Number 33 Jan – Mar 2003 ISSN 1359-0820 THE SOCIETY

interA forum for forensic scientistsfaces and associated professionals Forensic geoscience: principles, techniques and applications

3 + 4 March 2003 (Convenors: Kenneth Pye and Debra J Croft) Forensic geoscience is a rapidly developing sub-discipline of geoscience and is concerned Forensic , the first (and only) evidence, as well as diatom analysis and was with the application of and wider textbook on the subject. Prof. Murray’s chaired by Prof. Tony Brown (Exeter). environmental information and techniques to keynote paper addressed the subject of Exciting work on a new automated scanning investigations which may come before a court ‘Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow’. The morning electron microscopic technique (Camborne of law (civil or criminal). It incorporates session (chaired by Debra Croft) then covered School of Mines/CSIRO, Australia) and the forensic geology and forensic soil science, but various geophysical techniques for detection analysis of potential hazards and risks from there are also important overlaps with of burial sites and disturbed ground, with space debris were also presented. The forensic archaeology, , contributors from the archaeological field, as afternoon final session (chaired by Prof. and . As well as the modelling of the movement of Raymond Murray) concentrated on case well as being concerned with all types of bodies in tidal river estuaries. The afternoon studies and use of techniques in practice, with earth materials, including rocks, sediments, session (chaired by Prof. Kenneth Pye) then contributions from the FBI (Washington), the soils, dusts, air and water, and with a wide covered microscopic techniques and chemical Department of Justice (Riverside, California), range of natural phenomena and processes, element analysis of samples, including both the Centre of Forensic Sciences (Ontario), such as wind, waves, tides and river flows, radiogenic and stable isotopic analyses and CERAM Building Technology (UK), The forensic geoscience also encompasses the their application to soil, bone and teeth. The University of Alabama, the Forensic Science study of particles of anthropogenic origin, evening wine and poster session showed 16 Service (London), and Kenneth Pye including materials such as brick, concrete, posters of wide-ranging and high-quality Associates Ltd. ceramics and glass. scientific research in the forensic field, with Thanks are given for sponsorship and support contributions from England, Scotland and The conference, held at The Geological to The Forensic Science Society, The Wales, The Netherlands, Italy, USA and Society, Piccadilly, London, was opened by Geological Society, Hitachi High Japan. Prof. Raymond Murray (University of Technologies, Kenneth Pye Associates Ltd., Montana) and author (with Tedrow, 1975, Day two started with sessions on and Leica Microsystems. Full details of the Prentice Hall) of the ground-breaking biomaterials, palynology and botanical programme can be obtained, and an abstract

interfaces is sponsored by FOSTER + FREEMAN, improving the quality of forensic evidence interfaces Number 33 THE FORENSIC SCIENCE SOCIETY page 2 volume can be purchased, by contacting: Debra Croft Forensic Alliance Conferences 2003 ([email protected]) Tel/fax: 01344 751 610; an accompanying Geological Society Special Publication is to be published early in 7 June 2003 2004. A workshop for academics providing forensic courses The potential value of using earth materials in criminal investigations ‘A day in the life ..... of a forensic scientist’ was recognized more than a century ago, but interest has increased considerably over the past two to three decades. Murray and Tedrow 20 June 2003 published the first (and only) book on Forensic Geology in 1975, and it A joint meeting with the Royal Microscopical Society remains a valuable reference source. There have, however, been major ‘Forensic Electron Microscopy – Spreading best practice’ advances in analytical methodology and scientific understanding since that time. Contributions in forensic geoscience now range from 18–19 July 2003 ground-based and remotely-sensed field investigations to laboratory A repeat of the open air scene workshop micro-analysis of sub-micron sized particles. The information obtained Entomology, archaeology, osteology, palenology, 1:1 taping can be used simply as background ‘intelligence’ to assist active Residential this year investigations, or as evidence in both criminal and civil proceedings. There is still a need, however, to define more precisely the evidential 11–12 October 2003 value of geoscientific information, through the development of better Traffic Workshop databases and experimental investigations to specifically address key Applications of Forensic Science to Traffic Offences. Includes effect of questions of forensic concern. drugs/drink on drivers and the law; vehicle examinations for , accident reconstruction, interpretive blood pattern analysis The geoscience community generally has a duty to inform the and DNA applications. professionals involved in the legal process of the potential and limitations of the information which can be provided, and geoscientific For further information contact expert witnesses need to find improved ways of explaining their Karen Schembri findings in court. As with other types of forensic evidence, Tel: 01235 551800 Fax: 01865 407162 communication between scientists, investigating teams and legal Email: [email protected] professionals is essential if the most effective use is to be made of the information available. In future, many promising developments can be expected through inter-disciplinary collaboration and joint initiatives. interfaces Number 33 NEWSLETTER page 3

