The Forensic Files

The Benefits of Forensic Science Internships and How to Find Them

Linda — Mon, 07 May 2012 21:20:15 +0000

If you want to be at the top of the career game when you graduate, think about an internship while you’re in school. Internships can help you gain experience in forensic science jobs. Employers sometimes are willing to hire interns with little or no experience, especially if the intern is willing to accept little or no monetary compensation. However, the benefits of doing an internship go far beyond your paycheck. An internship also can be the deciding factor that best predicts if this field is something you would really be interested in pursuing as a future career choice. Read further to learn about the benefits of a forensic science internship, and ways to find those opportunities.

Benefits of an Internship

The benefits of an internship can apply to any field, but especially to forensic science. Students who have completed internships obtain employment more quickly following graduation. It also looks great on your resume.

Work Experience: An internship provides students with opportunities to gain hands-on work experience that you cannot get in the classroom. Companies are willing to train interns, especially if the interns are supplied by a partner college.
Springboard from College to Career: When you graduate, you’ll learn that many employers are not concerned so much about your academic standing as they are about your work experience. Internships can supply you with that job experience you’ll need when you graduate. Use these opportunities on your resume, and be sure to collect letters of recommendation from your internship to supplement that experience.
Strengthens Your Career Choice: If you’re not sure that forensic sciences is the right career for you, an internship can help you to decide. Internships are generally short-term experiences, so you can test your future career without commitment.
Creates Potential for Future Work: Internships are the number one way for employers to find new staff in the U.S. Think about the time spent training you and working with you. If you prove to be hardworking and capable, you may have already landed your job.
Creates Networking Opportunities: Internships are a great way to meet people in the forensic sciences field. An internship allows you to meet people who might help you land a job later and give you the references and contacts you may need to advance.
Application of Classroom Knowledge: An internship can be seen as the pinnacle of your undergraduate education. It can give you the chance to use skills you’ve learned in the classroom in a real-life setting. You can begin to prove your qualifications, and show that you can make that transference from book learning to the real world.
Gain Confidence: Gaining that real-world experience is the best way to build your confidence. What’s more, if you have an impressive resume and stellar reference letters, you will be more confident in your chances of securing a job.

Forensic Science Internships

You can find internships that are based nationally, regionally, and locally through regular offerings from federal, state, and local offices as well as from your college. You might also check with New York State Division of State Police Internships to see if they offer internships. The list below provides some examples of current federal internships:

CIA Student Opportunities: Apply to participate in one of the outstanding student work programs at the CIA, including undergraduate student internships or undergraduate co-ops, and graduate studies programs.
FBI Internship Programs: The FBI recruits at all levels (undergraduate, graduate, experienced professionals) and hires individuals with a wide variety of educational and professional backgrounds. In addition to current job postings, they offer a paid Honors Internship Program as well as a non-paid Volunteer Internship Program.
Homeland Security FLETC College Intern Program: The FLETC College Intern program provides opportunities for college students majoring in criminal justice, criminology, or a related field of study from across the country, to participate in a Federal Law Enforcement training environment. Each year, three intern sessions lasting twelve (12) weeks are conducted at the FLETC, exposing selected interns to world-class training for a career in federal law enforcement.
U.S. Department of Justice Internships, Fellowships, and Volunteer Opportunities: The Department’s management offices, litigating divisions and offices, legal and policy offices, and investigatory and law enforcement offices offer internship opportunities to undergraduates, graduates, and law students.
U.S. Secret Service Internships: The Student Intern Program in Washington, DC, provides unpaid academic study-related work assignments that allow students to explore career options in addition to developing personal and professional skills.

State internships can occur at various agencies or through private businesses. This list provides a sampling of hundreds of internship opportunities throughout the country. Check with your local police, public safety department, or local research labs to learn if they have programs as well:

New York State Division of State Police Internships: The Laboratory’s Intern Program was established in 1998 to provide students and graduates with opportunities to learn more about the forensic science field.
Orange County Forensic Science Internships (California): Those applying for an internship with the crime laboratory are expected to have completed at least their second year at an accredited college or university.
Westchester County Forensic Laboratory Internships (New York): This laboratory has been offering school-sponsored internships since 1977. They provide a mature, highly respected and extensive program which involves a number of forensic disciplines.
Montgomery County Forensic Science Internship (Ohio): The Crime Laboratory in this county provides, when appropriate, an opportunity for advanced college students who are majoring in forensic science or a natural science, to perform an internship at the laboratory.

Check with your school to learn if they have partnerships with organizations and businesses in the area. Some colleges list these internships on their forensics program pages. Another place to seek internships is through organizations. For example, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences has an internship in applied DNA sciences. Also, the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education provides an internal internship comprised of three five week sections in which the students complete independent mock casework that culminates with mock trial experiences.

No matter where you seek these opportunities, be prepared to approach these internships like you would a job. You can learn how to apply through most internship job description, but be sure to keep your resume, school grades, and other pertinent information up to date. The more organized you are now, the better your chances of snagging a great opportunity to boost your career when you graduate.

25 Phenomenal Forensic Science Job Sites

Linda — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:32:52 +0000

Forensic scientists help to solve crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence. They also may go into life science careers, such as forensic psychology — a job that encompasses everything from simple court cases to analysis of a criminal’s intent. The forensic sciences also include laboratory jobs, DNA research, and producing evidence for courts that can prove or deny a person’s innocence. The following job sites encompass all those aspects in this field, including sites that focus solely on specialties such as firearms, genetics, and criminal justice.

Forensic-Specific Job Sites

Crime Scene Investigator Network: This crime scene site now contains a job board, and the job openings are located across the U.S. The current list includes jobs like crime laboratory manager in Louisiana, and a crime scene investigator in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Criminal Law Jobs: Popular searches at this job search engine include forensic scientists, forensic, forensic science, and criminal justice, among others. You also can search for jobs by employer or state.
Forensic Jobs: Forensic Magazine offers job postings from around the Web. This list includes a wide range of jobs, from cyber forensic specialists to computer forensic examiners and forensic mortgage underwriters.
Forensic Psychology Jobs: This is the site you want if you’re searching for jobs with the application of psychology to the field of criminal justice and law. Typically, forensic psychologists work in courts and private practices, but they also can provide analysis of a criminal’s mind and intent, treat mentally ill offenders and even consult with lawyers.

Larger Job Sites

CareerBuilder Forensics Expert Jobs: This listing includes jobs for those individuals with forensic experience. You also can search this site for forensic specialties, jobs for beginners in the field, and jobs in your area.
CareerOneStop: This site contains veterans and government job banks, private sector job banks, and state job banks. there is a focus at this site on forensic science technicians, but you also can search for careers in life sciences.
Employment Crossing Forensic Science Jobs: The jobs listed here are from across the U.S., and include titles such as computer forensics associate, forensic examiner, and forensic anthropologist.
Indeed Forensic: Indeed pulls job listings from various sources. The forensics jobs here currently include a DNA lab specialist, forensic medical director, and several listings for forensic scientists.
Monster Forensic Science Jobs: While this list includes forensic science jobs, you also can search for other forensic specialties by keyword, or search for jobs in your location by region, state, or city.
Simply Hired Forensic Science Jobs: Jobs listed in this category include internships, structural engineer, forensics engineer, and forensic regional account manager for genetic identity. You also can search by company, job type, education and experience, and by recruiter.
US.Jobs: This site lists jobs through the National Labor Exchange. Job opportunities under “forensic science” seem to focus on computer forensics and data analysis. However, you can refine your search by job title, location, and company.
USAJobs: This site is a U.S. Office of Personnel Management website, and includes jobs posted by the Federal Government. Forensic jobs are included in this postings, including any from organizations such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Forensics Laboratory.

