Abstracts

Prof. Anthony Schembri

Title: Crime Scene Investigation & Management

Plenary Speaker

Prof. Anthony Schembri

Former police commissioner New York, USA

Abstract

This will be a presentation of real crime scenes and the management of efforts bringing together the forensic experts and the investigative personal to solve real cases. Having lead the Homicide Department department unlike CSI and other programs, police fail to collect and properly analysis a crime scene which I will demonstrate. We need to interpret crime scenes. Sloppy police investigations, lazy forensic personnel team up to reduce the ability to solve cases with solid evidence. 

The research profession needs to catch up with policing, corrections and juvenile justice, and define a role for itself in the problem solving process.  The research community needs to find ways to bring its analytical skills, its objectivity, its rigor, its independence, its ability to link theory and practice, into the messy arena of contemporary practice.  Although we have made progress, the need is tremendous.

Biography

Anthony Schembri is a respected law enforcement and academic professional with over four decades’ experience in the field. Over the years, he has drawn praise from such varied sources as New York City Mayor, President Jimmy Carter, Florida Governor Jeb Bush, and New York Governor Mario Cuomo. First appointed to the Brooklyn District Attorneys Office he advanced to Deputy Chief of the Narcotics Bureau, then to Director of Training at the District Attorneys Police Academy. Anthony Schembri has served as the city’s Deputy Inspector General, investigating cases of major crime and corruption. He was appointed by the Mayor of New York as Corrections Commissioner, a position putting him in charge of 12,000 uniformed officers and 20,000 inmates at 19 separate jail facilities. Today, the Citrus County, Florida, resident serves as a Visiting Professor at Oxford and Sheffield Hallam University and named Outstanding Professor of the Year at the University of Florida.

Prof. Marian Swindell

Title: Forensic Social Work in Corrections: Causation or Correlation of ACES, Brain Development, and Criminality

Plenary Speaker

Prof. Marian Swindell

Professor of Social Work at Mississippi State University, USA

Abstract

Research on adverse childhood events (ACES) indicates a correlation with increased risk of offending in adulthood. Physical and sexual abuse, physical neglect, and household drug and alcohol abuse have been found to be correlated with adult criminal activity, according to the United National Human Development Index (HDI). Kessler et al (2010) found in research of 51,945 adults in 21 countries that 39% experienced at least one ACE before age 18 with the most common ACE being parental death (13%), followed by physical abuse (8%), divorce (6.6%) then family violence (7%). Self-reports of sexual abuse were startling at 13%, compared to .3% from official records and 36.3% for emotional abuse, compared to .4% from official records. Brain scans of homicide offenders show reduced gray matter in areas of emotional processing, behavioral control, and social cognition. Decades of research show that childhood events change brain architecture and formation. These changes often don’t “show up” until adulthood and through adult behavior. A new study involving MRI scans of hundreds of brains of convicted prisoners suggest significant differences in a homicidal offenders compared to violent, nonhomicidal offenders. The purpose of this presentation is to explore and discuss the relationship between adverse childhood events, resulting changed in the bran, and adult homicidal offending.

Biography

Dr. Swindell completed a traditional Ph.D. (2001) and MSW (1992) in Social Work from the University of Alabama. Dr. Swindell has over 30 years in forensic social work and 25 years in higher education. She holds a certificate in both generalist and advanced forensic social work and is certified in Forensic Evicence Testimony Retrieval. Dr. Swindell also contracts throughout the United States as a Mitigation Specialist and Expert.

Prof. Erik Hall

Title: The Rapidly Evolving World of Forensic DNA Analysis

Keynote Speaker

Prof. Erik Hall

Saint Louis University, Hall Forensic Consulting,
USA

Abstract

Forensic DNA analysis will be discussed using current terminology, techniques, and case studies. The students will encounter both new and existing terminology in the study of the forensic DNA process. In addition, the students will interact throughout the presentation with practical examples of DNA interpretations. The students will also gain knowledge of the updated techniques being used in the crime lab today to process DNA samples effectively and efficiently. In addition, the students will be exposed to new technologies which are currently being studied for use in forensic settings. All of these topics will be tied into a historical context of how quickly DNA has evolved and where it is going from here. Lastly the students will use the knowledge gained throughout the lecture to understand how DNA is applied to case studies.