in a day spent at magistrates’ court, often Phillip Owen Rees followed by another day at Quarter Sessions, since defendants often elected to be tried by a jury. They felt the jury would look at the dock and say ‘There but for the Grace of God go 1921–2002 I’. To a large extent the work was made easier by the introduction of a statutory limit and Forensic scientists have been saddened by the Laboratory was also opened. Later the Home later, of course, by the breath test. death of one of their colleagues, Phil Rees, on Office took over the Nottingham laboratory 26 December 2002. Although he retired in which initially covered most of England and Phil Rees therefore spent a great deal of time 1982 he will be fondly remembered by Wales, but as the work expanded other Home in courts around the East Midlands area and colleagues of all ages as one of the early Office regional laboratories were opened. was well respected by magistrates, judges and pioneers of forensic science. lawyers. He was a very confident and capable When Phil Rees joined the Nottingham witness. He attended many suspicious fires Phil was born in Ferndale, Rhondda Valley, laboratory there was a total staff of about ten, and also dealt with explosives in safe blowing South Wales, 13 March 1921. He obtained a the work being divided into three cases, which were common at that time. He B. Pharm (Hons ) degree at Cardiff departments, Chemistry, Biology and Physics. provided an excellent service to the police University and went on to work as a Research The rather inappropiate designation ‘Physics’ and was well respected by them. Chemist in Cancer Research at Sunbury on appeared to be for no other reason than that Thames, where he met his wife Sheila. He the head of the section was a physicist. The As the work expanded and additional staff spent three years as a Research Chemist and work involved examination of paint and glass, were recruited he was a first class example to Assistant Lecturer in Pharmacology at spectrography etc in cases of hit-and-run road junior staff both as an expert witness and in Nottingham University and was awarded an accidents, breaking offences, footprints and his laboratory work. They now speak very M.Pharm and ARIC. toolmarks. In later years the term highly of his patience in training them, often ‘Criminalistics’ was used for this work. staying behind long after normal laboratory He was appointed Staff Chemist at the Home Although Phil worked in chemistry, because hours. During Phil’s time in the Chemistry Office Forensic Science Laboratory, staffing was so limited he often undertook Department new methods were developed and Nottingham in 1952 and during his time there this type of work. A ballistics Section was sound principles laid down was awarded FRSC. also opened later at Nottingham. Forensic science of today owes a great deal to It is difficult for forensic scientists of today to The Chemistry Department was extremely the early pioneers and Phil Rees was certainly appreciate how different things were in those busy with toxicology work submitted by the one of the best. It came as a shock that he early days. The first laboratory to be formed police and coroners, drugs and analysis of died so suddenly on Boxing Day, but the one was a small forensic science laboratory blood and urine samples in drunk in charge consolation was that he had a happy serving the Nottingham City Police in 1937 cases. Half an hour analysing a blood or urine Christmas Day with his whole family. which was soon used by other forces also. sample by the early ‘steam’ method of Around this time the Metropolitan Police Kozelka and Hine would almost always result Jack L Fish Changes to Society anticipating to sit the Diploma this year, but I am confident that what emerges will be a Diplomas better qualification. I hope that you will understand the reasons for this decision and The Society’s Diplomas are valuable process is considerable. In many areas the you will all look forward to taking part in the qualifications that have been developed in number of students was lower than that new scheme. conjunction with practitioners. Since their required to be viable. This can also cause inception, the forensic science community difficulties in assessing whether the exams If you would like to contact me directly, and particularly the area of qualifications are set at the correct standard. please use my e-mail has developed rapidly. The advent of many ([email protected]) and I will try degrees now claiming forensic components It is for these reasons that, as Chair of the to answer any queries you may have. and the development of National Professional Awards Committe (PAC), I have Occupational Standards, to name but two decided to postpone this year’s Diploma Once Council have approved the plans for the examples of these developments, have exams until next year while the system is PAC, we will use interfaces to let you know caused us to pause and consider how the reviewed. I have set out a plan to examine the what we are doing on your behalf. Society’s qualifications are to fit this wider entire issue of individual awards. This will be picture. It is clear that we should adhere to a put into action shortly. Until this happens, it Thank you for your support and please use national approach and use the developments is not sensible to press ahead with the interfaces to keep in touch and inform us of elsewhere to inform our own work. Diploma examinations when such a change is your views imminent. As you will appreciate, the work and Dr Allan Jamieson organisation involved in the assessment I know that this will be frustrating for those Chairman, PAC interfaces Number 33 THE FORENSIC SCIENCE SOCIETY page 4 Forensic Science Society Conferences 2003 The Cutting Edge 4–6 July 2003, Summer Meeting, Leicester University

