Frederick R. J. Vinckenbosch, Dinesh Durán Jiménez, Hendrik Helmerhorst, Albert Dahan, Leon Aarts, Floris Bikker, Eef Theunissen, Johannes G. Ramaekers
Abstract Nitrous oxide (N 2 O), colloquially known as laughing gas, is a common recreational drug of abuse. The gas is inhaled in its undiluted form from a party balloon. Its intoxicating effects are described as dissociative and euphoric, accompanied by ataxia, hypoxia, and attenuated consciousness. Therefore, the recreational use of N 2 O appears irreconcilable with operating a vehicle in road traffic. However, the Netherlands, one of the leading countries regarding prevalence of recreational N 2 O use, has seen a sharp increase in police reports of N 2 O‐related traffic incidents since 2016. Road traffic deaths associated with recreational N 2 O use have also been reported in the United Kingdom, as well as a recent increase in traffic incidents. Hence, driving under the influence of nitrous oxide (DUINO) is possibly an underreported threat to road traffic safety. Based on the limited information available at this time, the current review considers the prevalence of DUINO, its effects driving performance, and approaches to road‐side detection. It is concluded that DUINO is a potentially significant threat to road traffic safety. Although its prevalence is unclear, it is almost certain that DUINO is accompanied by severe driving impairment, based on its pharmacodynamics and documented cognitive and psychomotor effects in medical studies. The pharmacokinetic profile of N 2 O lends credibility to the notion that recent use can be demonstrated in breath, blood, and saliva. However, the analytical complexities of such measurements warrant elaborate research into N 2 O detection techniques. This article is categorized under: Toxicology > Drug‐Impaired Driving
{"title":"The prevalence, risks, and detection of driving under the influence of nitrous oxide","authors":"Frederick R. J. Vinckenbosch, Dinesh Durán Jiménez, Hendrik Helmerhorst, Albert Dahan, Leon Aarts, Floris Bikker, Eef Theunissen, Johannes G. Ramaekers","doi":"10.1002/wfs2.1508","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wfs2.1508","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Nitrous oxide (N 2 O), colloquially known as laughing gas, is a common recreational drug of abuse. The gas is inhaled in its undiluted form from a party balloon. Its intoxicating effects are described as dissociative and euphoric, accompanied by ataxia, hypoxia, and attenuated consciousness. Therefore, the recreational use of N 2 O appears irreconcilable with operating a vehicle in road traffic. However, the Netherlands, one of the leading countries regarding prevalence of recreational N 2 O use, has seen a sharp increase in police reports of N 2 O‐related traffic incidents since 2016. Road traffic deaths associated with recreational N 2 O use have also been reported in the United Kingdom, as well as a recent increase in traffic incidents. Hence, driving under the influence of nitrous oxide (DUINO) is possibly an underreported threat to road traffic safety. Based on the limited information available at this time, the current review considers the prevalence of DUINO, its effects driving performance, and approaches to road‐side detection. It is concluded that DUINO is a potentially significant threat to road traffic safety. Although its prevalence is unclear, it is almost certain that DUINO is accompanied by severe driving impairment, based on its pharmacodynamics and documented cognitive and psychomotor effects in medical studies. The pharmacokinetic profile of N 2 O lends credibility to the notion that recent use can be demonstrated in breath, blood, and saliva. However, the analytical complexities of such measurements warrant elaborate research into N 2 O detection techniques. This article is categorized under: Toxicology > Drug‐Impaired Driving","PeriodicalId":75325,"journal":{"name":"WIREs. Forensic science","volume":"55 7","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135539568","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aaron J. Horrocks, David Detata, Kari Pitts, Simon W. Lewis
Abstract Chlorates and perchlorates, inorganic salts known for their potent oxidizing properties, find utility in various products such as pyrotechnics, matches, and disinfectants. Their chemical properties also make them suitable for homemade explosives, resulting in their extensive use by criminals. Hence, the forensic analysis of these compounds is vital for investigating crimes involving their utilization. A wide array of analytical techniques is available for detecting and quantifying these substances, offering forensic investigators an extensive toolkit to effectively analyze and identify chlorates and perchlorates in various samples. Recent research highlights the potential for leveraging the information obtained from analyzing these materials, including for intelligence purposes. The future of forensic analysis in this domain lies in extracting additional information, such as source attribution, through methods like chemometrics, thereby enhancing forensic intelligence capabilities. This article is categorized under: Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Explosive Analysis Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Trace Evidence Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Emerging Technologies and Methods
