Forensic/Criminolgy Project Assistance
TV ClubHouse: Archives: 2003 January:
Forensic/Criminolgy Project Assistance
Wcv63 | Tuesday, January 14, 2003 - 10:59 am     Hi all...it's been awhile since I've been here, but when my daughter told me she wanted to do a project on the history and evolution of Forensics for her project and wanted to "interview" someone involved in the field I knew this was the place to come for help. We have a list of 8 questions prepared and would appreciate any help from anyone with expertise or field experience in this discipline. The list of questions follow. If anyone can help please email me at wcv63@hotmail.com. I'm here with ___________ to ask questions regarding the advances, evolution and history of forensics in criminology. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. (Q1) How long have you been involved in the field of forensics? (Q2) When did you become interested in forensics and how did you go about pursuing a career in this field? (Q3) What do you believe is the most significant advance made in the field of forensics in the last 20 years? (Please explain the significance) (Q4) How has forensics changed over the last 20 to 30 years? (Q5) In your opinion how important is forensics and what significance does it have, not just in criminology, but also in the fields of medicine, biology and scientific developments? (Q6) What are some of the techniques/tools utilized in the field of forensics? (i.e. fiber evidence, the use of blood spatter analysis, the use of fingerprint powder, plaster casting of footprint and/or tire tracks, etc.) (Q7) What type of forensic technology was available in the past? Compare and contrast the differences in available forensic technology past and present. (Q8) In your opinion what does the future hold for forensics? Thank you for time and assistance!! |
Rabbit | Tuesday, January 14, 2003 - 11:38 am     I see the alpha numeric cyber entity is examining old wounds. Like the wound I feel everday when I come to the board and there isn't a new Bunny Tale. We called dibs on her first, fair and square. Zed and Snee flew halfway across the country and bought new hockey masks for the get together but no. Some folks (tattletales) don't play well with others. Nice to see you back anyway. hmmmph |
Wcv63 | Tuesday, January 14, 2003 - 11:53 am     Gee Rabbit...you don't sound very hoppy. Thanks for the welcome back....backhanded as it was. I hope you've been keeping your fuzzy tail out of trouble. |
Wcv63 | Tuesday, January 14, 2003 - 08:53 pm     I thought finding assistance on this topic might be a problem. Fortunately I was able to locate an acquaintance of my brother currently enrolled in the FBI academy who has agreed to be interviewed. Additionally we are trying to locate some examples of the tools utilized and wonder if anyone has any ideas on where to go, who to contact etc. I'd really like to help my daughter obtain some sort of samples (the swabs used to collect DNA and/or blood evidence) for use in her project. Would walking into a police station to make such a request be a complete waste of time? Anyone have any clue on how to obtain some type of educational packet for elementary students? I located a Canadian site who will send out information packets to High School/College students and teachers. Unfortunately my daughter doesn't fit that catagory. |
Maris | Tuesday, January 14, 2003 - 09:04 pm     You ought to check out Patricia Cornwalls latest book about Jack the Ripper. It is fascinating especially the parts about what forensic capabilities were available way back when. As an aside, I would look up the name of the local Medical Examiner. Then have your child place a call directly to the Medical Examiner. I have found that most professionals are happy to help a kid out. |
Halfunit | Tuesday, January 14, 2003 - 09:17 pm     WCV - If you are actually in New Orleans, I think their department is big enough that you should have no problem in obtaining those items. I don't know if they have some sort of community education department or not. Another place to check is with the coroner's office in your area. N.O.P.D. Public Affairs / Public Information Office 504-826-2828 Coroner 2700 Tulane Avenue New Orleans, LA 70119 827-3575 Hon. Frank Minyard, M.D., Coroner Hubby only collects urine samples in his capacity as a patrolman, and he has NOTHING to do with forensics, just to let you know, all blood samples (living persons) is done at our local hospital. Keep in mind we are a community of 12,000. |
Wcv63 | Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 07:08 am     Thank you Maris and Halfunit for your assistance. I contacted the Forensic Center in Harvey and I'm waiting for a return call. I will definitely check out the book by Patricia Cornwell....it sounds like it has just the type of information we are looking for. |
Halfunit | Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 07:13 am     WCV - I talked with hubby last night, and he'd be more than happy to send evidence bags, biohazard indicators, and such to you. They aren't really forensic related, but the offer is there. |
Wcv63 | Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 07:39 am     Wow! Thanks Halfunit, that would be wonderful! Please email me (wcv63@hotmail.com) and I'll send you my address. I'll be more than happy to pay any shipping costs. I knew TVCH would come through for us!  |
Juju2bigdog | Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 07:42 am     Dang, I can't believe I beat BOTH the Hare and Weinermr in here. Half, your hubby's collection sounds like a real pisser. And you are just a whiz for offering to help. Wcv, with the popularity of the television show CSI, I expect this has now become a rather common inquiry. Public information officers of Federal law enforcement agencies and police agencies would be good places to ask. The questions posed in your first post are good ones. |
Goddessatlaw | Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 07:52 am     Wcv, I have worked with numerous forensics experts, but am not one myself. I looked through your questions and easily realized I was not qualified to answer them (although I think DNA technological advances are the greatest leap forward in forensics in the past 20 years). I would like to recommend a very interesting book to you and your daughter, though: "Dead Men Do Tell Tales" by William R. Maples, Ph.D. and Michael Browning. Maples is the forensic anthropologist who examined President Zachary Taylor's remains for evidence of poisoning, the Romanov remains for identification, Francisco Pizarro's alleged remains for identification, etc. etc. (Patricia Cornwell calls the book a masterpiece). He also discusses other major forensic cases in which he was not involved. It's just fascinating, and very instructive on the science. It does have some somewhat graphic pictures in it, though, so you might want to review it for content before suggesting it to your daughter. |
Halfunit | Wednesday, January 15, 2003 - 08:12 am     <Thinks JuJu needs to take a "seat" in the Survivor-Poker thread...> |
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