The individual variation in depositing DNA traces, historically termed “shedder status,” represents a critical variable in forensic activity level evaluations. However, the integration of this concept into casework is currently hindered by inconsistent terminology, a lack of standardized definitions, …

Crime scene investigations require rapid decision-making under complex conditions, often without the opportunity for revision. Task-relevant information from similar cases can support Scene of Crime Officers (SoCOs) in making these decisions. Decision support can reduce human error and subjectivity, …

Determining the time of death is a critical factor in forensic death investigations. Currently, the most widely used method is rectal temperature measurement. However, there are many, often unknown, factors influencing the results of this method and furthermore it has the limitation that it can only …

Recent years have shown a growing effort in the evaluation of DNA given activity level propositions. Yet, its implementation remains challenging for forensic scientists due to the complexity of assessing relevant DNA TPPR mechanisms. One particular challenge is the sparsity of relevant experimental data …

Smartphones and smartwatches are ever-present in daily life, and provide a rich source of information on their users' behaviour. In particular, digital traces derived from the phone's embedded movement sensors present an opportunity for a forensic investigator to gain insight into a person's physical …

Self-injurious behavior in forensic mental health care populations happens frequently and affects not only the individuals involved but also other patients and treatment staff. Moreover, it is linked to violent behavior toward others and is a predictor of suicide. There is still a limited understanding …

Residential burglaries often go unsolved, as collected DNA traces and fingermarks frequently originate from residents rather than the offender. It is therefore important to know how to target sampling locations that specifically relate to the burglary event. However, data that aid in assessing the likelihood …

The escalating plastic waste crisis has increased the need for sustainable alternatives. Biodegradable plastics have emerged as a promising solution and are now frequently encountered at crime scenes. Although many studies have been published on the development of fingermarks on conventional plastics, …

Decisions made during forensic investigations are commonly based on personal knowledge, experiences and assumptions. However, forensic professionals generally do not receive feedback on the outcomes of their decisions, resulting in a deficient learning system. An imperfect individual knowledge base can …

During crime scene investigations, numerous traces are secured and may be used as evidence for the evaluation of source and/or activity level propositions. The rapid chemical analysis of a biological trace enables the identification of body fluids and can provide significant donor profiling information, …