{"title":"Chlorate‐based homemade explosives: A review","authors":"Aaron J. Horrocks, David Detata, Kari Pitts, Simon W. Lewis","doi":"10.1002/wfs2.1506","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wfs2.1506","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Chlorates and perchlorates, inorganic salts known for their potent oxidizing properties, find utility in various products such as pyrotechnics, matches, and disinfectants. Their chemical properties also make them suitable for homemade explosives, resulting in their extensive use by criminals. Hence, the forensic analysis of these compounds is vital for investigating crimes involving their utilization. A wide array of analytical techniques is available for detecting and quantifying these substances, offering forensic investigators an extensive toolkit to effectively analyze and identify chlorates and perchlorates in various samples. Recent research highlights the potential for leveraging the information obtained from analyzing these materials, including for intelligence purposes. The future of forensic analysis in this domain lies in extracting additional information, such as source attribution, through methods like chemometrics, thereby enhancing forensic intelligence capabilities. This article is categorized under: Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Explosive Analysis Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Trace Evidence Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Emerging Technologies and Methods","PeriodicalId":75325,"journal":{"name":"WIREs. Forensic science","volume":"249 2","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135974264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract As the complexity of digital forensic work continues to grow, and the demands and pressures placed on practitioners to complete their investigatory commitments remain, methods for conducting effective and efficient work are of paramount importance. To combat examination challenges any investigating team requires two fundamental and linked components; those conducting DF examinations should develop (1) a digital evidence strategy (DES) that outlines an effective investigative approach, and, (2) deploy it using appropriate tools and techniques. While these should be considered as a pair, arguably as tools have become more comprehensive and more akin to “ suites ,” there is a real risk that tools themselves are being considered an “ examination strategy ,” bypassing the need for investigative forethought. Given this concern, through the vehicle of an example deconstructed hypothetical forensic examination process, this work discusses the relationship between DESs and digital forensic tools, and the importance of both. This article is categorized under: Digital and Multimedia Science > Cybercrime Investigation
{"title":"The importance of digital evidence strategies","authors":"Graeme Horsman","doi":"10.1002/wfs2.1507","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wfs2.1507","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract As the complexity of digital forensic work continues to grow, and the demands and pressures placed on practitioners to complete their investigatory commitments remain, methods for conducting effective and efficient work are of paramount importance. To combat examination challenges any investigating team requires two fundamental and linked components; those conducting DF examinations should develop (1) a digital evidence strategy (DES) that outlines an effective investigative approach, and, (2) deploy it using appropriate tools and techniques. While these should be considered as a pair, arguably as tools have become more comprehensive and more akin to “ suites ,” there is a real risk that tools themselves are being considered an “ examination strategy ,” bypassing the need for investigative forethought. Given this concern, through the vehicle of an example deconstructed hypothetical forensic examination process, this work discusses the relationship between DESs and digital forensic tools, and the importance of both. This article is categorized under: Digital and Multimedia Science > Cybercrime Investigation","PeriodicalId":75325,"journal":{"name":"WIREs. Forensic science","volume":"40 3","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136159679","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Law enforcement co‐ordination agencies have recently issued position/guidance documents relating to the potential for VR environments (the “Metaverse”) to become new environment for criminal activity, and calling for additional work to enhance investigative capability. By reviewing the historic development of VR and comparing it with the appearance of the WWW, the authors propose that the situation is not as dire as the issued documents may suggest, but represents an evolutionary rather than revolutionary step in online experiences. They conclude, therefore, that while ability to examine VR presentation/interaction devices may be useful, continued development of ability to examine online systems remains essential. This article is categorized under: Digital and Multimedia Science > Multimedia Forensics Digital and Multimedia Science > Cybercrime Investigation Digital and Multimedia Science > Artificial Intelligence
{"title":"The metaverse—Not a new frontier for crime","authors":"Angus McKenzie Marshall, Brian Charles Tompsett","doi":"10.1002/wfs2.1505","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wfs2.1505","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Law enforcement co‐ordination agencies have recently issued position/guidance documents relating to the potential for VR environments (the “Metaverse”) to become new environment for criminal activity, and calling for additional work to enhance investigative capability. By reviewing the historic development of VR and comparing it with the appearance of the WWW, the authors propose that the situation is not as dire as the issued documents may suggest, but represents an evolutionary rather than revolutionary step in online experiences. They conclude, therefore, that while ability to examine VR presentation/interaction devices may be useful, continued development of ability to examine online