ANZFEC Australia New THE Zealand ADVIC CWALN Biology Chemical Criminalistics Crime Scene Ballistics Document Examination Electronic Evidence Fingerprints Illicit Drugs Medical Sciences Toxicology Standards Coordination Innovation Quality Information Management Education Training After the Fact Certification Peak Body DNA Analysis Facial Identification Speaker Recognition Fire Debris and Explosives Geological Materials Friction Ridge Firearms Toolmarks Tyre & Shoemark Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Odontology FORENSIC Anthropology Digital Evidence Audio Visual Computer Forensics Digital Imaging Entomology Mortuary Statistics MPS YSTR Forecasting Emerging Challenges Informing Best Practice Opportunities to Collaborate and Leverage Resources Discipline Specific Technical Advice Capability Development Inform Strategic Policy Support Research Information Exchange Promote and Facilitate Excellence in Forensic Science ANZFEC Australia New Zealand ADVIC Volume 3 CWALN Biology Chemical Criminalistics Crime Scene Ballistics Document Examination Electronic Evidence Issue 3 Fingerprints Illicit Drugs Medical Sciences Toxicology Standards Coordination Innovation Quality Information Management Education Training After the Fact Certification Peak Body DNA Analysis Facial Identification Speaker September 2020 EXHIBIT Recognition Fire Debris and Explosives Geological Materials Friction Ridge Firearms Toolmarks Tyre & Shoemark Bloodstain Shining a spotlight on the work of the Australia New Zealand forensic science community

Your NIFS Team Member Update forensic services including forensic biology (incl. DNA analysis) and fingerprints. The NIFS team wish to congratulate Rob on this The next stage of the fundamentals appointment and wish his all the best in his project is in full swing with a new group of new role. He will be missed. experts for both the audio video and drug analysis disciplines coming on board Rob and wife Sophie also recently to this valuable initiative. The toxicology welcomed baby Ashton Oliver to the world. group has returned with a few new faces Congratulations to Rob and Sophie on the to help complete the fundamentals arrival of their bundle of joy! analysis of this complex discipline. Further details on all active NIFS projects can be found within this edition of the Hannah Jarman Forensic Exhibit. Senior Forensic Project Officer, ANZPAA NIFS In this issue: The recent passing of both Dr Tony Raymond AM and Dr Michael Taylor Welcome to the third edition of The News from the forensic was a great loss to the Australian and community 2 Forensic Exhibit for 2020. What a year New Zealand forensic community. Both it has been so far! It is my pleasure to men made significant contributions to • Vale Dr Tony Raymond AM provide this edition’s update on the work the world of forensics throughout their of the Australia New Zealand forensic extensive careers. Our thoughts are with • Farewell Dr Michael Taylor science community. the families of Dr Raymond and Dr Taylor. • The Big Move – 311 Spencer Street, Melbourne In a year of restrictions and lockdowns (Not Quite) Business As Usual • COVID's Community Influence - Some of the good for many of us, forensic science is still Last month ANZPAA NIFS advised that making strong leaps and bounds. A face to face workshops and meetings • Research and Innovation Advisory Committee National DNA Program for Unidentified will be on hold for the remainder of the and Missing Persons was announced in year for all ANZPAA NIFS Groups. While • ANZPAA NIFS Project Support August by the Minister for Home Affairs, Comparison of methods for 3D evidence the absence of physical meetings does reconstruction the Hon Peter Dutton, to coincide with create obstacles, it is fantastic to see • IAFS 2020 becomes IAFS 2023 National Missing Persons Week. The that the groups have still progressed a program headed by Associate Professor large amount of work priorities and action • ANZFSS Update Jodie Ward and the Australian Federal items using virtual meetings and digital • Update on Activities of NATA's Forensic Police (AFP) National Missing Persons collaboration. Science Advisory Committee Coordination Centre (NMPCC) aims • John Harber Phillips Award to resolve long term missing persons Workshops cases within Australia and to “develop, Unfortunately, many of the approved implement and promote best practices 2020 workshops could not go ahead Forensic project update 8 for a nationally coordinated, consistent as planned due to the travel restrictions and collaborative investigative approach associated with COVID-19. ANZPAA • AFSAB Overview for the forensic human identification of NIFS is eager to continue to support • Forensic Fundamentals - Phase 2 unidentified and missing persons.” practitioner professional development • Forensic Standards Development through the COVID environment. While ANZPAA NIFS have been hard at work workshops cannot be run face to face, progressing projects and other works. we encourage submissions for 2020/21 Meetings and Workshops 9 Beta testing for the After the Fact 2020 virtual workshops from the ANZPAA NIFS scenarios has concluded and the groups via the Specialist Advisory Group • Ian Riebling New Practitioner Workshop scenarios are due to go live. Assessments (SAG) chairs. All submissions must be will run Monday 14 September to Sunday received by 30 September 2020. Events calendar 10 8 November. Congratulations This year NIFS has facilitated the highest ANZPAA NIFS team member Robert number of AFSAB assessments within Morgan was successful in his application a 12-month period. This is no mean to become the new Assistant Director for feat considering adaption to a virtual Biometrics at the Victoria Police Forensic framework has also occurred Australia New Zealand Services Department, overseeing major Policing Advisory Agency during this time.

