Plan for the Utility of the Forensic Sciences - Research Proposal Example

Proposed Research Plan for the Utility of the Forensic Sciences 0.Introduction This research proposal intends to evaluate the utility of the different Forensic disciplines and compare their contribution to crime resolution in major departments like United States – army , navy and air force investigative services . The study proposes to analyze and investigate the reports and findings of several forensic examinations and felony examinations along with the experiences of the personnel involved in these forensic investigations . It has been generally accepted that regardless of the nature of the crime , the crime resolution rate could be expected to be higher , when multiple forensic disciplines were used to used in the investigation . As explained by Light and Schwartz ( 1993 ) , though each “ forensic discipline demonstrated a high degree of utility in specific criminal offense categories. … reviewed, there were no instances in which the findings of one discipline contradicted the results of any other discipline.” It is becoming apparent that the local law enforcement community does not have the resources or ability to develop, test, and integrate the new technological tools that its agencies need. Training needs are going unmet, the forensics community is significantly under resourced , and the full resources of the federal government , in particular the national laboratories , have not been turned toward the needs of local law enforcement agencies. The law enforcement is becoming increasingly complex and dangerous because many criminals have access to greater firepower and are more disposed to use it than the police are . In comparison , studies done to show the forensics capabilities of the military have revealed that the military has the abilities to assist these labs in several ways . Thus this research proposes to discuss the forensics related to the military department and analyses how the use of forensics can both benefit the military and basic forensics labs. 2.0. Research Scenario : The investigation of crimes through the application of scientific evidences happens to be a multidisciplinary approach , involving the contribution from science and technology , law , etc . says Moenssens, Inbau, & Starrs ( 1986) . According to Light and Schwartz ( 1993 ) , “The forensic sciences have traditionally provided the criminal investigator with expert opinions to provide links between the suspect and the crime. The forensic disciplines have been instrumental in resolving criminal investigations. However, a paucity of research exists which provides insight as to the effectiveness and utility of these forensic tools” . Also Moenssens et al.( 1986 ) adds that the findings of these forensic methods have to withstand the scrutiny underlying the adverse procedures of the U.S. Criminal Justice Systems. Hence the forensic discipline has to adopt to methods that satisfy the requirements of the court environment . It could be seen that the forensic science finds utility in court environments and also in criminal justice systems which use these findings for pre court trial . The basic laboratory forensic disciplines enable the trier with real evidences that speak of themselves. In some cases these laboratory forensic disciplines give circumstantial evidences that lead to some logical inferences about the facts. There are different types activities that relate to the majority of crime labs in the United States . These activities could be classified as under , 2.1 Forensic psychophysiology : Forensic psychophysiology as proposed by Yankee ( 1992 ) involves the psycho physiological detection of deception (PDD ). This method gives the findings in terms of admissions and confessions which are circumstantial, these allow the trier to make an inference about the suspect’s involvement in the offence says Donigan et al.( 1980) . 2.2. Latent print examinations : Although courts have for many years accepted the work performed in latent print (fingerprint) examinations, current needs include improved recovery and visualization methods, interoperability and improvement of search and retrieval systems, and shared databases for use in training and harmonization efforts. 2.3. Document examination : Questioned document examinations discipline is said to be in a chaotic state, because courts have questioned the scientific basis of handwriting identification, as well as because of ongoing changes in the ways that documents are created and transmitted . Current needs include validation of the scientific basis for handwriting examination, harmonization of comparison criteria , improved nondestructive methods for determining characteristic features of documents , image-enhancement methods for linking documents to machines , and shared databases of writing and machine-document exemplars for use in training and harmonization efforts. 2.4. Explosives and fire debris examinations : Explosives and fire debris examinations are being done by very few laboratories which routinely analyze post blast debris . Needs include improved methods for assessing the size , construction , and composition of improvised explosive devices from macro effects at post blast scenes , enhanced cleanup techniques for post blast debris , method development for recovery of explosive and ignitable liquid residues from a variety of matrices , enhanced field-detection capabilities and mapping technologies for bomb scene investigation assistance , and continued validation of the current methods by intra laboratory studies . 