ANZPAA NIFS NEWS. Message from the Director. Forensic Science Simplified. Christmas Closure

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1 ANZPAA NIFS NEWS Volume 14, Issue 3 December 2013 Message from the Director With Christmas almost upon us it is timely to have a look over some of the projects we have completed in the past year. Needless to say, a lot of these projects could not have been achieved without the help of the ANZPAA NIFS Forum, our specialist advisory groups and external partners. In conjunction with the ANZPAA NIFS Forum we outlined the framework for the development of an Australia and New Zealand Research and Development Strategy for Forensic Science pending the outcome of the NIFS Review, this project will continue to ensure the ongoing development and effective application of forensic science to combat crime in Australia and New Zealand. Along with the NFSTC and Cornerstone Computing, we produced the second version of the online interactive After the Fact virtual reality crime scene competency and proficiency testing program. We also completed a review of the national framework for efficient crime scene analysis (end-to-end project). We were part of the committee that published the final two core forensic Australian Standards. The publication of the discipline specific standard on minimising the risk of contamination in consumables for DNA sample collection has set the stage for the development of ISO standards. ANZPAA NIFS is chair of that ISO committee. We identified communication patterns between medical science, law and law enforcement practitioners during homicide and/or sexual assault investigations. We also investigated the use of familial searching and predictive DNA testing in Australia and New Zealand and developed a model policy for familial searching. We reported to NPSOG and ANZPCF on the applications, limitations, implications and cost relating to the use of Rapid DNA technology. We also examined the potential expansion of forensic intelligence capacity and data sharing across policing jurisdictions. We published Australia and New Zealand Guidelines for Digital Imaging Process and the soon-to-be-published Australia and New Zealand Guidelines for CCTV systems. We assisted in the organisation of the International Congress of Forensic Genetics. I wish to thank all our partners and groups for their ongoing support. I wish you and your families and friends a happy and safe festive season. Alastair Ross AM Director, ANZPAA NIFS Forensic Science Simplified ForensicScienceSimplified.org, created by NFSTC and funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, makes it easy to understand the what, why and how of forensic science. Developed with noted experts, including participation from members of ANZPAA NIFS, this straightforward guide walks non-scientists through the key disciplines that are crucial to today s investigative and judicial process. From firearms examination to video enhancement, the site provides simple, easy-to-understand explanations of more than a dozen forensic disciplines. Each section presents the principles behind the techniques, approaches for discovering and collecting evidence, and an overview of how it s enhanced and processed once it gets back to the lab. The work is viewable on computers, mobile devices and downloadable as PDF and e-reader documents. View here: Christmas Closure Please note that ANZPAA s offices will be closed over the Christmas/New Year break from on Tuesday 24 December 2013 to Thursday 2 January

2 After the Fact wins August Vollmer Award After the Fact was announced as the 2013 winner of the August Vollmer Excellence in Forensic Science Award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police. The award, in the Current or Past Forensic Science Collaboration category, recognises the collaborative effort that produced the web-based version of After the Fact, the online virtual crime scene assessment tool. The online version of After the fct was a collaboration between ANZPAA NIFS, the National Forensic Science Technology Center (US), Cornerstone Computing (Australia) and the College of Policing (UK). The assessments allow investigators to work virtual crime scenes and get tested on their scene processing skills. To take an online demonstration of After the Fact, visit: ANZPAA NIFS Update: Forensic Projects End-to-end Processes Heads of the relevant facilities were canvassed as to whether or not they wished to participate in a repeat of the End-to-End Forensic Investigation Process project and the response was overwhelmingly in favour of doing so. This is particularly important given that the initial project has set a baseline for comparison. Planning has now commenced with a view to repeating the project in Interfaces Project One of the key recommendations from the Interfaces Project was to develop flow-charts of those organisations/ individuals involved in the investigation of homicides and sexual assaults. The flow charts would identify the participants and indicate efficient and effective forms of communication and information exchange. ANZPAA NIFS will work with the University of Tasmania to develop a proposal for this work. New DNA Technology This project is an initiative from the Australia New Zealand Police Commissioners Forum (ANZPCF) to investigate new DNA methods (such as familial testing and predictive DNA testing). The project investigates the technological and legal implications. ANZPAA NIFS has developed draft policy options for familial searching and predictive DNA testing. The legislative issues around this have been referred to the Justice sector. ANZPAA NIFS now has a watching brief on technology advances. Standardisation of DNA Interpretation This project involves developing national standards for the interpretation and reporting of DNA profiles. The Statistics Scientific Working Group (Stats SWG) and the BSAG are working on nationally agreed policy for the interpretation of DNA profiles, which will then be coupled to a software solution. Image: CEO of the NFSTC Kevin Lothridge (centre) receives the Vollmer Award from Chief Yousry Yost Zakhary General Chair, IACP Division of State Associations of Chiefs of Police at the IACP meeting on October 18, On the left is Mike McCampbell, Managing Director for the Center for Innovative Public Policies, Inc. (CIPP) and NFSTC Board member. Source: IACP. The software STRMix has been developed largely by Forensic Science South Australia and ESR Forensic, New Zealand. The software has been finalised and has been implemented into government laboratories. The project is nearing finalisation. 2

