interfaces

A forum for forensic scientists and associated professionals Number 65 | Jan-Mar 2011 inside Forensic Science this issue Service – Closure It is with sadness that the Forensic Science Society (FSSoc) has learned Young Forensic Scientists about the closure of the Forensic Science Service (FSS). Seminar: ‘Crime Scene, The news came as a shock on 14th science at a time when it has never Evidence and Specialist December 2010 as the Home Office been more important to the detection of Practitioners’ announced their decision to reorganise crime.” The decision would “destroy a Pages 2-3 the provision of forensic science to the world-class body” he added. UK Criminal Justice System. Crime Reduction Minister, James Brokenshire, The Association of Chief Police Officers News Update outlined his plans for the progressive (ACPO) Lead for Forensic Science from the CEO break up and eventual closure of the Procurement, Deputy Chief Constable Pages 4-5 Forensic Science Service over the course Chris Ayre has said: “ACPO will be leading of the next twelve to fifteen months. In on work to ensure the management a written ministerial statement he said: and transition of all forensics activity is Meet Council coordinated nationally to ensure that the Pages 6-7 “Our firm ambition is that there will Criminal Justice System is not put at risk be no continuing State interest in a through uncoordinated activity either forensics provider by March 2012.” 1 in individual forces or regions”. Forensic Science Societies in Higher Representing over half of the 1600 Many FSS staff are members of the FSS professionals, the Prospect Union FSSoc as the Professional Body. We Education Institutes said the decision made a “mockery” of offer them our heartfelt thoughts at this Page 7 the justice system. Its deputy general time. The FSSoc will continue to support interfaces secretary Mike Clancy said: “Cost will the development and implementation of now determine justice in the UK. The quality standards in forensic practice is edited by Jo Hulme and published by the Forensic Science Society. Abandoned Prosecutions All correspondence should be sent to Jo at the Society using government is putting its faith in an both in the UK and overseas. [email protected] Outcome of HMCPSI untested market to deliver forensic Audit of CPS 1 www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/news/government-forensics The Forensic Science Society Performance Clarke House Page 8 18A Mount Parade Harrogate North Yorkshire Autumn Conference HG1 1BX Report United Kingdom Pages 9-14 Administration Tel: +44 (0)1423 506068 Conferences 2011 Fax: +44 (0)1423 566391 Page 15 Journal Tel: +44 (0)1423 566973 Email: [email protected] Web: www.forensic-science-society.org.uk interfaces is sponsored by FOSTER + FREEMAN, All copyright reserved to The Forensic Science Society ISSN 1359-0820 improving the quality of forensic evidence. [ 2 ] : interfaces newsletter A Selection of Photographs from ‘The Fibres Approach’ Young Forensic Scientists Seminar (YFSS) Report Crime Scene, Evidence and Specialist Practitioners Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Campus, 9th September 2010 Report By: Emma Jelbert and Thiyanga Lekamwattage

Blood Transfer and Distributions: An Introduction and Case Study Chris McKenzie Cellmark Forensic Services

This presentation gave an overview of the role of the Blood Pattern Analyst and an The Electronic CSI – Demonstration of Techniques insight of how, by providing evaluation Presentation of Evidence – Not Just used at Crime Scenes – and interpretations of blood transfer The Way Forward? Evidence Collection Set in a Mock Scene and shedding events, they can aid an George Phillips Vicky Coupland Emma Jelbert investigation. Acume Forensics States of Jersey Police Nottingham Trent University

The talk began with an introduction into The case study focused on the infliction of The expert’s evaluation of the evidence George Phillips described ‘Court Room Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs), Delegates were able to experience the physics and theory of blood travel and injuries, one fatal and the others serious. was further aided by information via the TV for the CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) Scenes of Crime Officers (SOCOs), the crime scene training facility at then went on to explain basic definitions of The scene examination was undertaken investigative team and from suspect/ Generation’ and the concept of Scientific Support Officers (SSOs), the Nottingham Trent University and pattern types with reference to the IABPA post Crime Scene Investigation and witness interviews allowing for a electronic evidence presentation. The person in the white suit, many titles, but using light sources, conduct an initial approved glossary. Chris clearly laid out so items had been moved prior to the corroborative version of events to emerge. ability of electronic evidence to inform just one role. The essential skills and examination for body fluids, fibres and how the role of the forensic scientist is to Blood Pattern Analysis expert’s arrival. juries and reduce expert attendance expectations of this role have developed fingerprints. The results, particularly assess the prosecution versus defence Using scene plans and photographs, the Chris conducted a Blood Pattern Analysis time at court was highlighted by the over time. of fibre searching using alternative hypothesis and explained the issues of interpretation of key stains were discussed workshop in the afternoon which involved demonstration of some of the electronic wavelengths of lights surprised many; out of context interpretations. and possibilities of misinterpretations were groups working together to look at how presentation packages Acume have Drawing on her own experience as a it was a good demonstration of non once again highlighted. blood patterns are deposited, looking successfully used in court cases. SOCO and a Crime Scene Manager destructive search techniques. at an exhibit for any blood patterns and (CSM), Vicky used case studies to discussing complex blood patterns. George explained how use of this form demonstrate how much of the role Footwear mark recovery using of presentation type cut time and costs involves linking with many other Electrostatic Lifting Apparatus (ESLA) and was fully realised with its use in the professionals. She explained how and Gels were also experienced, once The Fibres Approach A film made by the IPS at the University Soham trial. The cost of a single day it is part of the job for the SOCO to again demonstrating the results that can 1-2-1 Taping at the Scene of Lausanne and the NICC in Belgium in court can cost around £8,000 for an determine when best to call in a range be achieved by using a succession of Josie Jones was shown. This discussed the technique expert witness. Using this system, a of experts and how the CSM acts techniques on latent marks. Contact Traces and explained its use and limitations; predicted four week trial can be reduced as a communication link between a controlled environment is required to to one week. the investigators and other external The purpose of this talk was to raise make best use of this technique. Josie awareness of the value of fibres evidence also discussed the differences between agencies. and their recovery at the crime scene. zonal and 1-2-1 tapings, demonstrating The use of scene photographs and Josie began by discussing the nature of that although one is more specific in its videos, as well as audio from 999 calls Vicky presented cases that illustrated textiles and the likelihood of their shedding; end results than the other it is also more and interviews can all be built in to aid the range of external practitioners she a good diagrammatic demonstration of time consuming. the expert in delivering their evidence. had used, ranging from blood pattern the exchange principle was used. She analysis experts, footwear experts then explained the technique for both Josie used a case study that showed The afternoon workshop was hands on George was careful to stress that to facial reconstruction experts and laboratory and scene recovery of fibres how a suspect was apprehended after and gave delegates an overview of how the system presents the expert’s coastguards. (discussing the different types of scene his clothing was found away from the to examine tape lifts for constituent fibres, evidence but does not interpret it. He that can be encountered) leading us into scene; the map of fibre distribution from extract them from the tape lift and then also explained how important it is that the area of 1-2-1 fibre tapings. the victim matched his discarded clothing, mount them onto slides for examination. these packages are produced through and also corresponded well with the collaboration with the investigative victim’s injuries. teams and forensic experts in the preparation of the material.