Volume 3 Issue 3 September 2020 1 The Forensic Exhibit News from the forensic community

Tony has several presentations, journal to the Solomon Islands to investigate the Vale publications and book chapters to his death of a New Zealand citizen. Initially credit. Dr Tony treated as a homicide, Michael and the Police team worked with local law Dr Raymond was made a Member Raymond AM enforcement to show the death was in of the Order of Australia in 2010 for fact accidental, as a result of a trip and “service to forensic science in the It is with great regret that we field of law enforcement” and he was falling on her string bag which contained acknowledge the passing of Dr recognised by his peers for his work kitchen items including a knife. Identifying Tony Raymond AM. Tony played a as a recipient of the International the location of a cut in the bag by Michael significant role in the advancement Association of Forensic Sciences was a critical factor in resolving the case. Adelaide medal and the John Harbor of forensic science both nationally Michael received a Commissioner’s award Phillips Award for excellence in and internationally and we gratefully in recognition of his contribution to so many forensic science in 2014. In 2017, recognise his significant contributions NZ Police investigations. since he commenced in forensic Tony was awarded the Commissioner’s Commendation for DNA related service. science in 1978. Criticism of forensic science, including He graduated with a Bachelor of BPA, led Michael to set about Science (Hons) from the University of Farewell strengthening the scientific foundations Natal, South Africa, has a Graduate of the discipline through research and Certificate of Education from the Dr Michael Taylor teaching. He was part of an international University of Rhodesia, Zimbabwe, a team that developed a high-speed Master of Science in forensic science video library that captured the dynamic from the University of Strathclyde, mechanisms that form the various types of Scotland and a Doctorate in bloodstain He rei ngā niho, he parāoa ngā kaua - To static bloodstain patterns. pattern analysis from La Trobe have a whale's tooth, you must have a University, Melbourne. His doctorate is whale's jaw. Michael delivered basic and advanced titled “Trajectory Reconstruction from Bloodstains at a Crime Scene.” bloodstain pattern analysis training courses The meaning of this whakatauki refers to for forensic investigators in New Zealand, Tony began his career in Zimbabwe a person's ambition to carry out a great Singapore, Canada, USA, Europe and and was the Director of the Zimbabwe undertaking. It speaks to the man we know Australia. In 2010 he developed the Republic Police Forensic Laboratory. as Dr Michael Taylor - a great ESR scientist, pioneering “Fluid Dynamics of Bloodstain He became Assistant Director at the friend and colleague who passed away on Pattern Formation” advanced BPA course, Victoria Police Forensic Science Centre, 1 September 2020. which has now been delivered 20 times where he was the principal scientist to bloodstain pattern analysts around the in the landmark Royal Commission Michael devoted 41 years of service world. of Inquiry into the Chamberlain Convictions and the McLeod-Lindsay to ESR and provided an outstanding Inquiry. His also became Director, contribution to forensic science, both In 2015 in recognition of his significant Forensic Service Group and later within New Zealand and around the contribution to the discipline, he became Chief Scientist of the New South Wales world. His expertise included crime scene the 14th person, and the first New Police Force (NSWPF) and was also examination, shoeprint comparisons, Zealander, to be named as a Distinguished the Director of the National Institute of screening of clothing for body fluids and Member of the International Association of Forensic Science. the assessment of clothing damage. His Bloodstain Pattern Analysts (IABPA). work in the area of bloodstain pattern His contributions include past President analysis (BPA) earned him an international Over the latter half of his career Michael of the Australian and New Zealand reputation as a leader in this field. mentored dozens of students. His kindness Forensic Science Society, past and generosity have inspired a whole new Chairman of the Senior Managers of Australia and New Zealand Forensic Michael started with DSIR Chemistry generation of scientists, and his legacy Laboratories (SMANZFL) network and in 1979 and was a member of the ESR will continue in the way they conduct SMANZFL International Liaison Officer, Christchurch Forensic Service Centre for their research and now teach their own member of the Australian Academy of a number of years before moving into the students. Michael, you are the wind in their Forensic Sciences and member of the ESR research team full-time as the acting sails as they continue to plot your journey. National Council as Treasurer. Tony was Forensic Research Programme Manager. also a Fellow of the Australasian College For many of us, this is not only the loss of Biomedical Scientists, Adjunct Michael brought his knowledge and of a respected colleague, but the loss of Professor at the University of Western expertise to numerous NZ Police a good friend. Our thoughts are with our Sydney and an Honorary Fellow of investigations. Notably, in 2002 Michael Christchurch forensic colleagues who will the Australasian College of Legal and travelled with a New Zealand Police team be feeling this acutely. Forensic Medicine.