The Cutting Edge is dedicated to papers and posters on new developments in forensic science. This will include new techniques in evidence recovery and new evidence types as well as established techniques used in novel ways and emerging areas of forensic science.

Presentations include: Graphic Violence: Computer graphics based visualisation of pathology information—Damian Schofield, Lecturer, SchEME, University of Nottingham; Can’t see the wood for the carbonaceous char – some novel methods for solving fire cases—Eur Ing Mike Jones, Capita McLarens; Cyber Witness – basic procedures involved in the recovery and analysis of computer based evidence, Case studies to illustrate various techniques developed for determining the provenance of evidential material recovered from computers—Mr Jim Bates, President of the Institution of Analysts and Programmers; DNA Micro laboratories: a route to cheap, instant DNA profiling?— Dr Martin Evison, Sheffield University; Rural Tracking/Ground Sign Interpretation—Kate Salesse, DCI Andy Durkin and Det. Supt. Ian Hilton, Greater Manchester Police; Blood: Accept no substitutes—Miss Joanne Millington, London Metropolitan University; DNA recovery from air bags—Mr Carl Akeroyd, West Yorkshire Police; Silicon Pathology? Conventional Forensic Computing practice concentrates on the retrieval of evidence from suspect’s equipment, often without much consideration of how the evidence may have arisen—Mr Angus Marshall, University of Hull; Tyrants, Taphonomy and Clandestine Graves in Panama, locating and recovering remains from clandestine graves of victims of the military regimes of Generals Torrijos and Noriega during searches in 2001 and 2002 using a specially trained Death Investigation Dog—Mrs Julie Mather Saul, Forensic Anthropologist and Professor Frank Saul, US Public Health Service, Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team. Leanne Tiernan case study, as a result of the police investigation a suspect for Leanne’s death was found and the forensic profile (fibres, animal hairs, pollens etc.) confirmed his guilt—Sammy Warnakulasuriya and Peter Grant, FSS, Wetherby, Det. Supt. Chris Gregg and DC Andy Wilson, West Yorkshire Police.

This conference will be held at the University of Leicester and student accommodation ensures this is an inexpensive meeting. The Summer conference has always been one of the Society’s most popular meetings, a forum for serious discussion in a relaxed atmosphere and a great opportunity to network with people from a variety of professions including police, scenes of crime, medicine and law, as well as forensic science.

Common Ground – Prosecution and Defence 31 October – 2 November 2003, Hilton Hotel, Southampton AGM, 1 November 2003, 9.00 a.m.