interfaces newsletter : [ 3 ] [ 4 ] : interfaces newsletter News Update

Forensic Science Service: Closure Competency Assessment

The announcement that the FSS is to close after decades of having provided a quality service to the Criminal Justice Following the Competency Testing event on 24th September 2010 for forensic podiatrists, a meeting to review issues arising has System has been a shock to all those affected. News of the closure marked a day of sadness for the many professionals been held. The importance of having independent validation of the Multiple Choice Question (MCQ’s) stage of the assessment involved and for those who have played a part in the development of standards over the years. process as well as the value of feedback from all involved, was confirmed. It is hoped that the Competence Model can be rolled out to other specialist groups operating within the forensic arena. Work to further this aim is planned for early January 2011. The Forensic Science Society would like to offer its support to members directly and personally affected by this situation. It is hoped that alternative avenues will open up and that other opportunities will emerge for all those involved so that Forensic Science Society Saturday Seminars Visits to Higher Education Institutes they will be able to look forward to a future with hope. A series of seminars aimed at lawyers (though interested Visits to universities have continued and the Forensic FSSoc Lecture Series others are welcome to attend) is being organised for the Science Society has been delighted at the response early part of 2011. DNA, BPA and fibres will be covered received. The Society is excited at the prospect of taking The lecture series arranged by our President, Dr Ann Priston, has been an (as well as other topics) with the intention of providing forward the various initiatives discussed as well as with the enormous success with the first lecture by Lord Justice Leveson on “Setting useful background introduction to these areas for lawyers number of new HEI’s joining the Society’s Accreditation the limits of Expert Evidence” being well attended and attracting considerable operating in Criminal Justice. Scheme. As part of the development of the scheme, the (unplanned!) media attention as well. Delegates came from Japan, Holland launch of the Education, Employability and Engagement and all over the UK. This was followed on 29th November by Professor Day at Wolverhampton University in December 2010 was Court of Appeal Judgement David Ormerod, Law Commissioner, speaking on “The Solution”. Despite the a success, despite the bad weather which hindered some weather, this too was a great success, with Professor Ormerod mingling with exhibitors from taking part. A big thank-you to Caroline For a helpful précis on the recent judgement by Lord Justice those present for some time afterwards. Sheriff for her hard work in organising the day and also to Thomas and Mr Justices Beatson and Kitchen in the case of R the various providers, institutions and individuals who gave v T [2010] EWCA Crim 2439 please visit the Society website: It is intended to make available a videocast of Lord Justice Leveson’s up their valuable time for the benefit of those attending. http://www.forensic-science-society.org.uk/News/ presentation shortly so please keep an eye on the Society’s website: CourtJudgement www.forensic-science-society.org.uk. Collaborative Conference in Abu Dhabi The Society would like to thank King’s College London and in particular, Dr The Forensic Science Society has been working with the Barbara Daniel, for her assistance with the arrangements for the lectures to be Abu Dhabi Police to organise a Crime Scene Conference held in the Great Hall at Kings. to mark the fifth anniversary of the setting up of the Crime Scene training facility in Abu Dhabi. The conference will host Interview Jill Dando Institute: speakers from Abu Dhabi as well as the UK and Australia. Launch of new Centre A number of workshops are planned to take place at the During a recent interview, for an article for the Forensic Sciences Police Training College as part of the programme and which is shortly to appear in the Police delegates are expected to travel from the neighbouring Newsletter, Dr Priston was asked for her Dr Ann Priston attended the launch of Emirate States as well as overseas. This is an exciting event views on funding in forensic science. the new Centre for Forensic Sciences in the Society’s 2011 calendar and one which we hope will at University College London (UCL) be of interest to many. Please visit the website at: She also spoke about the Society’s where she was invited to make a www.forensic-science-society.org.uk to see updates Accreditation Scheme for Higher presentation as part of a panel, which and developments on the various events planned for Education and other Institutions as included Mr Simon Ford, Alex Milne the coming months. well as discussing the need for training QC and Mr Gary Pugh, Director of of legal practitioners operating within Forensic Services for the Metropolitan Dr Carol Ostell, CEO Criminal Justice. Police. Nick Ross, broadcaster and presenter Chaired the session.

