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 and Security Science / M.Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

The purpose of the research was to establish action steps than can assist the criminal investigator in the processing of information into evidence for prosecution purposes, by focusing on the basic principles of criminal investigation from where information sources could be utilised to their full potential in the search for the truth. The researcher evaluated the current methods that investigators within the SAPS use and read extensively on the topic in international literature sources. The research used an empirical research design because of the limited information available, and a qualitative research approach which enabled real-life observations. Simple random sampling was used to interview 30 experienced investigators each with more than five years experience and purposive sampling was used to identify five expert respondents who had more than 30 years' investigation experience. Data was obtained from their real-life experiences and data was further collected through case studies of case dockets. / Criminology and Security Science / M.Tech. (Forensic investigation)

The problem encountered by the researcher was that the South African Police Service Cyber-Crimes Unit is experiencing problems in seizing computer evidence. The following problems were identified by the researcher in practice: evidence is destroyed or lost because of mishandling by investigators; computer evidence is often not obtained or recognised, due to a lack of knowledge and skills on the part of investigators to properly seize computer evidence; difficulties to establish authenticity and initiate a chain of custody for the seized evidence; current training that is offered is unable to cover critical steps in the performance of seizing computer evidence; computer seizure as a technique requires specialised knowledge and continuous training, because the information technology industry is an ever-changing area. An empirical research design, followed by a qualitative research approach, allowed the researcher to also obtain information from practice. A thorough literature study, complemented by interviews, was done to collect the required data for the research. Members of the South African Police Cyber-crime Unit and prosecutors dealing with cyber-crime cases were interviewed to obtain their input into, and experiences on, the topic. The aim of the study was to explore the role of computers in the forensic investigation process, and to determine how computers can be seized without compromising evidence. The study therefore also aimed at creating an understanding and awareness about the slippery nature of computer evidence, and how it can find its way to the court of law without being compromised. The research has revealed that computer crime is different from common law or traditional crimes. It is complicated, and therefore only skilled and qualified forensic experts should be used to seize computer evidence, to ensure that the evidence is not compromised. Training of cyber-crime technicians has to be priority, in order to be successful in seizing computers. / Department of Criminology / M.Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

A presente dissertação expositiva teve por objetivo o desenvolvimento de metodologia para análise forense de fios de cabelos. Considerado um microvestígio comum de ser encontrado em locais de crime contra pessoa (DOREA, 2010), fios de cabelo são capazes de fornecer informações úteis na identificação da autoria do crime, ou a entender a dinâmica de um crime violento (ROBERTSON, 1999). As fibras compostas por fio de cabelo deterioram-se lentamente (ROBBINS, 2012), e podem ser analisadas mesmo transcorrido longo período de tempo, tornando-se ainda mais relevante em locais de crime que são examinados tardiamente. Os equipamentos utilizados no presente estudo são de uso comum em laboratórios, permitindo que a metodologia seja amplamente empregada. O presente estudo buscou desenvolver metodologias para análise por microscopia ótica de fios de cabelo, identificando as características de interesse forense passíveis de serem estudadas. Utilizaram-se amostras de fios de cabelo para análise das seções transversais e longitudinais, de forma destrutiva e não destrutiva, com preparação de lâminas de forma permanente e não permanente. Como resultado obteve-se uma metodologia de baixo custo descrita para aplicações forenses em vestígios coletados em locais de crime, em armas de crimes ou em suspeitos, de forma a combater a criminalidade face o poder probatório da prova material. Constatou-se a possibilidade de identificação de características macroscópicas e microscópicas de fios de cabelo, que revelam atributos do doador e, em alguns casos, auxiliar no entendimento da dinâmica do crime. A agilidade observada no método permite ainda a obtenção de informações durante a fase preliminar ou de investigação em curtos espaços de tempo. / This monographic dissertation aimed to develop standards of microscopic forensic hair analysis. A very common trace to be found in certain crimes (DOREA, 2010), hair can be helpful to provide information regarding the perpetrator or the way that the crime was committed (ROBERTSON, 1999). Once hair is a low degradation fiber (ROBBINS, 2012), it can be analyzed long after the fact, becoming even more relevant in crime scenes processed after elapse time. The equipment’s used for this study are commonly found in forensic labs, allowing broad use. The study was restricted to literature review and further elaboration of preparation and analysis by optical microscopy of hairs methods, identifying the characteristics of forensic interest that can be studied. Samples of hair for cross section and longitudinal sections analysis had been used. Destructive and non-destructive methods in permanent and non-permanent blades where tested. As a result a low cost methodology was obtained for forensic applications in traces collected from crime scenes, weapons used in crimes or suspects, in order to combat crime by using the probative power of physical evidence.