Organizations and Associations

American Academy of Forensic Sciences: This professional organization provides leadership to advance science and its application to the legal system. There is no charge to list a job, and you don’t need to be a member to peruse the listings.
Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE): This organization lists jobs that focus on firearms, but they also include crime scene supervisors and investigators, forensic scientists, and criminalists.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): ATF lists a broad range of career opportunities for professionals. Because of the breadth and scope of ATF’s mission, they employ professionals in fields as varied as intelligence analysis, laboratory sciences, information technology, human resources, general management, and law.
Federal Bureau of Investigation Careers (FBI): The FBI separates career specialties into linguists, special agents, hostage rescue teams, professional staff opportunities, and special agents. They also list internship opportunities for college students.
Forensic Advisors International: On this page you will find information for senior forensic consultant and instructor positions and how to apply for them. Senior forensic advisors and instructors are subcontractors to the Criminal Division of the US Department of Justice’s International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program. They are not employees of the US Government.
International Association for Identification (IAI): IAI lists jobs as a service to members. The IAI maintains no further information about any particular job that is posted. The list starts with the oldest job offer first, and the newest job offers are located at the bottom of the list.
National Association of Medical Examiners: This site lists jobs for general positions, jobs for forensic pathologists, and a category for non-forensic pathology jobs.
Society of Forensic Toxicologists, Inc. (SOFT): SOFT is an organization composed of practicing forensic toxicologists and those interested in the discipline for the purpose of promoting and developing forensic toxicology. They post listings as a service to their members, but this is an open list to the public.

Forensic Science Association Employment Lists

The following links are included, because they provide a rich resource for information about forensic science careers. The jobs, in most cases, are not limited to the region. However, the jobs also are not repeated throughout. So, you might want to check all regions to learn about forensic science jobs located across the U.S.

Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists (MAAFS): Currently, this site contains job listings for the Mid-Atlantic region in the U.S. as well as jobs in California, Massachusetts, and Wyoming.
Midwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (MAFS): Again, job postings in this list are not confined to the Midwest. Jobs are available in Las Vegas, West Virginia, and Louisiana. Some of the job listings include senior criminalist, forensic project coordinator, and forensic drug analyst.
Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists (NEAFS): The jobs listed here do focus mainly on the Northeast U.S., and include careers such as director for forensic services, technical support for genetic identity, and toxicology.
Northwest Association of Forensic Scientists (NWAFS): The jobs listed here are in Adobe Acrobat format. They include jobs from across the U.S., so they are not limited to the Northwest region.
Southwestern Association of Forensic Scientists (SWAFS): This job listing is more detailed on the front end, listing job descriptions and requirements. Jobs include DNA manager, forensic scientist for latent prints, firearms, and toolmarks, and a crime scene section supervisor. Jobs listed are mostly in the Southwest, but some jobs are listed from other regions as well.

35 Fantastic Online Tutorials for Forensic Science Students

admin — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:00:27 +0000

Anyone who is a forensic science student or who works day to day in the field knows that the practice can change as quickly as the technology. As with most sciences, students are asked to look to the history as well as the future, but there is only so much you can learn with textbooks.

To help supplement an education in forensic science, we have collected 35 fantastic online tutorials for forensic science students. They contain everything from helping you get a better grasp on science to learning more about a specific area of the practice of forensics.

Fantastic Online Tutorials for Science Students

Start here and get help in all kinds of science with these tutorials.

Science Online Tutorials
These tutorials are provided by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. They have help and the latest news in all kinds of science. There is even this short video to show you how to utilize their site.

Scientific American
The multimedia section alone is worth the visit for all its scientific tutorials. There are podcasts for Earth, space, and health science, as well as the not to be missed 60 Second Science Podcast. You can also check out the many videos and slideshows with more.

Science Channel
Part of the Discovery Network, this channel is dedicated to science tutorials. Stop by to view tons of clips on loads of areas. They also have quizzes, games, and more.

Science Direct
Stop here for a virtual database of scientific tutorials. They have loads of options for students including journals, PDFs, and much more. Be sure to check out the help on how to search for tutorials.

Brightontuition
If the above is too complex, stop here. These science tutorials are intended for students in grades six through 12. Chemistry, physics, biology, and math are all featured.

Science Animations
See science in practice by stopping here. They have movies and interactive tutorial links on many scientific topics from interactive biochemistry to NASA simulations.

Biology Online
If looking for just biology tutorials, stop here. They have entries for plant biology, the evolution of life, and more. You can also check out the forum and dictionary with more.

How Stuff Works
Finally, no science lesson would be complete without this site. It is full of tutorials on how various things work from life to technology. Current most popular items include flooded houses and survival skills.

Fantastic Online Tutorials for Forensic Science Students

Looking for just forensic science tutorials? Then check out the below.

Forensic Science Resources on the Internet
Cynthia Holt of George Washington University provides this introductory tutorial to forensic science. Areas covered include starting points, case files, ethics, and many others. She also links to items of interest.

Scientific Testimony Tutorials
Three separate forensic science tutorials can be found here. They are on forensic evidence, DNA testing, and expert qualifications. The homepage also has more.

Forensic Science Tutorials
These tutorials are part of Wiz IQ. They include entries from actual college students on the topic. Simply click to download.

Forensic Science
Get several tutorials on forensic science here from the University of Illinois at Chicago. They include entries on bloodstain pattern analysis, DNA, firearms, molecular expressions, and virtual autopsy. You can also check out their Anatomy TV and justice multimedia.

Crime Scene Investigator Network
Loads of forensic science tutorials can be found here. They include evidence collection, photography, and other relevant articles. You can also get forensic science items in the news here.

DNA and Forensic Science
See how the two combine in these tutorials. They have true cases and even unsolved crimes for the viewing. You can also get tutorials in other areas of crime.

Let Evidence Reveal the Truth
Learn the essential steps to forensic science in this tutorial from Think Quest. The scene, autopsy, evidence, and more are all shared. It is even featured in Chinese and German.

Forensic Science Central
Get a timeline in forensic science with a visit here. It has the early beginnings from Babylonian times to modern day. You can also find other forensic science items of interest here.

All About Forensic Science
Get a one stop shop of forensic science tutorials with a visit here. They have items for the history, evidence, cold cases, and much more. You can also get links to other related resources.

Fantastic Online Video Tutorials for Forensic Science Students

Learn by watching, not necessarily reading, in these forensic science tutorials.

Forensic Science
There are many videos to choose from in this video library. There is a forensic video of the day, along with many others to choose from. There are even playlists on topics such as chemistry and science fiction.

Forensic Files
Get true life forensic stories here. This show is part of Tru TV and has loads of entries for the choosing. You can get Forensics 101 and challenges.

What is Forensic Science?
Get an introductory video to the topic from an Australian educator. They include the three main branches : field science, laboratory science, and medical science. There are also other related videos.

Secrets of the Dead
Learn the tales of the dead in these videos. Forensic science is used here to learn the history of how and when people died. A few samples include Blackbeard and Michelangelo.

Visualizing the Medical Data Explosion
Anders Ynnerman gave this talk for TED in 2010. It focuses on the wealth of data imaging that new technology has given us. The forensic applications are also shared.

Forensic DNA Analysis
This video is from the PBS series Nova. It follows a team of experts as they investigate the forensic evidence from the 1954 murder of Marilyn Sheppard, one of the most famous unsolved crimes in U.S. history. The link is given by Teacher’s Domain.

Face of Jesus
How can forensic science and religion combine? In this video, forensic science is used to calculate what Jesus’s face looked like. Experts try to recreate the face using modern science techniques.

Real Human Bodies Exhibit
Famous forensic pathologist Cyril Wecht narrates a tour of the amazing “Bodies” exhibit at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. About one million people have stopped by to view the video.

Serial Killers
This documentary features a history of infamous killers. Forensic science students will enjoy the history of the practice, as well as its modern day uses. The video is available in four parts.