Biography

Erik Hall is the Director of the Forensic Science Program at Saint Louis University in St Louis, Missouri. Mr. Hall was the former Biology Technical Leader and a DNA analyst at the St Louis Metropolitan Police Department Crime Laboratory. At the crime laboratory, Mr. Hall was the head of the DNA crime scene response team which was tasked with aiding detectives in investigating major crime scenes using bloodstain pattern analysis and advanced DNA techniques to gain insight into the crimes. Mr. Hall has expanded his passion for forensic science as the founder and principal consultant of Hall Forensic Consulting, which specializes in assisting law enforcement, crime laboratories, and attorneys in areas such as DNA analysis, crime scene investigation, and bloodstain pattern analysis. Mr. Hall has a Master’s degree in Forensic Science from the University of New Haven and a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Messiah University.

Dr. James Frizzell

Title: Fentanyl: People Dying In the Streets

Keynote Speaker

Dr. James Frizzell

Dentist, Frizzell Dental, Canada

Abstract

Police in North America must learn new forensic techniques to deal with the Fentanyl drug crisis.
It is crucial for public safety policy advocates and decision-makers to recognize the opportunities presented by data generated by the forensic community. Forensic units specializing in seized drugs and toxicology are uniquely positioned to provide near real-time prevalence data on drug use, misuse, overdoses, and fatalities. Data collected from drug seizures combined with robust and timely testing procedures provide valuable insights into drug supply, regional usage patterns, potential combinations of substances, and risks to public health and safety. Collaborations between public safety and public health entities can facilitate the immediate sharing of this prevalence information.
Other drugs are arising on the scene: xylazine  and nitazines.  And the number one criminal organization in the world, the Government of China is causing this to happen.

Biography

James Frizzell BSc (Chem), DDS (Univ Toronto) and Forensics (McGill University, Montreal, Canada).

Helle Justesen

Title: The Purpose of Denial in Online Romance Fraud Victims and How to Lift Its Veil.

Speaker

Helle Justesen

Psychologist Private practice, United Kingdom

Abstract

Being a victim of online romance fraud comes with a lot of complexity. How a victim is perceived as a victim, has a psychological impact and an effect on mental health and how they recover from the actions done to them, that made them victims. Victims of romance fraud may experience victim blaming that removes them from having genuine victim status which may refrain them from seeking help. The most common reaction is feeling shame and guilt and these and other emotions tend to silence the victims. Shame needs secrecy, silence, and judgment to exist and it creates the psychological distance by-standers need to point blame at the victims and create a false belief that this will not happen to themselves thereby creating a space where the victims will refrain from speaking up, reporting the crime to law enforcement and worse continue being a victim of either their first online romance perpetrator or continue down a path of being a recurring victim of several perpetrators. This mechanism also affects how easy it is for a victim to process the reconciliation from the false reality, expertly created by the perpetrators with the purpose of grooming, psychologically manipulating, controlling, and emotionally hijacking a victim, with the true reality of it all being a falsehood. Denial is there to protect the victim from facing the reality of the trauma inflicted on them. If a victim stays in denial too long the damage to their lives can be detrimental. Forcing the truth upon the victim with ample evidence can make some victims cling harder to the false reality. The way this traumatic bond between the victim and the criminal is broken is with compassion and empathy creating a psychologically safe space where victims can recover with adequate help. 

Biography

Helle Justesen is a Psychologist, Anthropologist, and Economist. She has a psychology practice in London UK, and she works tirelessly to bring more awareness of the importance of mental well-being to the public. One of her areas of expertise is counseling victims of online romance fraud. Working with these victims through their emotional and psychological trauma as well as the financial trauma this type of crime inflicts on the victims. She is so passionate about this topic within Victimology that she does this work mostly pro bono giving the often financial destitute of the victims. She is also a published author.