A presente dissertação expositiva teve por objetivo o desenvolvimento de metodologia para análise forense de fios de cabelos. Considerado um microvestígio comum de ser encontrado em locais de crime contra pessoa (DOREA, 2010), fios de cabelo são capazes de fornecer informações úteis na identificação da autoria do crime, ou a entender a dinâmica de um crime violento (ROBERTSON, 1999). As fibras compostas por fio de cabelo deterioram-se lentamente (ROBBINS, 2012), e podem ser analisadas mesmo transcorrido longo período de tempo, tornando-se ainda mais relevante em locais de crime que são examinados tardiamente. Os equipamentos utilizados no presente estudo são de uso comum em laboratórios, permitindo que a metodologia seja amplamente empregada. O presente estudo buscou desenvolver metodologias para análise por microscopia ótica de fios de cabelo, identificando as características de interesse forense passíveis de serem estudadas. Utilizaram-se amostras de fios de cabelo para análise das seções transversais e longitudinais, de forma destrutiva e não destrutiva, com preparação de lâminas de forma permanente e não permanente. Como resultado obteve-se uma metodologia de baixo custo descrita para aplicações forenses em vestígios coletados em locais de crime, em armas de crimes ou em suspeitos, de forma a combater a criminalidade face o poder probatório da prova material. Constatou-se a possibilidade de identificação de características macroscópicas e microscópicas de fios de cabelo, que revelam atributos do doador e, em alguns casos, auxiliar no entendimento da dinâmica do crime. A agilidade observada no método permite ainda a obtenção de informações durante a fase preliminar ou de investigação em curtos espaços de tempo. / This monographic dissertation aimed to develop standards of microscopic forensic hair analysis. A very common trace to be found in certain crimes (DOREA, 2010), hair can be helpful to provide information regarding the perpetrator or the way that the crime was committed (ROBERTSON, 1999). Once hair is a low degradation fiber (ROBBINS, 2012), it can be analyzed long after the fact, becoming even more relevant in crime scenes processed after elapse time. The equipment’s used for this study are commonly found in forensic labs, allowing broad use. The study was restricted to literature review and further elaboration of preparation and analysis by optical microscopy of hairs methods, identifying the characteristics of forensic interest that can be studied. Samples of hair for cross section and longitudinal sections analysis had been used. Destructive and non-destructive methods in permanent and non-permanent blades where tested. As a result a low cost methodology was obtained for forensic applications in traces collected from crime scenes, weapons used in crimes or suspects, in order to combat crime by using the probative power of physical evidence.