Volume 3 Issue 3 September 2020 2 The Forensic Exhibit News from the forensic community

The Big Move – 311 Spencer introduced modified infection control for possible. Long-gone are the days of Street, Melbourne procedures. Biosafety recommendations missing conferences due to physical have been disseminated to help distance and financial constraints with most laboratories identify and minimise the seminars now being open access. Free ANZPAA NIFS is working towards a current risks associated with the examination of online workshops are also popular, and a move date of 2 October 2020. We are potentially infectious human remains and fantastic resource to enhance knowledge looking forward to calling our new Spencer biological specimens. Some publications and increase capabilities. Below is a list Street address home. As mentioned in the and discussions specific to forensic of some of the resources freely available previous edition of the Forensic Exhibit, scientists that may be of interest include: online: ANZPAA NIFS now has a new mailing • Centers for Disease Control and address: Prevention, “Postmortem Guidance,” Workshops and Webinars* (2020) https://www.cdc.gov/ ANZPAA NIFS coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance- Webinars by discipline Unit 73H postmortem-specimens.html Forensic Technology Center of Excellence 63-85 Turner Street • De Ungria, Maria and A. Corazon, (FTCoE) PORT MELBOURNE VIC 3207 "Forensic DNA testing during the SARS- https://forensiccoe.org/all-webinars/ CoV-2 pandemic," Forensic Science COVID’s Community International: Genetics 48 (2020): Challenging Forensic Science: How 102346. Influence – Some of the Science Should Speak to Court good • Finegan, Oran, et al., "International University of Lausanne committee of the red cross (ICRC): https://www.coursera.org/learn/ general guidance for the management challenging-forensic-science?action=en of the dead related to COVID-19," The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has roll&ranEAID=SAyYsTvLiGQ&ranMID=4 Forensic Science International: Synergy undoubtedly disrupted our everyday lives 2 (2020): 129-137. 0328&ranSiteID=SAyYsTvLiGQ-8aY9IL and altered our social and professional bienwFAunGpmJ86A&siteID=SAyYsTvL • Mao, Danmi, et al., "Guide to forensic environments. With hand sanitizer, social- iGQ-8aY9ILbienwFAunGpmJ86A&utm_ pathology practice for death cases distancing and working from home the new related to coronavirus disease 2019 campaign=SAyYsTvLiGQ&utm_ normal, our workplaces need not have a (COVID-19)(Trial draft)," Forensic content=10&utm_medium=partners&utm_ viral outbreak to feel the dramatic effects of Sciences Research 5, no. 1 (2020): 1-7. source=linkshare a global pandemic. • Nuzzolese, Emilio, Hemlata Pandey, and Francesco Lupariello, "Dental Current Trends in Trace Analysis Things have changed and 2020 hasn’t autopsy recommendations in SARS- Current Trends in Forensic Toxicology been what we expected but the pandemic CoV-2 infected cases," Forensic Center for Forensic Science Research and surprisingly produced some benefits Science International: Synergy 2 (2020): Education to the forensic community during such 154-156. https://www.forensicscienceeducation.org/ a turbid time. Historically pandemics • Yang, Xingyi, et al., "Collection and forensic-education/courses-archive/ aren’t renowned for being times of high disinfection of forensic biological productivity and yet the forensic community specimens in five cases concerning Y-Talks, alternative approaches to reporting seems to be busy, really busy. Projects COVID-19 in Guangzhou, China." Y-profiles in court are still being delivered, new ideas are still Forensic Science International: Synergy Mikkel M. Andersen, Aalborg University, being advanced, experts are still becoming 2 (2020): 210-214. Denmark accredited and case work continues, albeit Information sharing and collaboration is David Balding, University of Melbourne, just in a different way. also becoming well-practised in a virtual Australia world which is particularly advantageous https://mikl.dk/ytalks/ The community has also adapted to for newbies like myself who have recently operational challenges that COVID brings entered the forensic landscape during Podcasts* with many laboratories creating smaller a time where learning is predominantly self-contained “team bubbles”, allowing self-directed. While face-to-face meetings, Just Science for physical distancing and limiting hands-on workshops and our much-loved Forensic Technology Center of Excellence interactions with other teams. symposiums may be on hold, the humble- (FTCoE) internet has provided a cost-effective https://forensiccoe.org/just-science- The donning and doffing of PPE isn’t new opportunity for members to engage in podcast/ to practitioners, particularly those who work international conferences and a substitute with bodily fluids but the virus has also platform to present their own work to wider audiences than was previously