33 Unique Career Paths in Forensic Science

Linda — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:30:58 +0000

Although forensic scientists are known for the roles they play in the justice system, the studies within a forensic science degree might lead you to other careers where you can study and analyze data. You study biology, and you might study ballistics. You could study handwriting, fingerprinting, biochemistry or DNA analysis. You also might decide to take on some environmental or animal studies or go into nuclear medicine. Although some of the career paths listed below are aligned with forensic sciences, you might find some other ideas that could expand your horizons in this list of 33 career paths in forensic science.

Technical Careers

Agricultural Technician: If you like working around animals or if you grew up on a farm, consider taking your forensic skills to the fields.
Biological Technician: Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, calculate and record results and possibly analyze organic substances such as blood, food, and drugs.
Broadcast Technician: Use your technical skills to set up and maintain electrical equipment used in nearly all radio and television broadcasts, concerts, plays, sound recordings, and movies.
Chemical Technician: Applied chemical professionals work in a variety of industries, ranging from industrial chemicals, paints, fuels, and metals to agricultural products, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.
Conservation Technician [PDF]: Forest and conservation technicians compile data on the size, content, and condition of forest land. They also may gather basic information, such as data on populations of trees, disease and insect damage, tree seedling mortality, and conditions that may pose a fire hazard.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers: Sonographers operate special equipment, which collects reflected echoes and forms an image that may be videotaped, transmitted, or photographed for interpretation and diagnosis.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists: Nuclear medicine technologists operate cameras that detect and map the radioactive drug in a patient’s body to create diagnostic images.
Nuclear Technician: If you want to work with nuclear equipment, this job provides that opportunity. Operate equipment used for the release, control, and utilization of nuclear energy to assist scientists in laboratory and production activities.
Protection Technician: Although this link leads to protection technicians for the environment, you also can become a protection tech for fire services, electronics, nuclear industry and more. You’ll perform lab and field tests to monitor the environment and to investigate sources of problems in all cases.
Radiologic Technician: Radiologic technologists and technicians perform diagnostic imaging examinations like x rays, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and mammography.

Criminal Justice

Counterterrorism: Homeland Security, among other agencies, seek forensic experts for a number of jobs and activities. This organization’s work is to battle terrorism, including building information-sharing partnerships with state and local law enforcement that can enable law enforcement to mitigate threats.
Crime Laboratory Analyst: Crime lab analysts work primarily in crime laboratories, analyzing evidence. They perform scientific examinations of blood, drugs, firearms, and toxicological samples. Crime lab analysts also assist in autopsies.
Crime Scene Examiner: This position is responsible for complex crime scene investigations and testifies in court regarding the findings and processing methods used at the scene.
Criminalist: The criminalist brings evidence back to the laboratory where examinations will be conducted. Often, criminalists may conduct tests to determine firearms and toolmarks, trace evidence, DNA and serology and drugs, alcohol and toxicology in powders, pills and liquids and body fluids.
Digital & Multimedia Sciences: The forensic sciences utilize multitudes of instruments, chemical tests, measuring devices, and numerous specialty tools to assist in forensic examinations of digital and multimedia devices and output.
Financial Forensics and Fraud Investigation: You can become in involved in fraud investigation at three different levels — financial, forensic accountant or consumer protection. A degree or experience in accounting is necessary for this job.
Forensic Engineer: A direct line of work that emanates from forensic science is the study of materials, products, structures or components that fail or do not operate or function as intended, causing personal injury or damage to property.
Forensic Odontologist: Evidence derived from teeth can help to identify a victim, or can also identify an assailant who uses biting as a weapon. Forensic dentistry or forensic odontology is the proper handling, examination and evaluation of dental evidence.
Medical Examiner: Depending upon location, a medical examiner usually is a medically qualified government officer whose duty is to investigate deaths and injuries that occur under unusual or suspicious circumstances, to perform post-mortem examinations, and in some jurisdictions to initiate inquests.
Pathology/Biology: Autopsies are where this action takes place, as pathologists study disease by gathering samples from autopsies and examine the tissues removed.
Criminal Profiler: Work for agencies such as the FBI to help investigate and psychologically detail profiles for unknown criminal subjects or offenders for investigators.
Suspension and Debarment Investigation: Investigate criminal behavior among government contractors and grantees at different levels.
Toxicology: Toxicology is the study of symptoms, mechanisms, treatments and detection of poisoning, especially the poisoning of people.
Wildlife Forensics: Wildlife forensics is a relatively new field of criminal investigation. Its goals are to use scientific procedures to examine, identify, and compare evidence from crime scenes, and to link this evidence with a suspect and a victim, which is specifically an animal.

Other Jobs

Environmental Scientist: Use your detective skills to discover sources of pollution and other environmental problems and come up with solutions.
Expert Witness: Become an authority in your field as a forensic scientist, and you may find work as an expert witness.
Food Science: This field is concerned with all technical aspects of food, beginning with harvesting or slaughtering, and ending with its cooking and consumption. Investigation and analysis is required for food safety.
Geoscientists and Hydrologists: Instead of studying and analyzing firearms and body fluids, forensic scientists can turn to the earth to study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of earth, rock, and water.
Handwriting Analysis: Use your forensic knowledge about handwriting to create a business based upon your analytical skills.
Maritime Law Enforcement: If you’re fond of water and boats, you can become involved in Admiralty law, or maritime law.
Physical Anthropology: This line of work draws upon human anthropometrics (body measurements), human genetics (molecular anthropology) and human osteology (the study of bones) and includes neuroanthropology, the study of human brain evolution, and of culture as neurological adaptation to environment.
Psychiatry & Behavioral Science: Profiling is part of this job, but this is a broader title that also takes in everything from law enforcement operations to the mindset of gangs and other group dynamics.
Radio Operators: Receive and transmit communications using radiotelephone equipment in accordance with government regulations. A degree in forensic sciences can help you advance quickly as you analyze data.

25 Useful Android Apps for Private Detectives and Investigators

admin — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:22:29 +0000

One of the most interesting jobs you can do is that of private investigator. You aren’t a forensic scientist when you do this job, but you do need to have some of the same qualities. You need to show attention to detail, and be willing to think outside the box as you follow the evidence.

Even though a private investigator is not law enforcement, it is important to note that P.I.s need to be properly licensed, and have the right credentials to work in that capacity. Once you are properly credentialed as a private investigator, you can help others find people, gather evidence, and perform other functions. You can get help in your efforts with an Android phone. The right apps on your smart phone can help you do your job better. Here are 25 Android apps that P.I.s might find useful:

GPS and Mapping Apps

You can use GPS and mapping applications to find subjects, and ensure that you don’t get lost. These applications can also be used to track subjects, seeing where they go. You can mark locations on your map and look at them later to work out patterns.

Google Maps Navigation: A great app that combines Google Maps and GPS functionality. You can use this to find your way, and follow a route. Or, you can use it for street view. A great way to see what’s happening on the street where a subject leaves.
CoPilot: A GPS app that offers great functionality. Helps you find your way, and allows you to plan routes. You can use this in conjunction with your P.I. activities.
Layar: This is a cool app that allows you to add real time information about where you are at. Use it to add information about a particular scene. You can receive added information from info previously entered, and add your own. Great for adding information about what you are seeing.
a2b: Add voice notes about locations you are visiting. When you are watching someone, or research information while you look for a missing person, you can add your impressions about a location, and they will remain on the map and help you do your work.
Sherpa: Another GPS app that integrates information about your surroundings and different locations. Also allows you, as the user, to add your own information, including recommendations and reminders related to a specific location.
Enkin: Use your camera, along with what’s already there from the web, to add information about different locations. Add your own placemarkers. Perfect for if you have to revisit a location, or if you want to rule one out.
AndNav: Helpful navigational maps for Android. Great way to ensure that you always know where you are.
Advanced GPS Tool: You can use this tool with Google Maps. Advanced tools that allow you to set locations, as well as record miles. This is great if you want to deduct miles on your taxes when driving for your P.I. business.
GPS Optimisation: Designed to improve the GPS signal for your phone. Perfect if you want to get a little boost.