Patrick J. Zirpoli

Title: Exploring the Roles of Physical Evidence and Offender Behavior in Solving Crimes

Keynote Speaker

Patrick J. Zirpoli

Sherry Black Foundation, USA

Abstract

Crime assessment is a method of criminal investigation that utilizes key structures within the criminological continuum to examine the presence and/or absence of evidence found at the crime scene. Predicated upon these primary factors and coupled with additional principles, understanding the crime scene and offender actions through the crime continuum provides a critical understanding for the motives, methods, and opportunities of the crime. Although crime assessment was originally created to identify offenders in sexual assault cases, and further developed to identify offenders in sexual and nonsexual homicides, we have found that crime assessment applies to all criminal activity. Crime assessment measures the crime by known crime paterns. These paterns provide a structural foundation from which to analyze crimes, in effect becoming the DNA of crime. That is, criminal research has identified key elements of the crime which can shape the investigation and provide critical knowledge regarding the various elements of the crime, including, but certainly not limited to, providing recommended methods of apprehension, interviewing strategies and prosecutorial considerations. We understand that, although human experience is variable, crime paterns can be coded to reveal interlocking and separate vectors. By doing so, recurrent elements and themes are developed to group common factors for various desires, intentions, and plans. Therefore, dependent upon the intended outcome, the crimes can reveal differentiated power and anger issues, levels of intimacy and necessary idiosyncrasies. Accordingly, while acting out the crime, the criminal many times inadvertently leaves these crime and post-crime clues available for investigation.

Biography

Patrick Zirpoli is retired from the Pennsylvania State Police. Throughout his career with the state police, he worked primarily in the area of criminal investigation specializing in homicide investigation, cold case homicide investigation, child abduction, child abuse and missing persons. Patrick’s last duty assignment was as the Unit Supervisor of the Pennsylvania State Police, Criminal Investigation Assessment Unit. He currently works for the Sherry Black Foundation, where he is the Sr. Investigative Consultant, providing training and consultation on homicide and violent crime investigations.

Roshni Ladny and Deborah Wilson

Title: “Violence Against Animals as Violence Against Children”: Implications of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child GC 26 and Concluding Observations

Speaker

Roshni Ladny and Deborah Wilson

The European Link Coalition, USA and United Kingdom

Abstract

The link between animal abuse and violence against humans has echoed in the USA for decades. International research and policy efforts, however, have been less definitive in acknowledging the link between animal cruelty and human violence, especially endemic and institutionalized forms of violence against animals that are witnessed by children. Select recent research has highlighted the harms of childhood exposure to violence against animals. In response to the ongoing research and advocacy conducted by volunteer-based international organization The European Link Coalition, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC) acknowledged the bond between children and animals and the trauma that results in many different cultures when children are exposed to animal cruelty. Therefore, UN CRC recently provided authoritative clarity via General Comment 26 (GC 26) regarding nations‟ “strict obligation” to change policies, practices and laws to maintain compliance with the „legally binding‟ UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. GC 26 includes the words “Children must be protected from all forms of physical and psychological violence and from exposure to violence, such as domestic violence or violence inflicted on animals”. (UNCRC GC 26, 2023). These efforts also contributed to country-specific UN CRC Concluding Observations regarding the need for strong measures to protect children from animal cruelty including trophy hunting and violent culling of homeless animals. Effectively, General Comment 26 elevates Animal Rights into the Human Rights domain for the first time in history. Across the world, there are political, cultural, and social challenges to implementing concrete change to protect both children and animals. The research and future protocols for this “barrier breaking” beginning of a paradigm shift are discussed.

Biography

Roshni Ladny, Ph.D. Dr. Ladny earned an M.S in Clinical Psychology, and M.S in Criminology and a Ph.D. in Criminology & Criminal Justice. She conducts research and engages in advocacy for The European Link Coalition. She is a criminologist and professor at Florida Gulf Coast University and a certified domestic violence victim advocate with clinical experience working with victims and perpetrators of family violence. Research Expertise: Childhood Trauma, Animal Cruelty, Violence Prevention Programming & Policy Development. Deborah Wilson earned an M.A.in Psychoanalytic Studies and is also a Registered Mental Health Nurse. She is a practicing Psychotherapist with training in Child Safeguarding Procedures and is also a member of the British Psychoanalytic Society (accredited). She serves as the Morocco Director for The European Link Coalition and is a Ph.D. candidate researching The Rights of the Child and UN CRC GC26.