Volume 3 Issue 3 September 2020 3 The Forensic Exhibit News from the forensic community

Research and Innovation The Toxpod Advisory Committee ANZPAA NIFS Project Support Tim Scott Peter Stockham Under the Roadmap 2017-20, ANZPAA Forensic Science South Australia NIFS provided funding support for 11 http://thetoxpod.buzzsprout.com/ The plain text draft of the ANZPAA NIFS research projects. In each edition of The Research and Innovation Roadmap Forensic Exhibit we provide the forensic Finally, it’s important to acknowledge that 2020-25 developed together with the science community with an update this year has been significantly difficult for Research and Innovation Advisory on a select project. We thank the lead many people. “R U Okay? Day” was on Committee (RIAC) was approved by the researchers for sharing their project update 10th September and is an annual reminder Australia New Zealand Forensic Executive in the following ANZPAA NIFS Project to check-in with those around us and open- Committee (ANZFEC) in August 2020. Support section. up a social discourse on mental health. Practising good mental hygiene through The purpose of the Roadmap is to promote mindfulness activities and self-care has the investment of funding and resources Comparison of methods for 3D been encouraged during COVID-19 and in research that is operationally relevant evidence reconstruction we seem to be becoming more comfortable and of vital importance to forensic science Dr Richard Matthews and Dr Matthew talking about how we are feeling. Hopefully service provision in Australia and New Sorell these healthy discussions continue in Zealand. The Roadmap is the result of The University of Adelaide post-COVID-19 work cultures and we can extensive engagement with the forensic Acknowledgements to Jimmy Tang and Glen continue to support each other. community and represents an agreed Walsh position on the priority areas for research In the meantime, here are some favourited that best promote and facilitate excellence The University of Adelaide ran a final self-care resources: in forensic science. The Roadmap defines year electrical engineering honours research areas important to strengthening project thanks to financial support from R U OK?* current forensic science processes and ANZPAA NIFS. Our students explored https://www.ruok.org.au/ building future capability. the contrast between methods of 3D evidence capture such as laser scanning Smiling Mind App and Podcast* The Roadmap is currently in the design and photogrammetry. We expected, that https://www.smilingmind.com.au/ phase with an expected released date although photogrammetry encounters in late October 2020. The Roadmap limitations that 3D laser scanning doesn’t, HeadsUp.org.au* covers broad areas of research relevant it still has its place as a lower cost method https://www.headsup.org.au/ to the forensic sciences including of visualising and measuring physical forensic fundamentals, human factors, evidence. We found that the lower cost Stress, Vicarious Trauma, and Resiliency forensic data sets, new tools and forensic digital photogrammetry systems introduced for Forensic Science Professionals intelligence. The Roadmap drew from a in devices such as Apple’s iPhone XR webinar* draft Research and Innovation Position were comparable and in some use Forensic Technology Center of Excellence Statement approved by the International cases exceeded the result obtained on (FTCoE) Forensic Strategic Alliance (IFSA), which higher cost laser scanning equipment for https://forensiccoe.org/webinar/stress- is a multilateral partnership between evidence capture in the hands of a novice. vicarious-trauma-and-resiliency/ regional networks of operational forensic laboratories across the globe. The Position Our work principally centred on the review (*this does not constitute an endorsement Statement is also currently in design phase. of shoe impressions and blood splatter of any resources by ANZPAA NIFS and is ANZPAA NIFS groups are currently being evidence. A shoe impression was created provided for information purposes only.) consulted on research projects aligning to in kinetic sand, which allowed for a near the roadmap. perfect impression to be staged. Mock up