The purpose of this meeting is to explore different approaches to the use of forensic science – notably by the prosecution and defence in criminal cases, to identify some of the underlying reasons for this – such as time, funding and expertise constraints and, importantly, areas of common ground which could be exploited to improve the relevance, safety and sustainability of scientific evidence. Speakers are invited not only from amongst scientists and medics, but also the investigators and lawyers who use them. The meeting should generate stimulating debate touching on important issues such as the way and extent to which forensic science is currently used and trends in this, disclosure and the sharing of information between the two sides prior to any court hearing, and impartiality in assessing and presenting scientific results. Presentations include: How the media affects the Criminal Justice System—DCS Jeremy Paine; A day in the life of the CPS—Michele Ames, CPS Lawyer; The Balanced Scientist – Apresentation on the CAI culture—Dr Ian Evett, Forensic Science Service; Forensic Evidence – disclosure and public interest immunity – examining covert surveillance, interception and gathering of information from computers, where the method of obtaining evidence must be kept secret to maintain the effectiveness of the techniques being used – to put it another way: Can/should defence experts be trusted?—Mr Justice Hooper; One Register–One Standard: Professionalism across the forensic spectrum—Mr Alan Kershaw, Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners; The investigation of police shootings — post incident procedures, the police reaction to them and the uniqueness of these situations, balancing the welfare of officers against the needs of the investigation—Det. Supt. Simon Chesterman, Professional Standards Unit, Thames Valley Police; The Sarah Payne Case—Ray Chapman, Forensic Science Service and Duncan Woods, Keith Borer Consultants; Mike Scott- Ham, Toxicologist, will relate the case where a defence scientist’s claims to qualifications were false and he was subsequently imprisoned.

Booking forms available by request from the Forensic Science Society’s office: 18A Mount Parade, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 1BX. Tel 01423 506068/566973 email: [email protected] interfaces Number 33 NEWSLETTER page 5 Forensic Science Society One Day Conferences

Criminal Case Reviews The Forensic Thursday 12 June Science Society Kent Police College, Sutton Road, Maidstone This is the first joint meeting held between Kent Police and the Forensic Science Society. The aim of the conference is to share experience and knowledge in the developing discipline of reviewing investigations. The programme includes presentations of high profile inquiries mainly homicides but also serial sexual offences. The speakers Criminal Case range from experienced detectives to specialists from the Forensic Science Service. Each will bring a valuable viewpoint which Reviews will contribute to a challenging aspect of criminal investigations providing unique learning opportunities. Presentations include: The rationale and processes of case reviews—D Supt D Stevens, Kent Police Review Group; Resources Thursday 12 June 2003 of the NCOF in case reviews—Dave Barclay, National Crime and Operations Faculty; Operation Magnum 1973 South Wales Kent Police College Sutton Road, Maidstone, Kent case & FSS case review process—Dr Colin Dark, Forensic Science Service; The Marion Crofts Case—DS Paul Clements, and Conveners: DS Doug Utting, Hampshire Constabulary; Operation Admiralty: review and investigation of serial sexual offences—D Supt Jim Fraser, President Elect, Forensic Science Society D Supt David Stevens, Brian Robert, Kent Police College. Kent Police Case Review Group

It is anticipated that attendees will come from a wide range of backgrounds including, Review Officers, Senior Investigating Programme & Officers, and Forensic Investigation personnel. Registration Form

The Forensic Science Society Digitising the Evidence Thursday 4 September 2003 Digitising the The Hough End Centre (Greater Manchester Police Sports & Social Club) Evidence! The aim of this conference is to promote discussion around the use of digital imaging associated with forensic applications used on a regular basis and to determine whether or not some images for comparison are suitable in digital formats. Presentations include Virtual reality of crime scenes—Toby Howard, Manchester University Computer Sciences; Facial recognition using digital images for comparison—Geoffrey Oxlee, Kalagate Imagery Bureau; Is digital acceptable to the forensic scientist?—Speaker from the Forensic Science Service; Digital in the Courtroom, a Barrister’s view—Mr Peter Thursday 4 September 2003 Burton, West Yorkshire Police, will give a presentation on the Bradford riots and how they used digital images as evidence.

