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'Justice Done' in Shoe Rapist Conviction

A top South Yorkshire Police detective said that 'justice had been seen to be done' following the sentencing of James Lloyd at Sheffield Crown Court this week.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker added: ‘This is an excellent outcome to a long investigation and a testament to the victims, the gathering of evidence and forensic developments. It's a good example of how working with different agencies can achieve a positive result.’

Lloyd pleaded guilty to four rapes and two attempted rapes of women aged between 18 and 53 between 1983 and 1986. All his victims were strangers and were attacked while walking home late at night in the Dearne Valley area of South Yorkshire (subsequently this case became known as the Dearne Valley Shoe Rapist).

A pioneering new technique from the Forensic Science Service helped to identify Lloyd. Familial searching is a technique that can be used when a DNA profile is obtained from a crime scene but doesn't match with any individuals on the National DNA Database. It searches the National DNA Database for similar DNA profiles, which may belong to relatives of the offender. This provided new lines of inquiry for the police to investigate and resulted in the arrest of James Lloyd.

Cathy Turner, consultant forensic scientist at the Forensic Science Service said: ‘The FSS is delighted to have been able to assist South Yorkshire Police with this inquiry. Advances in forensic technology have allowed us to revisit these cases and provide a new investigative avenue. The meticulous scientific work undertaken by the FSS, together with the dogged determination of South Yorkshire Police has finally resulted in justice for the victims.’

The Home Office Police Standards Unit, who with the FSS pioneered the cold case review project 'Operation Advance', made a significant contribution towards the costs of DNA work which linked Lloyd to his crimes.

Policing Minister Tony McNulty said: ‘We are delighted to have been able to provide a significant contribution towards the costs of the DNA work which scientifically linked this individual to these crimes - committed over 20 years ago.

‘This is by far the largest number of rape offences detected in a single investigation supported by the Operation Advance project since its launch in 2004. Almost all of the offenders convicted so far have proved to be persistent and prolific violent criminals with offending histories that stretch from the present day, back over many years.
Their removal from our communities has undoubtedly had a significant impact on community safety.’

‘The message is clear - people who commit these horrific crimes need to know that these cases are never closed by the police and that they will be brought to justice by this and other new technologies.’

FSS Expands e-forensics Portfolio

The Forensic Science Service has acquired Warrington-based JFK Audio Visual Forensics, the UK authority in audio/video analysis.

The move will help the FSS set international standards for forensic analysis of video, and to become the key provider of e-forensics training in the UK.

JFK Audio Visual Forensics provides a range of advanced interpretation skills, which complement and add further strength to the FSS's successful e-forensic portfolio of services, available to investigators and scene of crime officers.

Commenting on the acquisition, FSS New Business Director, Becky Sparkes said:
‘E-forensics is a significant growth area at both a local and international level. Emerging technologies enable police forces and private organisations to get more accurate information more quickly, which can be critical in solving crime and in gathering evidence for private cases.

‘We are delighted to have John Kennedy and his team on board, they are one of the UK's most experienced authorities in the area of interpreting and presenting video and audio evidence in court. Over the coming months we plan to maximise opportunities with them for international business development and customer-training in this highly specialist area. The Criminal Justice System and our private clients alike are set to benefit from the latest and most advanced technology in this arena.’

John Kennedy, Chief Executive of JFK, added: ‘The Forensic Science Service is a world leader in forensic services and we are delighted at the opportunity to unite our skills with theirs.

‘E-forensics and the analysis of CCTV footage is playing an increasingly critical part in crime control policy, saving significant time for the police. I am confident that my place as the only European representative on the board of the International Association of Chief Police, and my role as European Training Liaison representative for the Law Enforcement Video Association will assist me in helping the Forensic Science Service to achieve its key objectives - namely to set international standards for forensic analysis of video, and to become the key provider of e-forensics training in the UK.

‘We are all proud of the fact that the UK is leading these advances in technology’ he added.

‘CCTV is the perfect witness - it is reliable, accurate and has no pre-conceptions. We look forward to working with FSS to provide the formal training that will allow our police services and the wider market to make maximum use of it.’

The FSS has a comprehensive audio and video capability that includes duplication, restoration, editing, enhancement, analysis and interpretation. It can advise on the recovery, packaging and handling of audio and video evidence and provide preview examinations of evidence and make detailed recommendations regarding additional analysis and testing.

New 'Pendulum' DNA Technique Catches Sex Attacker

A new forensic technique has been used for the first time to help bring a sex offender to justice.

Pendulum list searching, developed by the Forensic Science Service, helped to catch Duncan Edward Turner for a sexual assault in Birmingham in August 2005. He was given an indeterminate prison sentence and will serve at least two and a half years.

This new intelligence tool, used to help identify the attacker, is able to generate a list of possible DNA profiles from a crime sample, containing DNA from two or more individuals and could be of benefit to up to four percent of all DNA crime scene samples submitted.

The sexual assault took place on August 28th, 2005. A lone female was walking along a subway between Livery Street and Great Charles Street in Birmingham city centre when she was grabbed around the neck by the offender and forced to the ground.

A pair of sunglasses was recovered from the crime scene. When examined they yielded a mixed DNA profile, meaning that DNA from two or more people was detected in the sample.

The Pendulum List Searching tool was used to try and identify the DNA profiles within the sample. PLS works by postulating a ranked list of 500 possible pairs of profiles that could theoretically make up the mixture. It then speculatively searches a copy of the National DNA Database with all 500 pairs. If any of these theoretical DNA profiles match any sample on the NDNAD the information is passed on to police for further investigation.