interfaces newsletter : [ 5 ] [ 6 ] : interfaces newsletter Ordinary Council Members

Nigel Hodge Caroline Sheriff Meet Council… worked at the Forensic Science Service is the Link Coordinator, and also sits on the laboratory, Chepstow, for six years as Membership and Ethics Committee and a forensic biologist. Since 2004 he has Conferences Committee. Caroline started as been an independent consultant forensic a forensic biologist 6 years ago at Forensic Officers scientist and a lecturer at the University Alliance and now works at LGC Forensics. of Glamorgan.

Dr Ann Priston, OBE, JP President Darren Phillips Dr Priston is the current President of the Society, having joined in 1971 at the start of her career Mike Jones is currently Programme Tutor & Lecturer and has been an active member ever since. Dr Priston lectures on the courts, criminal procedure is an ordinary member of Council in Forensic Biology at Abertay University, and expert evidence on the MSc course at King’s College, London. She was invested with the reporting to the Officer for Membership Dundee. He previously worked within OBE in March 1998 and appointed to the bench at Richmond-upon-Thames Magistrates’ Court and Ethics with particular interests in Fire forensic DNA analysis and biology Investigation and Electrical Engineering. casework within the Forensic Science in January 2004. Service and Forensic Alliance prior to teaching. This is his second term on Council and he is the Andy Manns current Chair of the Conferences Committee. Brian Rankin Immediate Past President is a Crime Scene Investigator with the Avon & Somerset Brian Rankin is the Immediate Past President and Co-Chair of the Standards Committee with Constabulary. He helps organise conferences such as specific responsibility for the university accreditation scheme. In his day job he is Head of Centre “Document Examination - More than just handwriting analysis” Co-opted Member: for Forensic Investigation at Teesside University. to be held on April 4th 2011 in Birmingham. He sits on the Dr Andrew Jackson Membership and Ethics Committee and maintains the Risk is Co-Chair of the Standards Committee, Register, which, as the name suggests, is a register of the with particular responsibility for CPD main risks that face the Society in both the short and long and CPC matters. He has served termtogether with proposed actions to deal with these risks. on that committee for many years, and has been involved in the design, Callum Sutherland Vice President development and implementation of the Callum is the Vice President of the Society and Chair of the Membership and Ethics Committee. Patrick Randolph-Quinney Society’s University Course Accreditation Scheme since its A former Detective Sergeant and Crime Scene Investigator in the Metropolitan Police Service Murder was elected onto Council in 2009 as an ordinary member of inception. He is an academic working in the field of Forensic Investigation Unit who retired in 2007 with just over 30 years service. Callum is currently working for La Council and is the current lead on the Awards Committee Science. His areas of particular interest are fibres evidence, Plante Productions, a television drama company based in London, as researcher and police advisor. for the Society. aspects of forensic chemistry and firearms evidence, data handling and the evaluation of evidence.

Anna-Marie O’Connor Honorary Secretary Anna-Marie has been a member of the Forensic Science Society since 1991 and served on Council as Forensic Science Societies in Higher Education Institutes an ordinary member three times, working each time with the Conferences Committee (Chairing it twice) before being elected as Honorary Secretary in 2008. She has convened several Society meetings and The Future Looks Good During my first academic year in Canterbury I became the Vice given a number of presentations, both in the UK and overseas, including Bahrain and San Francisco. President of the University’s Forensic Science Society. Later I put She is currently the deputy Society representative on the DNA analysis group for the Forensic Regulator. My name is Pieter Rhodes and I am a myself forward for and was elected to President. I believed that I second year student at the University of could offer innovative new ideas and with hard work could take the Kent, Canterbury, studying for a BSc degree Society forward. I am proud to say that in the last year membership Dr Anya Hunt Honorary Treasurer in Forensic Science. I am currently President increased by 144%. My efforts were rewarded with the University’s Anya has been an active member of the Forensic Science Society since 1991 and a Professional Member since 2009. Anya of the University’s Forensic Science Society. Gold Volunteering Award. A primary reason I applied to the University has recently been elected to Council as Honorary Treasurer. Prior to that she was co-opted onto Council in 2006 as Chair of Our Society meets on Monday evenings with a regular turnout of 50- Standards Committee and was responsible for the full implementation of the University accreditation scheme. of Kent is that the Forensic Science Society, of which I am a student member, accredit 70%. Members hear presentations from guest speakers, there are this degree course. Previously, I worked in debates and fun and fund raising events take place too. the catering industry, gaining three National Vocational Qualifications Dr Niamh Nic Daeid Honorary Editor (NVQs) and worked my way up to the position of head chef. I really enjoy being involved with the University and the UK Forensic Dr Niamh Nic Daeid is a Reader in Forensic Science at the Centre for Forensic Science at the Science Societies. It has helped me develop as a person, socially University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. She is a Fellow of the Forensic Science Society and has I subsequently chose to go back to college, where my love of and academically. I am very willing to help support any students who want to set up and run a forensic science society at their University. I been Editor of Science and Justice since 2004. In that time she has secured the migration of Forensic Science developed. I completed a BTEC National Diploma, with distinction, in Applied Science (forensics). I was also awarded a can help with advice on guest speakers and event organisation and the Journal to Elsevier publishing house, negotiated the digitisation of the entire back issue and any other issues you may have, so please feel free to contact me: ensured the continued rise in impact factor of Science and Justice. Niamh has also managed the distinction for my first year at the University of Kent. Society’s suite of professional diplomas since 2003 and has recently completed negotiations for At University I have undertaken many extracurricular activities. I am the transfer of these onto a full academic postgraduate credit footing, thus providing both professional and academic involved in the School of Physical Sciences Outreach Programme Pieter Rhodes qualifications for successful candidates. This now includes the option of an MSc ‘top up’ for post 2010 diplomas. where we visit local schools to encourage interest in forensic science. Niamh has also convened and co-convened many meetings for the Society (most notably the professional body I also undertook a summer placement at an archeological site as part Email: [email protected] launch, with over 500 delegates in total, and the 50th anniversary AGM). of a team analysing soil samples using X-ray Diffraction and X-ray Tel: 07860 529932 Fluorescence.

