Effective use of forensic science in volume crime investigations: identifying recurring themes in the literature.

New scientific, technological and legal developments, particularly the introduction of national databases for DNA and fingerprints, have led to increased use of forensic science in the investigation of crime. There is an assumption, and in some instances specific assertions, that such developments bring improvements either in broad criminal justice terms or more narrowly in terms of economic or practical efficiencies. The underlying presumption is that the new technological opportunities will be understood and effectively implemented. This research investigates whether such increases in activity have also been accompanied by improvements in the effective use of forensic science. A systematic review of thirty-six reports published (predominantly in England and Wales) since the 1980s, which have considered the use of forensic science in the investigation of volume crimes, was carried out. These reports have identified a number of recurrent themes that influenced how effectively forensic science was used in investigations. The themes identified included forensic knowledge and training of investigators, communication and information exchange between specialists and investigators, timeliness of forensic results, interagency relationships and deployment of crime scene examiner resources. The research findings suggest that these factors continue to hinder the effective use of forensic science despite technological advances and this paper considers their potential causes.

Affect of impact angle variations on area of origin determination in bloodstain pattern analysis.

The estimation of the location of the area of origin of a blood source is of major importance within bloodstain pattern analysis. Given this, it is particularly important to establish the accuracy of such estimations. This study examines error rates by investigation of alpha angle inaccuracies of upward directional stains and compares a virtual bloodstain pattern model to real bloodstain patterns. It was found that the size of the area of origin influences the level of accuracy required in alpha angle estimations: larger areas of origin tolerated larger errors. Practical applications of the virtual model using real bloodstain patterns demonstrated that alpha angle measurements may show an inaccuracy of approximately 0-12° within a single pattern. The averaging process that occurs in estimating the area of origin lessens the influence of a few large variations, such that, there is no significant change in the area of origin estimation. The virtual model was validated as a conservative indicator, by means of overestimation, of the influence of alpha angle inaccuracy on area of origin. The study confirms that with proper stain selection, straight-line trajectories to estimate area of origin are valid and reliable.

Socioeconomic deprivation and the incidence of cervical cancer in New Zealand: 1988-1998.

AIM: This study aims to identify the relationship between socioeconomic deprivation and cervical cancer incidence in New Zealand. METHOD: A 10-year cohort of cervical cancer cases was identified from the population-based New Zealand Cancer Registry. The New Zealand Deprivation Index (NZDep96) is a validated census-based measure of material and social deprivation in geographically defined small-population groups. Incidence rates of cervical cancer were correlated with socioeconomic deprivation. RESULTS: There were 2629 new registrations of cervical cancer from 1988 to 1998. A positive association was found between socioeconomic deprivation and incidence rates of cervical cancer. Women living in the most socially and materially deprived areas of New Zealand were more than twice as likely to develop cervical cancer than women living in socially and materially advantaged areas. CONCLUSION: Greater socioeconomic deprivation is associated with an increased incidence of cervical cancer in New Zealand. The link between socioeconomic deprivation and cervical cancer incidence is likely to be complex. The identification of modifiable factors in cervical screening uptake in areas of socioeconomic deprivation should be a research priority.