Keyword: "crime scene reconstruction"

An Introduction to Building 3D Crime Scene Models Using SketchUp
Elissa St. Clair, Andy Maloney, Albert Schade
Crime scene investigators generally have two options when they need to create a three-dimensional (3D) model of a crime scene: enlist the services of an expert 3D modeller who specializes in graphic modelling or learn one of the full-fledged modelling tools to create the model themselves. Many modelling tools have…
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Can Accident Investigation Tools Help Crime Scene Reconstruction?
Ludwig Benner Jr.
The search for ways to improve present crime scene reconstruction practices is a continuing endeavor. Might the adaptation of tools used in the accident and incident investigation field be useful in that endeavor? That question was first addressed during the 2010 Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction Conference, at which some…
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Detecting Patched Bullet Holes in Painted Drywall
Tom Adair, Charles S. DeFrance
Reconstructionists must sometimes deal with crime scene evidence that has been cleaned, moved, or repaired. The extent of these alterations can greatly impair efforts to understand the events surrounding the commission of a crime. In the worst of scenarios, repairs or alterations to the evidence will effectively render it “undetectable”.…
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Method to Investigate Contusion Mechanics in Living Humans
Geoffrey T. Desmoulin, Gail S. Anderson
The method utilizes equipment designed to determine variables, which influence bruising mechanics in living human subjects. The device allows weights to be dropped in a controlled manner onto an impactor lying on the skin surface to measure and analyze bruise mechanics. Measured impact characteristics included peak force, peak pressure, impact…
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Studying Fired Bullet Performance in a Unique Environment
Matthew Noedel
Many studies have been conducted about the evaluation and reconstruction of fired bullet paths delivered in indoor scenes (1-4). Typically, the shooting environment for such training is achieved by the construction of temporary walls, artificial matrices, or other simulated surfaces so that shots of known origin can be safely delivered…
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The Survival of Neat and Cleaned Blood after the Application of Wallpaper
Ivanie Stene, Tom Adair
We report on a study in which neat (undiluted) and cleaned bloodstains were covered with commercial wallpaper in order to test methods of discovery and recovery of said stains. Cleaned and camouflaged (covered) bloodstains pose significant challenges to the crime scene reconstructionist. Criminals may employ a variety of methods to…
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Touch DNA: Forensic Collection and Application to Investigations
Angela L. Williamson
Touch DNA refers to the DNA that is left behind from skin cells when a person touches or comes into contact with an item. However, since Touch DNA (also referred to as wearer or contact DNA) is invisible to the naked eye, and is usually deposited in smaller amounts than…
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