a mid-line loop or an end-line loop, my current preference is the double-wrapped Flying Bowline, although sometimes I use the Alpine Butterfly. When I need to pass a rope around an object and tie off the end, I usually use the Adjustable Grip Hitch. I've never had problems with slipping or jamming using these knots, but this doesn't mean that they're the best knots for you...

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Instructions for Tying Knots

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WHEN SOMEONE COMMITS A CRIME, it’s safe to assume that person wants to get rid of the evidence; they may wear gloves, or conceal their identity. But criminals get caught, often on the most incidental oversights—some as small and seemingly innocent as a knot in a string.

And, it turns out, knots are exactly one of those common oversights-turned-evidence, thanks to the small but significant field of knot forensics, in which specialists examine knots to unveil forensic clues. This is what Glenn Dickey, knots expert, has done to help prosecute criminals; as one of few knot experts in the world who contributes to forensics work, Dickey uses his advanced knowledge of knot tying to establish tricky details: whether the knot-tier was left- or right handed, skilled or novice at knot tying, and in some cases, whether the crime was premeditated.

Dickey, based in Ohio, is part of the North American chapter of the International Guild of Knot Tyers (IGKT),...

Additional Resource: How Knot Analysis Can Reveal the Perpetrator of a Crime

Additional Resource: International Guild of Knot Tyers

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Basic Principles Of Forensic Knot Analysis: A Qualitative Study Of Tying Behaviour

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Abstract

The knot-tying behaviour of thousands of subjects was observed over a period of 25 years. A number of key principles applicable to forensic knot analysis emerged, most of which have been confirmed by other studies. Most notably, tying behaviour is consistent and reproducible. Basic knots like Overhand Knots, Half Hitches and Half Knots are chiral, and individual knot tiers produce one mirror-image version more so than the other. This tendency can be influenced by a number of factors, such as the number of available working ends, tying position, interference, the creation of slip loops, and wend switching. These principles can guide investigators in the forensic analysis of knotted evidence and point to future avenues of research.

Overview

Crime scene investigators have been examining knots and ligatures for at least a century, and the process of properly preserving knotted evidence and correctly identifying knots is generally understood. However, the fundamental principles of analysis – which assist in deriving informed and...

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Injury And Death Investigations

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The investigation of felonious injuries and criminal homicides can be the most important, yet diffi cult, responsibility assigned to a police investigator. First, these crimes are viewed as being among the most serious offenses committed in our society. The seriousness is reflected in all state statutes, which impose severe penalties for acts resulting in the grave bodily injury or death of a human being. Second, in the beginning stages of some homicide investigations, the inability to identify the decedent greatly complicates the investigative process and prevents it from moving forward. In all homicides, questions such as “Who were the victim’s enemies?” and “Who would benefit most from the victim’s death?” must be answered before any significant progress can be made in the investigation. Estimating the time of death also needs to be done early in the investigation. Third, criminal homicides, in particular, can generate a lot of media attention and public scrutiny for the department.

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Homicide in California, 2008

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Homicide in California, 2008 contains information about the crime of homicide and its victims, as well as demographic data on persons arrested for homicide. Information about the death penalty, the number of peace officers killed in the line of duty, and justifiable homicide is also included. This report provides data for 2008 and prior years. The California Department of Justice (DOJ) is responsible for reporting annual statistics on homicide as mandated by Penal Code section 13014. Information displayed in this report is extracted from several databases maintained by the DOJ. The primary source of information is the Homicide File, which captures willful and justifiable homicide crime data. Other databases capture information about persons arrested for homicide, death penalty sentences, and peace officers killed in the line of duty. The type of data collected, and the methods used to collect these data, differ for each data set. Unless otherwise indicated, all calculations are based on the number of known victims...

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Homicide and Suicide Investigative Techniques

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Abstract

Investigating a homicide is the ultimate challenge for law enforcement personnel. Actions taken from the outset of an investigation to the courtroom presentation will have a major influence on the successful outcome of the case. In order to identify the offender, prosecute and provide closure to the victim’s family we must ensure a quality investigation is conducted. The investigation of an alleged suicide can be just as complex as an alleged murder. A suicide may be influenced by psychological, biological or social factors as well as a combination of any of the three.
This course will assist the new death investigator by giving direction on conducting, organizing, and managing a homicide or alleged suicide investigation from start to finish. Topics covered during the course are:

  • First Responder Duties and Responsibilities
  • Pyramid Investigative Technique of Homicide Investigation Lead
  • Investigator Responsibilities and the Preliminary Investigation
  • Scene Analysis and Reconstruction
  • Crime Scene Considerations and Processing
  • Time of Death Indicators

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Fracture Of Hyoid Bone In Cases Of Asphyxial Deaths Resulting From Constricting Force Round The Neck

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ABSTRACT

When any case of hanging, strangulation or throttling comes to the Department of Forensic Medicine for Post-mortem examination, the hyoid bone becomes the most integral part of internal examination at the autopsy table. Many authors and workers in this field have seriously highlighted fracture of hyoid bone. Some have claimed hyoid bone fracture in about 20% cases of hanging. Some have claimed hyoid bone fracture in about 68% cases of hanging. They also claimed that hyoid bone fracture increases with age above 40 years due to calcification and immobilization of joints. Some also claimed that hyoid bone fracture increases with using hard ligature for hanging and strangulation. Fracture of hyoid bone has been ascribed to many factors like manners of constriction, level of application of ligature or force of constriction, long drop or short drop suspension, age of victim, sex of victim etc. Besides getting hyoid bone fracture at autopsy table, it is also very important to check whether it is ante-mortem...