3 After the Fact (AtF) A pilot using AtF as part of a suite of competency assessments was conducted with several police forces in England and Wales through the College of Policing and feedback has been received from practitioners who trialled AtF in Hong Kong. Crime Scene Proficiency Advisory Committee (CSPAC) continues to play a critical role in ensuring crime scene proficiency tests are available and completed on an annual basis. Following feedback from trials in the UK and use by Australian practitioners, AtF underwent changes prior to the second round of proficiency tests using the Webdeliverable platform. Feedback from practitioners who took the second round of tests was very positive. CSPAC is now liaising with the National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC) in the USA about additional refinements and the scenarios for Forensic Standards This project involves developing a framework for Forensic Standards. All core Standards and two discipline standards have been published as follows: AS Forensic Analysis Part 1: Recognition, recording, recovery, transport and storage of material; and AS Forensic Analysis Part 2: Analysis and examination of material. AS Forensic Analysis Part 3: Interpretation. AS Forensic Analysis Part 4: Reporting. AS 5481 Minimizing the risk of contamination in products used to collect and analyse biological material for forensic DNA purposes. The development of an international ISO standard based on AS 5481 commenced 29 April The ISO standard is now at committee draft phase and the next meeting of the ISO committee PC-272 is in February ANZPAA NIFS will also engage with SMANZFL to determine the way forward in relation to the development of discipline specific Guidelines to supplement the forensic core Standards. A framework is being prepared by the Quality Managers Forum and ANZPAA NIFS for SMANZFL input. Forensic Intelligence The AFP sponsored a paper to the Australian and New Zealand Police Commissioners Forum on the 15th March proposing that ANZPAA NIFS and the AFP work with the jurisdictions to develop forensic intelligence capabilities based on a national approach. ANZPAA NIFS and the AFP had planned a Forensic Intelligence Workshop in Canberra. Unfortunately the workshop scheduled for Wednesday 6 November 2013 to facilitate the capability development had to be postponed. However, interest in the workshop from forensic scientists, investigators and intelligence analysts was most encouraging and the workshop is being rescheduled for March National Validation Process The validation studies for shoe impressions are preparing for the second round of collaborative trials. With respect to document examination validation studies, work is underway in each of the forensic laboratories building on the validation plans developed. Paul Sheldon (SA Police), Jen Raymond (NSW Police) and Alaistair Ross (ANZPAA NIFS) recently met with Richard Kemp and Kristy Martire from the School of Psychology, University of New South Wales with respect to planning for the second round of collaborative trials for shoe/tyre impression validation. The document examiners have previously worked with Richard and Kristy and the collaboration is proving very valuable in terms of the design and construction of the validation studies. More information on these projects can be found at 3

4 AFP s new Forensic facility to break ground ANPZAA NIFS has a vibrant new-look website The site has been completely updated and revised and as a directorate of ANZPAA it has been integrated into ANZPAA s website. It includes a host of new user-friendly features and improved navigation which will ensure you can find the information you want. The end-result is an easy-to-use website that provides all the information you need regarding the forensic sciences in Australia and New Zealand. Australian Federal Police Commissioner Tony Negus and Minister for Justice, The Hon. Michael Keenan MP marked an important milestone in the development of the AFP s Majura site when they broke ground on AFP s new forensic facility. Commissioner Negus said the new forensic facility will enhance the investigative capabilities of the AFP and support national security and law enforcement agencies in Australia and overseas. This state-of-the-art building will encompass the very latest advances in science and technology, which will ensure the AFP maintains its world-class standards in forensic operations, forensic science policy, research, training and capability development, said Commissioner Negus. The new facility will enable a collaborative forensics model where all scientific disciplines will be able to come together, ensuring a more responsive and high quality outcome. The design of the facility incorporates significant environmental benefits, including energy efficiency initiatives and water conservation measures. The AFP Forensic facility is set to include all scientific disciplines in the one location including crime scene analysis, firearms, fingerprints, criminalistics and identification sciences, forensic imaging, digital forensics and Technical and Forensic Intelligence. Image: Artists impression of the AFP forensic facility in Majura ACT. Photo: Supplied. In addition to up-to-date information on forensic science in Australia and New Zealand, it contains links to student information, After the Fact, Awards, forensic stakeholders and links to the new ForensicScienceSimplified.org, created by NFSTC and funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Developed with noted experts, including participation from members of ANZPAA NIFS, this straightforward guide walks non-scientists through the key disciplines that are crucial to today s investigative and judicial process. As part of this transition can you please update any links you have to to au/forensic-science. For more information please go to: Crime Scene Investigation Guide The updated Crime Scene Investigation Guide, released in September 2013, covers key CSI practices in detail. Developed by noted experts, this 180-page, vastly expanded edition provides step-by-step recommendations to lead law enforcement through this crucial, first phase of the justice process. This guide now gives first responders, crime scene technicians and even military service members guidance to appropriately handle everything from initial response to collecting, documenting and packaging evidence. Reference the new guide online, using mobile devices and downloadable as PDF and e-reader documents. Download here: 4

