A comprehensive micro unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV/Drone) forensic framework

In the early 1990s, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) were used exclusively in military applications by various developed countries. Now with its ease of availability and affordability in the electronic device market, this aerial vehicular technology has augmented its familiarity in public and has expanded its usage to countries all over the world. However, expanded use of UAVs, colloquially known as drones, is raising understandable security concerns. With the increasing possibility of drones' misuse and their abilities to get close to critical targets, drones are prone to potentially committing crimes and, therefore, investigation of such activities is a much-needed facet. This motivated us to devise a comprehensive drone forensic framework that includes hardware/physical and digital forensics, proficient enough for the post-flight investigation of drone's activity. For hardware/physical forensics, we propose a model for investigating drone components at the crime scene. Additionally, we propose a robust digital drone forensic application with a primary focus on analyzing the essential log parameters of drones through a graphical user interface (GUI) developed using JavaFX 8.0. This application interface would allow users to extract and examine onboard flight information. It also includes a file converter created for easy and effective 3D flight trajectory visualization. We used two popular drones for conducting this research; namely, DJI Phantom 4 and Yuneec Typhoon H. The interface also provides a visual representation of the sensor recordings from which pieces of evidence could be acquired. Our research is intended to offer the forensic science community a powerful approach for investigating drone-related crimes effectively.     

Unmanned aircraft systems: Surveillance,ethics and privacy in civil applications

This paper examines how the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) for surveillance in civil applications impacts upon privacy and other civil liberties. It argues that, despite the heterogeneity of these systems, the same “usual suspects” – the poor, people of colour and anti-government protesters – are targeted by UAS deployments. It discusses how current privacy-related legislation in the US, UK and European Union might apply to UASs. We find that current regulatory mechanisms do not adequately address privacy and civil liberties concerns because UASs are complex, multimodal surveillance systems that integrate a range of technologies and capabilities. The paper argues for a combination of top-down, legislated requirements and bottom-up impact assessments to adequately address privacy and civil liberties.     

The thin blue line meets the big blue sky: perceptions of police legitimacy and public attitudes towards aerial drones

Police departments across the United States are now integrating new visual monitoring technology (e.g. unmanned aerial vehicles [UAVs or ‘drones’], body cameras) into routine police practices. Despite their potential use in multiple areas of proactive and reactive policing, public attitudes toward police use of UAVs, and visual monitoring technology overall, is mixed. As an extension of previous research, the current study uses a national survey to assess how well individuals’ perceptions about police legitimacy, effectiveness, and other criminal justice attitudes predict the level of public receptivity and opposition toward police UAV use in various contexts. The implications of these findings for public policy and law enforcement practices are discussed.     

A forensic visual aid: Traces versus knowledge

In this paper, I introduce the Forensic Field Map (FFM) that provides a two-dimensional view on the forensic field. This field is by definition very broad, encompassing a wide range of scientific areas and activities. The forensic work that supports solving criminal cases ranges from recognizing and preserving traces at crime scenes to explaining forensic results as expert witness in court. This goes hand in hand with the development of scientifically based methods and tooling as well as legal, forensic and laboratory procedures. Although the FFM came into being while developing a (visual) framework for digital forensic investigations, the framework turned out to be generically applicable to other forensic disciplines.     

The forensic examination of structural fires in Victoria,Australia: Decision-making processes and impact on judicial outcomes

There is a body of published research that has evaluated the contribution of forensic science to the criminal justice system, but many disciplines of forensic science remain unexplored in this regard. The aim of this study was to examine the contribution that forensic fire examination services provide to criminal investigations and court processes in arson cases. Forensic fire examination services differ in a number of ways to the disciplines covered in previous research on the impact of forensic evidence on justice outcomes. Forensic fire examinations involve a combination of scene examination and laboratory analyses, and the results can provide critical evidence of whether an incident that has occurred is a criminal offence (i.e. whether a fire has occurred as the result of an act of arson). Forensic fire examination is also a discipline that has faced challenges and undergone development in recent decades regarding its scientific basis and the issue of contextual bias. In this study, data were collated for 273 structural fires that were examined by the forensic fire services in Victoria, Australia. In this jurisdiction, scene and laboratory forensic services are delivered within short time frames with a focus on providing impartial scientific and investigative services to assist criminal investigations conducted by police. The current dataset was highly skewed in terms of criminal justice outcomes and was not suitable for conducting the planned statistical analyses. Nonetheless, the pattern of findings obtained suggested that the inclusion of forensic evidence which supported the prosecution of arson may be associated with an increased likelihood of suspects being charged and defendants found guilty. Examination of the decision-making process of the forensic fire examiners has provided insight into the variety of evidence that is considered by forensic experts in reaching the important conclusion about the origin and cause of structural fires.     

