MSc (Zoology) / Department of Zoology

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Automotive paints have used an ultraviolet (UV) absorbing clear coat system for nearly thirty years. These clear coats have become of forensic interest when comparing paint transfers and paint samples from suspect vehicles. Clear coat samples and their ultraviolet absorbers are not typically examined or characterized using Raman spectroscopy or microspectrophotometry (MSP), however some past research has been done using MSP. Chemometric methods are also not typically used for this characterization. In this study, Raman and MSP spectra were collected from the clear coats of 245 American and Australian automobiles. Chemometric analysis was subsequently performed on the measurements. Sample preparation was simple and involved peeling the clear coat layer and placing the peel on a foil-covered microscope slide for Raman or a quartz slide with no cover slip for MSP. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering suggested three classes of spectra, and principal component analysis confirmed this. Factor loadings for the Raman data illustrated that much of the variance between spectra came from specific regions (400 – 465 cm-1, 600 – 660 cm-1, 820 – 885 cm-1, 950 – 1050 cm-1, 1740 – 1780 cm-1, and 1865 – 1900 cm-1). For MSP, the regions of highest variance were between 230 – 270 nm and 290 – 370 nm. Discriminant analysis showed that the three classes were well-differentiated with a cross-validation accuracy of 92.92% for Raman and 91.98% for MSP. Analysis of variance attributed differentiability of the classes to the regions between 400 – 430 cm-1, 615 – 640 cm-1, 825 – 880 cm-1, 1760 – 1780 cm-1, and 1860 – 1900 cm-1 for Raman spectroscopy. For MSP, these regions were between 240 – 285 nm and 300 – 370 nm. External validation results were poor due to excessively noisy spectra, with a prediction accuracy of 51.72% for Raman and 50.00% for MSP. No correlation was found between the make, model, and year of the vehicles using either method of analysis.

Forensic science television shows, especially CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, have been said to influence the public’s perception of how forensic science is used and create interest in studying forensic science and pursuing jobs in the field. This study investigates this claim through a variety of methods. First, definitions of the CSI effect are discussed, including how it was first used and mentioned in the media. Second, survey data from students in a forensic anthropology course regarding interest in forensic science media and educational and career choices are analyzed. Third, the number and debut dates of forensic science non-fiction books, novels, non-fiction television shows, and television dramas are investigated. Finally, a content analysis of the television show Bones is undertaken in order to understand how the forensic anthropology presented in this show differs from the actual practice of forensic anthropology. Results of this study indicate that, overall, students who wanted to pursue forensic science careers and graduate study did not watch more forensic science television shows and read more forensic science novels than those who did not want to pursue forensic science careers and graduate study. Also, based on the decreased interest in a number of forensic careers, it appears that respondents may have started the course with false perceptions regarding the actual job descriptions of these careers. Regarding the number and debut dates of forensic science media, this study found that the majority of non-fiction forensic anthropology books, non-fiction television shows, television dramas debuted after CSI appeared, corroborating the claim that CSI led to an increase in interest in forensic iii anthropology. In addition, this study found that while much of Bones is fictionalized for entertainment purposes, many of the techniques and analyses presented on the show have a peripheral basis in scientific methods.

The National Academy of Sciences recently published a report which calls for improvements to the field of forensic science. Their report criticized many forensic disciplines for failure to establish rigorously-tested methods of comparison, and encouraged more research in these areas to establish limitations and assess error rates. This study applies chemometric and statistical methods to current and developing analytical techniques in fiber analysis. In addition to analysis of commercially available dyed textile fibers, two pairs of dyes are selected based for custom fabric dyeing on the similarities of their absorbance spectra and dye molecular structures. Visible absorption spectra for all fiber samples are collected using microspectrophotometry (MSP) and mass spectra are collected using electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry. Statistical calculations are performed using commercial software packages and software written in-house. Levels of Type I and Type II error are examined for fiber discrimination based on hypothesis testing of visible absorbance spectra using a nonparametric permutation method. This work also explores evaluation of known and questioned fiber populations based on an assessment of p-value distributions from questioned-known fiber comparisons with those of known fiber self-comparisons. Results from the hypothesis testing are compared with principal components analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis (DA) of visible absorption spectra, as well as PCA and DA of ESI mass spectra. The sensitivity of a statistical approach will also be discussed in terms of how instrumental parameters and sampling methods may influence error rates.