In this case a match was found with Duncan Turner. After further police investigation he was arrested and charged and subsequently pleaded guilty to sexual assault.

Kate Jones, deputy senior intelligence analyst at the FSS's Forensic Intelligence Bureau said: ‘We are delighted with the result. It is great to know that we can make such contributions to the criminal justice system through advances in DNA techniques and send a clear message to offenders that DNA technology is constantly evolving.’

R2S Crime Hits Thames Valley

Thames Valley Police has taken delivery of R2S Crime, the 360 degree imaging and software system, following its successful use in the force.

R2S Crime is designed and supplied by MaxIMT of Aberdeen. It enables SOCOs to take high-resolution spherical images of a scene with full measurement capability and view them within minutes of arriving at the scene. Hotspots to show the position of, and information relating to, fingerprints, footprints, DNA and other evidence can also be added later.

Video footage and CCTV can also be inserted into the images of the scene, as can links to photographs, 3D models, plans, audio files and websites as the case progresses. The finished article can then be used for presentation in court.

Thames Valley SOCOs and members of the Imaging Dept have been trained on the system and were using it at a serious crime scene within a few days.

MRU Manager, Andy Rolph, said; ‘TVP has been a customer of our MRU for the last 18 months. We are pleased that they have found the results of the system successful enough to warrant purchasing R2S Crime to use themselves.'

Grampian, Strathclyde, Tayside, Bedfordshire and PSNI already use R2S Crime in-house and many other UK Forces have used the system at scenes and in court through the services offered by the R2S Mobile Response Unit.

LGC Forensics Launches New Gemmology Service

LGC Forensics has launched a new gemmology service to help counter the growing problem of fake gemstones and counterfeit currency.

LGC Forensics Gemmology service will specialise in material identification, authentication and valuation of gemstones, precious metals and counterfeit currency.

Aimed at both commercial and criminal casework, the new service is set to aid officers in achieving successful convictions on specialist fraud and deception cases, and provides a report of all results in a format suitable for presentation in court.

Dr Matthew Higginson, Forensic Scientist at LGC Forensics and developer of the new service said: ‘Criminal cases such as fraud and deception involving gemstones are becoming increasingly common, especially in metropolitan areas.

‘In the past, such cases may not have been investigated fully because appropriate expertise is hard to identify. LGC Forensics is continually looking for ways to expand the service it offers and feedback from our customers has shown that this is one service they seem to be requiring more frequently.

‘We are therefore delighted to now be able to offer this new service to our customers in our commitment to be the provider of choice for police forces in the UK.’

Dr Higginson qualified with the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A), an international leading provider of gemstone and diamond education worldwide. In addition to gem materials, which include diamond, ruby, jade, amber andpearl, LGC Forensics can also examine precious metals and counterfeit currency.

UKAS Accreditation for Cozart

Cozart's Analytical Laboratory has been granted accreditation for both oral fluid and hair testing for drugs of abuse.

UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) is the recognised national body responsible for assessing and accrediting the competence of an organisation.
The areas assessed cover the fields of management, organisation, impartiality and integrity, evaluation processes and technical competence; in fact all areas that constitute our service to customers.

The accreditation is ratification that the standard of service that Cozart has provided and is of the highest quality.

Unlike many other laboratories which only carry partial accreditation, Cozart have been accredited for both the screening and the more complex and confirmation methods; providing a rapid turn around of results to the customer.

The schedule of accreditation for Cozart's Analytical Laboratory to the International Standard ISO 17025:2005 is available on the UKAS website (http://www.ukas.org).

Fingerprint Student Award

A Devon and Cornwall Constabulary employee has become the first winner of a new national training award for using the best methods to recover and record finger marks and other forensic evidence.

Andy Lidstone is an evidence enhancement technician in the Force's Chemical and Optical Examination Unit, where evidence from most surfaces - including finger marks, footwear marks, fibres and DNA - is recovered and recorded using specialist knowledge and techniques to help identify individuals.

Mr Lidstone recently received the Development Fingerprint Enhancement Student of the Year Award as 'the most meritorious student' that attended the course at the national training centre in Durham last year.

The award was presented by Mike Baxter, Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary, at the national awards day at Durham Castle.

The unit handles between 50 and 70 cases a week, ranging from small jobs, such as lifting finger marks from a can of drink, to long-term projects, like working on major crime investigations.

Mr Lidstone, who is based at the Force's Middlemoor headquarters in Exeter, added: ‘It's very rewarding to see the evidence we gather resulting in identifications.’

Carl Langhorn Achieves Diploma in Crime Scene Investigation

A Cumbrian CSI manager has achieved a diploma in Crime Scene Investigation after two years part time study.

Carl Langhorn received his diploma at a ceremony, attended by his family and the Chief Constable of Cumbria, Michael Baxter, at Durham Castle earlier this month at the Centrex Forensic awards event.

Chief Constable Michael Baxter said: This is a voluntary undertaking, which Carl accomplished in his own time. This is a commendable achievement. The Centrex Forensic awards event brings families into the frame for a big thank you for their support and forbearance.

Carl has also worked on secondment on CSI and body identification issues with the UN in Kosovo.

Another Success for Familial Searching

Familial searching, a pioneering DNA technique from the Forensic Science Service (FSS), hails another success as a serial sex attacker pleaded guilty on Monday to a number of offences, dating back 20 years.