The Hough End Centre West Mercia Constabulary will give a presentation on ultra-violet photography. (Greater Manchester Police Sports & Social Club) The day will be both informative and searching. There are many questions that people do not know the answers to, but now is

Convener: Pat Davies, the time to ask! Greater Manchester Police

Provisional Programme The Forensic Current & Future Use of Footwear Mark Evidence Science Society Thursday 2nd October 2003 Current and future The Hough End Centre (Greater Manchester Police Sports & Social Club) use of footwear mark evidence Footwear has been and still is under utilised particularly in relation to volume crime work. The very nature of footwear mark evidence means it lacks the permanence and predictability of DNA and . A similar approach for footwear has been regarded as either unlikely to be worthwhile or impossible to implement. This is compounded by the perceived lack of an irrefutable association between an individual and their footwear. The experience of some practitioners however is quite the opposite. If considered and logical systems are implemented, impressive detection rates can result from footwear evidence. The purpose of this meeting will be to attempt to identify the key components to make the use of footwear evidence effective. Thursday 2 October 2003 The Hough End Centre Presentations will include a Home Office Crime Reduction Group representative speaking on the findings of Under the (Greater Manchester Police Microscope in relation to footwear and what has happened since. Jon Goodyear from Lancashire Constabulary will talk on the Sports & Social Club) Changes in use of footwear in Lancashire Constabulary since 1995. Terry Napier will make a presentation on Convener: Terry Napier

Fundamentals of an effective footwear mark intelligence system. A speaker from one of the major footwear brands (Reebok Provisional Programme or Adidas) will talk about how patterns come into being and why there are so many. & Registration form