Volume 3 Issue 3 September 2020 4 The Forensic Exhibit News from the forensic community

blood splatter evidence was created using a realistic blood substitute formula noted for its ability to mimic blood for forensic purposes. This formula was then dropped on numerous surfaces include tiles, carpet and paper.

To contrast the methods of laser scanning with photogrammetry, equipment sourced included a high-end handheld laser scanner, the EinScan Pro+, a survey quality 3D laser scanner from Maptek, and an iPhone X for its front facing camera and dot projection equipment. To use the iPhone the application Scandy Pro was downloaded, which enabled photogrammetry scans. A comparison of images produced by these devices is presented in the Figure to the right.

Key findings from our preliminary experiments found that laser scanners did not have the required precision capable of measuring the difference in thickness to see blood splatter evidence. In this use case, no further forensic trace could be obtained that was not simply seen by a photo. Critically, it was found that photogrammetry was capable of similar, if not better resolution with shoe impressions than laser scanners.

From our results we firmly believe that all in one device such as the Apple iPhone should be considered as a low-cost alternative worth investigating further. Photogrammetry should not be discounted as a method for obtained 3D models just yet.

Volume 3 Issue 3 September 2020 5 The Forensic Exhibit News from the forensic community

IAFS 2020 Becomes IAFS 2023

Distinguished Professor Claude Roux President, International Association of Forensic Sciences, University of Technology Sydney

As you will be aware, due to the circumstances surrounding coronavirus COVID-19, the 22nd Triennial Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Science in conjunction with the 25th Symposium of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society originally due to be held in September 2020 was postponed to May 2021.

The COVID-19 situation continues to change rapidly, and most Australian public institutions and venues have significant restrictions in place (pertaining to social distancing and capacities). It is currently not possible to travel to, from, or within Australia for the purposes of an event like IAFS 2020 and the Australian Government has not indicated a time frame for relief of engaging and memorable event, that is email to all authors and speakers to keep restrictions. sure to leave a lasting legacy for many them informed. years to come. The IAFS 2020 Organising Committee For any queries please contact the IAFS has reluctantly determined that, owing to What if I already registered to attend IAFS 2023 Meeting Managers via iafs2023@ further uncertainties about when social 2020? arinex.com.au. A new website will be and economic life will return to normal in All registered delegates will be contacted launched shortly – www.iafs2023.com. Australia and worldwide, we are regrettably directly about the option to receive au. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook @ not able to host IAFS in Sydney in May a refund or transfer their registration, iafs2023. 2021. accommodation and social event bookings to IAFS 2023. Registered delegates are We thank all our sponsors, exhibitors, We are delighted however, to announce the required to respond to the offer by 30 speakers, delegates, suppliers and the 23rd Triennial Meeting of the International September 2020. After this date, the Australian Government for their unwavering Association of Forensic Sciences in standard cancellation terms come into support. conjunction with the 26th Symposium of effect. the Australian and New Zealand Forensic We would like to ask each of you to look Science Society will be held at the What will happen to my presentation after yourself and those around you so we International Convention Centre, Sydney, scheduled in the Meeting program? can enjoy your company in Sydney for an Australia from 20 – 24 November 2023. The Scientific Program Committee will meet even more memorable IAFS Meeting in in September to consider options for the November 2023. We are confident in this decision to further management of the accepted abstracts, postpone the Meeting to protect the health including a possible online publication or to Stay up-to-date with all the latest and safety of our speakers, delegates, rollover selected program content to IAFS information by joining the IAFS mailing sponsors and exhibitors and look forward 2023. We recognise all the hard work that list. to an even bigger and better IAFS 2023 so many of you have put into preparing in beautiful Sydney, Australia. We will use your presentations and hope that you will Join the conversations: the next three years to plan an innovative, join us in November 2023. We will issue an facebook.com/ IAFS2023/ @iafs2023