James Desmond Benjamin Lloyd pleaded guilty to six sexual assaults at Sheffield Crown court. The judge ordered another two offences to lie on file.

The offences took place between 1983 and 1986. At the time of the attacks the offender could not be identified. However, advances in DNA allowed scientists to obtain DNA profiles from four of the attacks and a new intelligence tool helped police identify the offender.

All the attacks took place in South Yorkshire on women walking home from pubs and clubs and the majority were committed in the early hours of Saturday morning, between 1am and 3am.

The offender tended to approach the victims from behind, reassuring them that his motive was robbery. But the majority were then restrained and gagged, either with their own clothing or with tights and stockings he brought with him, before being sexually assaulted. In most cases he stole shoes and jewellery from his victims.

As the series of attacks continued, his confidence grew. He became more talkative with his victims but also more violent. The attacks were investigated at the time but the offender was not identified.

The case was selected for re-investigation as part of a cold case review. Advances in DNA meant that old retained evidence could be re-examined and DNA profiles obtained.

In four of the cases DNA profiles were obtained, all of which matched each other. However, there was no match when they were searched against the National DNA Database (NDNAD).

It was then decided to try familial searching, a technique that searches the National DNA Database for similar DNA profiles, which may belong to relatives of the offender. This provides new lines of enquiry for the police to investigate.

The information was passed on to South Yorkshire Police for further investigation and resulted in the arrest of Lloyd.

Following guilty pleas to six of the offences, the judge has deferred sentencing.

Cathy Turner, consultant forensic scientist at the Forensic Science Service said: ‘The FSS is delighted to have been able to assist South Yorkshire Police with this inquiry. Advances in forensic technology have allowed us to revisit these cases and provide a new investigative avenue. The meticulous scientific work undertaken by the FSS, together with the dogged determination of South Yorkshire Police has finally resulted in justice for the victims.’

Lisa Perrin, intelligence analyst in the case said: ‘I am thrilled that familial searching has once again proven to be a technique of the utmost value in the investigation and detection of crimes of this serious nature. Since it was first employed in July 2003 it has been responsible for identifying a string of serious offenders who may otherwise not have been brought to justice.’

Richard Pinchin, manager of the FIB, said: ‘This case demonstrates what can be achieved when advanced scientific techniques, meticulous forensic examination and great investigative police work all come together in the pursuit of criminals even when they offended 20 years ago.’

Cozart has announced its lead products for the detection of drugs of abuse in saliva samples have been granted a patent under the title 'Screening arrangement for screening immunoassay tests and agglutination tests' by the United States Patent Office (patent number US 7,070,920).

This patent protects the technology used by the Cozart® RapiScan and recently launched Cozart® DDS until 2025.

Initially launched in Australia and Europe in 1999, Cozart® RapiScan is the first integrated on-site oral fluid drugs of abuse testing system. Following a pilot scheme in 2001 the Cozart® RapiScan was selected for use in the UK Home Office's Drugs Intervention Programme (DIP), helping break the link between drugs and crime.

Due to the success of its use in the DIP the Cozart® RapiScan is now being used in 175 custody suites in England and Wales. The new DDS system enhances this technology by testing a broader range of drugs and providing faster results.

Chris Hand, Managing Director of Cozart plc, said, 'Both the Cozart®
RapiScan and DDS have proved to be highly efficient products in the detection of drugs of abuse both in the UK and internationally. Already used by a number of police forces in several countries, these products are helping to break the link between drugs and crime. With the intellectual property secured in the US, and FDA approval in place for Cozart® RapiScan, we look forward to advancing our strategy in this important market.'

Cozart Launches Spinlab Range

Cozart has launched its Spinlab product range, which allows the rapid automated laboratory testing of saliva and urine samples for drugs of abuse.

Test kits will run on the Group's Spinlab range of laboratory instruments as well as other clinical chemistry analysers, allowing high volume testing.

The new saliva tests are optimised to measure in the parts per billion range and are the first homogeneous kits to meet the low detection limits dictated by this sample type.

A key component of the system is a new saliva collection system developed at Cozart that ensures these low levels of drug are not lost during collection. The new collector provides quick and convenient method of obtaining a sample allowing this to be easily processed and tested at the laboratory.

Dene Baldwin, Technical Director of Cozart, said: 'We are delighted to launch the Spinlab DoA range which highlights the product development synergies between Cozart and Spinreact. This is first product that we have co-developed with Spinreact and we look forward to marketing the Group's extensive sales force'.

The new Cozart-Spinlab product range will be manufactured by Cozart's subsidiary in Spain, Spinreact SA.

The new automated saliva testing range includes kits for the detection of amphetamines (including methamphetamine), cannabinoids, cocaine and metabolites, cotinine, ecstasy, methadone and opiates; the new urine drug testing range includes kits for the detection of alcohol, amphetamines (including methamphetamine), barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, cocaine and metabolites, cotinine, ecstasy, methadone, methadone metabolite, opiates, oxycodone, PCP and propoxyphene.

The kits will be launched at the AACC exhibition 25-27 July, Chicago USA on the Spinreact stand, number 428.

Northants Top at Fingerprint and DNA Detection

Northamptonshire Police has topped its group of seven 'most similar forces' at detecting burglary and theft of vehicles by fingerprints and DNA, according to figures just released by the Home Office covering January to December 2005.

More than ten percent of the county's car thefts were detected by fingerprints or DNA, second best in the country and twice as good as the other six in the MSF group.