interfaces newsletter : [ 7 ] [ 8 ] : interfaces newsletter Audit Highlights Disjointed Approach Autumn Conference Report

Vital forensic evidence was found to be missing in one in ten serious criminal The Robinson Executive Centre, cases that had to be abandoned by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) before Wyboston Lakes, 12th-14th November 2010 reaching Crown Court last year. Report By: Jo Hulme and Andrew Manns

This is one of the key issues highlighted in an audit by Michael Michael Fuller QPM said: CCTV Forensic Analysis – DNA Profiling – Fuller, Chief Inspector of HM Crown Prosecution Service “The CPS needs to focus its efforts to improve the handling The Rhys Jones Enquiry and Other Examples A New Twist? Clive Burchett, LGC Forensics Dr Brian McKeown, LGC Forensics (HMCPSI). The report criticised the disjointed nature of the of cases which are committed to the Crown Court. Failure to Criminal Justice System and raised concerns about the serve timely evidence is leading to cases being discharged Clive asked, “Is imagery analysis a science or an art?” He As there is a need to develop the ability quality of police files. Of 1,693 cases recorded as discharged and ultimately these cases not being brought to justice. The suggested that it is a bit of both. Some of the techniques used are to process DNA samples more quickly, mathematical and accurate, whilst others involve interpretation LGC Forensics have been investigating committals in the past year, more than one in four were due to cost to the CPS of these abandoned prosecutions amounts from experience. whether a simple, portable, reliable device the CPS not being ready to proceed. The report points to poor to potentially more than £600,000 per year. Performance that produces results compatible with charging advice from inexperienced lawyers, understaffing must be improved if the CPS is to ensure that victims of crime Given the abundance of imagery sources in society, imagery the National DNA Database is feasible. causing a backlog in file reviews and inter-agency frustrations are to receive justice”. analysis in crime investigation is being used more and more Brian described a novel biochemistry that to understand snapshots in time. Clive described some of the can be used to provide rapid intelligence as being major contributors to the problem. techniques used to do this, including stereoscopy, morphology, from DNA at crime scenes. This ‘RapiDNA’ processing using photogrammetry and image superimposition. their ‘HyBeacons’ approach to DNA profiling may enable police responses on timescales not previously possible. Although this In the Rhys Jones murder enquiry, images from a multiplexed kit doesn’t cover all AmpFLSTR SGM Plus® alleles, the ability to camera system at the crime scene were examined. These showed generate DNA intelligence outside the laboratory by non-technical the offender, Sean Mercer, on his bike at the scene at the time staff is clearly beneficial. of the fatal shooting of Rhys. Further, unique blemishes seen on the Smith and Wesson 45 calibre handgun recovered by police at Some of the biochemistry challenges in the development of this Mercer’s home were shown to match those seen on a YouTube instrument, such as no purification of samples, were described video linked to the offender. and a device was available for delegates to view. This type of ‘touch and go’ also incorporates sealed biochemistry and tamper Discussing the level of support evidence such as this can offer, evident tubes to ensure integrity. This type of portable multiplex Clive explained that it could not be used in isolation but should be DNA testing device are now in advanced development. considered a supporting piece of evidence.

Fire Investigation Case Study – The Enquiry into the Deaths of Nathan and Jeremy Miller Justin Lewis, Forensic Science Service

Justin attended the scene of a fire in a property from which brothers The fire was contained in the corner of the bedroom and after Nathan and Jeremy Miller, aged two and a half and one and a half, excavation was shown to be the seat of the fire. A struck match was were rescued by a neighbour. They were given a poor prognosis and found under Nathan’s bed and others, totalling eleven were strewn later died. across the floor. It later transpired that Nathan’s mum had taught him how to strike matches and encouraged it as a ‘party trick’ for family. The boys’ parents were downstairs in the house when they heard one of the boys shout “fire upstairs”! They had earlier heard screaming With no electrical wiring at the seat of the fire, no evidence of slow but had ignored it. According to the father, he went upstairs where smouldering and no suggestion of third party involvement, this he struggled to open the boys’ bedroom door. The mother alerted appeared to be a naked flame ignition. Possibly the actions of neighbours and called the fire brigade. Neighbour Paul Moore ran Nathan. upstairs, opened the bedroom door freely but could not reach the boys. He exited, climbed onto a flat roof under the boys’ bedroom At Crown Court in January 2006, the boys’ parents were found window, smashed it and pulled the children out. guilty of ‘cruelty by wilfully mistreating or neglecting’ their sons. They launched an appeal on the basis that the verdicts were unsafe due During his scene examination, Justin found a squashed box of to their learning difficulties and that they had ‘done their incompetent matches on the kitchen floor and some discarded matches on the best’ in raising the boys. Three Appeal Court Judges ruled that the landing. A knotted T-shirt was found on the adjacent door handle to convictions were safe. the bedroom, which it was later established was used to keep the doors latched together.