Information Apps

These apps are great for finding information, and for storing it. Look up names and numbers, and do research. These apps can help you do your job better, and can help you get a little more information about a subject, or learn more about some other subject that might be of use.

WhitePages: Use this Android app to find phone numbers, and learn more about locating people.
Perfect Public Records: You can search public records. Look up criminal records, court records, military records and more. A great way to start any investigation, and something that can be of use for you when you begin a case.
Private i: Use this app to help you look for information, find records and hunt down subjects. A helpful app for many P.I.s.
The Detection of Forgery: Learn more about how to detect forgery. Understand the principles behind handwriting comparison. An interesting reference for those interested in handwriting.
BeenVerified: An amazing Android application that runs background checks. You can do a quick background check on clients, or even on subjects. Great tool if you want to check on people.
Mobile Background Check: Another background checking application that you can use to look for information on others.
MobiStealth: This is a spy app meant as a tracking app. You can put it on someone’s phone to track them, and find out where they go. Placing it might be a problem, though.

Organization Apps

A private investigator needs to be organized. A P.I. should be able to keep information straight, and have it readily available. Meetings, or information about where a subject might be at a specific time might need to be recorded. You can use organization apps to help you keep appointments and information straight, and record your thoughts and impressions.

DropBox: If you want to synchronize your files, you can use this app. It’s great for making sure that you can keep your files in order.
Jorte: Great scheduler and organization app. It’s a helpful appointment organizer. Add notes, and keep your meetings in order.
CallTrack: Log your calls right to Google apps. You can keep track of calls that come in, and even those you miss. Keep up with clients and others with help from this app.
Evernote: Keep your thoughts organized. You can note things you see, and go back to them later. A great tool for keep track of everything.
Voice Recorder: You can make voice notes, for easy retrieval. You can also record others. Record meetings, and listen in later.
ToDoRoo: Organizational app and reminder. Keeps you updated on your schedule, and even offers reminders. Never miss a meeting, and keep up with your tasks as they are related to your P.I. work.
Document Scanner: Scan documents. Whether you are researching at the library, or found some evidence, this scanner can help you keep track of what you find, and properly organize it.
Time Recording: You can keep track of your time. If you bill by the hour, this is a great organizational tool.
AK Notepad: Awesome Android app that allows you to simply jot notes. You can search later by title, or customize the way they look.

Top 50 Blogs for Forensic Science Technicians

admin — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:31:42 +0000

Forensic science includes a number of interesting parts from a variety of disciplines. In fact, in order to be a good forensic science technician, it can help to have a basic understanding of a few different areas of science, as well as a working knowledge of criminal justice policy and procedure. Here are 50 top blogs for forensic science technicians:

General Forensics Blogs

If you want a basic overview of forensics, these blogs can give you a great look at what the world is like when you are a forensic science technician.

Forensic Crime Scene: Learn about different aspects of a crime scene, and how you can use forensics to solve a crime.
Zeno’s month: Get inside information on the life of a forensic scientist.
Forensic Talk: An interesting look at the issues facing those working forensics.
All About Forensic Science: An overview of different techniques of interest related to forensics.
Forensic Science: The writers at Suite 101 offer helpful insights into forensics.
Forensics Wiki: A helpful resource for all things related to forensic science.
Forensic News Blog: Learn about the latest news and information in the world of forensics — and how the media presents the science.

Physiology and Anatomy Blogs

A basic understanding of how the human body works can go a long way for a forensic technician, since you might be dealing with answering questions that require some knowledge.

Morbid Anatomy: Get a good idea of human anatomy and morbidity. Also includes interesting art related to the subject of death.
Human Physiology Mcqs Postgraduate Entrance preparation: Learn about different aspects of human physiology in a way that can help your forensic ability.
Medical Eponyms with Explanations: Get an overview of different names you might run into.
davidrothman.net: Helpful information about medicine and anatomy.
Anatomy and Physiology Blog: This offering from Sacramento State can bring insight into the human body.

Toxicology and Pathology Blogs

You hear about “toxicology reports” quite a bit in forensic science. You may also need to understand pathology. These blogs can help you learn more about how that all works.

Accelrys: Explores a number of issues in science research, including toxicology.
Digital Pathology Blog: Learn about digital pathology, including tissue pathology.
Neuropathology Blog: Learn about the pathology of diseases affecting the neurological system.
pathtalk.org: Look at different cases, and learn things that can help you as a forensic science technician.

DNA/Genetics Blogs

Genetic testing and DNA evidence are increasingly important parts of crime investigation, and these blogs can give you a good idea of how it all works.

Plain Error: A look at DNA evidence and testing.
it is NOT junk: A DNA blog focused genomes, evolution and issues related to the study of our make-up.
Think Gene: Keep up with what is happening in the world of genetics.
DNA Blog: Get information about DNA and genetic testing from CyGene Direct.
Eye on DNA: A look at how DNA is being used in science and technology.

Ballistics and Guns Blogs

Learn about how guns work, and learn how this knowledge can be used to aid your work as a forensic science technician.

Ballistic Simulator: Provides helpful examples of how you can use a ballistic simulator to figure out what happens when a gun is shot.
Battlefront.com: An interesting weapons ballistics blog.
Online Guns Blog: A look at guns, and different aspects of them.
Dustin’s Gun Blog: Learn about guns, how they work and different characteristics of different guns.
The Firearm Blog: A helpful look at the different properties and aspects of firearms.

X-ray Blogs

It helps to understand how x-rays work, and how to read them, since you might use them in your work.

X Ray Technician Blog: Learn a little bit about radiology and x-rays.
OptoIQ: News and information about using x-rays and other aspects of optics to solve a number of mysteries.
rt-image.com: Interesting posts and articles on imaging and the latest news in radiology.
Medical Imaging Talk: Get the latest news in medical imaging and learn useful information for forensic science.

Criminal Justice Blogs

Learn the ins and outs of the criminal justice system.

Expert Witness Blog: Many forensic scientists and technicians are used as expert witnesses. Learn what it takes to do this well.
Total Criminal Defense: A look at the basics of criminal defense and what goes into it.
Criminal Justice Online: Interesting cases, and insight into the way evidence gathering works, and how evidence is used in the criminal justice system.
Criminal Justice USA: Insight into improving your career as a criminal justice professional.
Dorf on Law: Learn about the legal system from a Cornell professor.

Law Enforcement Blogs

You will have to work closely with cops, so learn about their point of view so that you understand how you can help.

Mr. Police Man: Learn about what it’s like to be out there on the front lines.
The Chief’s Corner: Police life from the perspective of a police chief.
The Plastic Fuzz: An interesting blog about life as a police officer. Also serves as a support community. You will need permission to read this blog.
The Johnny Law Chronicles: A real world look at the life of a police officer.
Police Inspector Blog: A cool police blog with a U.K. twist.

Crime Psychology Blogs

Learning how the criminal mind works can help you become a better forensic science technician.

Deception Blog: This blog is all about the psychology of deception when it comes to crime.
In the news by Karen Franklin PhD: This is an interesting blog about crime psychology by a former forensic psychologist.
Sociology and Criminology at Keele University: Study criminology and how it relates to society.
Centre of Criminology Library Blog: Insight into what is happening in the minds of criminals.

Specialized Forensic Blogs

From computer forensics to forensic accounting to forensic anthropology, there are some different specialized fields related to forensics.

Forensic Astrology: That’s right. Some people use the skies to solve forensic mysteries.
Forensic Photoshop: Helpful tips and tutorials on using Photoshop with your forensics career.
Computer Forensics: Learn about the lives of a team of computer forensic scientists.
Computer Forensic Blog: Get the latest happenings in computer forensics.
Forensic Medicine Resources: Information and resources related to forensic medicine.
Afarensis: A look at forensic anthropology and some of the news issues associated with the science.

