When reconstructing a shooting incident with a shotgun, the muzzle-to-target distance can be determined by relating the size of a dispersion pattern found on a crime scene to that of test shots. Ideally, the test shots are performed with the weapon and ammunition that were used in the incident. But sometimes …

In sexual assault cases, the retrieved DNA quantity and sampling location from the victim’s underwear may provide valuable information for activity level evaluative reporting. DNA can transfer from site to site on an exhibit, or be lost within packaging, complicating interpretation. Experiments are needed …

Adhesive tape is a common piece of evidence that can contain a myriad of traces. Due to its adhesive properties, adhesive tape can potentially collect traces unrelated to the crime or relocate crime-relevant traces. This secondary transfer of traces can have crucial implications for the evaluation at …

Despite major implications for forensic casework, limited research has been done on investigating secondary transfer of latent fingermarks. Adhesive tapes, such as duct tape, can potentially lift latent fingermarks from other surfaces due to their adhesive properties. This study aimed to investigate …

Selecting the most successful and relevant traces at the crime scene is of the utmost importance as irrelevant traces may take up valuable capacity, increasing the risk that cases remain unsolved. In order to ensure that most relevant traces are collected, knowledge is required regarding how and where …

Background & Aim: Technological innovations enable rapid DNA analysis implementation possibilities. Concordantly, rapid DNA devices are being used in practice. However, the effects of implementing rapid DNA technologies in the crime scene investigation procedure have only been evaluated to a limited …

Little is known about the link between fatherhood and reoffending among people released from prison. This study examined the association between fatherhood, residential status, and registered reconviction rates using data from a Dutch pre-trial prison cohort sample (N = 845, 42.5% fathers). The results …

The decomposition of a body is influenced by burial conditions, making it crucial to understand the impact of different conditions for accurate grave detection. Geophysical techniques using drones have gained popularity in locating clandestine graves, offering non-invasive methods for detecting surface …

The findings from a bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) may assist in formulating or falsifying scenarios that are considered in the investigative stages of a criminal investigation. When a case proceeds to trial the bloodstain pattern expert may be asked about the relevance of their findings given scenarios …

Already for some decades lateral flow assays (LFAs) are ‘common use’ devices in our daily life. Also, for forensic use LFAs are developed, such as for the analysis of illicit drugs and DNA, but also for the detection of explosives and body fluid identification. Despite their advantages, including ease-of-use, …