Continued on page 10…

interfaces newsletter : [ 9 ] [ 10 ] : interfaces newsletter The Elephant in the Room – What Works in Youth Crime Prevention? Understanding An Exploration of the Emotional Impact of Crime Scene Attendance Can we add DNA Evidence to the Youth Crime from a Young Person’s Perspective Deb Hopwood, LGC Forensics Assessment of Childhood Bruising? The Contribution of Forensic Entomology Peta Halls, National Youth Agency, Dr Eleanor Graham, University of Leicester and to Investigating Crimes against Children with an ex-offender, Jodie McNamara An emotional look at the impact of attending crime scenes. Whilst at a previous employer, Deb Sabine Maguire, Cardiff University Dr Martin Hall, Natural History Museum, London was left traumatised having attended a scene as a biologist. After a man had been found badly The National Youth Agency (NYA) was injured in a road traffic collision, his wife, Lisa and their two young daughters, Keighley (aged 6) and Demmy (aged 3), were discovered stabbed to death at the family home. Whilst in attendance Eleanor and Sabine have been working Establishing how long a person has been deceased, or the ‘post- established in 1991 to support young at the scene Deb felt a profound desire to hold and cradle Demmy and also experienced guilt at as part of a team undertaking systematic mortem interval’ (PMI), is often a key question in police investigations. people and give them a voice. They not feeling the same way about Keighley. reviews of accidental bruising and Using insect evidence, known as forensic entomology, can provide believe that young people have the abusive bruising and the data collection is accurate minimum PMIs. It also has a much wider application as it energy and potential to improve their Following this, Deb found herself finding it difficult to keep herself together at work and realised showing huge differences in the patterns can offer information on the timing of other events in a case, such own lives and those of the community. that she needed to talk to somebody about her traumatic experience when she also developed a of bruising from accidental and abusive as when a body was deposited, and by establishing a relationship debilitating fear of knives. Feeling isolated and with a need to understand her emotional response, cases. They explained that there are between a suspect and a victim. In one case, the Metropolitan Police Although most young people will never Deb sought out a counsellor. Having somebody to listen to her and to explain that she is a human many problematic issues in this study Service had commented to Martin that it had helped to narrow high commit crime, every year 70,000 school age children enter scientist exposed to a very stressful event that is outside of our normal experiences, and that these due to the fact children bruise regularly priority actions in the early stages of their investigation. the justice system and in 2010 there were 2,209 under 18’s in were totally normal reactions, had a positive influence on her. anyway, and that they are also the most custody. According to the Prison Reform Trust, over two thirds common finding in abuse cases. Using a number of case studies it became easy to see the breadth of young people are expected to re-offend within two years of Deb learnt that seeing Demmy reminded her of her own daughter and was the trigger of this Also being studied is the applicability of of ways in which current and future knowledge of insects can release from custody, with over 40% returning to prison. Jodie response. Further, that she feels protective of children at scenes and that this is understandable. DNA techniques to bruising. This ethically contribute to understanding key issues in complex cases. Martin described some of the reasons for re-offending, which include After all, being professional does not have to mean being emotionally absent. If emotional vulnerability is frowned upon there is a risk of emotions being buried or suppressed. Deb feels that approved study included three cohorts of has provided evidence in many cases, including child neglect homelessness, few work opportunities, friends and family children: and cruelty and continues to research ways in which entomology involved in crime, low confidence and self esteem, drug and releasing them helps to understand them and has learnt to accept her responses. She now helps can add value to investigations. At the Natural History Museum alcohol misuse and peer pressure. These are also reasons her emotions at scenes involving children by allowing herself time to acknowledge who they were • Children with accidental bruises they are studying how quickly insects grow by measuring people offend in the first instance, she explained. in life and to say that she will do her job well for them. • Children with coagulations disorders ‘accumulated degree hours’, as well as succession, seasonality • Abused children and morphological analysis. Future developments include better The NYA have created a number of programmes aimed at (retrospectively ascertained) statistical analysis using Bayesian networks. preventing youth crime as youth work can be vital in preventing Edlington and Beyond! How the Criminal Justice System crime. They offer ‘Youth Inclusion and Support Panels’, deals with Violent and Sexual Offending by and against Children The study considered whether DNA is ‘Parenting Interventions’, and ‘Safer School Partnerships’ Felicity Gerry, Author of “The Sexual Offences Handbook” transferred from parents/carers during amongst others. Jodie commented that they have given her everyday contact and if DNA profiles differ between bruised and non-bruised skin. Children as Eyewitnesses positive role models, supervised and structured activities and There have been repeated calls on the Government to review the Contamination has been problematic as Dr Melanie Takarangi, University of Leicester practical support to increase self esteem. Without the NYA age of criminal responsibility and raise it from 10 to 12 years of age. Jodie explained that she would likely still be offending. Felicity argues that this is misguided and unnecessary. If appropriate they are using Low Template DNA (LTDNA) interventions take place, such as better social and parental intervention, methods for DNA profiling, so updated This was a fascinating insight into memory and information to divert children away from crime, that decisions by the Crown standard operating procedures are