Volume 3 Issue 3 September 2020 6 The Forensic Exhibit News from the forensic community

ANZFSS Update showcase the amazing work we do in this Accreditation issues part of the world at our symposium in 2022 AS/NZS4760:2019 “Procedures for and then as part of a truly international specimen collection and detection and event in Sydney 2023. quantification of drugs in oral fluid” has been revised; however, currently it is Update on Activities of understood that there is no oral fluid Professor Adrian Linacre OAM NATA’s Forensic Science collection device available that meets ANZFSS President Accreditation Advisory the criteria required in the Standard. Committee Consequently, accreditation to this Alas the effects of COVID-19 dominate standard cannot be finalised until such a so much of our lives – restrictions or Chris Pearman device becomes available. relaxations change rapidly and vary so Chair, FSAAC much across our region. The effect for the Technical Assessor Issues ANZFSS is that so many meetings have The following is a brief synopsis of some Laboratories providing chemical been virtual without the usual open public the FSAAC’s activities this year. criminalistics services generally provide a meetings that is so much the lifeblood of comprehensive range of analyses across our society. Committee membership numerous types of trace evidence. It is Mr Ben Painter of Forensic Science becoming increasingly difficult to find The ANZFSS purchased a licence for SA replaced Dr Michael Collins as technical assessors with the appropriate 1,000 guests to allow talks from what would the Illicit Drug representative on the experience and broad expertise who otherwise be local branches to be viewed Committee. Michael’s depth of knowledge can assess all or most methods at one and later accessed by the widest possible and considered opinion was greatly inspection. It was agreed to raise this with audience. This may still be an avenue of appreciated by NATA. the ANZPAA NIFS Australian New Zealand disseminating talks to the whole society Forensic Executive Committee. into the future – but I do not think is a My term as ANZFEC representative expires replacement for local public meetings. in May 2021 and I will not seek another Evaluative Reporting (ER) and a subset appointment. This means that a new Chair of this, Activity Level Reporting (ALR), is I write from Adelaide, and here we have will also need to be elected. attracting the interest of many disciplines had a glimmer of hope as the Branch AGM in Australia with one laboratory accredited and public talk was to an audience of FSAAC Meeting 2020 in 2019 for ALR in DNA work. Through ~100. All observed social distancing with It is proposed to run an on-line interactive NIFS a number of biology scientists are seats separating everyone so still not as forum for forensic science laboratories participating in a University of Lausanne normal but moving closer to pre-pandemic to increase engagement, exchange course on ALR. There is a very limited pool times. information and raise issues. They have of assessors currently in Australasia but been trialed successfully with human this expected that this will improve over The ANZFSS has part of its mission pathology. time. statement to hold a biennial symposium. The ANZFSS Council have supported Under the new format of assessment John Harber Phillips Award the proposal to also hold a symposium findings, laboratories must identify the root in 2022. Brisbane will be the venue and cause of any nonconformity. NATA has Donna MacGregor from Griffith University advised that a number of laboratories are has taken on the mantle of leading the not completing this adequately and will organisation of this conference. Donna be providing cause analysis information and her team will be provided with the full forums to assist. support of the ANZFSS and I call upon the wider forensic community to also A COVID related issue is the inability to support fully this symposium. Much more have instrument maintenance undertaken information on the Queensland ANZFSS because of the travel restrictions on some symposium in 2022 will be disseminated in instrument technicians. It is advised that The JHP Award Committee has the usual ways. laboratories should undertake a risk determined that the 2020 JHP Award assessment on the impact of continuing will not be conferred this year. A review The year 2020 is not one we will look back to use the instrument. Uncertainty still of the JHP Award processes will be on fondly, but I end then with a positive remains regarding sampling measurement undertaken and an announcement of the message. The next 3 years offers so much uncertainty and NATA is participating in new processes disseminated in 2021. to the forensic community: a chance to ISO discussions.