Submitted by NARUMI PEREIRA LIMA (narumi.npl@gmail.com) on 2014-01-13T12:46:43Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Narumi.pdf: 1461948 bytes, checksum: 4b7bfe9ac90a500a203cfd88ede7b5d1 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Janete de Oliveira Feitosa (janete.feitosa@fgv.br) on 2014-01-22T13:28:18Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Narumi.pdf: 1461948 bytes, checksum: 4b7bfe9ac90a500a203cfd88ede7b5d1 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Marcia Bacha (marcia.bacha@fgv.br) on 2014-01-23T17:27:03Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Narumi.pdf: 1461948 bytes, checksum: 4b7bfe9ac90a500a203cfd88ede7b5d1 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-01-23T17:27:14Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Narumi.pdf: 1461948 bytes, checksum: 4b7bfe9ac90a500a203cfd88ede7b5d1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-11-01 / The Forensic Document Examination is the major forensic area of Federal Police Criminalistics, been responsible for 24,49% of the total amount of technical reports in the Criminalistics National System. Nevertheless, it does not have specific selection area or graduation, and the development of its competences depend almost exclusively on the training offered and performed internally, inside the institution and the workplace. Considering the Federal Police General Direction and Technical-Scientific Direction strategic plannings, that expressed the relevance of the servants professional development through continuous training and competence management as strategies to reach their missions, it is possible to notice how important is the proper study and development of the forensic document examination competences. This purpose of this research is to analyze if the technical competences of the Federal Police forensic document examiners that has been described in the technical activity matrix are in consonance with the ones described by UN, and if these competences have been developed by the training courses offered by National Police Academy. It was identified some gaps, i.e., UN recommendations that are in accordance with the matrix, but are no developed in the training courses, besides some discrepancies in the courses duration. Some suggestions were made for minimize or eliminate these gaps, as well as another considerations related to more training offer, professional specialization, and proficiency tests and mentoring implementation. / A Documentoscopia é a maior área de perícia da Criminalística da PF, respondendo por 24,49% de toda a produção de laudos do Sistema Nacional de Criminalística. Apesar disso, não possui área de concurso ou graduação específicas, e o desenvolvimento das competências da área depende quase que exclusivamente da capacitação oferecida e executada internamente, dentro da instituição e do ambiente de trabalho. Considerando os planejamentos estratégicos da Direção Geral e da Diretoria Técnico-Científica da PF, que manifestaram a importância da valorização de seus servidores por meio da capacitação contínua e da gestão de competências como estratégia para se alcançar suas missões, vê-se a relevância no adequado estudo e desenvolvimento das competências na área da perícia documentoscópica. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo analisar se as competências técnicas dos peritos documentoscópico da Polícia Federal elencadas na matriz da função técnica da PF estão em consonância com as elencadas pela ONU para os examinadores forenses de documentos, e se essas competências estão sendo desenvolvidas nas ações de capacitação oferecidas pela ANP voltadas para a área. Foram identificadas algumas lacunas, ou seja, recomendações da ONU que encontram correspondência nas elencadas na matriz, mas não são desenvolvidas pelas ações de capacitação, além da discrepância quanto à carga horária dos cursos. Algumas sugestões para a minimização ou eliminação dessas lacunas foram colocadas, e outras considerações foram feitas, principalmente voltadas à maior oferta de capacitação, à especialização profissional, à instituição de testes de proficiência e da mentoria.

Forensic science has a significant historical and contemporary relationship with the criminal justice system. It is a relationship between two disciplines whose origins stem from different backgrounds. It is trite that effective communication assist in resolving underlying problems in any given context. However, a lack of communication continues to characterise the intersection between law and science. As recently as 2019, a six-part symposium on the use of forensic science in the criminal justice system again posed the question on how the justice system could ensure the reliability of forensic science evidence presented during trials. As the law demands finality, science is always evolving and can never be considered finite or final. Legal systems do not always adapt to the nature of scientific knowledge, and are not willing to abandon finality when that scientific knowledge shifts. Advocacy plays an important role in the promotion of forensic science, particularly advocacy to the broader scientific community for financial support, much needed research and more testing. However, despite its important function, advocacy should not be conflated with science. The foundation of advocacy is a cause; whereas the foundation of science is fact. The objective of this research was to conduct a qualitative literature review of the field of forensic science; to identify gaps in the knowledge of forensic science and its integration in the criminal justice system. The literature review will provide researchers within the field of forensic science with suggested research topics requiring further examination and research. To achieve its objective, the study critically analysed the historical development of, and evaluated the use of forensic science evidence in legal systems generally, including its role regarding the admissibility or inadmissibility of the evidence in the courtroom. In conclusion, it was determined that the breadth of forensic scientific knowledge is comprehensive but scattered. The foundational underpinning of the four disciplines, discussed in this dissertation, has been put to the legal test on countless occasions. Some gaps still remain that require further research in order to strengthen the foundation of the disciplines. Human influence will always be present in examinations and interpretations and will lean towards subjective decision making. / Jurisprudence / D. Phil.