2.5. Forensic biology and molecular biochemistry : Forensic DNA analysis allows for the biologic comparison between an individuals genetic makeup and biological evidence found at a crime scene. Current needs include robotic methods to replace the time consuming process of extracting biologic fluids and tissues, including differentials for semen strains; access to microchip technology to enhance and advance DNA testing methods; and sampling devices for stabilizing evidence during in-field collection. 2.6. Postmortem toxicology : Postmortem toxicology and human performance testing. Although courts routinely accept these laboratory determinations, interpretive controversies still exist in several areas of toxicology. Current needs include nondestructive analytical techniques, well controlled studies of the effects of drugs on the operation of motor vehicles and complex equipment, more-accurate methods for determining time of death, and a central database of postmortem “incidental” drug findings in deaths unrelated to drugs. 2.7. Examination of Firearm / tool marks : Courts routinely accept identifications of firearms, tools, and other implements through comparison of microscopic impressions on questioned and authenticated specimens. Nevertheless, current needs include validation of the basis for impression evidence identifications, development of portable nondestructive analytical approaches for characterizing features of bullet impact areas, and statistical analysis of performance of algorithms used in automated pattern recognition. 2.8. Global Positioning Systems and Multimedia technologies : The quality of analyses depends heavily on the quality of evidence recognition, documentation, collection, and preservation. Current needs in this area include sample location, identification, capture, and stabilization technology in a kit suitable for recovery of trace evidence, portable and remote hazardous materials detectors, and computerized crime scene mapping supported by the Global Positioning System (GPS) and multimedia capture technologies. 2.9. Controlled substance examinations : The determination of controlled substances is the most common service delivered by forensic laboratories all over the world . Current needs include standardization of methods, automation of sampling and analysis, remote sensing equipment, and non disruptive sampling says Morgan ( 2001) . 2.10. Transfer evidence evaluation : Trace evidence materials include transfer evidence of all types except biological fluids. These commonly include paints, hairs, fibers, glass, and building materials. Current needs include standardization of trace analysis methodologies, enhancements of nondestructive techniques for analysis of materials, and development and coordination of databases. 3.0. Problem Statement : Well-equipped and well-managed state and local crime labs are a critical element of a local agencys ability to solve crimes. However, although advances are being made in forensic technology, the nations crime labs often do not have the resources to acquire and apply these technologies . A crucial part of this study is to improve DNA testing by complementing ongoing military initiatives to enhance their effectiveness. This would include funds for research on rapid high-throughput technologies and methods for rapid processing of evidence samples and DNA testing, which is performed on samples both to build a felon database and to help solve crimes. The National Commission on the Future of DNA Evidence has strongly recommended rapid development of the DNA database. In Virginia alone, this database has already identified dozens of suspects in old, unsolved cases for which there were no leads. Arguably of greater importance is the need to provide resources sufficient to test all evidentiary samples that might help solve known crimes, including not only homicides and rapes but assaults and burglaries. As one forensics expert has put it, “Money should be assigned to solve this problem since every woman or child sexually assaulted deserves a genetic diagnosis” (Henson, 1998). The U.S. system is neither fully automated nor fully integrated. The FBI has been successful in building consensus in the United States to use the STR (short tandem repeats) methodology, which is several orders of magnitude faster and more readily automated than the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technology. To take full advantage of the STR methodology, local labs would require technology and training, including training of new personnel and continuing education for personnel experienced in older technologies. The training called for is comparable to college courses, which could best be provided by federal funding for FBI centralized training and for regional forensic sciences courses at local universities 4.0. Research Objectives : Well-equipped and well-managed state and local crime labs are a critical element of a local agencys ability to solve crimes. In order to get these systems up to par, it is important to analyze the military’s contributions to forensics. Thus, this study proceeds with the following objectives Take a close look at the different disciplines of forensic sciences that aid in resolving major felony investigations. The forensic disciplines followed by the United States military programs like AFOSI and NICS. Identify the forensic discipline that has the at most utility in case of army , air force, naval felony investigations. 