Fingerprint and DNA detections for burglary also showed good results, with Northamptonshire coming top of the MSF group and sixth out of the 42 other forces in England and Wales.

Head of Scientific Support, Dr John Bond said: 'Many forces are good at finding fingerprints and DNA evidence at crime scenes but that is not enough. What is more important is to find evidence that has a strong chance of gaining a detection and not to waste resources on evidence that won't.

'We have been making great efforts in this direction and quite clearly these Government figures show it has paid off. For the people of this county it means that each pound spent on forensic investigation is much more likely to bring burglars and thieves to justice than it is elsewhere in the country,' Dr Bond added.

LGC Forensics, a division of science service company LGC, has officially opened its new Specialist Services facilities at The Heath in Runcorn, Cheshire.

Lord Stevens, former Metropolitan Police Commissioner, opened the new facilities, which are extensively equipped to analyse fire debris, and chemical traces and marks including footwear marks, glass and paint from crime scenes.

The new labs were brought to life at the opening event for guests from UK police forces in a case study, which followed the analysis of items including DNA and firearms involved in a burglary.

On opening the facilities for LGC Forensics, Lord Stevens said: 'With the ever-present threat of terrorism and other challenges in modern policing, responsive and intelligent support from forensic science providers is now a necessity, not an option. Specialist services such as those I have opened for LGC Forensics in chemical traces and marks embody this vital relationship.'

LGC Forensics also formally opened an additional Digital Crime Unit in Runcorn, which specialises primarily in the forensic analysis of mobile phones and computers.

Commenting on the expansion in the services offered to police, fire investigators and other law enforcement agencies, Dr Angela Gallop, Director, LGC Forensics, said: 'The addition of these purpose-built new laboratories significantly enhances the capacity of LGC Forensics to serve customers in this rapidly evolving market, particularly those forces based in the North West.'

The new facilities for digital crime and chemical traces and marks augment existing expertise at Runcorn in forensic drugs, toxicology and DNA analysis. Combined with the facilities at Risley, North West forces now have the full range of forensic services available locally.
LGC Forensics currently serves the UK with complex and rapid forensic science support from the facilities in Cheshire and, on a wider scale, from Teddington, Culham, Tamworth and a specialist firearms facility within the Royal Armouries, Leeds

LGC Announces New Brand Name

LGC, the science service company, has announced its new brand name following its recent acquisition of Forensic Alliance Limited (FAL) in 2005, and its subsequent merger with LGC's forensic services division.

'LGC Forensics' is headed by Dr Angela Gallop, a Director of LGC, and is now LGC's largest division.

Dr Angela Gallop, Director, LGC Forensics, said: 'We are delighted to reveal the new brand for our combined forensic business. LGC Forensics is an unrivalled source of scientific skill and expertise across the entire forensic spectrum of offence and case types.

'It provides a greater capacity to service larger volumes of work from larger forces over a significantly wider geographical spread. At its heart will be an enrichment programme to anticipate the needs of modern policing by providing what I term 'frontline forensics'.'

Dr Nigel Law, LGC´s Chief Executive, said: 'We aim to be the provider of choice for police forces in the UK and, in time, to build on LGC´s current international operations to offer forensic services throughout Europe and beyond.'

LGC Forensics is investing in large-scale plans to expand the capability of its forensic operations in Teddington, Culham and Cheshire, and to build up its smaller facilities at Tamworth, Leeds and elsewhere.

In response to unprecedented demand for both digital and DNA analysis, extensions to these types of facilities are already underway. New, purpose-built facilities at LGC's Runcorn site - to analyse fire debris and contact traces and marks - further demonstrate its commitment to meeting customer needs across the UK.

http://www.lgc.co.uk

Scottish MPs Urged Not to Support DNA Retention

An independent pressure group is calling on Scottish MPs not to support measures to retain DNA from people who have not been convicted of a crime.

MSPs are currently considering the proposals which will probably be introduced in the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill before it completes committee scrutiny in March.

The law already exists in England and Wales for the police to take DNA samples from anyone arrested for a recordable offence. These can be kept indefinitely.

The NDNAD contains DNA from 24,000 juveniles and nearly 125,000 adults who have never been charged, convicted or even cautioned. More than a third of black men in the UK are also on the database, according to GeneWatch UK.

The group has raised serious concerns over privacy and has called for independent research into how effective the DNA database is in tackling crime.

It says there needs to be a public debate about whose DNA profiles should be retained and for how long.

‘Blanket permanent retention of all DNA samples and profiles, including from people never charged or convicted with any offence, poses unacceptable threats to privacy and rights and risks losing public trust in the police use of DNA.

‘Rather than adopting the law passed in England, the Scottish Executive should ensure that alternatives are properly investigated and debated.’.

Palm Print Nails Northants Suspect Within Minutes

A palm print taken from a crime scene by Northamptonshire forensic investigators has been matched to a suspect's palm print minutes after the force began using new computer software.

Northamptonshire Police went live using a software extension to the IDENT1 national fingerprint computer last week, enabling them to compare palm prints taken from crime scenes as well as fingerprints.

Within minutes, a palm print from a robbery in Northampton last October was matched to an offender's palm print held on the local database.

David Goodwin, the force's Fingerprint Manager, said: ‘Members of my team were being trained on how the software works and were looking at palm prints on a large projector screen when one of them noticed the similarities between two prints; further analysis proved a match.