中国法医学会物证专业委员会法医DNA分析的若干建议

中国法医学会法医物证学专业委员会与国际法医遗传学会中文专委会于2006年10月在成都召开学术会议。我们的讨论强调有必要将国际法医遗传学会的信息及时传递到中国。因此,按照国际法医遗传学会的指南,我们推荐混合斑分析,法医DNA数据库及新遗传标记选择标准供同行参考。     

死后尸体CT在法医学鉴定中的应用价值初探

目的 对不同类型案件中的死者进行死后尸体CT扫描和常规尸体解剖,探索PMCT在法医学鉴定中的应用价值.方法 对7例因不同原因死亡的个体进行全身PMCT扫描,随后进行系统的尸体解剖,通过比较两种方法检测的结果,分析PMCT与传统尸体解剖在不同类型案件中应用的优点和不足.结果 在7个案例中,尸体上总共检出67处阳性发现.其...     

动物致人体损伤19例法医临床学分析

目的探讨动物致人体损伤的法医临床学特点。方法对1990~2002年间四川大学法医学院法医活体检验动物致人损伤案例进行统计分析。结果男性12例,女性7例,年龄3~65岁,平均25岁;损伤方式:狗咬、抓伤10例,鸡啄伤3例,羊咬伤2例,马蹄伤1例,猫抓伤1例,猴抓伤1例,熊猫抓伤1例;发生地点:仓库5例,路边4例,庭院4例,商店2例,餐馆1例,草场1例,野外1例,熊猫基地1例;损伤部位:小腿4例,眼部4例,大腿3例,臀部2例,面部3例,手指1例,睾丸1例,头、背及肢体复合1例;伤残等级:5级1例,7级3例,9级2例,10级2例,余11例未达伤残程度。结论提出加强对动物管理的规范化及少年儿童防犯意识教育。     

Impacts of increasing volume of digital forensic data: A survey and future research challenges

A major challenge to digital forensic analysis is the ongoing growth in the volume of data seized and presented for analysis. This is a result of the continuing development of storage technology, including increased storage capacity in consumer devices and cloud storage services, and an increase in the number of devices seized per case. Consequently, this has led to increasing backlogs of evidence awaiting analysis, often many months to years, affecting even the largest digital forensic laboratories. Over the preceding years, there has been a variety of research undertaken in relation to the volume challenge. Solutions posed range from data mining, data reduction, increased processing power, distributed processing, artificial intelligence, and other innovative methods. This paper surveys the published research and the proposed solutions. It is concluded that there remains a need for further research with a focus on real world applicability of a method or methods to address the digital forensic data volume challenge.     

A preliminary study investigating the overlay method in forensic podiatry for comparison of insole footprints

The overlay method is used in forensic podiatry to compare the shape, position, and overall fit of features between questioned and reference footprint evidence. However, the scientific foundation underpinning its validity in the comparison of insole footprints is not fully understood because of a lack of published data defining its statistical operating parameters. A review of literature revealed its subjective nature with little scientific validation, limited only to face validity.The aim of this study investigated strength of agreement between three expert footprint examiners’ overlay comparisons of ten reference insole footprints using Cohen’s weighted kappa (K_w). Validity of method was explored using measures of sensitivity, specificity, false positive rate (FPR), false negative rate (FNR), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC). Results showed two examiners demonstrated high inter-rater consistency between their overlay comparisons (K_w: 0.981; 95 %CI: 0.943 to 1.020 for Rater1 v Rater2) whilst one examiner did not (K_w: 0.340; 95 %CI: 0.148 to 0.532 for Rater1 v Rater3; K_w: 0.310; 95 %CI: 0.100 to 0.519 for Rater2 v Rater3). Validity was investigated using a conclusion scale in a verbal expressions table to indicate support or rejection of compatibility of footprints between one questioned insole and ten reference insoles. Data analysis indicated validity as follows: Sensitivity: 77.8 %, Specificity: 61.9 %, FPR: 38.1 % and FNR: 22.2 %. ROC analysis corroborated this finding. AUC was calculated at 0.762 or 76.2 % indicating an ‘acceptable’ measure of overall accuracy of the overlay method for insole footprint comparison. Findings provide novel data supporting previous suggestions that the overlay method should not be used in isolation to compare insole footprints. Data also offers insight into the scientific foundation of this method, whilst highlighting its limitations and providing some implications and recommendations for forensic podiatry practice.     