25 Most Influential People in Forensic Science

Linda — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 23:20:02 +0000

Great forensic scientists over the years have been compared to Sherlock Holmes. But, Holmes was a work of fiction, whereas the following individuals are real — and, they’ve solved real crimes. Their contributions to forensic science, both past and current, continue to expand the world of forensics while shrinking that world for criminals.

The following list of the twenty-five most influential people in forensic science is listed in alphabetical order by surname. The links lead to more information about each individual.

Dr. Michael M. Baden: Dr. Baden is a medical doctor and a board-certified forensic pathologist known as a host of HBO’s Autopsy. He also is known for his work as an investigator into high-profile death cases including John Kennedy, O.J. Simpson, Sid Vicious, John Balushi and more. His latest case involved the investigation into the cause of David Carradine’s death. Baden concluded that Carradine’s death was not the result of suicide. Dr. Baden wrote Unnatural Death, Confessions of a Medical Examiner and Dead Reckoning, the New Science of Catching Killers.
Dr. William Bass: If you’ve heard of the Body Farm, a book penned by Patricia Cornwell, then you may have heard of Bill Bass. This man was responsible for the resolution of many high-profile cases as well as the education of some of the most high-profile forensic scientists in this country through the University of Tennessee’s Forensic Anthropology Center, which he started in 1971. His specialties include research into human osteology, human decomposition and the roles they play in answering questions about a person’s death. He writes forensic fiction with journalist Jon Jefferson under the pen name, Jefferson Bass.
Dr. Joseph Bell: This link takes you to the Joseph Bell Centre for Forensic Statistics and Legal Reasoning at the University of Edinburgh, established in 2001. This center was named for Dr. Bell (1837-1911), who inspired Arthur Conan-Doyle’s Sherlock Homes. Conan-Doyle met Dr. Bell in 1877 at the University’s medical school, where he observed Bell’s keen attention to detail. The Joseph Bell Centre offers training courses to enhance and expand the skills of lawyers, forensic scientists, law enforcement officials, law students, IT security staff, and the judiciary.
Frank Bender: Currently, Frank Bender is one of the best known and forensic facial reconstruction artists. He calls himself a “recomposer of the decomposed” as he shapes likenesses from clay. His work over the years has led to over twenty-five positive identifications for places such as the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office, the FBI, the Mexican Government and Interpol. One of his most recent works is a pencil sketch of a homeless man that Philadelphia police killed in July.
Dr. Mark Benecke: Born in Germany in 1970, Benecke (known as “maggot man”) received his Ph.D. at Cologne University and worked in the Manhattan Chief Medical Examiner’s office until 1999. Currently, he works internationally as a freelance expert witness and teaches at various police academies and acts as a visiting professor to various universities. His latest claim to fame is his attempt to explain alleged signs of vampirism.
Dr. Sara C. Bisel: Dr. Bisel (1932 – 1996) was a physical anthropologist and archaeologist who pioneered work in the chemical and physical analysis of skeletons. Her work, especially in Herculaneum, a town destroyed by the 79 CE Mount Vesuvius eruption, helped advance the field of forensic archaeology. Her work at Herculaneum also established her reputation internationally as an authority on ancient health and nutrition.
Francis Edward Camps: Almost any pathologist could tell you about Camps’ (1905-1972) 88,000 postmortems performed during his career as a chief pathologist at London Hospital. Although his nervous temperament played havoc in court, this attribute also endeared him to television audiences. He was fascinated with the Jack the Ripper case and, after pursuing evidence, determined that “Jack” was Montague John Drewitt. Camps helped to develop the British Association of Forensic Medicine and he donated his papers to the hospital’s Forensic Medicine Department.
Dr. Marcella Farinelli Fierro: Perhaps you know Dr. Fierro best as “Kay Scarpetta,” a fictional character in a series of crime novels penned by Patricia Cornwell. Fierro, former Chief Medical Examiner for the Commonwealth of Virginia and Professor Emerita, oversees all violent, suspicious and unnatural deaths throughout the State of Virginia. She also teaches forensic pathology and serves as a consultant to the FIB on the National Crime Information Center. Dr. Fierro advised Cornwell on all her Scarpetta books.
Sir Alec John Jeffreys: Considered the “father of DNA evidence,” Alec Jeffreys’ discovery of the first DNA fingerprint was accidental. But, this British geneticist’s discovery revolutionized forensic science and also helped to resolve paternity and immigration disputes. Most recently, Sir Jeffreys has called for a drastic reduction in the DNA database, stating Britain has disregarded rights and privacy of innocent people in collecting database information.
Ellis R. Kerley: Kerley (1924-1998) was an American anthropologist and pioneer in forensic anthropology. In research, he is best known for pioneering the microscopic approach to the estimation of age at death from human bone. A university professor for 22 years, Kerley also served as Scientific Director of the Army identification laboratory in Hawaii and worked on many forensic cases — most notably the identification of remains belonging to repatriated American soldiers from Korean and Vietnam Wars. The Ellis R. Kerley Forensic Sciences Foundation was founded in 2000 in his memory.
Clea Koff: After studying prehistoric skeletons in Berkeley, California, Cloa Koff (also known as the “Bone Woman” based upon the title of her book) was sent to Rwanda in 1996. What occurred over the following four years changed her life and shocked the world as she exhumed bodies and studied their bones for the UN War Crimes Tribunal. Her answers to questions about the victims may help bring the guilty to justice in Rwanda, Bosnia, Croatia and Kosovo.
Wilton Marion Krogman: Krogman (1903-1987) was an American anthropologist and teacher who taught some of the world’s leading forensic anthropologists. He published his first work in 1941, The Growth of Man, while at Chicago. In 1972, he published Child Growth based on his studies while a professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He published one of his most famous works in 1986, entitled The Human Skeleton in Forensic Medicine. His work remains standards for anatomical measurements throughout the world. University of Pennsylvania named a building for Krogman, and also bestows an award for distinguished achievement in biological anthropology in his name.
Frances Glessner Lee: A socialite and heiress, Frances Lee (1878-1962) revolutionized crime scene investigation through building miniatures, or tiny dioramas, that detailed how a crime scene was developed and how it possibly evolved. These Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death,” originally donated to Harvard in 1945 for use in her seminars, eventually went to the Maryland Medical Examiner’s Office. Frances also became a captain in the new Hampshire State Police, obtaining a great deal of technical knowledge about crime scene forensics.
Dr. Henry C. Lee: Possibly one of the world’s most well-known forensic scientists, Henry Lee currently serves as the Chief Emeritus for Scientific Services for the State of Connecticut and an occasional lecture professor of forensic science at the University of New Haven, where he has helped to set up the Henry C. Lee Forensic Institute. Lee has worked on so many high-profile cases that it’s difficult to name them all; but, some cases include O.J. Simpson, Laci Peterson, JonBenet Ramsey, the DC sniper shootings, and was involved in the early stages of investigation for the missing Orlando toddler, Caylee Anthony.
Edmond Locard: Locard (1877–1966) pioneered the development of criminalistics, the practice of gathering evidence for scientific examination and crime solving. Locard developed the first official crime laboratory in the world. His most important contribution is the principe de l’échange (principle of exchange). Locard stated “Toute action de l’homme, et a fortiori, l’action violent qu’est un crime, ne peut pas se dérouler sans laisser quelque marque.” Translated, “Any action of an individual, and obviously the violent action constituting a crime, cannot occur without leaving a trace.”
William R. Maples: Maples (1937-1997) was a renowned forensic anthropologist at the University of Florida. He is known for his work in human identification and trauma analysis and for his book, Dead Men Do Tell Tales. Throughout his career, he assisted in the identification of the human remains of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, Czar Nicholas II, and Joseph Merrick, “The Elephant Man.” Maples also assisted medical examiners in Dade County identifying victims of the ValuJet airline disaster in the Everglades. The University of Florida named their center for forensic medicine after Maples, a man who “brought compassion and scientific rigor to the more than 1,200 cases with which he was involved during his twenty-eight year career.”
Dr. Porntip Rojanasunan: Known as Dr. Death, this Thai forensic pathologist also is an author, a human rights activist and a cancer survivor. She currently is the Director of the Central Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice in Bangkok. She also introduced DNA evidence to Thailand and altered how autopsies were carried out in this country. She dyes her hair punk-rock hair red, wears eccentric clothing and makeup; but, while her appearance may belie her professionalism, it reflects her candor. Most recently, Porntip took charge of the effort to identify victims of the tsunami in the Phang Nga region.
Professor Cedric Keith Simpson: Simpson (1907-1985), an English pathologist, was a professor of forensic medicine at the University of London at Guy’s Hospital and a lecturer at the University of Oxford. He was considered the leading forensic pathologist in Great Britain after Sir Bernard Spilsbury (see below). His most notable case involved the first use of forensic odontology, or the identification of an individual through teeth and bite marks, in a murder conviction against Robert Gorringe for the murder of his wife, Phyllis.
Sir Sydney Alfred Smith: Born in New Zealand, Smith became Chair of Forensic Medicine at the University of Edinburgh until 1953. His first big case involved the discovery of the bodies of two children in the Hopetoun quarry near Edinburgh. Although the bodies had been in water for eighteen months, Smith provided enough vital information to lead to the arrest of the father and to Scotland’s first execution of the century. Sir Smith described this event in his autobiography, Mostly Murder. Smith’s work on an attempt on the life of Sir Lee Stack Pasha, the Sirdar of the Egyptian Army and Governor General of Sudan marked the beginning of scientific examination of firearms and projectiles.
Robert P. Spalding: Spalding joined the FBI in 1971 as an investigative agent and, in 1975, began to teach forensic serology at the Forensic Science Research and Training Center (FSRTC), FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. During this time, he developed expertise in bloodstain pattern analysis and was assigned to the newly formed Evidence Response Team Unit, where he taught crime scene investigation to FBI field office evidence response teams throughout the U.S. He is the owner of Spalding Forensics, LLC, and contributes to many books on the topic of serology.
Sir Bernard Spilsbury: Noted as Britain’s first forensic scientist, Sir Spilsbury (1877-1947) worked on cases including the Seddon case and Major Armstrong poisoning. Spilsbury single-handedly transformed forensic pathology from a widely discredited science to one that was both “ghoulish and glamorous.” A media hero based upon his almost supernatural gifts in solving murder mysteries, Spilsbury took his own life in 1947 after a series of personal disasters. The Wellcome Library plans to digitize Siplsbury’s note cards this upcoming year.
Richard Walter: This American forensic psychologist developed psychological classifications for violent crime after interviewing more than 20,000 convicted felons. He also co-founded the Vidocq Society, an organization for forensic professionals dedicated to solving cold cases. Walter’s most spectacular case involved John List, a man who had been in hiding for eighteen years. With the help of artist Frank Bender (see above), List was captured the day after the profile and image were displayed on the television show, America’s Most Wanted. On the infamous side, Walter may face perjury charges [PDF] in a 1982 case.
Dr. Cyril H. Wecht: Dr. Wecht has served as a forensic pathologist consultant in numerous high-profile cases and is noted for his controversial theories on cases for Elvis Presley, O.J. Simpson and JonBenet Ramsey. His most notable case, however, is his outspoken criticism of the Warren Commission’s findings concerning John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Dr. Wecht currently serves as a clinical professor at the University of Pittsburgh Schools of Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Graduate School of Public Health, and holds positions as an Adjunct Professor at the Duquesne University School of Law, School of Pharmacy, and School of Health Sciences.
Dr. Michael Welner: This link takes readers to The Forensic Panel and its peer reviewed protocols, the first of its kind in the U.S., pioneered by Dr. Welner. Dr. Welner has defined the application of the cutting edge of science to forensic practice through his work as principle forensic psychiatrist in some of America’s most sensitive litigation. he has pioneered the effort toward establishing a clinical and forensic standardization of the worst of crimes, through tools such as The Depravity Scale, a history- and evidence-driven forensic instrument that helps experts to define legal words for purposes of fair and consistent application to criminal sentencing.
Dr. Frederic Whitehurst: Dr. Whitehurst was employed by the FBI crime lab, which rated Whitehurst as the leading national and international expert in explosive and explosive residue sciences. Despite this rating, Dr. Whitehurst was forced to defend himself against the FBI when he blew the whistle on scientific fraud within the FBI lab during the case of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. After winning the first successful whistle blower cases against the FBI, Whitehurst started the Forensic Justice Project (FJP), a non-profit forensic watch dog group that functions as a project of the National Whistleblowers Center (NWC).