For two years, forensic investigators have collected palm prints which account for 20 per cent of marks, but have been unable to search them, until now.

'This development will increase in our workload by 20 per cent and as another tool in our armoury will undoubtedly prove very useful as has been proved in this first identification which occurred within minutes of us using the new software,' added Mr Goodwin.

DNAPrint Genomics Takes Centre Stage at Serial Killer Workshop

A serial killer workshop has been held at the American Academy of Forensics Science (AAFS) annual meeting in Washington.

Dr. Matthew Thomas, a senior scientist, explained how DNAPrint Genomics helped focus an investigation towards Derrick Todd Lee, a suspect in a South Louisiana serial killer case.

Dr. Thomas discussed science behind the DNAWitness™ product and demonstrated the process that resulted in test results reflecting Lee's 85% Sub- Saharan African ancestry.

Lee was arrested less than two months later and convicted in 2004 for the murders of six people.

'The successful outcome of the Louisiana Serial Killer case in 2003 was a milestone for our DNAWitness forensic technology and brought nationwide attention to DNAPrint's capabilities in helping to solve complex crimes,' said President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gabriel.

'Since that time, DNAWitness or Retinome™ technologies are currently being utilised in more than 100 cases worldwide.

Retinome(tm) provides an accurate inference of iris (eye) colour from the measurement of proprietary single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distributed throughout the human genome and is a further advancement of DNAWitness technology.

'We are proud of our role in this investigation and we believe that there are many cases that would benefit from the application of our forensic technologies.'

The workshop was chaired by Orchid Cellmark's Ray Wickenheiser, who oversaw key elements of the investigation in his former role as Lab Director of Acadiana Crime Laboratory.

Case Study:
In 2002 and 2003, the murders of six victims were linked to a single assailant in Southern Louisiana. Multiple agencies were involved in the investigation and eventual prosecution of the cases, culminating in the death penalty sentence of Derrick Todd Lee in 2004. The hunt for the serial killer generated considerable media coverage, and resulted in wide sweeping effects to policy, legislation and funding. A variety of approaches were taken in the forensic investigation and prosecution of the crimes, including a blending of new technologies and trusted older techniques. The investigative use of databases generated unique leads when applied to the field of physical matching and comparison. A variety of DNA analytical methods, techniques, and applications were employed to link crimes together, eliminate suspects, implicate Lee, and bring novel investigative information to the serial killer task force, including ancestry determination which demonstrated that he was 85% African.

http://www.dnaprint.com

Juvenile DNA Rules Clarified

The Home Office has clarified rules governing the taking of DNA samples from juveniles.

Andy Burnham, parliamentary under-secretary, told MPs the National DNA Database held no DNA from a child under the age of 10, unless the parent or guardian had given their consent.

He also said that everyone has the right to apply to have their or their child's DNA or fingerprints removed from the Database.

'There has been considerable recent interest in the policy and operation of the National DNA Database, particularly in relation to juveniles. This statement and accompanying guidance is intended to inform that debate,' said Mr Burnham.

Mr Burnham said given the benefits of the Database, the existing policy is justified.
Nearly 25,000 DNA profiles on the Database related to children under 18 who have been arrested, but not charged. Offences include murder and rape. There have been 541 matches to crime scene profiles for unsolved crimes.

P2i Targets Pharmaceutical and Biotech Sectors

P2i Ltd, the nanoscale enhancer of products using its proprietary cold plasma ion-mask process, is setting its sights on the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. Initial trials on a range of laboratory consumables from pipette tips, to microplates and disposables have produced dramatic results, improving sample recovery and enhancing the non-binding properties of the surfaces.

'Laboratory work, especially in medical and forensic diagnostics, calls for the analysis of minute samples', said P2i's Technical Director, Dr Stephen Coulson.

'Residual retention not only affects the accuracy of test results but, with many reagents being extremely costly, there are economic implications as well. In tests, pipette tips enhanced with ion-mask proved more accurate and reliable with reagent wastage costs reduced by up to 10 percent.'

'We are discovering new applications for ion-mask enhancement by the day and are already in discussion with a number of leading names in the biotech sector who are keen to see how ion mask can improve their products,' added Dr Coulson.

How ion-mask works
Ion mask works by applying a protective layer just nanometres thick over the entire surface of a product by means of an ionised gas or plasma. This layer is molecularly bound to the surface and will not leach away. This transforms the surface of the product to display ultra low surface energy values down to one third that of PTFE (Teflon®), displaying low liquid retention properties; whilst leaving the other properties of the product unchanged. Both the inside and outside surfaces are enhanced, reducing binding and liquid loss while maximising sample recovery. Treated items display enhanced repellency to a wide variety of reagents, virtually eliminating liquid retention.

http://www.p2ilabs.com/

Fingerprint Enhancement Techniques

Nanotechnology is to be the focus of a research project to develop the next generation of fingerprint enhancement techniques and could provide the first major step forward in fingerprint technology for nearly 30 years.

Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit has teamed up with scientists at St Andrew's University. The Polymer Optoelectronics Group at St Andrew's is world renowned in the development of nanoparticle semiconductors and the group's expertise will be central to the project.

The new techniques will involve the use of microscopic (nano) particles of semiconductor material similar to that used in computer chips and other electronic devices. These particles can be made to bind to fingerprints and then give out light making the print visible.

It is anticipated that this will be a two-year project that will cost an estimated quarter of a million pounds.