The aim of this research is to determine what physical evidence can be found on the body of the perpetrator to link the suspect with the crime of rape. Regarding this, the researcher was trying to introduce a number of important concepts such as forensic investigation, chain of custody, evidence, information, identification, individualization, crime scene and the Locard Principle. This research will explain the meaning of forensic investigation, the objective of criminal investigation, the difference between information and evidence and individualization and identification. An important principle which all investigators and prosecutors should know is the Locard Principle. It says: "Every contact leaves a trace". The principle further explains that, whenever two objects come into contact with one another, material from the first would be transferred to the second and material from the second would be transferred to the first. Although this principle is important for investigators as well as prosecutors, most of them do not know the principle. The other important thing is the consideration of the body of the perpetrator as a crime scene to prove a crime. A crime scene is defined as an area where a criminal act has taken place. If we get evidence from the body of the perpetrator, we can then consider it as a crime scene. Lastly, regarding the legal rights to collect evidence on the body of the perpetrator, there should be specific laws in Ethiopia. However, there is no specific law. In addition to this, there is no DNA investigation in Ethiopia. Hence, this research will enhance the skills of investigators and prosecutors will benefit from what I have discovered through the research and I am very pleased to be the first Ethiopian in the introduction of the field of forensic investigation to the readers. / Forensic Investigations / M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

The aim of this research is to determine what physical evidence can be found on the body of the perpetrator to link the suspect with the crime of rape. Regarding this, the researcher was trying to introduce a number of important concepts such as forensic investigation, chain of custody, evidence, information, identification, individualization, crime scene and the Locard Principle. This research will explain the meaning of forensic investigation, the objective of criminal investigation, the difference between information and evidence and individualization and identification. An important principle which all investigators and prosecutors should know is the Locard Principle. It says: "Every contact leaves a trace". The principle further explains that, whenever two objects come into contact with one another, material from the first would be transferred to the second and material from the second would be transferred to the first. Although this principle is important for investigators as well as prosecutors, most of them do not know the principle. The other important thing is the consideration of the body of the perpetrator as a crime scene to prove a crime. A crime scene is defined as an area where a criminal act has taken place. If we get evidence from the body of the perpetrator, we can then consider it as a crime scene. Lastly, regarding the legal rights to collect evidence on the body of the perpetrator, there should be specific laws in Ethiopia. However, there is no specific law. In addition to this, there is no DNA investigation in Ethiopia. Hence, this research will enhance the skills of investigators and prosecutors will benefit from what I have discovered through the research and I am very pleased to be the first Ethiopian in the introduction of the field of forensic investigation to the readers. / Forensic Investigations / M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

In this study the main focus of the researcher was to analyse a cheque to identify crime. This study intends to give the forensic investigator a guideline to follow during the analysis of a cheque under investigation. Crimes that could be detected during the analysis of a cheque are fraud, forgery and uttering. Other aspects were also explained to ensure a better understanding of the study, namely: forensic investigation, forensic investigator, identification and crime scenes. Forensic investigation is a systematic search for the truth with the primary purpose of finding a positive solution to a crime. Forensic investigation is not a game of chance, or based on storybook types of coincidences. Therefore, forensic investigators cannot rely on coincidental success to come their way. It is true that luck sometimes plays a role in forensic investigations, but it is the thorough investigator who creates his/her own opportunities and arrives at the right place at the right time. In order for a forensic investigator to strive for excellence, he/she must have a good knowledge of his/her field of work. It is important for the forensic investigator to understand that identification plays an important role in forensic investigation. An additional benefit is derived when one can individualise something because it makes the identification much more valuable. All crime scenes should furthermore be managed in such a way that all physical evidence can be collected in order to ensure successful prosecution and conviction in a court of law. It is the belief of the researcher that because cheques are not acknowledged as crime scenes and therefore not properly handled or protected, many investigations fail in court and the accused are acquitted. / Criminology / M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