25 Free Open Courseware Classes on Forensic Science

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:57:30 +0000

Forensics is a very interesting branch of science. It is also a necessary part of the criminal justice system. Throughout history, there have been a number of criminologists, scientists and just plain smart cops and detectives who have helped contribute to making forensics a science. And now, if you are interested in learning more about forensic science, it is possible to learn — or brush up on — skills related to forensics. Here are 25 open courseware classes that provide you an opportunity to learn about forensic science for free:

Forensics Fields

There are a number of different aspects of forensics, with different fields and opportunities. These courses can give you an idea of general forensics, as well as help you understand the different divisions of forensics.

Forensic Biology and Impression Evidence: This course from Kaplan University provides a helpful look at biology issues involved in forensics, as well as impression evidence. There is also a unit on computer forensics.
Forensic Engineering: The Open University offers a course in engineering and how forensics can help engineers identify structural defects and other quality issues in large structures.
Forensic DNA: An interesting collection of information, training modules and more on forensic DNA from a Boise State University professor.
Forensic Accounting: Resources and information on forensic accounting, along with activity ideas and suggested reading.
A National Protocol fro Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations: This is from American University and provides helpful information on forensic examinations in the cases of sexual assault.
Cryptography and Cryptanalysis: Often, forensics involves cracking codes. This class from MIT can help learn more about cryptography and how to analyze codes and find patterns.

The Human Body

Forensics requires a knowledge of the human body. It is important to have a basic understanding of how the body works, what is normal, and what effects different scenarios might have on the body. This is extremely helpful in terms of understanding what you are seeing at a crime scene. The following open courseware classes on the human body can be quite helpful.

Anatomy and Physiology: This course from Western Governor’s University provides a helpful look at different parts of the human anatomy and how the human physiology works.
Biology (Human Anatomy): This course from the University of California Berkeley is a general look at the human body, how it is set up, and how it functions.
Clinical Psychology: This course is another from the University of California Berkeley, and can help you better understand some of the issues related to how the brain functions in terms of mental state. This can help you evaluate evidence with a psychological point of view.
The Human Body: Harvard offers an excellent course on the human body, its systems and how they work. Includes helpful visuals and even makes use of flashcards.
Modern Biology: Carnegie Mellon University offers a great look at biology and molecular biology and human functioning through its Open Learning Initiative.
Principles of Human Disease: This MIT course can help you learn about how disease works in the body, and help you as you ascertain cause of death and look for clues about how someone was injured.

Crime

Understanding crime, and having a background in why crimes are committed can be a big help to a forensic scientist. These open courseware courses can help you learn more about different types of crime, and the motivations behind them.

