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 in terpret 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 jus tice, 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.

Abstract

As a forensically trained social worker, I employ Cognitive, Emotional, and Behavioral (CEB) mapping in forensic interviews with death row3 inmates to uncover the impact of past trauma, particularly Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Many individuals on death row have endured significant trauma in their early lives, shaping their cognitive distortions, emotional dysregulation, and maladaptive behaviors. CEB mapping provides a structured yet flexible approach to understanding how traumatic events influence thought processes, emotional responses, and behavioral adaptations over time. In the mitigation process, forensic social workers use CEB to identify patterns that contribute to criminal behavior, highlight mitigating factors, and develop a comprehensive narrative for legal defense.

Mitigation specialists (often forensically trained social workers with MSWs or PhDs) assess how the individual conceptualizes their past, how they regulate emotions in response to distress, and how these emotions manifest in their actions. The goal is not to excuse criminal behavior but to provide a deeper understanding of the environmental, psychological, and neurological factors that contributed to it. This information is vital for mitigation efforts, as it humanizes the defendant, informs legal strategies, and may influence sentencing outcomes.

Biography

Dr. Marian Swindell was invited by the US Administrative Office of the Courts to speak at a training event for federal public defenders and private attorneys on the effects of family and community violence on brain development and architecture. She also independently contracts as a Mitigation and SME in family and community violence/dysfunction, child emotional, physical, mental, and sexual abuse, addiction as they relate to brain development. Dr. Swindell a professor of Social Work at Mississippi State University and recently made history as the first teaching PhD in Social Work and MSW to be awarded tenure and achieve the rank of professor at Mississippi State University. She has over 30 years in forensic social work and brings a wealth of information from sociology, social work, and forensic testimony evidence retrieval to this conference. Dr. Swindell completed her Ph.D. (2001) and MSW (1992) in Social Work from the University of Alabama.

Abstract

Estimating the age of bruises remains a significant challenge in forensic medicine and nursing, with critical implications for legal contexts. Despite historical reliance on visual color changes (e.g., red to yellow) as markers of healing, research consistently demonstrates that this method is unreliable. This presentation aims to dismantle the myth of precise bruise dating by appearance and highlight the complex physiological variables that influence bruise evolution. Drawing on current scientific literature and case studies, I will discuss the inherent variability in bruise color progression and the lack of standardized, evidence-based criteria for temporal assessment. The presentation will also address the potential risks of misinterpretation in forensic contexts, particularly in criminal investigations and courtroom testimony. By emphasizing the limitations of visual bruise assessment, this session seeks to promote a more scientifically grounded approach to injury evaluation and to caution against the overreliance on subjective interpretations in forensic practice.

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.

Abstract

Corpse flies, DNA sequencing, microbes and fungus of the human body decay, magots life stages, and more, to determine the time of death. 
Research data contributed from Body Farms. Climate factors and how body is found [in water, or clandestine grave or above ground].

Biography

Dr James graduated from a one-year course, McGill University, Dental Forensics Program; part on-campus training with the Surete du Quebec Forensics Team. Dr James is focusing on Child Abuse, Elderly Abuse, Human Trafficking, and Intimate Partner Violence. He also gives educational PowerPoint presentations on these topics. Also, trained at University of Tennessee, Body Farm, and Clandestine Grave Recovery. Dr Frizzell’s motto is: “The Power of Observation”, in the forensic’s world.