The Forensic Modern Office Technology Science Society One day Documents Group Meeting Questioned Thursday 16th October 2003, LGC Documents Group Office technology is continuously developing and recent advances have made such equipment much more readily available to Meeting the wider public, increasing its use in fraud and crime. The range of technology encountered is now wider than ever. This one- day meeting will give the forensic document community an opportunity to share and discuss certain new aspects of examination, related to office equipment and inks. It is hoped that this meeting, aimed at those engaged in the forensic examination of questioned documents, will be a chance to share experiences and new insights in these important areas. Modern Office The programme includes the following presentations: The significance of the layout of electronically generated Technology & documents—Zoe Clewer, LGC, an evaluation of the significance of matching layouts in electronically generated documents; Inks Yellow dots and the master forger—Dr Kate Barr, Document Evidence Ltd, the significance of yellow background dots in Thursday 16 October 2003 colour photocopying; The presence of white faults (divots) on photocopiers—Ros Winter, Forensic Science Service; Making NPL Lecture Theatre, LGC your own fonts on a home PC—Olive Thorne, LGC, widely available software allows anyone to create their own fonts Convener: Oliver Thorne including handwriting fonts. This has the potential to be used fraudulently; Questioned Standards (followed by discussion)— Provisional Programme & Dr Allan Jamieson, Forensic Science Society Standards Committee — discussion on the maintenance and demonstration of Registration form standards within forensic document examination; Faxed typescript, not a lost cause—Mike Allen, Document Evidence Ltd— a casework example where defects in typescript seen in a faxed document could be differentiated from fax digitisation and a positive association made; The analysis of Toners—Speaker from the Forensic Science Service—Analytical analysis of photocopy and laser printer toners; The current status of Photodensitometer methods of dating inks—Robert Radley—a summary of the current status of research into the dating of inks. Predominantly commenting on work carried out in the USA. interfaces Number 33 THE FORENSIC SCIENCE SOCIETY page 6 Letters to Christine Houseman It was with great sadness that we said goodbye to Chris Houseman the editor who retired in the latter part of last year. Chris had been a member of the Society’s office staff for sixteen years, for the last ten of which she Your views on interfaces and issues affecting was Office Manager, and we had all come to depend very heavily on her – not just for her office and finance management skills, but also for the forensic science profession today her bubbly personality. Chris joined the Society in 1986 as part-time assistant to the Treasurer. DNA testing: everyone or no one? She quickly took on additional responsibilities and then, in 1992, came her promotion to Office Manager which was very much a full-time Dear Editor post. This was the first such appointment the Society had made and it Allan Jamieson’s letter [1] expresses concern that a database of successfully brought the different members of the office staff together, DNA profiles of all individuals could enable an innocent person to enabling them to function as a central resource as opposed to be suspected of a crime and that a false conviction could result if individually providing support in specific areas. a jury failed to appreciate that additional evidence was not independent of the DNA match. Through the years Chris worked tirelessly for the Society using to great effect her boundless enthusiasm and energy, a large measure of natural He is right to raise this matter for debate but it is surely better to common sense, and her financial expertise. She found her way make use of such a valuable contribution to crime investigation effortlessly through the complexities of, for example, the Charity than to avoid using it because of fears that avoidable mistakes Commission, the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise (in relation could occur. It would be vital for scientists, police and courts to be to VAT) and, along the way, she obtained a BA (Hons) in Business properly advised of the dangers of relying on evidence which, Administration from Leeds Metropolitan University. This proved to be though compelling, might appear misleading in certain useful in more ways than one as, indirectly, it allowed Chris’s husband, circumstances. The sensitivity of current methods requires that Alex, to discover that he could cook! results must be interpreted by those with adequate understanding Also impressive was Chris’s ability always to cope no matter how of the case as well as knowledge of DNA profiling. Nevertheless, it difficult the circumstances – as in February 1996 when the office would be entirely inappropriate to omit using this tool to aid emptied around her owing to a combination of maternity leave and criminal justice because it is so convincing. Other forms of bereavement. Sometimes this was at the risk to her own health as in evidence that are less valuable can be taken into account during 2000 when she suffered a serious fall, injuring her back and breaking an investigation and there are possibilities for their significance to one of her wrists. In true Chris style, she was back at work within a be misunderstood. It would not be right normally for these to be few days and no-one could pursuade her to do otherwise. withheld from a case. Surely the use of a national DNA database should not be prohibited. In retirement, Chris and Alex have moved back to the small village outside Harrogate where they both grew up. Indeed, they now live There are certainly aspects to be considered before the opposite the primary school they both attended. With their two children introduction of a national database. At what age are samples to be having flown the nest, Chris and Alex are now able to visit their taken? What happens to those who refuse to provide a sample apartment in Spain, and Chris has rather more time to devote herself to because they feel their civil liberties would be infringed? Who is to her hobbies of reading and gardening – long since abandoned for more pay for the additional work? Who is to judge whether the immediate calls on her time. In November, the Society’s Council held a information has been correctly stored? Not only must the resulting small dinner in her honour at which she was presented with gardening evidence be properly applied during the police investigation of a tokens which should be of some assistance here. case and in any subsequent court proceedings but it is also This is surely a most well deserved retirement and we wish Chris all imperative to have controls on the data to ensure there are no the very best. opportunities for the information to be used for purposes other than those for which it was intended. However, these dangers are Angela Gallop there with the present database. Indeed it might be argued that it President is unfair to have a database that only includes those who have been found guilty in the past. Geoff Willott Lip Print Prize Cobham, Surrey At a recent awards ceremony, Gregor Munro, a 2002 graduate of [1] Allan Jamieson. interfaces 2002; 32: 6. Forensic Science at Anglia Polytechnic University (APU), Cambridge, was awarded a Forensic Science Service prize for his final year undergraduate thesis, entitled ‘The Forensic Examination of Lip Prints’, supervised by David Hughes. The project focussed on methods Infant Deaths One-Day Conference for the recovery and comparison of lip prints in a number of materials on a variety of substrates. The prize was awarded by Dr. David The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths is holding a one-day Werrett, Chief Executive of the Forensic Science Service. This is the conference on developing, running and auditing multi-agency first award of the prize, to be awarded annually, for the best protocols for responding to sudden and unexpected infant deaths. undergraduate thesis in forensic science undertaken at APU. University of York, 8 July 2003, £35.00. Tel 0870 787 0885 www.sids.org.uk Prof Mike Cole interfaces Number 33 NEWSLETTER page 7 Mutant fibres For many years, the textile fibre market has been a predictable beast. The company it keeps was well defined and its movements were limited to its own narrow habitat. Not any more. The beast has evolved over the past twenty years to a point where it is unrecognisable to those who have been its most keen observers. I count myself amongst those anoraks.