systems remains essential. This article is categorized under: Digital and Multimedia Science > Multimedia Forensics Digital and Multimedia Science > Cybercrime Investigation Digital and Multimedia Science > Artificial Intelligence","PeriodicalId":75325,"journal":{"name":"WIREs. Forensic science","volume":"11 3","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135315674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract In the forensic genetics community, too often one can find what we have called “noble cause casuistry”: scientists believing that, “since we are catching criminals, any ethical shortfalls in our work are negated by good outcomes.” Such casuistry is also characterized by the extrapolation of “success” in individual case work to assumptions of reliability and usefulness for all forensic genetic applications, in all contexts. The increasing and deepening interaction of forensic (epi)genetics technologies with broader surveillance logics, is also rarely problematized within the community, with a notable reticence to address fundamental and complex questions about the role of forensic genetics in society. Furthermore, despite some initial progress, forensic genetics largely remains content to be guided by “thin” empiricist ethics, foregrounding notions that “maths does not lie,” with little acknowledgement of the serious limitations of this approach. Outside of laboratory settings, social and cultural effects of forensic genetics technology alter regardless of the “maths.” As such, the field needs to adopt an ethos that centralizes and deepens their ethical bona fides , approaching ethics as “lived practice,” with community accountability similar to other public‐serving professions and disciplines. This could commence with a commitment to professionalism, with a robust ethos grounded in both integrity and social justice. This article is categorized under: Forensic Biology > Ethical and Social Implications
{"title":"“Noble cause casuistry” in forensic genetics","authors":"Matthias Wienroth, Carole McCartney","doi":"10.1002/wfs2.1502","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wfs2.1502","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract In the forensic genetics community, too often one can find what we have called “noble cause casuistry”: scientists believing that, “since we are catching criminals, any ethical shortfalls in our work are negated by good outcomes.” Such casuistry is also characterized by the extrapolation of “success” in individual case work to assumptions of reliability and usefulness for all forensic genetic applications, in all contexts. The increasing and deepening interaction of forensic (epi)genetics technologies with broader surveillance logics, is also rarely problematized within the community, with a notable reticence to address fundamental and complex questions about the role of forensic genetics in society. Furthermore, despite some initial progress, forensic genetics largely remains content to be guided by “thin” empiricist ethics, foregrounding notions that “maths does not lie,” with little acknowledgement of the serious limitations of this approach. Outside of laboratory settings, social and cultural effects of forensic genetics technology alter regardless of the “maths.” As such, the field needs to adopt an ethos that centralizes and deepens their ethical bona fides , approaching ethics as “lived practice,” with community accountability similar to other public‐serving professions and disciplines. This could commence with a commitment to professionalism, with a robust ethos grounded in both integrity and social justice. This article is categorized under: Forensic Biology > Ethical and Social Implications","PeriodicalId":75325,"journal":{"name":"WIREs. Forensic science","volume":"56 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135666747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, zinc, copper, mercury, and others, are naturally occurring non degradable elements which can accumulate in the environment and in living organisms and can have a significant impact on their physiological functions. Studies have shown that heavy metals can also influence the development and morphology of insects. Insects are the most abundant organisms on earth and play a major role in different ecosystems. They help in the dispersion of organic matter and are an important part of different ecological processes. Forensic entomology focuses on the use of arthropods in legal investigations. Shortly after death, a corpse is quickly colonized by several insect families; blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are among the first colonizers and are therefore often used for the estimation of the time of colonization (TOC) or minimum post‐mortem interval (mPMI). Since larvae feed on the corpse, any xenobiotic present in the remains, including heavy metals, can be ingested, and accumulated by them; these substances can influence their development and, in turn, can alter the estimation of the mPMI. We analyzed the literature on studies pertaining to the detection of heavy metals in blow flies and on their variations in developmental rate, mass, length, fecundity, morphology, immune system, and mortality rate. This article is categorized under: Forensic Biology > Forensic Entomology Forensic Anthropology > Time Since Death Estimation Forensic Biology > Interpretation of Biological Evidence