5 CSI Online Courses NFSTC released Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation and Intermediate Crime Scene Investigation two standalone, online courses available to individuals and agencies. These courses provide knowledge and skills that can provide a great basis for further agency training. Introduction to CSI, developed for new crime scene investigators, law enforcement first responders and those interested in crime scene investigation offers a step-bystep introduction to scene processing and evidence collection. A four-module introduction to crime scene photography course is also included. The intermediate CSI course goes beyond basic skills to cover situations investigators don t see every day. New techniques include casting footwear impressions under water, lifting fingerprints from skin, bloodstain documentation and more. The course even includes do-it-yourself experiment ideas to help students or agency teams practice new skills. Contact info@nfstc. org with questions or visit Reports Update on NATA activities and initiatives NATA Accreditation for AS 4760: Procedures for specimen collection and the detection and quantitation of drugs in oral fluids. Accreditation for AS 4760:2006 Section 3: Onsite initial testing In July 2013 a decision was made by NATA to withdraw the provision of accreditation for Section 3 of AS 4760:2006. This is due to a number of significant technical issues which are currently unable to be resolved. This is despite NATA attempting to seek independent feedback to clarify these from key professional bodies, for example RCPA and AACB, and from International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ). A summary of the issues identified in relation to this testing include: There are no clearly defined cut-off concentrations for devices published in AS 4760:2006 as there are for urine devices in AS/NZS 4308:2008. Target values are only described as nominated target values and are very wide. The lowest concentration can be anything from the value described in Table 5.1 of AS 4760:2006 to a value above those described in Table 3.1. There are no definitive criteria for what constitutes fitfor-purpose as described in AS 4760:2006. There are no acceptance criteria for what constitutes a methodology or acceptance criteria for verification of devices as published in Appendix B of AS/NZS 4308:2008. There is no recognised expert technical group available for consultation for oral fluid drug testing e.g. the AACB Toxicology Working Party for urine toxicology. Due to the lack of a recognised technical expert group there has been inconsistency in the review of data collected at NATA assessments. The expertise of NATA technical assessors has been challenged in relation to this testing due to a lack of an expert technical group. There is concern as to the stability of some drug classes during the testing process, especially THC, which is compounded by the allowance of nominated targets. The allowance of a target screening concentrations at a level at or above the confirmatory concentration may impact on the ability of confirmatory laboratories to reproduce a non-negative screening result due to loss of drug during transport and handling. The uncertainty created by the combination of the above points does not allow NATA to make a definitive decision with regard to the granting of accreditation and as such is unable to provide a consistent and timely assessment of Section 3 of AS4760: This situation is not in the best interests of facilities seeking accreditation or their customers and NATA has resolved to remove the continued uncertainty around on site screening until such time as these issues can be resolved. A Standard Australia meeting has been convened for December 2013 to discuss the future of AS4760 in relation to the issues noted. Should the above issues be resolved NATA will reconsider providing accreditation for Section 3 of AS 4760:2006. The decision does not affect the provision of accreditation for Sections 2, 4 or 5 of AS 4760:2006 which is continuing. 5