Jay Amar Makwana

Title: Digital Forensics in Digital Century

Speaker

Jay Amar Makwana

Middlesex University, United Kingdom

Abstract

Digital forensics is the practice of identifying, acquiring, and analysing electronic evidence. Today almost all criminal activity has a digital forensics element, and digital forensics experts provide critical assistance to police investigations. An important part of digital forensics is the analysis of suspected cyberattacks, with the objective of identifying, mitigating, and eradicating cyber threats. This makes digital forensics a critical part of the incident response process. Electronic evidence can be gathered from a variety of sources, including computers, mobile devices, remote storage devices, internet of things (IoT) devices, and virtually any other computerized system.

Biography

Jay Amar Makwana is a final year BSc Cyber Security and Digital forensics Student at Middlesex University London. He has achieved a First grade in his second year of study and specially gaining First Grade First Class Distinction in Digital Forensics module. He has strongly practiced Digital Incident Scene Investigation as the Lead Case Officer in various University Projects and presentations.

Barry Bassnett

Title: Exploring High Dynamic Range (HDR) in Panoramic Imaging for Crime Scene Documentation

Speaker

Barry Bassnett

RIchPix, United Kingdom

Abstract

This workshop proposal aims to introduce and explore the application of High Dynamic Range (HDR) techniques in panoramic imaging for crime scene documentation. Crime scene investigation demands accurate and comprehensive documentation to reconstruct events and gather evidence effectively. Traditional imaging methods often need help to capture the intricate details and varying lighting conditions present at crime scenes. HDR imaging, with its ability to merge multiple exposures to expand the dynamic range, offers a promising solution to this challenge. The workshop will consist of interactive sessions and hands-on demonstrations covering the following key topics: 
• Introduction to HDR imaging principles and techniques. 
• Overview of panoramic imaging methods and their relevance in crime scene documentation.  
• Exploration of HDR panoramic imaging systems and equipment. 
• Practical demonstrations of HDR panoramic imaging workflows, including capture techniques and post-processing procedures. 
• Case studies and real-world examples showcasing the benefits of HDR panoramic imaging in crime scene investigation. 
• Discussion on challenges, considerations, and best practices for implementing HDR panoramic imaging in forensic contexts. Participants will have the opportunity to gain practical insights into the use of HDR panoramic imaging for documenting crime scenes, enhancing their understanding of the technology's capabilities and limitations. By engaging in hands-on activities and discussions, attendees will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to incorporate HDR panoramic imaging into their forensic workflows effectively. This workshop is designed for forensic professionals, law enforcement officers, researchers, and anyone involved or interested in crime scene investigation and forensic imaging. Participants will leave the workshop equipped with valuable insights and practical techniques to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of crime scene documentation through HDR panoramic imaging. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among participants, this workshop aims to advance the adoption and implementation of HDR panoramic imaging techniques in forensic practice, ultimately improving criminal investigations and the administration of justice. 

Biography

Barry Has worked in Photogrammerty for 43 years, training over 1000 Scene of Crime officers globally.

Zaida Guajardo

Title: The Handwriting of Serial Killers and Its Similarities.

Keynote Speaker

Zaida Guajardo

Centro Grafológico Z G, USA

Abstract

Graphology is the study of the analysis of writing through its strokes, measurements, shapes, direction, and speed, among many other details. It is a meticulous study that allows us to see and know the writer beyond what we can see, their current mood. We can also observe who wrote the letter, his personality, character, essence, and possible mental and physical illnesses. It is estimated that the first text or study on graphology dates back to the year 1622, and its author was Camilo Baldo, professor of philosophy at the University of Bologna. His work, "Treatise on how, from a letter, the nature and quality of the writer are known," is considered the first mention of graphology and how handwriting analysis can reveal the writer's personality. Graphology is an essential tool in which we can know the writer deeply and intimately since writing is made with the subconscious and will appear at some point, thus leaving our most hidden and deep feelings to be discovered. In the case of serial killers, I will expose the similarities and differences between their writings to show the traits of each one and make comparisons as well as outline details of them. It would be an excellent help for criminologists against graphology as a support to see beyond many essential details of the criminal or the victims and thus get closer to the truth faster and more effectively. 