Abstract

Forensic Intelligence (FOR-INT), which has since the publishing of the first edition of my book ‘Forensic Intelligence CRC Press 2012’, has become a more accepted and developing field recognized by the National Institute of Justice USA (NIJ), who have in 2024 published guidelines to advise law enforcement on the implementation of Forensic Intelligence models. The aim of this presentation is to illustrate that by using and developing existing system, knowledge and intelligence assets, law enforcement organizations can employ Forensic Intelligence as a useful technique to use in investigations and crime reduction. For law enforcement agencies wishing to create a Forensic Intelligence working business model. The stages of using the forensic professionals’ knowledge assets combining them with crime intelligence & analysis assets, for processing and search on system assets in the creation of investigative and intelligence products require a different mindset to the older reactive due process practices in law enforcement. Work streams in setting up a FOR-INT model include forensic support quality assurance, refresher training, changes in documenta on, analysts’ awareness training, reviews of laboratory support, a review of the processes of evidence recovery in the custody suite, a review of IT support, meetings with forensic science providers to explore the availability or otherwise of legacy case data. Changes in working practices in dealing with drug distribution networks to enable upstreaming of casework through distribution nodes back to sources. Effective performance data from systems are an enabler of FOR-INT for the statistics provide data for a Bayesian approach to the work of crime analysts. I.e. what is the sampling rate for eviden al forms against crime types and what is the recovery rate by the field force? This gives a Bayesian assessment of how rare or otherwise a forensic recovery is and can provide an intelligence source at the base area outside the single case evidence attrition model, wherein can lay the resolution of unsolved or cold cases. These concepts create discussion that basic criminological models are depicted as being two dimensional but in the real world with locations sharing multiple victims and offenders, they can be depicted as being 4 dimensional, a concept explored in the presentation. The term FOR-INT defining Forensic Intelligence as an intelligence source was coined by the US Homeland Security Cross Border Patrol Laboratory’s Forensic Intelligence Attribution Team, when creating a Forensic Intelligence model for the borders of the USA in use since 2016 where it was first introduced on the Southern border. FOR-INT is a viable intelligence source alongside the standard intelligence sources, HUMINT, OSINT, SIGINT, GEOINT and RECORDS. Features seen by analysts in the mapping of forensic evidence often show the features of theoretical criminological models. These criminological features can often assist analysts when dealing with the distributions of the more common crimes with less specific data, in the creation of analytical intelligence products for the coordination and tasking of assets. In the presentation the outline of the US FOR-INT attribution model is discussed. In Forensic intelligence there is the intelligence use of what is probably the king of all evidential material types, physical evidence, which can provide specific and strong support to what might otherwise just be a crime cluster based on probability. The end game is to make better use of all forensic recoveries toward resolving single strong evidential cases for court.

Biography

Professor and Dean of Applied Sciences European Forensic Institute. Between 1969 and 2008, he had a full career as a practitioner with the Directorate of Forensic Services New Scotland Yard, in the roles of Fingerprint expert, Crime scene Investigator, Crime Scene manager and Crime Scene Coordinator. In project management he created modern sequential treatment laboratories designed to deal with the volume crime in London and pioneered the concept of Forensic Intelligence. He set up one of the world’s first Forensic Intelligence Units in 2001 and was the Head of Forensic Intelligence Metropolitan Police until 2008. He has the Kings College London University Diploma in Crime Scene Investigation and Fingerprint Expertise. He developed the wireless, three electrode, method of electrostatic dust mark lifting, the Pathfinder’ now used worldwide. In 2012 he published the textbook ‘Forensic Intelligence’ CRC Press. In 2018 he joined the European Forensic Institute as a lecturer and was invited to lecture on Forensic Intelligence at the Istituto Di Scienze Forense, Corporate University, Milan. In 2021 he was awarded a Professorship in Criminology, Forensic Criminology and Forensic Intelligence and awarded the role of President of the Istituto Di Scienze Forense University Milan. In February 2024 the university renewed his professorship. He has been a member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) since 1983, and in October 2024 was elected as the Honorary Editor of the CSFS.

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.

Abstract

Measures carried out by controlling the whereabouts of an offender by means of electronic monitoring are playing an increasingly important role in criminal law. Nowadays, electronic monitoring is assessed as an effective means of controlling the implementation of obligations or restrictions imposed on the offender, and not only in connection with the execution of criminal penalties. In the criminal justice process, electronic monitoring is also relevant for the application of certain coercive measures, especially house arrest imposed as an alternative to pre-trial detention.

The extensive use of electronic monitoring in the criminal law of many European countries has prompted the Council of Europe to adopt recommendations setting out principles for the control of the offender under this measure in order to prevent violations of key procedural guarantees. In this context, the standards for the use of electronic monitoring listed in the Council of Europe Recommendation require comment.