now in recall, particularly in relation to children. Given that children Prosecution Service (CPS) to prosecute are made properly and those place to minimise this. Eleanor and Sabine may be asked to give evidence on things they have seen or involved are properly trained then there should be no need for change. have been working on a study group of that have allegedly happened to them it is crucial to understand Poetic Injustice? A Case of Alleged Child Abuse fifty children under five years of age and childrens’ event memory, and how and why it can go wrong. Dr Angela Morrissey, Using the example of two brothers (aged 11 and 12) from Edlington, South Yorkshire, who taking reference samples from those in Questioned Documents, BSB Forensics, London attacked, sexually humiliated and tortured two other children (aged 9 and 11) with knives, close contact with the children. Using a case example of a Sunday School worker in San bricks and burning cigarettes, leaving one for dead, Felicity explained that it is more important Diego, Dale Akiki, Melanie was able to demonstrate the A case involving a lady, Leila, in her early that there is sufficiency of evidence, that the decision to prosecute is in the public interest and The findings so far indicate that: difficulties associated with gathering accurate information 30’s who had decided to allege that her that the appropriate charge is selected than the age of the offenders. • There is a variation in the amount from children. The case involved allegations by a number of step-father had abused her as a child was of the child’s DNA recovered children that Akiki had sacrificed an elephant and a giraffe presented. Leila claimed that a number of Felicity called for future developments in the Criminal Justice System in cases involving the during bruise swabbing in front of them, that he had kidnapped and raped them poems she had written about sexual abuse vulnerable and/or young to include speeding up the judicial review process, formalising of • There is a variation in the amount in his car (despite his not being able to drive), and that he had been written when she was a teenager, the CPS policy on what the appropriate charge is when children are under 13 and perhaps of non-child DNA recovered had threatened them with guns and knives. He was charged to never put children on trial at the Old Bailey. More than anything though there needs to be but the defence case said that she had • Developmental age does not with forty three counts of child abuse and endured a seven better social intervention for troubled children. written them more recently to substantiate influence the results month trial. The jury took just seven hours to acquit him. her claims. Fortunately her mother had kept • ‘Kissing it better’ does not seem many of Leila’s written materials from throughout her life and these to affect the results Melanie talked about a number of ways in which it has been were made available to Angela so that she could examine them. The Adaptation of Forensic Examination Techniques and the Subsequent possible to get a better understanding of how children store Interpretation of the Results to Provide Best Evidence in Child Sexual Abuse Cases • There is a difference in where bruises and retrieve information and the factors that affect this, such In order to describe the work she undertook in this investigation, Paula O’Rourke, Cellmark Forensic Services are found between accidental and as age, prior knowledge of certain activities, suggestibility, Angela described the development of handwriting at learning, abusive bruises interviewer bias, creativity, leading questions, desire to adolescent, mature and degenerative stages and other factors that Paula described the limitations of simply locating and identifying body fluids in sexual offence • Mobility is a key factor in please adults. Children are also shown to answer questions can affect a persons’ style of writing. investigations and stressed the importance of contextualising to help interpret meaning. Challenges accidental bruising that make no sense, such as “should lights eat potatoes with frequently faced in investigations of this type include clothing not being available, washed items, transfer of semen in washing machines, and inter-familial relationships. clouds”? Further, they will often change their answer when Showing excerpts from some of the poems Angela was able The aim is now to take the study further by getting ethical approval to swab abusive asked the same question more than once. The prevailing to demonstrate the type of details she studied during her view on this is that children think the interviewer wants them Paula routinely uses Crime-lites® to screen both large and small items as she finds it a valuable bruises so that comparisons may be examinations. Looking at some of the complex features of Leila’s non-destructive technique. This is followed up by AP (acid-phosphatase) testing and Paula finds to give a different answer. This is a difficult balance because drawn. They are not yet certain what the handwriting Angela concluded that the poems fitted into a period value in that even on items that have been washed as it can help in the formulation of expectations. applicability of DNA evidence may be to repeated interviews can also reveal more information. when Leila would have been between 15 and 17 years of age. Finding high numbers of sperm on some items with no AP reaction has led her to do some research the assessment of childhood bruising, but Using an evidential scale of ‘Inconclusive - Moderate - Strong - on semen seeded clothing washed at 30°C. Finding high numbers of sperm on many of these has at the very least the study may ultimately Research is underway to look at how children can be Very Strong - Conclusive’, Angela presented evidence in the court led her to use extended AP times in some cases, depending on the case circumstances. She demonstrate that there is no place for prepared and protected during cross-examinations. case providing ‘Strong Support’ for the prosecution version. An also advocates sampling control areas in some cases to aid interpretation. To summarise, Paula DNA evidence in these cases, which is of examiner instructed by the defence had also reached the same explained that employing thorough initial case assessments, along with appropriate examination just as much value. conclusion. Despite this, the defendant was acquitted. strategies, makes interpretation much easier.