Crime, Heredity and Insanity in American History: This course from Notre Dame provides an interesting look at crime in a historical context, as well as looking at different ways crimes have been solved throughout the years, and the roles of forensics.
Criminology: Harvard University provides a number of useful links, course materials, lectures and news related to forensic science and criminology.
Cybercime: This is another Harvard open courseware offering. The Cybercrime course focuses on crimes related to the Internet, and shares helpful and insightful case studies.
The meaning of crime: This is an interesting look at the causes and motivations behind crime, as well as providing a number of different definitions of crime, from the Open University.
Youth delinquency: This is an interesting course on young people and crime. This offering from Wikiversity provides a look at different factors that can influence youth delinquency, as well as a look at what can be done to reduce delinquency.
White Collar and Corporate Crime: The University of California Irvine provides an interesting class on the factors behind white collar crime. This is an important aspect of forensics, including forensic accounting, as corporate crime increases.
The problem with crime: Another provocative course from the Open University, this class looks at different themes related to crime, including the problem of identifying exactly what crime is.

Law

Having some knowledge of the law is important in forensic science. Understanding the rules and laws under which you will be expected to operate is vital. Here are some courses that can give you a basic understanding of some of the laws you are upholding and following.

Trials in History: MIT offers an interesting look at different trials through history, considers systems of evidence used in them and addresses other issues.
Ethics and the Law on the Electronic Frontier: An assessment, from MIT, of law and ethics as enforcement moves to the Internet. Especially helpful in terms of computer forensics.
iTunes U: Stanford offers a number of interesting podcasts and courses on different aspects of the law. Learn about privacy law, ethics and specific cases related to different trials and investigations.
Criminal Justice System: This course from Connexions looks at the criminal justice system, how it works, and considers its effectiveness. A useful primer in how things work.
Aims and Limits of the Criminal Law: The University of California Berkeley looks at what the law is meant to accomplish, as well as some of the limits inherent in criminal law.
Privacy rights and the law: You may want to investigate a crime, but it is important to understand privacy rights. This course from the Open University examines privacy rights and their place in our society.

Top 50 Personal Security Blogs

Linda — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:00:39 +0000

Are you worried about your personal and online security? Even if you aren’t worried about it, someone else is blogging about it — at least about how you can protect yourself. Now, all you need to do is find those blogs and apply their tips, news and advice to your life. The list below is a start, as it contains the top fifty personal security blogs on the Internet today, all updated and ready to use.

This list is divided into categories that address information security, spam issue, privacy law, cybercrime, homeland security blogs, identity theft and white collar crime. Each blog, which addresses how these issues affect the general public and Internet users, is listed in alphabetical order within each category. This method assures readers that we do not favor one blog over another.

Information Security Blogs

Amrit Williams Blog: This is the personal blog for Amrit Williams, who has over 18 years of experience in information technology, security, and risk management and is currently the Chief Technology Officer of BigFix, an enterprise systems and security management solution provider.
Bruce Schneier: Bruce Schneier covers security and security technology news and issues in this blog.
Information Security Resources: The goal at this blog is to help industry stakeholders, government regulators, and the public better understand and address the mounting information security threats inherent in the information age.
Liquid Matrix Security Digest: Dave Lewis has been working on this blog for a decade, reporting news about computer, network and information security.
Roger’s Information Security Blog: Use this blog to learn more about antivirus protection, cyberlaw, hacks, spam, spyware and more.
Security Fix: Brian Krebs reports on computer security for the Washington Post.
The Internet Security Zone: Software developer, ZoneAlarm, offers this blog on current Internet security topics such as Facebook, ID theft, PC security, technology, phishing and much mroe.
ThreatChaos: Learn about security from Richard Stiennon, a security expert and industry analyst who is known for shaking up the industry and providing actionable guidance to vendors and end users.
ThreatPost: Learn more about topics such as compliance and regulations, data breaches, encryption and malware attacks through this blog.
Virus Bulletin: This is a blog and an in-depth magazine on malware and spam. Learn more about how to fight both and how to protect your systems from attack.

Spam Issues

All Spammed Up: If you want anti-spam attitudes in a business environment, use this blog to learn more about phishing, security, spam news and how to fight spam.
Spam Notes: Venkat Balasubramani is the principal of Balasubramani Law, and he focuses on email, electronic communications, online networks, privacy and more in this blog.
Spam Resource: Al Iverson has been blogging about email, anti-spam, deliverability and related topics for over seven years.
Spamnation: The purpose of this site is to collect information that might be of use to people who are trying to reduce their own spam load or protect the systems that they administer against spam.
SpamScams: SpamScams.net is about uncovering and archiving spam email, scams, and email phishing schemes.
Terry Zink’s Anti Spam Blog: Terry Zink is a Program Manager for Microsoft Forefront Online Security, and he writes about what that spam team does spam team while avoiding tactics that are not publicly available on their web page.
The Spam Diaries: News and musings about the fight against spam by Edward Falk, who has been writing about spam since 1977.

Privacy Law Blogs

Information Law Group: This is a new blog, written by David Navetta, that focuses on privacy, security, technology and intellectual property.
Privacy and Information Security Law Blog: Hunton & Williams LLP provides legal services to corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals, as well as to a broad array of other entities. They also provide this blog, which focuses on technology security issues.
Privacy and Security Law Blog: Davis Wright Tremaine LLP provides a service to readers who want to know more about the legalities involved with privacy and security issues.
Privacy Law: Keith Enright is a recognized expert in the field of data privacy and information management and is highly involved in shaping and developing business best practices and methodologies around data stewardship and information management.
Privacy Law Blog: This blog is maintained by Kristen J. Mathews of Proskauer Rose LLP. Topics include CAN-SPAM, children’s online privacy and more.
Security, Privacy and the Law: The Foley Hoag Security, Privacy and the Law Blog focuses on the security and privacy issues encountered by businesses that often require immediate and discreet solutions.
Technology and Marketing Law Blog: You can learn much about technology and marketing legalities from Eric Goldman, an Associate Professor of Law at Santa Clara University School of Law. He also is director of the High Tech Law Institute.

Cyber Crime, Compliance and Justice

Bank Info Security: Learn more from these bloggers about information security, compliance and technology issues.
Cyber Crime Lawyer Blog: David Seltzer from Balliro, Galasso, Leskovich & Seltzer LLP provides news and insight into cyber crime, media and more with this blog that touches on current issues.
CYB3RCRIM3: Susan Brenner is a law professor who speaks, writes and consults on cybercrime and cyberconflict.
CyberCrime & Doing Time: Gary Warner talks about cyber wars, digital certificates, phishing, public policy and more in his blog.
Cybercrime Law: While not every activity that has an adverse effect to today’s networked society is criminal, most of them would be subject to review and analysis. Policies for preventing cyber crime are fair game; opinions by experts, geeks, lawyers, and mere users would be welcomed at this blog by Dimo Michailov.
The Cyber Sleuth: Surf into a dimension of crime that includes cops, robbers, technology and guile. “It’s the middle ground between privacy and exposure; suspicion and surveillance; and security and panic.”
The Red Tape Chronicles: Bob Sullivan covers Internet scams and consumer fraud for MSNBC.com. The Red Tape Chronicles is MSNBC.com’s effort to unmask “corporate sneakiness, government waste and technology run amuk” and offer real solutions that save you time and money.

Homeland Security and Government Security

Disastor Zone: Disaster Zone is dedicated to sharing information about the world of emergency management and homeland security.
Government Computer News: This blog/magazine is managed by 1105 Government Information Group, a provider of integrated information and media for the government information technology market.
Government Technology: This blog does not feature issues within the government as much as provide solutions for state and local governments who must deal with providing and receiving online information.
Homeland Security Watch: This blog features breaking news, analysis and informed commentary on critical homeland security issues. Contributors include Phil Palin and Christopher Bellavita.
Homeland Stupidity: This blog about homeland security is entertaining, insightful and irreverant. It also provides a side of the story that you may not like nor agree with, but it’s one perspective.
HomeStation: A blog by the Integrative Center for Homeland Security that reports on topics such as emergency preparedness, border security and critical infrastructure among other issues.
The Blog at Homeland Security: If you want news straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak, then visit this blog to learn more about how this government agency operates.