Volume 3 Issue 3 September 2020 7 The Forensic Exhibit Forensic project update

In brief:

AFSAB Update observers at oral assessments to determine the level of empirical support Overview • a change to the minimum that exists (assessed in accordance with education requirement for AFSAB the Empirical Study Guideline available Board Approved Assessors from on the NIFS website http://www.anzpaa. org.au/forensic-science/our-work/ the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to the Assessor Skill Set products/publications). The assessment of bloodstain pattern analysis, gunshot • clarification of proficiency test residue analysis and toxicology (analytical recertification requirements for each and alcohol interpretation claims) has discipline. AFSAB Enhancement Project now been finalised. Working groups are AFSAB Recertifications meeting (virtually) this month to begin The Australasian Forensic Science identifying the claims for the toxicology Assessment Body (AFSAB) Enhancement Due to work from home arrangements (drug interpretation claims), audio video project was established at the time implemented in response to COVID-19, and drug analysis disciplines. of closing of the AFSAB Review there has been a delay in the processing Implementation project (July 2019) and of AFSAB annual and five-yearly Forensic Standards Update is the next phase of improvements to the recertifications. We will be in touch Development AFSAB framework. with practitioners directly if we require additional information regarding your We have been focusing on the recertification and you will receive The following ISO TC272 standards are development of new AFSAB assessments a confirmation email once your currently in development: over the last three months and are recertification has been approved. pleased to announce that the validation • ISO/CD 21043:3 – Forensic of a new fingerprint practical assessment Please be advised that applications are Sciences – Analysis will be progressed throughout October overdue, and any outstanding application • ISO/CD 21043:4 – Forensic 2020. This will require a large community should be forwarded to secretariat.nifs@ Sciences – Interpretation effort and we will shortly be seeking anzpaa.org.au immediately. Relevant • ISO/CD 21043:5 – Forensic Sciences – volunteers, who are AFSAB certified in ANZFEC members will be notified of non- Reporting the discipline of fingerprint examination, compliance. through ANZFEC members to participate Due to COVID-19, face-to-face meetings in this change initiative. Forensic Update are currently not possible. Therefore, Fundamentals meetings have now been moved to the AFSAB Policy and Form Updates -Phase 2 virtual environment. TC272 are now meeting once per week, for three hours The AFSAB Policy and Processes for Overview each meeting (at 9:30pm for Australia Certification (June 2020) and associated and 11:30pm for New Zealand!) The first forms have been updated and are now The aim of the Forensic Fundamentals round of 5 weeks of meetings has been available to download from the ANZPAA project is to identify the underpinning held focussing on new definitions and the NIFS website https://www.anzpaa.org.au/ science and validation requirements for Analysis standard. The second round of forensic-science/resources/afsab. each forensic science discipline. Through 4 weeks is currently underway resolving the project, a gap analysis is conducted for country comments on the Interpretation Changes to note are: each discipline. These gap analyses will standard. The third round of 4 weeks inform ongoing updates to the Research • the introduction of a requirement for a looking at the Reporting standard will and Innovation Roadmap Annual Projects deed of confidentiality to be signed commence in October. document. by those involved in the AFSAB assessment process Following the meetings, the standards • the introduction of options for Claim Assessment & Gap Analysis will again be sent out for country member jurisdictions who do not have two commenting. This will unfortunately Working groups map the claims made AFSAB Board Approved Internal extend the duration of the project; within their discipline, including claims Assessors available to assess an however, the project will continue AFSAB candidate surrounding underpinning principles and expert knowledge and interpretative ability. to progress with the ultimate aim of • minor modifications to the policy for Literature is then assessed for each claim publishing the standards.

