A new method in criminology: use of ELISA to detect AFP on different materials with monoclonal anti-alpha-fetoprotein

A new method has been introduced to distinguish normal adult serum stains from fetal or newborn serum and amniotic fluid stains with ELISA in cases of criminal abortion and infanticide. The method is based on the sensitive detection of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) by a two-site enzyme immunoassay (EIA) following its elution with high efficiency from different materials (e.g., cotton, paper, synthetic fabric, or glass) by phosphate-buffered 0.5 M NaCl solution.     

Population density and assaults in jails for men and women

Jail populations and capacities are increasing across the United States. Such increases raise questions about the potential for increased violence in crowded jails, such as those in Dade County, Florida. The study uses incident reports for the Dade County Jails Pretrial Detention Center (PTDC) for men and the Women’s Detention Center (WDC) for the year 1984. Assaults are examined in relation to total population, density by floors and total facility, and for the race/ethnicity and age of inmates. Findings show that density alone, or “crowding,” has the greatest effect on the number and rate of assaults. Neither age nor race/ethnicity appear to be significantly related to assaults, except in the WDC for white inmates. For both facilities assaults appear to decline when Black inmates are predominant in a living area and rise when whites predominate. The reasons for this phenomenon are not entirely clean. The author acknowledges the assistance of the administration and staff of the Dade County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation in the collection of these data. Kris Siddharthan, Department of Health Services Administration at FIU, and Ray Surette of the Criminal Justice Department, reviewed and made helpful comments regarding the paper.     

Neuro-linguistic programming and the police: Worthwhile or not?

In the seventies Bandler and Grinder (1975, 1979; Grinder &; Bandler, 1976) developed their model of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). The aim of this model is to facilitate communication between persons (Particularly between counselors and clients). There is a growing body of literature on NLP; it is nowadays even used in a police context (Gray, 1991; Mayers, 1993; Rhoads &; Solomon, 1987). What does NLP mean? To what extent does empirical research support the NLP-model? And, to what extent is NLP useful for the police? This article addresses these three questions.     

The forensic examination of photographic equipment and materials

The scientific examination of cameras, negatives and photographic prints can provide valuable evidence. The methods used and examples of their value in criminal cases are given. The background and experience necessary to carry out this work is discussed.     

Sudden unexpected death from cardiac concussion (commotio cordis) with unusual legal complications

Sudden and unexpected death may result from cardiac concussion following blunt force trauma to the thorax. Undiagnosed pathologic disease must be carefully evaluated as a possible contributory element. Legal complications may arise from any autopsy. It is recommended that a photograph be taken upon completion of the autopsy. This photograph and adequate records can be used to refute any charges against the pathologist or assistants for the poor condition of a body after its release.