My goal in this research was to develop a checklist for examining a cheque for information that can be used to identify, individualise and trace the perpetrator of a crime. A further intent was to share and introduce a number of important concepts, namely forensic investigation, identification, individualisation, the Locard principle and crime scene. This research will explain that forensic investigation refers to the using of sophisticated investigation techniques to obtain sufficient information to prove the true facts in a court of law. Further, that identification is the collective aspect of the set of characteristics by which an object is definitively recognisable or known, while the individual characteristics establish the individuality of a specific object. To link an individual with a crime scene, many types of evidence may be used and to associate an individual with the performed illegal handling, many types of evidence may be used. These types of evidence are commonly referred to as ”transfer” evidence. This process is also referred to as the ”Locard principle”. Lastly, a crime scene is explained as a place where a crime has occurred. It is also explained to be a ”laboratory of information” and therefore, during a cheque fraud investigation, the cheque is in most cases the only link to information to trace, identify and individualise the perpetrator. Therefore, the cheque should be treated as a crime scene. If forensic investigators use their knowledge of these concepts together with the checklist, it should enhance their investigation skills and empower them to become better equipped for the challenges they face in identifying, individualising and tracing the perpetrators in order to ensure successful prosecution and conviction. I believe all forensic investigators will benefit from what I have discovered through this research and I am very pleased to be able to introduce this checklist to you. / Criminology / M.Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

The study was conducted with the intention of identifying the current procedure employed by investigators for processing firearms evidence at a crime scene. The researcher identified shortcomings which prevent firearm evidence being found to be inadmissible in criminal proceedings. The researcher also analysed other aspects relating to the processing of firearm evidence at a crime scene, namely: Locard principle, identification, individualisation and physical integrity. In order for investigators to be successful in their investigation of cases involving firearms, it is imperative for investigators to have a clear understanding of the basic concepts surrounding firearm evidence processing. It is the strong belief of the researcher that because of improper handling, contamination and lack of integrity pertaining to firearm evidence, such evidence is being found to be inadmissible in criminal proceedings. This negative impact has a roll over effect on the conviction rate for serious crime. / Criminology / M. Tech. (Forensic Invesigation)

This study's main focus was to analyse the methodology used by gold mines when obtaining reference samples required for gold fingerprinting analysis. Such methodology is also regulated by legislation in that in terms of the Precious Metals Act 37 of 2005 sect 22(1), "Any producer or any person who imports precious metals must submit to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) of the South African Police Service (SAPS) such specimens of any precious metals produced or imported by him or her as may be prescribed". The gold mines are producers of precious metals, specifically gold, and they are therefore required to submit reference samples, which are then used by the SAPS FSL to maintain a database of gold samples. This database can then be used for comparison purposes during the forensic science of gold fingerprinting. The supporting regulations of the Precious Metals Act, Section 19 stipulate seven requirements for the submission of reference samples and this study intends to give guidelines to security officials employed on the gold mines of South Africa to ensure that these requirements are met and that the validity of the SAPS gold fingerprint database is enhanced through improved sample-collection techniques. The use of gold fingerprinting is part of the forensic investigation process used when trying to establish the origin of gold confiscated as an exhibit during police and mining security crime operations and recoveries, and this allows for victim identification in the resultant criminal trial and proper disposal of recovered gold-bearing materials that are recovered. It is important for the mine security official responsible for reference sample collection to keep in mind that the methodology used when obtaining these samples could be challenged in court and that, therefore, definitive guidelines should be followed to ensure that the most representative samples are collected and that the collection and handing over of samples meet chain of evidence requirements. / Criminology / M.Tech (Forensic Investigation)