6 Laboratory expectations for reporting drugs in oral fluids Where facilities receive oral fluid for laboratory initial testing (AS 4760:2006 Section 4) and/or confirmatory testing procedures (AS 4760:2006 Section 5) an evaluation of the integrity of the specimen must be made. This includes establishing and evaluating the effect, if any, of the time between testing and collection and whether the specimen was received in accordance with the transport and storage requirements. Such an evaluation must be made against the drug stability data for the specimen collection device used. Where there is doubt about the integrity of the specimen due to a delay in receipt or testing from time of collection or transport/storage conditions have not been met, an appropriate comment must be included on the test report advising that the integrity of the specimen is in doubt and the result needs to be interpreted with caution. Similarly, where the testing facility is unable to make an evaluation as to the integrity of the specimen due to a lack of available information, an appropriate comment must be included on the test report advising that the integrity of the specimen could not be established and the result needs to be interpreted with caution. Further information on the accreditation of Oral Fluids can be obtained from the NATA website: This resolution was unanimously accepted by the membership. As a result, the Rules of Association dated 14 October 2013 (available from are now effective. The AGM marked the end of the third year in office for the existing Executive. The Society undoubtedly improved and professionalised its image and has many business processes. Examples of improvement include areas such as governance, symposium organisation, merchandising, insurance and membership database. However, significant efforts are still required regarding membership criteria, including a possible professional membership category, the future code of professional conduct and guidelines for continuing professional development. Our main aim is to be able to present a tangible proposal consistent with our professionalisation mandate to the membership at the AGM in Adelaide next year. More generally, members are encouraged to visit and use the revamped website that is intended to increasingly become the Society s one-stop shopfront, including for membership applications and renewals in the future. Finally, the organisation for the Adelaide Symposium (30 August-4 September 2014) is shaping very well. The abstract submissions are open until the end of February. Please visit httpwhttp://ww.anzfss2014.com.au for regular updates. On behalf of the ANZFSS I thank you for your contribution to the Society and wish you and your family a happy and safe festive season. Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society Update The Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 22 November 2013 in Sydney. The most important agenda item was the proposed alteration to the Rules of Association dictated by the new Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 in Victoria (the ANZFSS is incorporated in Victoria). A Special Resolution was proposed to that effect. Prof. Claude Roux ANZFSS President 6

7 Best Paper Awards 2013 Best Paper in a Refereed journal Kaye Ballantyne, Mannis van Oven, Arwin Ralf, Mark Stoneking, John Mitchell, Roland van Oorschot and Manfred Kayser for their paper MtDNA SNP multiplexes for efficient inference of matrilineal genetic ancestry within Oceania. Best Technical Article or Note Aimee Lloyd, Matthew Russell, Lucas Blanes, Philip Doble and Claude Roux for their paper Lab-on-a-chip screening of methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine in samples from clandestine laboratories. Best Literature Review Natasha Stojanovska, Shanlin Fu, Mark Tahtouh, Tamsin Kelly, Alison Beavis and Paul Kirkbride for their paper A review of impurity profiling and synthetic route of manufacture of methylamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine, amphetamine, dimethylamphetamine and p-methoxyamphetamine. Best Chapter in a Book Bruce Comber, Gemma Payne and Chris Lennard for their chapter Digital Imaging in Lee and Gaensslen s Advances in Fingerprint Technology. Best Case Study Roger Byard for his paper How reliable is external examination in identifying internal injuries Casper s sign revisited. Image: Best Paper in a Referred Journal 2011 winner Elizabeth Brooks with Alastair Ross. 7

8 Image: Best Chapter in a book winner 2012 Vincent Otieno-Alego with Alastair Ross. Image: Best Paper in a refereed journal 2011 Bruce Comber with Alastair Ross. 8

9 Image: Best Chapter in a book winner 2012 Naomi Speers. Image: Best literature review 2011 winner Kaye Ballantyne with Alaistair Ross. 9

10 Image: Best literature review winner 2011 Roland van Oorschot. Image: Image: Best literature review 2012 winner Kaye Ballantyne with Alaistair Ross. 10

11 Image: Best case study winner 2011 winner Soren Blau with Alaistair Ross. Image: Image: Recognition for her role as chair of the Medical Sciences SAG Jodie Heditschke with Alaistair Ross. 11

12 Events Calender More Information February American Academy of Forensic Sciences 66th Annual Scientific Meeting February 2014 Washington State Convention Centre Seattle, Washington, USA If you would like any further information on ANZPAA NIFS meetings and workshops or would like to add any dates into the next newsletter please forward to Dr Linzi Wilson- Wilde: April 2014 Forensic Europe Expo Evaluation of Forensic Evidence April 2014 Upper West Hall, Olympia, West Kensington Olympia, London, UK May th Canadian Society of Forensic Science (CSFS) Conference 5 9 May 2014 Sheraton Four Points Hotel Gatineau, Québec, Canada July 2014 ICFS 2014: International Conference on Forensic Sciences 8 9 July 2014 Holiday Inn London Wembley Empire Way, Wembley, London, UK September nd International Symposium on the Forensic Sciences 31 August 4 September 2014 Adelaide Convention Centre Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Disclaimer This newsletter is for general information purposes only. The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of ANZPAA NIFS. ANZPAA NIFS has taken all reasonable measures to ensure that the material contained in this newsletter is correct. However, ANZPAA NIFS gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or the completeness of the material. October rd International Conference on Forensic Research & Technology 6 8 October 2014 Hilton San Antonio Airport San Antonio, USA forensicresearch2014.conferenceseries.net Newsletter Contributions Please forward all newsletter contributions to Nancy Bakker nancy.bakker@anzpaa.org.au. 12