{"title":"A review on the effects of heavy metals on the development of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae)","authors":"Gloria Raise, M. Denise Gemmellaro","doi":"10.1002/wfs2.1503","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wfs2.1503","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, zinc, copper, mercury, and others, are naturally occurring non degradable elements which can accumulate in the environment and in living organisms and can have a significant impact on their physiological functions. Studies have shown that heavy metals can also influence the development and morphology of insects. Insects are the most abundant organisms on earth and play a major role in different ecosystems. They help in the dispersion of organic matter and are an important part of different ecological processes. Forensic entomology focuses on the use of arthropods in legal investigations. Shortly after death, a corpse is quickly colonized by several insect families; blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are among the first colonizers and are therefore often used for the estimation of the time of colonization (TOC) or minimum post‐mortem interval (mPMI). Since larvae feed on the corpse, any xenobiotic present in the remains, including heavy metals, can be ingested, and accumulated by them; these substances can influence their development and, in turn, can alter the estimation of the mPMI. We analyzed the literature on studies pertaining to the detection of heavy metals in blow flies and on their variations in developmental rate, mass, length, fecundity, morphology, immune system, and mortality rate. This article is categorized under: Forensic Biology > Forensic Entomology Forensic Anthropology > Time Since Death Estimation Forensic Biology > Interpretation of Biological Evidence","PeriodicalId":75325,"journal":{"name":"WIREs. Forensic science","volume":"22 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136212161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Richard L. Harries, Giorgia De Paoli, Sarah Hall, Lorna A. Nisbet
Abstract Anabolic–androgenic steroids (AASs) and other image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs) are controlled by governments and sport institutions such as the World Anti‐doping Agency (WADA). Although elite athletes and professional bodybuilders are the most visible AAS abusers, the introduction of the internet has increased the accessibility of AASs, with use being observed among recreational gym goers at increasing prevalence. Despite reported increase in use, routine analysis for these substances is uncommon, with many forensic laboratories opting to outsource AAS analysis. This review collates information regarding the extraction and analysis of AASs from various biological matrices with the considered purpose of providing a reference for the development of AAS methods to allow for routine detection by forensic laboratories. This article is categorized under: Toxicology > in Sport Toxicology > Analytical
{"title":"A review of the analytical techniques for the detection of anabolic–androgenic steroids within biological matrices","authors":"Richard L. Harries, Giorgia De Paoli, Sarah Hall, Lorna A. Nisbet","doi":"10.1002/wfs2.1504","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wfs2.1504","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Anabolic–androgenic steroids (AASs) and other image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs) are controlled by governments and sport institutions such as the World Anti‐doping Agency (WADA). Although elite athletes and professional bodybuilders are the most visible AAS abusers, the introduction of the internet has increased the accessibility of AASs, with use being observed among recreational gym goers at increasing prevalence. Despite reported increase in use, routine analysis for these substances is uncommon, with many forensic laboratories opting to outsource AAS analysis. This review collates information regarding the extraction and analysis of AASs from various biological matrices with the considered purpose of providing a reference for the development of AAS methods to allow for routine detection by forensic laboratories. This article is categorized under: Toxicology > in Sport Toxicology > Analytical","PeriodicalId":75325,"journal":{"name":"WIREs. Forensic science","volume":"5 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135739780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Drawing on topical academic and practitioner accounts, our contribution examines the challenges of accreditation in digital forensics (DF), specifically, the adoption of ISO/IEC 17025 standard for forensic science support providers in England and Wales. We built on the debate generated by the Forensic Science Regulator's introduction of this standard in DF to reflect on the position and status of DF community of practice. We argue that a social science approach can help illuminate the organizational and professional tensions generated by this development and to understand better the implications for the role of DF specialists and their position in the wider forensic science community. This article is categorized under: Digital and Multimedia Science > Cybercrime Investigation Crime Scene Investigation > Education and Formation
{"title":"The long journey of resistance toward acceptance: Understanding digital forensic accreditation in England and Wales from a social science perspective","authors":"Dana Wilson‐Kovacs, David Wyatt","doi":"10.1002/wfs2.1501","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wfs2.1501","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Drawing on topical academic and practitioner accounts, our contribution examines the challenges of accreditation in digital forensics (DF), specifically, the adoption of ISO/IEC 17025 standard for forensic science support providers in England and Wales. We built on the debate generated by the Forensic Science Regulator's introduction of this standard in DF to reflect on the position and status of DF community of practice. We argue that a social science approach can help illuminate the organizational and professional tensions generated by this development and to understand better the implications for the role of DF specialists and their position in the wider forensic science community. This article is categorized under: Digital and Multimedia Science > Cybercrime Investigation Crime Scene Investigation > Education and Formation","PeriodicalId":75325,"journal":{"name":"WIREs. Forensic science","volume":"44 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135425833","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nicolas Estoppey, Fabienne Pfeiffer, Vick Glanzmann, Naomi Reymond, Ines Tascon, Sofie Huisman, William Lacour, Olivier Ribaux, Céline Weyermann