Head of Scientific Support Dr John Bond said: 'If we are successful it will have a tremendous impact on enhancing fingerprints and hence increase fingerprint detections and will be the first major step forward in fingerprint technology since the 1980s.

'Amongst other things it will help solve the problems of seeing fingerprints on surfaces where the contrast against background is poor and also on surfaces that have become wet. The end result will mean that police find more fingerprints and detect more crime.'

Funding for the project is currently being sought from industry, the Forensic Science Service and the Home Office. Initial responses have been very positive.
Despite continuing improvements in the use of DNA to detect crime, fingerprints remain very important because they cost less to process and results can often be achieved more quickly.

Kenyon Teams up with Orchid

Kenyon International Emergency Services, one of the world's leading disaster management companies, has announced an agreement with Orchid Cellmark to provide forensic DNA testing services, including identity DNA testing services for victims of natural or man-made disasters around the world.

'We are pleased to have the opportunity to provide forensic DNA testing services for the world's leading disaster management company,' said Paul J. Kelly, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Orchid Cellmark.
'We believe this important contract with Kenyon International reflects Orchid Cellmark's success in applying our advanced forensic DNA techniques to help identify victims of the 9/11 World Trade Center and the Asian tsunami disasters, as well as our proven ability to consistently deliver excellent service,'

Kenyon has provided emergency response services since 1929. The company assisted in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, including working with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of New York City to provide mortuary services for World Trade Center victims. Kenyon has provided disaster management services to the governments of Australia, Thailand and more than two dozen other countries in the recovery and repatriation of those killed in the Asian tsunami of December 2004. More recently, Kenyon has completed work for the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to recover the bodies of deceased victims of Hurricane Katrina.

'Recent catastrophes such as Hurricane Katrina, the Asian tsunami and the 9/11 terrorist attacks illustrate the critical role forensic DNA testing can play in identifying victims and helping to provide solace to the surviving next of kin,' said Robert Jensen, president and chief executive officer of Kenyon International.

'It is Kenyon's belief that identification of disaster victims is a human rights issue and having top quality DNA systems in place can help provide closure for families in crisis. Kenyon is committed to responding to mass fatality incidents in a highly competent and professional manner, and we believe Orchid Cellmark's proven track record of providing rapid, high-quality forensic DNA testing will help ensure that disaster victims are identified rapidly and accurately.'

Orchid Cellmark has conducted DNA testing for the FBI and for criminal justice agencies in all 50 U.S. states and hundreds of municipalities, as well as for many law enforcement agencies in the U.K. Orchid Cellmark has provided forensic DNA analyses for many high-profile criminal cases, including the O.J. Simpson, Green River serial murderer, JonBenet Ramsey and Unabomber cases. More recently, Orchid Cellmark has applied its innovative forensic DNA technology to help identify victims of the 9/11 World Trade Center and the Asian tsunami disasters.

http://www.kenyoninternational.com/

http://www.orchidcellmark.com/

FSS Awarded £450,000 for Commercial Development of DNA Database Package

The Forensic Science Service (FSS) has been awarded £450,000 from the Department of Trade and Industry's Public Sector Research Exploitation fund to support the commercial development of a DNA database package, aimed at helping other countries to set up their own DNA databases.

The funding provided will allow FSS-iD to be turned into a commercial product. It will also be used for the launch of this new product, including additional market research, the development of the FSS-iD brand name, the development and production of marketing materials and the attendance at appropriate international conferences to demonstrate and promote the product.

Chris Maguire, the FSS's Software Unit Business Unit Manager, said: 'The award of a second PSRE grant in two years is great news for the FSS and can be seen as a reward for the exceptional effort that many individuals have put in this year. The FSS's track record in commercialisation is demonstrated by the success of activities already funded under our previous PSRE application.’

FSS-iD has already gained the interest of many existing FSS clients, who already use the FSS-i3 DNA analysis software, and are looking to take the next step in establishing forensic DNA profiling capabilities.

The previous PSRE grant resulted in the establishment of the Software Business Unit, the development of DNA expert system suite and the FSS-i3 brand, the delivery of FSS-i3 to forensic laboratories in the USA, Australia and New Zealand and to the distribution agreement for the USA market with the Promega Corporation.

The PRSE is a fund set up to help public sector organisations including research council institutes, government laboratories, NHS Trusts and major museums and galleries to market their research.

In announcing the PSRE Round 3 awards, Science and Innovation Minister Lord Sainsbury said:

'Public sector research establishments carrying out cutting edge research need finance to bring their products and services to wider markets. Without Government funding these ideas might never become a reality.

'It is essential for the benefit of the UK economy and our world-leading standing in science and innovation that we support the widest commercial development of scientific knowledge and services .......This funding will help increase the number of research ideas which can be taken to market.'

WA Products Becomes SIRCHIE Distributor

A company that supplies forensic and crime scene equipment has signed a deal to distribute SIRCHIE brand equipment.

WA Products already distributes KEEPSAFE tamper evident packaging, BVDA forensic equipment, Medical Wire swabs & containers and White Knight brand lighting systems.

The company, an APPSS member, has also completed a move to a £1m purpose-built facility in Essex. The new premises has over 25,000 square feet of storage space as well as three separate ISO accredited clean rooms to assemble forensically sensitive kits and equipment.

For more details contact sales@waproducts.net or telephone 0870 116 0999

Rapist Convicted After Case Review DNA Match

A man was convicted at Maidstone Crown Court on 26th January of rape after a case review matched his DNA profile with police records.