Technology and the emerging markets in Asia have been identified as the most probable cause for this evolution. The use of information technology has also speeded up the communication of facts and allowed manufacturers to respond very quickly to ‘gaps’ in the market – such as this year where a shortage of Australian wool in the market led to an increase in the production and supply of particular fibres to fill the void.

Global policies on issues such as the environment force the market to become more responsive. For example – environmental issues have played a huge role in dictating research and Other controversial issues have also been reflected in the evolution development in the fibre industry. This year we have seen of the fibre industry particularly in the cultivation of natural fibres – announcements of products such as: such as the decision by India this year to allow the commercial production of genetically modified cotton. This particular • the new S-Fit Levi’s® jeans designed to have pockets lined modification is thought to give the cotton resistance to one of its with ‘anti-radiation’ fabric to protect people from possible biggest pests – the bollworm. radiation from mobile phones; • Cotton spinning firm Nisshinbo Industries Inc developing a All of these new fibre types and applications provide challenges for fabric made from banana stalks; forensic fibre examiners – as the true evidential value of these new • Cargill Dow has produced a fabric called INGEO®. The fibre is fibres lies in their identification and classification. Like the mutated made from annually renewable resources such as corn (maize), fibre market – we too have to evolve and quickly. Research which are used to make a polymer called NatureWorks PLA. projects within organisations and between members of bodies such as the European Fibre Group (EFG) are central to that The impact of the environmental issues on the fibre market cannot evolution. It is vital that all laboratories support participation in R&D be underestimated. The move to washing clothes at lower and membership of groups such as the EFG. As evolution has temperatures has provided opportunities for the fibre market to taught us – only the strong survive. introduce fibres particularly suited for that purpose – such as those with antimicrobial properties like for example the Purista® range of Tiernan Coyle fabrics currently available in the UK market. Fibre Specialist, Forensic Alliance

have felt. In this regard I am making a positive contribution to Breakthrough Breast Cancer by undertaking a “once-in-a-lifetime” Editor’s “Great challenge. On 19 August 2003 I will embark on a 13-day trek along the Great Wall of China. In the following days I will cover a total of 143 km over challenging Gobi desert and mountain terrain. By the end of my trek I hope to have raised over £2650 and this is where I need Walk of China” your help! At present I have around £300 in sponsorship, but I obviously have £2350 to go and I am appealing to my readers to dig The alarming statistic that breast cancer affects one in nine women deep in their pockets. I have no qualms about asking complete may be unknown to many, as may the fact that men can also develop strangers to sponsor me as I’m sure you will agree that the money is breast cancer. Breakthrough Breast Cancer is a charity committed to going to a very deserving cause. We need as much research as possible fighting breast cancer through research and awareness and has to combat cancer, and research obviously comes at a price. established the UK’s first dedicated breast cancer research centre, in partnership with the Institute of Cancer Research. Breakthrough’s All donations will be accepted with heartfelt thanks, so please give as scientific work ultimately aims to eradicate breast cancer by much or as little as you can. For information on how to sponsor me, discovering the causes of the disease, finding methods of prevention please email me at [email protected] or ring me on (01223) 363271 and developing new treatments, with results being translated as Ext 2171. rapidly as possible into practical help for patients. If you would like to take part in a similar trek further information can Breakthrough Breast Cancer is a cause that is very close to my heart. be obtained on the following website: Seven years ago my mum died after a three-year battle against breast www.greatwalkofchina.org/static.html cancer. Although nothing can change what has happened, I want to do all that I can to help cancer research so that other people do not have to Rebecca Pepler experience the pain, anguish and loss that my mum, my family and I Editor, interfaces interfaces Number 33 THE FORENSIC SCIENCE SOCIETY page 8

