Unsolved crime cases re-opened thanks to advancements in technology
South Yorkshire Police has set up a dedicated cold case review team and is re-opening unsolved crime cases- some dating as far back as the 1950s.
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New ink sampling techniques
Researchers at the Midwest Forensics Resource Centre at Iowa State University are building a library of ink profiles to help forensic scientists identify inks on fraudulent documents and other evidence.
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Detecting child abuse
A child bears a bruise on their face that a professional fears could be the result of physical abuse. In defence, a parent may use the expression, ‘my child had an accident’. Can DNA be used to investigate the perpetrators of blood trauma assaults on children and negate such excuses? Damian Small reports.
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Going underground
What is the relationship between a terrorist investigation and the illegal disposing of infected animal carcasses? The answer is that officers may have to unearth evidence, literally. Geophysics is a field of forensics that can greatly aid these types of operations. Damian Small reports.
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‘Cautious’ approach called for in retention of DNA practice
The Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has warned that the establishment of a DNA database by the government could lead to human rights abuses and the potential for future miscarriages of justice.
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New technology tackles sex assaults
The science of collecting evidence from rape victims is being expanded at the University of Virginia (UVA) in America.
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Officers ‘lack forensic basics’ despite commitment to improvement
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) have published a follow-up review of Scientific Support Services within the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
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Scientist overcomes ‘highly challenging’ case
The efforts of scientists from the Forensic Science Service (FSS) have been instrumental in sentencing a mother for concealing the birth of a new-born baby found inside a plastic bag in a river.
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‘Cautious’ approach called for in retention of DNA practice
The Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has warned that the establishment of a DNA database by the Government could lead to human rights abuses and the potential for future miscarriages of justice.
read more

New DNA technology tackles sex assaults
The science of collecting evidence from rape victims is being expanded at the University of Virginia (UVA) in America.
read more