Biography

Zaida Melissa Guajardo, Criminal Profiler, Handwriting Analyst, Grapologist. Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Forensic Investigations National University Master's Degree in Criminal Profiler Escuela Internacional de Criminologia y Criminalistica. Professional Technology in Graphology and Graphotherapy.

Andy Jenkinson

Title: Safeguarding Digital Frontiers: A Proactive Approach to Cybersecurity in the Age of Weaponized Internet

Keynote Speaker

Andy Jenkinson

Fellow Cyber Theory Institute, United Kingdom

Abstract

The pervasive weaponization of the Internet has propelled cybersecurity into a critical realm that demands unwavering attention. Today I want to focus upon the often overlooked and disregarded Internet Assets, ranging from seemingly simple issues like Not Secure Domains/Subdomains to more complex concerns such as misconfigured DNS records and servers. The failure to address these vulnerabilities, including the absence of HTTP to HTTPS redirection and the prevalence of bogus HTTP structures, poses significant risks in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

In response to the escalating threat landscape, Proactive Threat Intelligence emerges as the ONLY Vanguard armed with vigilant detection mechanisms and remediation strategies. This proactive approach is crucial for halting and reducing cybercrime, which has surged threefold in the past three years, reaching an alarming $10 trillion annually—making it equivalent to the world's third largest GDP of any country behind the U.S. and China. If left unchecked, cybercrime is poised to surpass even the largest GDP, underscoring the urgency of effective cybersecurity measures.

Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) technology plays a pivotal role in identifying and addressing security gaps across the digital environment. However, the motivation to exploit these gaps often outpaces efforts to prevent them. As cyber threats continue to evolve, it is imperative to recognize the paramount importance of Internet Assets, including Domains, Subdomains, Servers, and DNS, as each entity plays a pivotal role and Access Points in the interconnected fabric of the digital ecosystem. Without Access, no crime can take place.

Biography

Group CEO CIP. Fellow Cyber Theory Institute. Director Fintech & Cyber Security Alliance (FITCA) working with Governments. NAMED A GLOBAL EXPERT IN INTERNET ASSET & DNS VULNERABILITIES

Amy Holem

Title: Forensic Analysis of Subcarrier Waves and Telecommunications

Speaker

Amy Holem

Subliminal Acoustic Fingerprinting, USA

Abstract

Audio and video forensics have been used in hundreds to thousands of cases each year within the courts. A new futuristic technology called subliminal Acoustic Fingerprinting (SAF) is a new method used for investigations globally to gather information on stalkers, sex trafficking operations/organizations, harassment, hackers, and cyber-crime activities. Using the SAF method, one can hear radio communications of the criminal network, gather intel from locations, names, equipment, servers, networks, software, drugs, weapons, murderers, terrorists plans and more. The frequencies that are identified match the QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), vector fields, that the criminals are using with the use of their electronic devices. The frequencies identified also connect to the radio transmissions that the criminal group is using to transmit and connect to the hosting site for the sex trafficking operations. 

Biography

Amy Holem has a BA in IT & Technology with a specialty of Digital Forensic Investigations. Amy Holem is the owner and developer of Thermal Tomography body scans that proves the radiation absorption and physical attacks on the body, and developer of Subliminal Acoustic Fingerprinting. Amy Holem has helped clients globally from multiple countries which include Argentina, Spain, Belgium, Croatia, Ukraine, France, Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Iran, Iraq, Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and all 50 states. Amy Holem also has law enforcement experience, is a US Army veteran, where she was an MP (Military Police), with multiple certifications for investigation practices.