The scope of the paper is limited to the presentation of the issue of the use of electronic monitoring in the application of house arrest in the preliminary stage of criminal proceedings. Against this background, three groups of problems will be discussed: the positive and negative aspects of the use of house arrest in the preliminary stage of a criminal trial and the technical conditions necessary to trigger control by electronic monitoring.

Biography

Hab. Dr. Anna Gerecka-Żołyńska - Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law and Administration of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan in the Department of Criminal Procedure (Poland). Author of numerous publications on criminal law, in particular criminal procedural law and international protection of cultural heritage. She cooperates with institutions dealing with the protection of human rights and the protection of cultural heritage (ORCID 0000-0001-5897-4447).

Abstract

Immense crimes against humanity have been committed dating back to 1937, when the unfortunate passage of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 put an end to both Cannabis as an Approved Medicine and Hemp as an Agricultural Crop within the United States.  Using its strong influence over the following years, these crimes spread from the US throughout much of the globe.

Cannabis formerly had been utilized as an approved medicine with listings of cannabis-based medicines in the US Pharmacopoeia in the era from 1850 to 1937.  Pharmaceutical companies of that era listed a wide number of cannabis-based medicines in the reparatory, Upjohn listed 23 cannabis medicines and Eli Lilly listed 36 cannabis-based medicines in their product catalogues of the 1930’s.  Eli Lilly had a 156-acre form in Greenfield Indiana where they grew Cannabis Americana which competed with Cannabis Indica, sourced from India.

Hemp similarly was eradicated as the hemp paper was competition for the timberlands of the Rockefeller and Hearst empires.  Hemp formerly had been introduced to New North America with cultivation records dating back to 1605 in Annapolis Nova Scotia, 1619 in Jamestown, Virginia and 1621 near Plymouth Massachusetts.  My ancestors who arrived via the Pilgrim voyage in 1620 brought copious amounts of hemp seed along with them.

Over time, the medical significance of cannabis and its oil-based extracts: cannabinoids, terpenes and certain flavonoids have been further brought to light.  People of prior generations used to ingest hemp seed on a regular, even daily basis.  A small handful of hemp seed would provide minimal, but identifiable amount of cannabinoids, which would be later found to support a large self-regulatory system within our bodies, the endogenous cannabinoid system.

First identified in 1988, this research initially identified a cannabinoid receptor in a rat brain and became known as the CB1 receptor.  Ensuing effort identified this as the brain’s largest neurotransmitter receptor site and found primarily in the brain, spinal column and internal organs of the human body.  The CB1 receptor network largely relates to the body’s neurological function. Later, a CB2 receptor was identified in the gut, viscera and internal organs and relation to immune function has been identified.  The human body does produce internal cannabinoids with the prominent ones identified as Anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).  A clinical endocannabinoid deficiency syndrome was identified in an early 2000’s paper by Dr Ethan Russo, describing many “newly emerging” medical conditions that were shown to be in near-epidemic proportions: Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Migraine Headache and certain Digestive Disorders.  Over time, we have seen many other maladies fall under this category: early stage dementia, epilepsy, autism and even getting into the overall metabolic syndrome of conditions: heart, cardiovascular, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis.

The removal of the minute traces, perhaps 2 mgs of CBD from a handful of hemp seed in 1937 has escalated over the ensuing generations into a weakening of the immune system and gene pool.  With the pharma companies making us all ill and sick with the removal of “anything good for us” and getting into artificial and synthetic foods, nutrients, drugs – starting right from the agricultural process, it is no wonder that the average American suffers from multiple chronic illnesses.

Besides our G protein-coupled receptors of the Endocannabinoid system (ECS), there are 65 additional molecular targets for cannabinoids.  Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 – 8 (pain) receptors, internal organs, glands, intracellular targets of PPAR-y and Mitochondria along with many other regulatory receptors are all influenced by the action of cannabinoids.  A strong cell-signaling activity also exists within the ECS but cannabinoids are the only molecules that signal in a retrograde manner – monitoring communication (when healthy) for potential communication errors.