Volume 3 Issue 3 September 2020 8 The Forensic Exhibit Meetings and workshops

Workshop :

Ian Riebeling New ANZPAA Practitioner Workshop police conference

The Ian Riebeling New Practitioner Workshop is facilitated by the National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) and aims to provide an overview of forensic science in Australia and New Zealand to forensic science students and new practitioners. It is routinely run in conjunction with the Australian New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) conference. As noted in the ANZFSS and IAFS updates earlier in this newsletter, uncertainties as a result of COVID-19 have resulted in changes to the upcoming symposium dates. www.anzpaa-pc21.org.au/ The next ANZFSS conference will be in held in Queensland in 2022 and we are delighted to continue of our support of this conference with the running of the Ian Riebeling New Practitioner Workshop.

We look forward to updating you on the details of the workshop as the conference draws closer.

Volume 3 Issue 3 September 2020 9 The Forensic Exhibit Events Calendar – 2018

2020 OCTOBER NOVEMBER OCTOBER

42nd Annual Southwestern 2020 Forensic Pharmacology 58th Annual The International Association of Forensic Association of Forensic Scientists Conference (SWAFS) Toxicologists (TIAFT) Meeting 16 – 18 November 2020

5 – 8 October 2020 Online workshop 24 – 28 October 2021 Virtual Event Center for Forensic Science Cape Town, South Africa Research and Education https://swafs.us/ (CFSRE) http://www.tiaft.org/tiaft-agenda.html

https://www.forensicscienceeducation. org/forensic-education/courses-and- workshops/2020-forensic-pharmacology-with- The New Mexico Decedent lionel-raymon-online/ Image Database (NMDID) 2022 Webinar Series 2021 25th Symposium of the 7 – 28 October 2020 AUGUST Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) 9th European Academy of Dates TBC https://forensiccoe.org/webinar/nmdid-webinar- Forensic Science Conference series/ (EAFS) Brisbane, Australia

https://anzfss.org/ 20 August – 3 September 2021 6th International CSI Korea Stockholm, Sweden Conference 2023

22 – 24 October 2020 29th Congress of the NOVEMBER International Society for Virtual event Forensic Genetics (ISFG) https://kcsi.go.kr/kcsi/main/conference/ 23nd Triennial Meeting of mainConferencePageEng.do 23 – 28 August 2021 the International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS) Washington DC in conjunction with the 26th Symposium of the Australian 2020 Online Forensic http://www.isfg2021.org and New Zealand Forensic Symposium: Current Trends Science Society in Seized Drug Analysis SEPTEMBER 20 – 24 November 2023

26 – 30 October 2020 32nd International Sydney, Australia Center for Forensic Science Symposium on Human https://iafs2023.com.au/ Research and Education Identification (ISHI) (CFSRE) #IAFS2023

https://www.forensicscienceeducation. 14 – 17 September 2021 org/forensic-education/courses-and- workshops/2020-online-forensic-symposium- Orlando, Florida current-trends-in-forensic-drug-analysis-online/ http://www.ishi.com

Volume 3 Issue 3 September 2020 10 The Forensic Exhibit Next edition focus

In the More next issue: information:

Newsletter contributions • The year in review If you would like any further information on • Update from ANZFEC 17 and the ANZPAA NIFS or would like to contribute annual ANZPAA NIFS Specialist to the next edition of The Forensic Exhibit Advisory Group chairs meeting please contact Hannah Jarman: [email protected] • ANZPAA NIFS Best Paper Award Winners Announcement Contact us • ANZPAA NIFS Projects Update ANZPAA NIFS Unit 73H 63-85 Turner Street Port Melbourne Victoria 3207 T: +61 3 9628 7211 F: +61 3 9628 7253 [email protected] www.nifs.org.au

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Disclaimer This newsletter is for general information purposes only. The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of ANZPAA NIFS. ANZPAA NIFS has taken all reasonable measures to ensure that the material contained in this newsletter is correct. However, ANZPAA NIFS gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or the completeness of Australia New Zealand the material. Policing Advisory Agency

Volume 3 Issue 3 September 2020 11