Brahima Dicko

Title: Voluntary Violence: Medico-Legal Aspects of the Care of Victims at Hangadoumbo Moulaye TOURE Hospital in Gao to MALI

Speaker

Brahima Dicko

Forensic Doctor, Mali

Abstract

During the retrospective study period from January 2018 to December 2020 then prospective from January 2021 to March 2022 of the medico-legal aspects of the care of victims of voluntary violence at the Hangadoumbo Moulaye Touré hospital in Gao, we collected 3090 patients in consultation for various reasons including 1088 cases of voluntary violence, 1662 cases of road accidents , 260 cases of work accidents and 80 cases of domestic accidents. Voluntary violence constituted 35.21% of our activity. The 21-26 age group accounted for 24.9% of cases. The average age of voluntary violence was 26.83 years with extremes of 8 to 80 years. The male sex represented (85%) of the 928 cases, followed by the female sex 15% of the cases (160). That is a sex ratio of 5.7. Violence was physical in most of the 700 patients, or (64.4%) cases followed by verbal violence in (28.5%) of the 310 cases. Victims of armed conflict accounted for the majority of the 633 cases, or ( 58.2%) followed by victims of robbery in 229 cases (21%). The most represented reason for admission was physical trauma with (89.9%) of cases. 978. Lesions were serious in 698 patients, or 64.2% of cases. The lower limb was the most affected with (43.2%) cases. 470. Trimming was the most represented with 32.5% of cases followed by delayed primary closure in (27.3%) of cases 218. Lower limb interventions were the most represented with (49.3%) of cases 395 followed by those of the upper limb. Wounds were the most common lesions in 601 victims (55.2%) followed by fractures in 311 victims (28.6%). Lesions by firearms 666 were the most frequent (61.2%) of the cases followed by explosive devices in 197 of the cases (18.1%). Post-operative follow-up > 3 months was favorable in 645 patients (80.6%) of cases. We deplore 83 deaths (10.4%) and 64 cases lost sight of (8%) cases. The most represented type of immediate complication was fractures, i.e. 55.7% of cases, followed by sudden death in 95 cases, i.e. (17%). Young subjects were the most affected with 1023 victims in (94%) cases. The temporary functional work deficit after violence was present in 1027 victims or 91.5% of cases. The duration of the most represented total temporary incapacity for work was 4 weeks and more, i.e. 59.2% of cases. Permanent partial incapacity was assessed in 853 victims in (78.4%). Six hundred and seventyfive (675) patients had a I.P.P rate between 0% and 10%, i.e. 62%.

Biography

Forensic Doctor - Research Officer. At University Hospital of Point G, BAMAKO-MALI. Lecturer at Medical and Odontology Faculty of BAMAKO. I am also: Trainer for Dead Bodies Management for ICRC of MALI.

Emma Troiano

Title: Online Child Grooming

Speaker

Emma Troiano

European Forensic Institute, Italy

Abstract

This research focuses on children's awareness of child grooming through an interactive animatedbased educational project. The sample, while not representative, provided valuable insights, highlighting the average age of onset of online interaction and the children's broad technological knowledge. The structure of the project demonstrated effectiveness in actively engaging participants, stimulating informative discussions on the issues addressed, including privacy, bullying, and risky online behaviors. Positive feedback emerged from both children and parents and teachers, attesting to interest and meaningful learning during the proposed activities. Gaps in understanding of luring behaviors were noted, underscoring the importance of educating children about these lesser-known challenges. The decision to expand the project through an interactive online questionnaire represents a promising future prospect, facilitating more direct and truthful participation. This work aims not only to consolidate as a dissertation, but rather as the starting point for a nationwide educational project, addressing the lack of data and statistics related to children's online safety in Italy. The enthusiasm shown by the educational community suggests a readiness to meet the challenges of the technology transition, paving the way for a significant change in online risk awareness and prevention for children.

Biography

Emma Troiano, a graduate with a BSc (Hons) in Investigative Criminology and Criminal Psychology from the European Forensics Institute in Malta, is a trailblazer in forensic science, particularly in online grooming prevention. Her commitment is evident through an experimental project addressing the escalating challenges of online child grooming. Emma's academic journey, marked by simultaneous work and study for two and a half years, reflects her unwavering determination. Immersed in subjects such as Web and Open Source Intelligence, Geographical Profiling, and Neurocriminology, she embodies a multidisciplinary approach. Having completed her training internship at Mondo Internazionale APS, Emma authored impactful HUBDates and a Policy on the Resocialization Treatment of Prisoners, featured in the Diplomacy journal. As a speaker, she will share insights into her online grooming prevention project, underscoring her commitment to awareness and collaborative solutions for youth safety in our evolving digital landscape.