Inference structures for crime analysis and intelligence: the example of burglary using forensic science data

There has been much work dedicated to crime analysis and intelligence in recent times. Independently, physical evidence has shown great potential for linking crimes and bringing solid informative data through the increased use of multiple databases. However, their informative potential is still often underestimated and has been poorly integrated into police information systems. We propose a framework that fully introduces this data into an intelligence based system. This framework is built on the study of inference structures extracted from investigators’ every day implicit reasoning processes. Five specific inferences are studied with the particular problem of serial burglary investigation across independent police and legal structures. On the basis of such an analytical approach, a computer prototype has been designed; it has shown great promise and has resulted in several operational successes.     

Communicating forensic scientific expertise: An analysis of expert reports and corresponding testimony in Tasmanian courts

Forensic criminology examines the use of forensic science in society. Justice can be hampered, for example, if the communication of forensic scientific findings is unclear or misleading, even if unintentionally. Although various recommendations guide the communication of forensic science, it is unclear whether they are reflected in practice. This study explored the communication of forensic biology in 10 cases of major crimes against the person heard in the Tasmanian Supreme Court, where the standard practice is to issue brief summary reports in the first instance. The content of expert reports and corresponding testimony was analysed to determine its adherence to recommendations outlined in standards, practice notes, and research. While reports were found to be very brief, testimony elaborated on all major elements. Mostly elicited by the prosecution, some elements were volunteered by expert witnesses, or raised by defence. Overall, expert evidence in courts—but not reports (due to the use of brief summary reports)—largely adhered to recommendations. Further research is needed to determine the prevalence and effectiveness of alternative approaches to communication that were identified in certain cases.     

A preliminary study into the impact of using three-dimensional models in forensic anthropology learning and teaching

Forensic anthropology has traditionally relied on two-dimensional (2D) images, such as photographs and sketches, to perform analyses, and disseminate findings. However, as 3D imaging technology advances, it has become more widely implemented into forensic anthropology analysis and practice. Teaching and learning in forensic anthropology still often relies on 2D images, but increasingly three-dimensional (3D) models are available to be used by students training in anatomy and osteology. Additionally, 3D models have been found to be beneficial to comprehension in other contexts within forensic anthropology, such as in the courtroom. The use of these models in the teaching of forensic anthropology is not yet widely implemented and more importantly, the impact on learning is not yet understood. The use of 3D imaging and visualisation in other educational contexts has seen positive results, for example in medical training. To explore this further, a study was conducted using an online activity to compare the comprehension scores of students educated using 2D textbook style images or 3D models on Sketchfab. The results showed that the use of 3D images was not detrimental to comprehension. Students using the 3D models were more consistent in their performance and reported an increase in confidence regardless of prior experience. The results of this study are of particular importance when distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic which means that students cannot always learn in a laboratory environment.     

A review of experimental design in forensic taphonomy: moving towards forensic realism

Forensic taphonomy as a discipline requires standardization to satisfy Daubert criteria for scientific data to be admissible in court. In response, there has been a shift towards quantification of methodology and estimating the postmortem interval. Despite these advances, there are still biases and limitations within the discipline not explicitly addressed in the early stages of experimental design nor in final published works. In this article, unresolved debates with respect to the conductance and reporting of forensic taphonomic research are reviewed, beginning with the nature of experimental cadavers, human or animal analogues and their body size, and second, the forensic realism of experimental setups, specifically with respect to caging, clothing and number of carcases. Pigs, albeit imperfect, are a good model to gain a general idea of the trends that may be seen in humans in subsequent validation studies in facilities where human donors are available. To date, there is no consensus among taphonomists on the extent of the effect that body mass has on decomposition progression. More research is required with both human cadavers and non-human analogues that builds on our current knowledge of forensic taphonomy to answer these nagging questions. This will enable the discipline to make the reliable assumption that pigs and donor decomposition data can be applied to homicide cases. A suite of experimental design aspects is suggested to ensure systematic and standardized data collection across different biogeoclimatic circumstances to identify and quantify the effects of potential confounding variables. Such studies in multiple, varied biogeographic circumstances with standardized protocols, equipment and carrion will facilitate independent global validation of patterns. These factors are reviewed to show the need for adjustments in experimental design to ensure relevance and applicability of data within locally realistic forensic situations. The initiation of a global decomposition data network for forensic taphonomists is recommended.