Paul Collings, aged 36, from Sussex, was found guilty on two counts of rape and two of indecent assault last month, following a joint Kent and Sussex police operation. He had denied all charges.

Collings was trapped as part of an operation in 2004 when DNA samples were taken.

Detective Chief Inspector Mick Judge said: 'We are committed to reviewing unresolved serious crime and no case is ever closed. The message is clear - people who commit these crimes won't get away with it and we will bring offenders to justice through this and other new technologies.'

Kent Police were also praised on their professionalism in building and managing the case.

The operation which helped to identify Collings is part of a pioneering project which uses a 'science first' approach. A national initiative, it is the world's first centrally managed and directed large scale 'cold case' review of serious unsolved crime.

Around 16 people have now been convicted under the operation, mainly 'stranger' rapes. A second batch of around 360 serious unsolved crimes is also under review.

Cozart Test for Swedish Post Office Drivers

Swedish post office drivers will be randomly tested for drugs and alcohol, after Medib Scandinavien AB, Cozart's Swedish subsidiary won the contract to carry out the work.

Medib will test a minimum of 25% of all post office drivers which will result in approximately 800 tests a year. The contract will initially run for a year continuing after this time with a 6 month notice period.

Tests will be administered by trained nurses (rather than simply supplying the drug test equipment) and also provide confirmation services for positive results and medical review of these results.

Training and support for managers and union leaders within the postal service will be provided.

Initial annual sales revenue from this contract is expected to be approximately £50,000.

Dr Chris Hand, Managing Director of Cozart plc said: 'This is a significant achievement for Medib and is exactly the type of contract and expansion we are working on within our international operations.'

Parking Attendants Issued with ‘Spit Kits’

Motorists who spit could find themselves on the national DNA database after parking attendants in High Wycombe were issued with 'spit kits'.

NCP, the contractor responsible for enforcing street parking is issuing its employees with the kits, as part measures to stop people spitting at its attendants.

The kit will allow attendants to take samples of saliva which can be used to identify offenders.

The roll out of the spit kits follows a successful trial by parking attendants in three cities. A man was jailed in Manchester for 56 days for assaulting a parking attendant.

Inspector Paul Gration, from Thames Valley police said: 'This initiative which is fully supported by Thames Valley police shows how seriously we view these cases. Any offenders identified will be dealt with quickly and positively.'

Spit kits conform to court procedures and are admissible as evidence in court.
NCP's director of security, Gordon McLardy said the kits had already lead to a 'marked' reduction in spitting incidents against staff in London.

US DNA Database Set to Expand

The US DNA database is set for massive expansion following the formal passage of US federal legislation.

Key provisions contained in the legislation will lead to testing of arrestees and illegal immigrants and became law as part of HR 3402, the Department of Justice Reauthorization bill, which was signed by the President last week.
The move has been welcomed by private industry.

Paul J. Kelly, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Orchid Cellmark, said: ‘This is landmark legislation that we believe has the potential to greatly expand the utility of DNA testing to help prevent as well as solve crime, and for the first time includes provisions to use DNA testing to help address issues around immigrants attempting to enter or reside in the U.S. illegally.’

The new legislation:
* Allows States to upload DNA profiles from arrestees into the federal CODIS database. Previously, convicted felons were essentially the only DNA profiles included in the CODIS database as previous protocols made it difficult to include arrestees. This provision could potentially result in millions of individuals being added to the CODIS database in the coming years. Safeguards in the legislation also enable arrestees who are exonerated or never charged with the crime to request that their DNA profiles be expunged from the database.

* Authorises DNA samples to be taken from immigrants trying to cross the U.S. border illegally. This provision could potentially affect an estimated 300,000 individuals each year.

* Authorises the U.S. Department of Justice to collect DNA samples from federal arrestees. This could potentially involve an estimated 250,000 new DNA profiles annually.

* Allows federal DNA grant money under the 2005 President's DNA Testing Initiative (Justice for All Act) and other federal legislation to be used for forensic DNA testing of arrestees.

Orchid Cellmark is one of the longest established and private forensic DNA testing firms in the world. It has conducted DNA testing for the FBI and for criminal justice agencies in all 50 U.S. states and hundreds of municipalities, as well as for many law enforcement agencies in the U.K.

Orchid Cellmark has provided forensic DNA analyses for many high profile criminal cases, including the O.J. Simpson, Green River serial murderer, JonBenet Ramsey and Unabomber cases.

More recently, Orchid Cellmark has applied its forensic DNA technology to help identify victims of the 9/11 World Trade Center and the Asian tsunami disasters.

FSS DNA Technique Nails Outback Murderer

A new DNA technique, developed by the UK Forensic Science Service (FSS®) has helped to trap the killer of a British backpacker, who went missing in the Australian outback.

Bradley Murdoch was jailed for life for the murder of Peter Falconio, a 28-year-old who, a court heard, was shot dead while travelling near Alice Springs with his girlfriend Joanne Lees back in 2001.

Murdoch was also convicted of abducting and assaulting Miss Lees.

Mr Murdoch was identified using DNA Low Copy Number (DNA LCN), a new technique developed by the FSS that allows a DNA profile to be obtained from a sample containing very few cells.

On July 14th, 2001 Peter Falconio and Joanne Lees were travelling 175 miles north of Alice Springs in a camper van when they were flagged down by the driver of a white, four wheel drive truck. Mr Falconio went around to the back of the camper van to speak to the driver, at which point Miss Lees said she heard a gun shot. The driver reappeared and tied up Ms Lees before putting her in his truck. She managed to escape and hid among some bushes for a period of time before flagging down a passing lorry. The body of Mr Falconio was never found.