Maria Mehwish

Title: Cybersecurity in Forensics: Safeguarding Digital Investigations in the Digital Age

Speaker

Maria Mehwish

London International Studies and Research Center, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

With the pervasive integration of technology in every facet of contemporary life, the frequency and complexity of cybercrimes have surged, necessitating a parallel evolution in digital forensics methodologies. This abstract explores the critical role of cybersecurity in fortifying the integrity and efficacy of forensic investigations in the digital realm. The paper delves into the intricate interplay between cybersecurity and digital forensics, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to secure digital evidence, preserve its authenticity, and ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information during investigations. The abstract will touch upon key themes such as the dynamic landscape of cyber threats, the evolving nature of digital forensics challenges, and the symbiotic relationship between cybersecurity strategies and forensic methodologies. Special attention will be given to emerging technologies, encryption, and data protection mechanisms that impact the acquisition, analysis, and presentation of digital evidence. Additionally, the abstract will discuss the importance of collaboration between cybersecurity professionals and forensic investigators to foster a comprehensive and resilient approach in addressing cybercrimes. Ultimately, this abstract aims to provide insights into the synergies between cybersecurity and digital forensics, shedding light on the contemporary strategies and technologies essential for safeguarding the integrity of digital investigations in an ever-evolving cyber landscape.

Biography

Maria Mehwish is a highly accomplished Cybersecurity Specialist, holding a Bachelor's degree in Computer Forensic and Security. With a wealth of expertise, she stands at the forefront of the cybersecurity landscape. Currently, Maria serves as the Head of Cybersecurity at London International Studies in Dubai, where her strategic vision and technical prowess contribute significantly to the organization's security posture. In addition to her academic achievements, Maria holds distinguished certifications, underscoring her commitment to staying at the cutting edge of cybersecurity practices. Her comprehensive knowledge and proficiency in these certifications showcase her dedication to mastering the intricacies of the field. Maria's career trajectory reflects a series of accomplishments, demonstrating her capability to navigate the complex and ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. Her role as the Head of Cybersecurity not only highlights her technical skills but also underscores her leadership acumen, guiding her team towards effective security solutions. Known for her "go-get-it" attitude, Maria is not just a professional but a proactive force in the industry. This mindset has been pivotal in her success, propelling her to seek innovative solutions and navigate challenges with resilience. As a forward-thinking professional, Maria understands the importance of continuous learning in the rapidly advancing realm of cybersecurity. Her commitment to professional development and staying abreast of emerging technologies positions her as a thought leader within her field. In summary, Maria Mehwish's journey in cybersecurity is a testament to her educational background, professional achievements, leadership capabilities, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in safeguarding digital landscapes.

Teresa Devitt-Lynch

Title: WHAT'S GONE IS GONE: Forensic evidence lost through medical care and treatment

Speaker

Teresa Devitt-Lynch

INTREPID Forensic Healthcare Consulting, USA

Abstract

Forensic evidence collected by healthcare providers can be utilized during criminal investigations and court proceedings if collected in a timely and proper manner. Unfortunately, evidence collection is not a standard element in medical or nursing school curricula and there is a lack of on-the-job training as well. Such knowledge and practical gaps lead to vital evidence unknowingly being lost or destroyed during the course of medical care and treatment. This presentation will provide examples of potential evidence that may be present on suspects and victims of crime when they encounter healthcare facilities and methods for proper identification and collection in healthcare facilities. It will also emphasize the need for increased communication and collaboration between healthcare and forensic professionals to decrease the incidents of lost and destroyed evidence.

Biography

Teresa Devitt-Lynch completed her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, US. She is also a board-certified adult/adolescent Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and Advanced Forensic Nurse. She is currently a legal nurse consultant with a focus on criminal cases that involve injury or medical issues. Active in professional organizations she is a member of the Academy of Forensic Nurses Board of Directors and has provided numerous forensic healthcare trainings to medical, law enforcement and legal professionals who come into contact with victims and suspects of violence.

“ Will be updated soon...”