Convergence of technology has made access to the Internet faster, easier and cheaper. Criminals, including paedophiles, child abusers and pornography traders make use of this technology to commit criminal offences. Computer Forensic Examiners (CFEs) are members of the Cyber Crime Unit, a professional, specialised unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS) who are responsible for computer forensic examination including the investigation of child pornographic images. The aim of the study was to seek understanding on what psychological effects the CFEs experienced when working with the images and was conducted from within the social constructionism and the narrative frameworks. The images had a severe impact on the CFEs as was clearly uncovered in the stories of six CFEs who participated in this study. The participants' stories were recorded and transcribed after which the application of thematic content analysis found that the participants all suffered similar negative effects. These findings were integrated with the findings of a focus group as well as with the findings of a similar study that was conducted during the same time by the Crimes against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire and resulted in identifying symptoms of trauma and stress experienced by the CFEs. Based on these results recommendations regarding the support for the CFEs were made. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Toner analysis has become an area of increased interest due to the wide availability of laser printers and photocopiers. Toner is most often encountered on paper in questioned document analysis. Because of this, it is important to develop methods that limit the interference of paper without damaging or destroying the document. Previous research using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has differentiated toners based on their polymer resin components. However, Raman spectroscopy and chemometric analysis are not typically used for the examination of this material. Raman spectroscopy is a popular tool for the chemical analysis of pigmented samples and was used to characterize cyan, yellow, and magenta toners. Analyses were performed using a dispersive micro-Raman spectrometer equipped with a 785nm diode laser, a CCD detector, and an objective at 20X magnification. One hundred samples of each color toner were collected. Three different and separate methods were developed for cyan, yellow, and magenta toners on paper to optimize results. Further analysis of the magenta toners was excluded due to a weak signal and significant paper interference. The data collected from the analyses of the blue and yellow toners was then processed using a combination of statistical procedures, including principal component analysis (PCA), agglomerative hierarchal clustering (AHC), and discriminative analysis (DA). Ninety-six blue toners were analyzed by PCA and three classes of spectra were suggested. Discriminant analysis showed that the three classes were well-differentiated with a cross-validation accuracy of 100% for the training set and 100% cross-validation accuracy for the external validation set. Eighty-eight yellow toners were analyzed by AHC and four classes of spectra were suggested. Discriminant analysis showed good differentiation between the classes with a cross-validation accuracy of 95.45% for the training set, but showed poor differentiation for the external validation set with a cross-validation accuracy of 72%. While these toners were able to be discriminated, no correlation could be made between the manufacturer, printer make and model, and the toner sample.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Finely-tuned solvent mixtures are used by art conservators for the difficult task of safely and selectively removing yellowed varnish, disfiguring grime, and discolored overpaint from the surface of oil paintings. This process is often referred to as “picture cleaning” and depends on the different solubilities of the obfuscating surface materials and the underlying paint medium. However, differential evaporation rates for the solvents used in these carefully formulated cleaning mixtures can change the potency of the mixture over time, which could potentially lead to solutions having solubility characteristics that are ineffective at cleaning, or worse yet, are deleterious to artists’ oil paints. Azeotropic blends of solvents have been proposed as an alternative for maintaining consistent solvent composition throughout the evaporation process while benefiting from their high vapor pressure relative to the pure solvents. Azeotropes are specific combinations of two or more solvents at a precise concentration that behave as a single solvent, maintaining a constant composition in both the liquid and vapor phases. The use of purportedly azeotropic solvent blends has appeared in the art conservation literature for the cleaning of historic objects and paintings. However, these solvent mixtures are taken from tables of azeotropic compositions given at their boiling point. We have studied one of these solutions, a 19:81 vol% mixture of isopropanol and n-hexane. For the first time, the actual evaporation behavior of this purported azeotropic mixture was followed in detail at room temperature conditions. Through the use of rudimentary vapor pressure measurements, gravimetric analysis, as well as sophisticated compositional determinations of both the liquid phase and headspace of evaporating mixtures by gas chromatography, this particular cleaning solution has been shown to be zeotropic (i.e. NOT an azeotrope) under the conditions typical of conservation studios. The true room temperature azeotropic composition was found instead to contain half as much isopropanol at 9.5 vol%. Art conservators should therefore be dubious of purportedly azeotropic mixtures reported at boiling points well above room temperature. Individual azeotropic cleaning blends are best determined chemically prior to their use in art restoration. Furthermore, the introduction of a model paint film to the evaporating room temperature azeotrope was shown to further confound its behavior, calling into question whether solvent systems can be configured to evaporate with constant composition from the surface of an artwork.