Identity Theft

Fight Identity Theft: The goal of this blog is to make you more aware of the risks of identity theft and to present clear steps you can take to protect yourself.
Identity Theft Blog: Look for useful tips and information on categories such as ID theft, theft prefention and how to identify identity theft.
Id Theft Secrets Blog: This blog offers quick tips, reviews and resources to aid busy consumers in protecting credit and personal information from identity theft fraud.
Identity Theft News and Blogs: This is a top news source for information about video, blogging, identity theft and data breaches.
ITAC Blog: Stay on top of the blogs contained here to learn how corporations, government entities and more are learning how to protect your privacy and security.
Privacy and Identity Theft: David Jevans is the Chief Executive Officer of IronKey, based in Los Altos, California. He is also the Chairman and Founder of the Anti-Phishing Working Group, the leading non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating identity theft and fraud on the Internet.

White Collar Crime

Letter of Apology: Solomon L. Wisenberg is a white collar criminal defense attorney located in Washington, DC. He handles federal white collar matters throughout the nation and writes about current white collar crime issues.
The Informant: The National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) maintains this blog, focused on the high-tech and economic crime landscapes.
The Power Elite: This blogger firmly believes that this recession was caused by white collar crime. But, that’s not the only topic this sociology and criminal justice teacher touches on in his blog. Read on for intelligent and insightful points about white collar crime and justice.
White Collar Crime News: In addition to white collar crime, this attorney focuses on computer and street crime, business law, identity theft assistance and more through his New Jersey offices.
White Collar Crime Prof Blog: Ellen S. Podgor, professor of law at Stetson University College of Law, writes a continuous stream of information about crimes, legal situations and news that centers on those folks who wear white collars.
White Collar Fraud: A convicted felon and a former CPA offers information on how to detect and report white collar crime. He also teaches law enforcement, professionals, and students about white collar crime and how to catch corporate miscreants.

Top 10 Most Famous Forensic Experts in History

admin — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:11:14 +0000

Forensic science is an interesting career choice. You look at evidence at a crime scene, and then use it to put together clues that point to who might have done the deed. While forensic science has been made popular through shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and even Dexter, Gil Grissom and Dexter aren’t the only famous forensic scientists out there. Here are 10 of the most notable and famous forensic experts in history:

Henry Lee: Born in China as the 11th of 13 children, Lee fled to Taiwan with his family at the end of the Chinese Civil War. He was a police captain in Taiwan by the age of 25. In 1972, Lee came to the United States to study Forensic Science. He also has a Ph.D. in biochemistry. Lee worked on the JonBenét Ramsey case, the O.J. Simpson Case and the Laci Peterson case. He also consulted on the murder of Deputy White House Counsel Vincent Foster, as well as worked on the D.C. sniper shootings. Lee was accused of accidentally destroying, or even hiding, evidence in the Phil Spector case. He is one of the most well forensic experts today.
Cyril Wecht: Originally, Wecht wanted to be a musician. He was even concertmaster at the University of Pittsburgh. However, he went on to get his M.D. Wecht served in the Air Force, and later became a forensic pathologist. He eventually became coroner of Allegheny County in Pennsylvania. He served as coroner from 1970 to 1980, and from 1996 to 2006. He has personally performed more than 14,000 autopsies. Wecht is famous as a consultant, especially on TV. He has consulted on the outcomes of the deaths of John F. Kennedy (he is famous for disputing the findings of the Warren Commission), Sharon Tate, issues relating to the Branch Davidian incident, Anna Nicole Smith, JonBenét Ramsey and Vincent Foster. Wecht also has a pathology private practice, in which he and associates provide consultations on cases. However, he was tried for fraud, but it was declared a mistrial.
Michael Baden: Baden’s high profile comes from the fact that he is seen everywhere, lending his insight as a medical doctor and forensic pathologist to a number of famous cases. He hosts the HBO show Autopsy, and also contributes on the Fox News Channel. He has written two non-fiction books that are quire popular. Baden served as the Chief Medical Examiner for New York City between 1978 and 1979. He has served as an expert witness or as a consulting pathologist on a number of famous forensic cases (some that require him to re-evaluate events of past history), including John F. Kennedy, Czar Nicholas II, O.J. Simpson, John Belushi, Phil Spector, Kathleen Savio and Lisa McPherson. Baden has a private practice as a pathology consultant.
Clea Koff: Forensics has spawned a number of different sub-fields, and one of those is forensic anthropology. Clea Koff is one of the premier forensic anthropologists in the world, studying deaths in cases where the remains of a victim may be in advance stages of decomposition. Koff worked for the United Nations for several years, and helped on missions in Bosnia, Rwanda, Serbia, Coatia and Kosovo. Koff received her degree in forensic anthropology, and has written an autobiography about her work. Koff founded The Missing Persons Identification Resource Center, and works to help people identify their loved ones if they can’t find them through official missing persons channels.
William Maples: This man was a noted forensic anthropologist working in the middle of the 20th century. He had a Ph.D., and authored a book (with Michael Broning), Dead Men Do Tell Tales: The Strange and Fascinating Cases of a Forensic Anthropoligist. He became well-known for consulting on cases of the deceased, by looking at their remains. He worked on the U.S. president Zachary Taylor, looks at the case of “The Elephant Man, John Merrick, Francisco Pizarra and the Ramanov family, of which Czar Nicholas II was the head. He worked at the Florida Museum of Natural History, and was known for helping to solve unsolved cases.
Joseph Bell: This man pioneered some of the techniques known today in forensic pathology. At the time (in the late 19th century and early 20th century), forensic pathology was rarely used as a way to help solve crimes. Bell taught his students about observation, and built upon knowledge from his great-grandfather, the forensic surgeon Benjamin Bell. Bell is considered to be an inspiration for Sherlock Holmes, since Arthur Conan Doyle met him in 1877 and was impressed by him. Bell taught at the University of Edinburgh in the medical school, and served as Queen Victoria’s personal surgeon whenever she was in Scotland. He is still studied today by forensic pathologists learning techniques of diagnosis and understanding behavior.
Edmond Locard: One of the pioneers in forensic science is Edmond Locard. He was well-known for the formulation of the basic tenet of forensic science: “Every contact leaves a trace.” Locard studied law and medicine at Lyons, and he also became the assistant to criminologist Alexandre Lacassagne. After leaving Lacassagne, Locard founded the first police laboratory, starting in the Lyons police department with two attic rooms and two assistants. Locard developed 12 matching points for fingerprint identification. He was known as the “Sherlock Holmes of France.” His work paved the way for forensic science to find a place in police work.
Sara Bisel: One of the pioneers of forensic anthropology, Sara Bisel studied a number of interesting cases. She has a degree in biochemistry, as well as a degree in classical area studies. She was most interested in uncovering information about events from the far past. She played a prominent role in the research associated with Herculaneum, the town destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. She was known for her professionalism, and taught at various schools. Her work, and her theories and processes, especially with regard to health and nutrition, is considered to have been a great help in advancing forensic anthropology, especially as it relates to understanding stomach contents and evaluating the health of a victim.
William Bass: Another pioneer in forensic anthropology, William Bass was renowned for his ability to help identify human remains. He founded the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility at the University of Tennessee. He was a professor there for many years. His facility is referred to as the “Body Farm“, a name popularized in a fictional book by Patricia Cornwell of the same name. Bass has written fictional stories as well, using the name Jefferson Bass, reflecting his collaboration with Jon Jefferson, who helped write a non-fiction book about the Body Farm. Students from all over come to study at the Body Farm, to learn about identification techniques.
Alec Jeffreys: While not exactly a forensic expert himself, Sir Alec Jeffreys pioneered many of the techniques used in forensic science today. This British scientist is most well-known for his work with DNA profiling and DNA fingerprinting. His work is used in crime labs all over the world. He teaches genetics at the University of Leicester, and is know to help detective work, immigration disputes and help prove paternity.