Abstract Water contamination is a growing concern in society. New environmental laws are being enacted to define intolerable human activities, and their enforcement is increasingly supported by forensic science. However, water contamination is a broader security issue that is not only caused by illegal human behavior. Risk‐based approaches are needed to prevent (re)occurrence of incidents and minimize their negative consequences. This can be achieved through the formalization of a monitoring process producing intelligence (i.e., actionable knowledge), crucial to detect recurring incidents, and guiding decision‐makers in their choice of preventive and responsive actions. In this perspective, forensic science has a key role to play in integrating vestiges from water‐contaminating activities (i.e., traces) in such a problem‐solving process. Information conveyed by traces allows detecting similarities among contamination events (i.e., patterns), inferring common causes, and better understanding of mechanisms and consequences of water contamination. The different stages of the process will be described and illustrated through a real case example. Current barriers to the implementation of such a process are then discussed, showing how systemic issues and complexity may prevent the establishment of links across contamination events, thus negatively impacting the generation of intelligence. To overcome these obstacles, we underline the importance to initiate local and size‐limited approaches by implementing relatively simple and flexible systems. New knowledge can be used to improve local situations and help stakeholders to understand the benefits of such a process; then, by a bottom‐up iterative learning process, the approach can be given a greater ambition at a larger scale. This article is categorized under: Forensic Science in Action/Crime Scene Investigation > Special Situations and Investigations Crime Scene Investigation > From Traces to Intelligence and Evidence Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Forensic Food and Environment Analysis
{"title":"The role of forensic science in the generation of intelligence to address environmental water contamination problems","authors":"Nicolas Estoppey, Fabienne Pfeiffer, Vick Glanzmann, Naomi Reymond, Ines Tascon, Sofie Huisman, William Lacour, Olivier Ribaux, Céline Weyermann","doi":"10.1002/wfs2.1499","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wfs2.1499","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Water contamination is a growing concern in society. New environmental laws are being enacted to define intolerable human activities, and their enforcement is increasingly supported by forensic science. However, water contamination is a broader security issue that is not only caused by illegal human behavior. Risk‐based approaches are needed to prevent (re)occurrence of incidents and minimize their negative consequences. This can be achieved through the formalization of a monitoring process producing intelligence (i.e., actionable knowledge), crucial to detect recurring incidents, and guiding decision‐makers in their choice of preventive and responsive actions. In this perspective, forensic science has a key role to play in integrating vestiges from water‐contaminating activities (i.e., traces) in such a problem‐solving process. Information conveyed by traces allows detecting similarities among contamination events (i.e., patterns), inferring common causes, and better understanding of mechanisms and consequences of water contamination. The different stages of the process will be described and illustrated through a real case example. Current barriers to the implementation of such a process are then discussed, showing how systemic issues and complexity may prevent the establishment of links across contamination events, thus negatively impacting the generation of intelligence. To overcome these obstacles, we underline the importance to initiate local and size‐limited approaches by implementing relatively simple and flexible systems. New knowledge can be used to improve local situations and help stakeholders to understand the benefits of such a process; then, by a bottom‐up iterative learning process, the approach can be given a greater ambition at a larger scale. This article is categorized under: Forensic Science in Action/Crime Scene Investigation > Special Situations and Investigations Crime Scene Investigation > From Traces to Intelligence and Evidence Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Forensic Food and Environment Analysis","PeriodicalId":75325,"journal":{"name":"WIREs. Forensic science","volume":"28 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136193073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Correction to “Recent trends and developments in forensic DNA extraction”","authors":"","doi":"10.1002/wfs2.1500","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/wfs2.1500","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":75325,"journal":{"name":"WIREs. Forensic science","volume":"25 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"87108385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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