During the subsequent investigation FSS forensic scientist Jonathan Whitaker was asked to carry out DNA tests on the hand ties used to restrain Ms Lees. Dr Whitaker used DNA LCN and was able to obtain a DNA profile from deep inside the home made ties. The DNA profile obtained matched Bradley Murdoch.

Dr Whitaker told a courtroom that the DNA profile result obtained was 100 million times more likely if it had originated from Mr Murdoch rather than from someone other than and unrelated to him.

DNA LCN work was also carried out on swabs taken from the gear stick of the Kombi van that Mr Falconio and Miss Lees had been travelling in and which the offender had driven to conceal it off the road. A partial DNA profile matching Mr Murdoch was obtained from this item.

Mr Murdoch had denied killing Mr Falconio, but was found guilty by a jury at the court in Darwin, Australia.

Speaking after the verdict, Dr Whitaker said: ‘Since its use in forensic casework in 1999, DNA LCN profiling has proved to be a highly valuable investigative tool and has been responsible for the detection and advancement of a significant number of historic and current cases in the United Kingdom and internationally.

‘It is very gratifying that DNA LCN technology proved useful in helping to resolve this most serious of offences and ultimately helped to bring justice for Peter Falconio, his family and friends.’

http://www.forensic.gov.uk

Evi-Paq ‘Bullet Catcher’

Evi-Paq, a US company specialising in forensic equipment has introduced its latest 'bullet catcher'.

The updated version includes a removable grate and welded, non-removable feet to ensure stability. The new model is safe to use with most handguns and rifles and does not need expensive water tanks. It includes a chamber filled with non-flammable Kevlar® fibres. The useful life of the fibres is approximately 10,000 shots.

Evi-Paq is a brand of Armor Forensics which is a part of Armor Holdings Products Division. The company provides narcotic identification kits, evidence collection, storage and processing equipment and fingerprinting technology to the men and women in the forensics profession.

http://www.evipaq.com/

The United Kingdom has become only the second country to adopt a charter governing automated access to Interpol's database of DNA profiles.

The UK, with the world's largest database of DNA profiles, can now begin sharing data with Interpol through the automated DNA Gateway.

A representative of the UK police formally signed the agreement during the Interpol International DNA Users' Conference for Investigative Officers this month at the Interpol General Secretariat in Lyon, France.

Member countries must agree to the charter in order to use and access the DNA Gateway, which requires stringent privacy and security safeguards because of its automated nature.

The first country to adopt the charter, Austria, recently submitted 40,000 profiles to the Interpol database, which resulted in 49 potential matches.

Interpol Secretary General Ronald K. Noble praised the UK's signing of the charter.

'The importance of the Interpol DNA Gateway cannot be understated,' Mr Noble said during his welcome address. 'As member countries deal with data protection issues, Interpol provides the perfect international platform for data transfer and match.'

The use of DNA profiles in disaster victim identification was a focal point of discussions at the Lyon conference, having taken on new prominence since the tsunami in Southeast Asia last December. The disaster brought together teams from more than 35 countries to assist with the identification of victims from 60 countries.

DNA profiles are numerically coded sets of genetic markers unique to every individual. Comparing profiles within a database creates the opportunity for person-to-person or person-to-scene matches with no previous connections or helps with the identification of missing persons and unidentified bodies.

Of the 40 countries with national DNA profile databases, 33 currently submit records to Interpol. There have so far been 53 matches involving five countries from the 54,000 profiles in the Interpol database.

The charter stipulates that member countries retain ownership of their data and control its use and access in accordance with their national laws. The DNA Gateway is an autonomous database, meaning it is not linked to Interpol's other databases and submitted profiles do not contain any nominal information on individuals.

Armor Forensics Evidence ‘Window’ Box

Evidence contamination could be significantly reduced following the launch of the first ever evidence box with a window.

The box, launched by US-based Evi-Paq® allows users to view evidence without altering the chain of custody or unsealing the items.

Important information such as firearm serial numbers can be recorded without risk of contamination.

The idea for this product came from Dick Rogers of the Armor Forensics sales team based on customer feedback.

‘We found that many of our customers wanted a way to view and record critical evidence information without fear of contamination. Our experience with evidence boxes and industry knowledge combined to help us provide solutions for forensic professionals.’

The new boxes are as strong as regular Evi-Paq evidence boxes, and feature polystyrene windows with a cardboard flap that folds down to protect the window from being punctured or damaged. The new box also includes pre-punched holes in the back to allow easy tie-down of evidence.

Evi-Paq® is a brand of Armor Forensics

http://www.armorholdings.com/productsdiv/armorforensics.asp

Securetec's DRUGWIPE 5

Securetec, suppliers of rapid drug detection tests for German customs and traffic is demonstrating its new product developments including the five-parameter test DRUGWIPE 5, a special saliva test with an improved accuracy, at Milipol.

This test is already well known for the simultaneous detection of Cannabis, Amphetamines/Methamphetamines (Ecstasy), Cocaine and Opiates to be used in saliva, in sweat and on surfaces.

The traffic police in the Australian state Victoria have been using DRUGWIPE II successfully as an exclusive pre-test in regular traffic control since end of 2003.

DRUGWIPE II is used in several European States including Finland which passed a law in 2005 allowing drug-testing in road traffic.

http://www.securetec.net

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