Key points

• Pigs are a valuable, albeit imperfect, proxy for human decomposition studies.
• There are few or conflicting data on effects of carcase size, carrion ecology, exclusion cages and scavengers.
• We recommend single, clothed, uncaged carcases for baseline research to reflect regionally specific forensic casework.

     

PowerPlex 16 HS: Internal validation of a new tool for genetic analysis of forensic and parentage testing

Forensic human identification requires powerful and efficient tools to obtain useful results in a minimum timeframe. In this study several forensic and parentage samples that could not be analyzed with others kits were studied using the recently available PowerPlex^® 16 HS kit (Promega). DNA was extracted using four different methods, depending upon the particular sample, and the PCR products were run on an ABI 3130XL Sequencer. The resultant DNA profiles were analyzed using Gene Mapper ID v 3.2 Analysis Software (ABI). Of 30 samples processed with the PowerPlex^® 16 HS system, genetic analysis was successful in 18 (60%). The results obtained show that the PowerPlex^® 16 HS is a valuable tool for forensic identification and parentage testing that is particularly useful for difficult samples that have not yielded adequate results with other methods.     

A standard procedure for accommodating forensic anthropological and genetic analysis of decomposing human remains from tropical climates

At the Medical Legal Center in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil (CEMEL/FMRP-USP), unidentified decomposing bodies routinely undergo soft tissue removal (by immersion in water at 80–90 °C for 24 h) prior to an anthropological analysis intended to yield a biological profile of age, sex, ancestry, height, pathology and so on. In the event that this analysis is unsuccessful, samples may be submitted for DNA profiling. The tropical climate and the defleshing process may confound preservation, recovery and analysis of DNA, however. In order to establish an optimal standardized protocol for identification of decomposing human remains from a tropical climatic region, the outcome of anthropological and genetic analyses was compared, along with the utility of bone (mainly femur and sternum) and teeth (mainly molar) specimens for DNA analysis. In a sample (n = 39) of partially skeletonized remains, anthropological analysis was sufficient for identification in eight cases. In further six cases, DNA profiling was successfully attempted. As a consequence of our study, we recommend collection of 1–2 well preserved teeth prior to defleshing and anthropological analysis in these circumstances.     

骨折误诊漏诊的临床法医学研究(附56例分析)

目的　探讨骨折误诊漏诊的临床法医学特点 ,提高正确诊断 ,鉴定骨折的能力。　方法　收集 5 6例骨折误诊漏诊的案例 ,对骨折误诊漏诊的原因及特点进行回顾性研究。　结果　发现骨折误诊漏诊的主要原因是 :(1)对骨骼的正常解剖、变异不够熟悉 ;(2 )对骨的某些病理生理变化不认识 ;(3)拍片技术及检查方法不当 ;(4 )与诊断者业务素质有关 ;(5 )主观因素。　结论　熟悉骨折误诊漏诊的临床法医学特点 ,对于减少骨折鉴定中的误诊漏诊 ,提高骨折鉴定的准确性 ,具有重要的实际意义     

Application of non-contact scanning to forensic podiatry: A feasibility study

Foot impression evidence recovered from crime scenes can be available in the form of barefoot prints, sock-clad footprints, or as impressions within footwear. In some cases, suspects leave their footwear at the scene of the crime, and the insoles from the footwear can be important in linking a person to the footwear. The application of 3D data-collecting technology is becoming more and more popular within forensic science and has been used to recover footwear impression evidence. The present study is a feasibility study to discover if 3D data capturing devices can be applied to insoles; to capture the footprint impression for measurement using the Gunn method (a method used in forensic podiatry casework). Three different methods of data capture were conducted; Adobe Photoshop, MeshLab, and calipers used directly on the insole. Paired t-tests and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were conducted for all three data capture methods. Seven measurements used in this study were significantly different across all three methods. ICC scores were moderate to excellent for the Photoshop method, poor to good for the 3D method, and moderate to excellent for the Direct method.