interfaces newsletter : [ 11 ] [ 12 ] : interfaces newsletter for CPD. Tomorrow night will see the launch of our scheme scientific issue or even with the choice of a court appointed whereby organisations can register to have their courses joint expert, the judges have no recognised body to turn to recognised for CPD and members will be able to record their even though the draft proposal by the Law Commission places own activities online. The Society will maintain records of CPD the responsibility of ‘gate keeping’ with regards to expert Autumn Conference points accrued by participants. This will bring us in line with evidence squarely on their shoulders. most other professional bodies. I will be recommending this to the Membership at the AGM tomorrow. I am convinced that a register of Chartered practitioners, based on the experts’ ability to do his job, will fill this need Dinner and Awards In difficult times it is imperative that efforts are centred on that and provide a standard by which the courts can measure the which addresses any problem most effectively. This may force competence of experts that come before them. a governing body to take difficult and unpopular decisions Presidential Address and we are certainly no exception. Expectations of us as a Next week we are delighted that The Right Honourable Lord Justice Leveson will deliver the first in our lectures series, at assessing courses being taught at amongst practitioners. All these potentially professional body have changed – and that is right. King’s College in London on the Limits of Expert Evidence. higher education establishments around have a negative impact on quality. This will be followed at the end of the month by the second the country. Where possible we are seeking the views of our Fellows and lecture when Law Commissioner Professor David Ormerod There is the added danger of a rise in listening to the comments of those members that contact us. will discuss the draft proposal by the Law Commission on the This independent accreditation scheme ill-equipped or inappropriate individuals Whether favourable or not this is something I genuinely welcome. Admissibility of expert evidence that I have already referred to. was endorsed in 2005 by the Select offering their services on the cheap. Committee on Forensic Science and Our focus these past months has been to find ways of Dr Ann Priston, OBE JP this is still a vital part of the Society’s The work of the Forensic Science Regulator responding to the needs of the members and the forensic President programme. Under this scheme courses is crucial in controlling standards and the community generally. in crime scene investigation, laboratory FSSoc works closely with him on advisory analysis and the interpretation and groups and in contributing to government Therefore our conferences in future will be designed to offer a evaluation of evidence can be assessed consultative papers. more affordable alternative to the traditional weekends we used against a set of technical standards. to offer. For the most part they will be targeted at a specific This will not prevent errors occurring, and more specialised audience and we have already had one By accrediting universities in this way nothing ever could, but hopefully it will day workshops and meetings devoted to firearms examination, the professional body confers credibility ensure a uniformity of quality standard traffic investigations and, of course, evidence interpretation. on qualifying organisations as well as right across the board as far as providing reassurance to employers and laboratory practice is concerned. Also, it won’t have escaped your notice that the Society has also brings clarity and focus for students jumped into the electronic age and that the website and online and parents looking to apply to the best But this still doesn’t speak for the facilities have been upgraded so that we can offer you a more Advance your career courses to suit their needs. competency of the individual. That is efficient service. Last year the Forensic Science Society where the Society can make a real with a Cranfield MSc celebrated 50 years since its founding Ever since I have been involved in the contribution. By creating a new level In the immediate future we can look forward to being able to and it was a weekend of particular world of Forensic Science there has of membership for practitioners, the offer two new diplomas, in Identity Documents and Toxicology, significance with the presence of HRH been an emphasis on quality. Methods users of forensic science, that is the and to the opportunity of upgrading recently awarded diplomas the Princess Royal to speed the Society manuals, guidelines and eventually legal authorities and the police, will have to Master’s level. The Society is aiming to add a further forward. We looked back over the first 50 Standard Operating Procedures – all access to a register of Chartered Forensic component standard to the accreditation scheme relating to years of its existence, during which time designed to ensure that practitioners Experts – assessed independently by its digital evidence in the coming months. • Available full and part-time it served the forensic community well. worked to the same set of standards own professional body. This is a far cry • Start date: September 2011 and applied the same techniques across from the late CRFP and also from other We are also forging stronger links overseas. In January the Society will be running a three day conference in Abu Dhabi A Cranfield Forensic MSc will enable you to Initially the Society provided its members a number of separate establishments. registers where you simply pay a fee to significantly strengthen your future career prospects, with a focus for meeting and networking, The objective being to see that justice be listed. jointly with the Abu Dhabi police and our next meeting with and allow you to pursue a wide variety of career for exchanging experiences and for was properly served. the California Association of Criminalists, with whom we are opportunities. broadening their knowledge with regard Furthermore, and I believe equally affiliated, will be held next May on board the Queen Mary which Developed in collaboration with industry and delivered to other related disciplines. Nevertheless occasional mistakes importantly, this will give professional is permanently docked in Los Angeles. by leading academics, our Forensic MSc Programme were made and miscarriages resulted. members of the Society long awaited enables you to graduate with one of five tailored MSc As the years rolled by its aims and purpose That led to government reviews, the and much needed recognition and Turning now to the Courts, we have long recognised the needs courses that will closely match your desired area of professional expertise: expanded; it also took on an educational creation and demise of CRFP, and the reward for analysts, examiners and of the legal community, which, in the light of certain recent role, granting scholarships and awarding establishment of a Forensic Science court going experts. judgements, is even more pressing than before. • Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology MSc diplomas in four subjects to a very high Regulator to oversee quality and advise • Forensic Ballistics MSc and well recognised standard. the government. But now we all face a I believe this is the way to go and my I understand that expert evidence in the Criminal court is light • Forensic Engineering and Science MSc daunting and almost insurmountable vision is that Chartered status will be an years behind that in the civil but within an adversarial system the • Forensic Explosives and Explosion MSc • Forensic Investigation MSc Then, thanks largely to media influence, challenge to quality, that of funding – not expectation for all practitioners serving the remedy falls outside our hands and into those of the law makers. the thirst for careers in forensic science directly to the Society but to everything Criminal Justice System and it will eventually However we are planning to run a series of seminars for lawyers The programme is run by the Cranfield Forensic Institute, that impinges on us all as experts and a become a requirement to practice. in the New Year to update them in the wonders of science. based at Cranfield University’s Shrivenham campus. For those grew and with it the number and diversity with an interest in specific areas individual modules can be attended of the courses on offer. The demand for professional body. as short courses. training increased to such an extent that, Chartered status cannot be granted Expert evidence has been at the heart of many appeals, in order to maintain the high standards Funding cuts lead to many serious without the demonstration of on going both in the past and recently, and it is becoming increasingly For further information: W: www.cranfield.ac.uk/cds/forensics demanded by a profession that has problems including a drive by forces for professional development and to this apparent that there are times when real practical guidance is T: +44 (0)1234 758008 the provision of truth and justice at its faster and cheaper services, a lack of end the Society is inviting organisations needed. In areas where the court has uncertainty, either in the E: [email protected] heart, the Society became involved in recruitment by providers and low morale to have their training courses recognised admissibility of an evidence type or in an understanding of a