In today’s world we see one in 10 Americans within the past month having used a CBD-based product.  That is over 35 million Americans.  A $5 billion annual market arena currently exists in the USA ($7 billion worldwide) – far greater than that for Vitamin C and yet our US FDA has yet to regulate CBD as a dietary supplement.  Only the synthetic drug version carries FDA-approval.

Although progress has been made – today hemp has been rightfully returned to the American farmer as of the 2018 Farm Bill (The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018) and CBD has been de-scheduled – the absence of Cannabinoids from our diets has had an enormously negative impact on health and wellness.  The removal of these vital and necessary nutrients from our bodies has been a crime with significant long-term impact on health, consciousness and human evolution.

Biography

Clinical Associate, American Academy of Pain Management Fellow, American Academy of Integrative Medicine Open International University, Affiliate of the World Health Organization; PhD Degree in British Physiotherapeutics Fun Highlight: 1978 played as Golf Professional on the PGA Mini-Tour in Florida. 1979 Bond Trader & Underwriter on Wall Street 1990 - 2010 graduated and practiced as British Physiotherapist. Open International University, Affiliate of the World Health Organization; PhD in British Physiotherapeutics “Being an athlete and working with athletes I realized the importance of nutrients to our body and I started researching and investing into hemp:”: 2007 – 2021 Private Equity, General Hemp LLC, Medical Marijuana Inc, CEO, Board Chairrnan - Started and developed CBD-As-A-Dietary-Supplement and created the first CBD-Only Medicine / Drug permitted for epilepsy in Brazil April 2014 - legalized CBD into 47 countries - Testified on Safety and Benefits of Botanical Hemp-based CBD: World Health Organization, Nov 2017 Geneva Switzerland: US FDA May 2019 - Co-Founding Member US Hemp Roundtable - Assisted in restarting Industrial Hemp Agriculture Research Program in USA 2014.

Abstract

My name is Zaida Guajardo. I am a Criminologist and forensic investigator. I analyze handwriting and signature forgery. In this speech, I will discuss drawing as a handwriting analysis method in children. Graphology, or handwriting analysis, is a discipline dedicated to studying and interpreting handwriting to uncover various aspects of an individual's personality, emotions, and psychological traits. This practice is grounded in the belief that features such as the shape, size, pressure, and inclination of handwriting can offer valuable insights into a person's underlying psychology. The intriguing field of handwriting analysis presents a unique perspective on the writer's personality. It serves to identify an individual's talents and skills, frustrations, moods, temperament, and character. Additionally, it may provide indications of potential physical and mental health issues. Overall, graphology seeks to reveal significant elements of an individual's personality and emotional state through the nuances of their handwriting. Pedagogical graphology is a specialized branch focused on studying the handwriting of children and adolescents during various stages of their calligraphic development. This field is unique, as children's writing requires a different analytical approach compared to that of adults. In this speech, I'm talking about analyzing the handwriting of young learners and introducing an intriguing tool that reveals children's cognitive, emotional, and developmental progress. The drawing reflects the conscious mind and is a significant expression of the unconscious. What truly matters is not the aesthetic quality of the drawing but the symbolism and messages it conveys. Children often unknowingly transfer their emotional states onto paper. Therefore, it is essential not to force a child to draw if they do not feel the urge to do so. Drawing should be an enjoyable activity, not an obligation. Allowing a child's imagination to manifest freely is essential. Some children may channel their desire for expression through other activities like music, dance, singing, or sports, and each child needs to discover what suits them best. We should not be concerned if a child tends to use fluid forms in their drawings. Originality reflects their ability to assert their opinions. It is unsurprising if children are not upset about how they depict a tree; they might say their tree comes from Mars, for instance. However, we should be cautious about "tricky" drawings. Sometimes, a child may place a subject on one side of the paper while isolating a character or object on the other side. For example, a child might draw their family but omit a sibling or parent, placing them on the opposite side. This can indicate that the child is distancing the character from their environment.

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.