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Ligature Mark On Neck: How Informative?

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ABSTRACT

Many a times, a ligature mark may be the only evidence available in cases of asphyxial deaths due either to hanging or strangulation. A through examination of the ligature mark and analysis of the information provided by it, is therefore, a must to arrive at the most probable cause of death and differentiate between hanging and the ligature strangulation. A retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh, between 1997 to 2004 to assess the information provided by a ligature mark in such cases. We found that deaths due to hanging constituted 3.4% of the total unnatural deaths subjected to medicolegal autopsy; young adults, of the age group 21 to 25 years accounted for the maximum cases, 27%; and the male: female ratio was 2:1. Chunni was the most common ligature material used. Majority of the victims preferred multiple knots (61%) and fixed knots (58%) and a single loop (93%).

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Near Hanging Presenting To An Accident And Emergency Department

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Abstract

Victims of near hanging are being increasingly seen in accident and emergency (A&E) departments. This paper reports on seven cases of near hanging seen over four years in a district general hospital. The mechanism of injury is ligature strangulation rather than cervical spinal cord injury. All cases of near hanging should be actively and vigorously resuscitated, as initial presenting features bear a poor correlation to eventual outcome. (JAccid EmergMed 1996;13:135-136) Attempted hanging may represent suicidal, parasuicidal, sexual, or attention seeking behaviour. In this paper we present seven patients seen over a four year period in the accident and emergency (A&E) department of a large district general hospital, followed by a short discussion of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, and management of such cases.

Case 1
A 14 year old schoolboy with no history of psychiatric problems was found by his father suspended by a rope attached to a beam in his bedroom. He had...

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Study Of Ligature Mark In Cases Of Hanging

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INTRODUCTION

Violent asphyxial deaths is one of the most important cause for unnatural deaths amongst which hanging and strangulation are commonly encountered in day to day autopsy. Hanging is that form of asphyxia, which is caused by suspension of the body by a ligature around the neck, the constricting force being the weight of the body. Deaths resulting from hanging show features amongst which the ligature mark in the neck is considered to be decisive. The ligature mark is a pressure abrasion on the neck at the site of the ligature which appears as a groove. Character of the ligature mark depends on various factors like the nature of the ligature, body weight, length of time the body has remained suspended and the number of turns of the ligature round the neck. The course of the ligature mark depends on whether a fixed or running noose has been used. In typical hanging, the ligature mark is situated above the level of thyroid...

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Medicolegal, Legal and Social Issues in a Case of Hanging

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Introduction

Death by hanging is not uncommon and occurs in all parts of the world. Hanging is that asphyxia which is caused by suspension of the body by ligature which encircles the neck, the constricting force being the weight of the body. When body is fully suspended and no part of the body touched the ground then it is called complete hanging, where constricting force is weight of whole body. On the other hand in incomplete hanging or partial hanging, the body is partially suspended, the toes or feet touching the ground or are in a sitting, kneeling, lying down, prone or any other posture with only head and chest off the ground. On the basis of position of knot, hanging can be classified into: typical hanging, where knot of ligature should be at the nape of neck on the back and a typical hanging, where knot of the ligature may be at any site other than the nape of the neck....

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Fractures of the Hyoid Bone and Thyroid Cartilage in Suicidal Hanging

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Hanging is a form of ligature strangulation in which the force applied to the neck is derived from the gravitational drag of the body weight(1-7). Most hangings are suicides, while only a few are accidents or homicides(1-9). As a method of suicide, hanging is found as frequently as drug use or poisoning(5,10-13). The position of the knot of hanging is very important because it can cause unequal pressure to the neck and result in different injuries to the organs(14). The type of hanging can be divided by pressure into two groups, complete and incomplete hanging. Complete hanging is a hanging in which the full body weight acts upon the ligature and places pressure on the neck, Incomplete hanging is a hanging in which some organs touch the floor, using only part of the body weight to load and cause pressure to the neck(1,2,9). Fractures of the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage are important pathogenesis to forensic science, especially when death is caused...

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Near-Hanging Injuries: A 10-Year Experience

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Introduction

Hanging has become the second most common cause of suicide in the United States, accounting for 14% of the over 31,000 suicides that occurred in the year 2002.24 However, there have been relatively few studies on the outcomes and injury patterns in patients after unsuccessful hanging (near-hanging) attempts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographics, injury patterns, and outcomes for near-hanging patients admitted to the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California (LAC + USC) Medical Center.

Methods
The trauma registry at the LAC + USC Medical Center was queried for all patients admitted after attempted suicide by hanging, between 1 January, 1993 and 31 December, 2003. All patients who were dead on arrival or in cardiopulmonary arrest were excluded. The trauma registry is maintained by seven full-time trained nurses, and the quality of data entry is monitored by the Emergency Medical Service of the Department of Health Services of the County of Los s Angeles. Patient variables collected included age, gender, ethnicity,...

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