interfaces newsletter : [ 13 ] [ 14 ] : interfaces newsletter Autum Conference Sunday Sessions Conferences in 2011

The Sunday morning sessions began with a talk entitled This was followed by a talk entitled “But…They’re Such “An Anthropological Study of War Crimes against Nice People…” The Hidden (and not so hidden) Faces Forensic Science Society Conferences 2011 Children in Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina during of Child Abuse’ by Julie Saul, Director of the Forensic the Conflicts of the 1990s” by Julie Roberts, whois Anthropology Laboratory, Lucas County Coroner’s currently a Senior Forensic Anthropologist at Cellmark Office, Toledo, Ohio, USA. Forensic Services. Julie is also registered with the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) as an Julie is a consultant in Forensic Anthropology to numerous Understanding and Dealing Joint Conference with Body Fluids Forum expert advisor in anthropology and archaeology. agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with DNA Evidence the California Association 16th September 2011 Evidence Response Team of Cleveland Ohio and with the 26th February 2011 of Criminalists The Ramada Piccadilly Hotel, Julie began by outlining the historical roots of the conflict in Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT). Her King’s College, London 16th–20th May 2011 Manchester the area formally known as Yugoslavia. This is no easy task as speciality is recognising and interpreting skeletal trauma. Queen Mary, Los Angeles Convenor: Caroline Sheriff the roots go back centuries, but Julie successfully described This seminar will form the first the ethnic tensions, which erupted so violently. She then went Julie began her session by describing the risk factors which of a series of planned seminars Topics in this conference will on to explain the methodology for her research (which is part increase the likelihood of child abuse, which can occur at all being run by the FSSoc to assist include Documents, Firearms, Autumn Conference and AGM of her doctoral thesis) and defined the terms used. levels of society. She then went on to define the most common members of the legal profession to Blood Alcohol and DNA. 11th–12th November 2011 injuries found in children and their possible causes. Obviously understand and deal with forensic Title to be announced Although the United Nations definition of ‘child’ is anyone children do fall over and injure themselves accidentally but evidence in the criminal courts. Venue to be confirmed under eighteen years of age it was decided to define a child using data Julie showed that some injuries are most unlikely Summer Conference Convenor: Callum Sutherland in this context as anyone under fifteen years of age. This to be accidental and require further investigation. July 2011 took into account the local culture and attitudes to young Spring Conference Strathclyde University people. One aim of the research is to see if the forensic data Julie gave a number of case studies from her recent Document Examination – Convenors: One Day Student and supported the witness testimony, which is forming the basis experience, which illustrated the importance of considering More Than Just Dr Niamh Nic Daied YFSS Conference of war crimes prosecutions, and the answer is broadly yes. risk factors together with the physical findings. She also Handwriting Analysis and Dr Marielle Vennemann December 2011 illustrated the difficulty in diagnosing some injuries in the living 4th April 2011 Title to be announced Problems were encountered with the availability of useable patient and in questioning afterwards it became apparent that Menzies Strathallan Hotel, The Robert Gordon University data and the need to merge different sources of thousands techniques such as MRI scanning needed to be more widely Birmingham Forensic DNA Conference Convenor: of records to create a single database. Most deaths were by available, x-rays alone are not sufficient. Convenors: 15th September 2011 Professor Andrew Morrisson gunshot and were deliberate close range shootings, children Andy Manns, Dr Kate Barr The Ramada Piccadilly Hotel, of all ages were killed along with adults although in mass Julie also covered post-mortem investigation where she and Dr Steve Cosslett Manchester executions it was more older, taller children. highlighted the need for more data to be collected on young Convenor: Caroline Sheriff children, particularly long bone length data for babies up to The work will be of value in future investigations in the Balkans 24 months and the importance of experience in feeling the and may prove to be of value in forming proactive strategies to texture of young bone to detect healed fractures which may If you would like more information, a programme or a registration form protect children in any future conflict. The study has provided indicate prolonged abuse. for any of these events please contact: a methodology and a database that can be expanded as more evidence comes to light. Julie emphasised the need for thorough examination The Forensic Science Society techniques not simply to achieve justice for the victim Clarke House but also to prevent further victims. 18A Mount Parade Harrogate North Yorkshire HG1 1BX I’m a Scientist – Get Me Out of Here! United Kingdom

Would you like to develop your communication skills? Tel: +44 (0)1423 506068 Would you like to get involved in a great science engagement project? Fax: +44 (0)1423 566391 Would you like the chance to win £500 to spend on a science communication project you’ve got in mind? [email protected] This is an award winning project that gets school students talking to real scientists, online, funded by the Wellcome Trust. www.forensic-science-society.org.uk There will be events in March and June 2011. Sign up now! For more information and to sign up visit: http://imascientist.org.uk/for-scientists

interfaces newsletter : [ 15 ]