Abstract

Very little is written in the literature in regards to physical conditions in handwriting, and yet, it is often used as part of the diagnostic criteria for Parkinson’s Disease. Changes in handwriting can be correlated with organic disturbance, whether it is alcoholism, heart disease, cancer, or other serious conditions. The various problems that can be seen in handwriting are found in three general categories: muscular, circulatory, and skeletal. This presentation will offer some real-life examples of changes that are seen in handwriting due to physiological issues.

Biography

Sheila Lowe is a forensic handwriting examiner, author, and educator with five decades of experience in the field of handwriting analysis. Her expertise spans both personal and professional contexts, providing insights into personality, psychological profiles, and authenticity verification for legal cases. Sheila has authored several non-fiction books on handwriting analysis, including Reading Between the Lines: Handwriting Decoded, as well as the popular Forensic Handwriting psychological suspense series, blending her professional knowledge with gripping fictional storytelling. As a sought-after speaker, she has shared her insights on numerous media platforms and at conferences worldwide. Sheila's work continues to bridge the gap between science and human behavior, inspiring both forensic professionals and mystery enthusiasts alike.

Abstract

Suicidal ideation in teenagers and young adults has increased by 56% over the past decade, and remains the second leading cause of death for this demographic in the U.S. There has been renewed focus on identifying and understanding both the risk factors and the warning signs that accompany suicidal ideation in teens and young adults. Some factors that make individuals prone to suicidal ideation also overlap with indicators of depression. While not all depressed teens and young adults contemplate suicide, depression is often a gateway to suicidal thoughts. Family history of mental illness, adverse childhood events, substance abuse, and bullying can all contribute to depression and often suicidal ideation. Mental health professionals are working to train front-line staff, such as therapists, teachers, and counselors, as well as parents, to be aware of the signs of depression and possible suicidal ideation. Significant research has been done, both recent and historical, that sheds light on the handwriting indicators that are manifested in both depressed and suicidal individuals. With awareness of these indicators and analysis by professionals, handwriting can play a vital role in identifying those at risk and thus hasten the implementation of mental health supports. 

Biography

Kim Donley Woodward is a certified handwriting analyst, former CIA intelligence officer and educator. Her skills and experience include strategic interviewing, threat assessment investigations, surveillance and counter-surveillance, statement analysis and deception in handwriting, and personality profiling through handwriting. She is a member of the American Handwriting Association, the British Academy of Graphology, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and the Scientific Association of Forensic Examiners. She has conducted handwriting-based threat analyses for Forbes 400 clients, personality profiles for cold case crimes and private individuals. Ms. Woodward served overseas in Latin America and traveled extensively, living in Europe and Southeast Asia. She is fluent in Spanish. Ms. Woodward is the President and CEO of Write Insights, LLC which offers handwriting analysis services. Education and Certifications B.A. Anthropology, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, The George Washington University M.A., Educational Counseling, George Mason University Certified Graphologist, The British Academy of Graphology Instructor, Intelligence Reporting, Central Intelligence Agency CIA Field Operations Tradecraft courses Member, Scientific Association of Forensic Examiners Northern Virginia Community College Forensic Document Certification Served overseas in Latin America and in Europe Fluent in Spanish, working knowledge German, Italian, and Indonesian. Lived in Indonesia, Italy, and Venezuela.

Abstract

Modern attachments allow us to transfer large files in email messages, without the worry of size limitations. However, this convenience results in some complexity, when it comes to their identification, preservation, and forensic collection. This presentation will discuss popular platforms where modern attachments may be encountered, and some of the challenges and considerations that digital forensic practitioners must address.

Biography

Robert B. Fried has over 22 years of experience collecting and investigating electronic evidence. Robert serves on the Board of Advisors for the Masters in Investigations program at the University of New Haven, and the EC-Council Global Advisory Board for the CHFI certification. He maintains certifications, including: ACE, CFCE, EnCE, and GCFA. Robert is a licensed PI in Michigan, New York and South Carolina. He is the author of the books, Forensic Data Collections 2.0: The Guide for Defensible & Efficient Processes and Forensic Data Collections 2.0: A Selection of Trusted Digital Forensics Content (2023) & Second Edition (2024).