T H R E A D S K E L E T O N Solution to Who’s on Council R E U P I O I E Crossword number 24 A N C E S T R A L V O G U E Ten correct entries Karen Stow I O T I L A H D were received for N E U T R O N I N T O T A L Crossword 24 and I N A C N E E the winning entry N A T A L E G G P L A N T plucked from the hat G I C G A A was John McCulloch P R E A C H E R T U B E R of Dublin FSL. T I A O E A R I N S I D E R U N N E R V E T O I M N I G S What is your B A T O N I N D I G N A N T profession? I T G N S H I E I am the Manager of T H O R O U G H S T O N E D Forensic Laboratory Services at Greater Manchester Police with an MSc in Forensic Science and an MBA. What are your A note from the professional interests? Although the Lab gets involved in a whole multitude of forensic issues, it deals mainly with Finger and Footwear mark enhancement both in the Lab and at scenes. We also carry out some questioned document Treasurer analysis. What part of the country do you live/work in? Subscriptions fall due at the beginning of November each year. This I live in Liverpool but work in Manchester – commuting is fun! makes it a very busy time of the year for the Society’s staff and I Interesting fact would appreciate your help to make their job easier. Used to be a Junior Skiing Champion. What is your role on Council (and committees)? Payment by variable Direct Debit is simple and straightforward and I Being a new member of council I am still finding my feet, but I have would urge as many members as possible to use this method. Payment been asked to join the Meetings and the Publications Committees. is initiated by the Society and it removes the need for you take any What motivates you to remain an active member of the action to continue your membership. If the Society makes a mistake it Forensic Sceince Society? must reimburse you. However it is not our mistake if you forget to tell I have been a member of the Society for 13 years. I joined as a student us two weeks before 31 October that you wish to resign from the at Strathclyde University, where Brian Caddy, Jim Thorpe and Peter Society. Whilst we don’t want to lose members we appreciate a short White inspired me to become both a member of the Society and also to letter of resignation giving some indication of your reason, however continue in my chosen career as a Forensic Scientist. At a Society you pay your subscription. At the very least it will stop us sending you Conference in 1993 (whilst working in an Environmental Consultancy, those irritating reminders and if you use Direct Debit you will not find awaiting a Forensic opportunity) I met SOCOs from Greater that your membership of the Society lasts for a year longer than you Manchester Police. They told me about a vacancy for a Lab Manager at intended. GMP, which they were having difficulty filling, as they were looking for both managerial and laboratory experience. I applied for the job If you do not have a UK bank account and thus cannot pay by Direct and was successful. I have not looked back. At age 25, I was running Debit you can help the Society by either paying in US Dollars or by the Laboratory of the largest police force outside of London where I Credit Card. Credit Card payments are simple and straightforward. have been for nearly ten years. I suppose that gives my age away Payment is made in sterling and the Credit Card company takes care of doesn’t it? Society Conferences are great places to socialise and allow the currency conversion – usually at a better rate than the local bank. great networking opportunities. The Society Journal and newsletter are great media to update about members of the Society and of course In addition to helping the Society to reduce its administrative costs great reference books of technical information. there is a more positive way that UK members can help. As a registered charity the Society can recover the income tax paid in the UK. To do so we need your co-operation – by completing a Gift Aid form and returning it to the Society’s office. This will allow us to interfaces recover the tax you have paid in the current and every subsequent tax Is edited by Rebecca Pepler and published by the Forensic Science year that you remain a member of the Society. This year we expect to Society. All correspondence should be sent to her at the Society. recover over £7,000, a very useful addition to Society funds. The Forensic Science Society Administration Clarke House T +44 (0)1423 506068 Thank you for your co-operation. 18A Mount Parade F +44 (0)1423 566391 Harrogate Journal David Rudram North Yorkshire HG1 1BX T +44 (0)1423 566973 Hon Treasurer, Forensic Science Society United Kingdom E president@forensic- science-society.org.uk W www.forensic-science- society.org.uk UK,BY ROSS AND PRICE LTD PRINTED IN HARROGATE,