5.0. Research Question and Hypotheses : With the above said objectives , the main research question could be put forward as “What is the major forensic discipline that is most utilized in felony investigations relating to US - army , air force, naval ?” This research proceeds to analyze the concepts related to this research question in the light of the following hypotheses The traditional laboratory forensic abilities help in investigating the felony cases of the army , navy and air force. Specific forensic abilities of AFOSI and NCIS help in investigating the felony cases of the army , navy and air force. 6.0. Research Methodology : To identify the utility of a forensic discipline on felony investigations , certain strategic methodology has to be adopted . This research proposes to use a survey methodology which is both Qualitative and Quantitative in nature. The expert opinions collected from personnel skilled in forensic disciplines , could be considered as valuable data that reflect the utility of forensic disciplines. According to Guba & Lincoln (2005) , qualitative methodology is based on the interpretative paradigm and the quantitative methodology is based on the positivist paradigm of knowledge. The third paradigm in communication research method called as the critical paradigm involves the usage of both the qualitative and quantitative methods to have an empowered research about the chosen concept. This research follows the critical paradigm to analyze the reality in the utility of forensic disciplines in felony investigations , using both the qualitative and quantitative approaches. This usage of both methods provides triangulation and hence superior validity and reliability of the data collected says McMurray et al. ( 2004). The sample or focus group for the research involve experienced forensic personnel . The research proposes to choose around 25 experienced forensic personnel who are involved in the forensic analysis of felony cases related to the army , navy and air force . The survey intends to measure the opinion of these forensic personnel , regarding , how useful these individuals feel forensics had been in their fields. These individuals will also be encouraged to take up the quantitative questionnaire and the qualitative interview. The researcher will record their reflections regarding the use of forensics in the field. An analysis of both the survey data and the interviews will then be compiled to present an overall analysis of how and why forensics can benefit the three branches of the military, and how these results can also benefit regular forensics labs. 7.0. Research - Data Interpretation and Analysis : The research data of qualitative answers to the interview and quantitative data are proposed to be collected from the survey participants , who take part in the survey without any compulsion or external force . This proves the ethical validity of the research . The qualitative data are proposed to be collected by recording the written response ( chosen options ) in a separate response sheets for each participant . The qualitative response is in the form of text data that are answers for the structure interview questions . Jarvinen ,P. ( 2004 ) says that this type of structured interview will aid in objective research. Similarly the response of the quantitative questionnaire were taken for each participant in the form of chosen options ( Likert scale ) and in a tabulated form. The method of analysis for the qualitative interview answers has been proposed to be a Strengths , Weakness , Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis . This method would tabulate the strengths and weaknesses of any individual forensic discipline as explained by the participants. The method of analysis for the quantitative survey has been proposed to be the statistical analysis of the data in the form of chosen options. The statistical analysis is expected to involve the frequency analysis , mean and variance analysis , correlation analysis. The proposed statistical tool happens to be the Minitab or Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Thus the proposed methods of research analysis are SWOT analysis for the Qualitative data . Statistical analysis for the Quantitative data . 8.0. Research Outcome : The analysis of the research data by SWOT analysis could be tabulated to identify the relative utility rate ( the number of cases that had been solved by that particular forensic discipline ) of the different forensic discipline in resolving felony cases related to army , air force and navy . Also the statistical interpretation and analysis of the quantitative data , directly gives a measure of the utility rate of the forensic disciplines as chosen by the participants. Thus the proposed research outcome would be a favored forensic discipline that solves most felony investigations . 9.0. Conclusion: This research proposal has outlined the research scenario as the highly critical forensic discipline , the research question has been framed as “ What is the major forensic discipline that is most utilized in felony investigations relating to US - army , air force , naval ? ” which has been proposed to be discusses in the light of two other hypotheses. The problem statement has also been detailed along with the research objectives . The research intends to evaluate the utility of the different Forensic Sciences and compare their contribution to crime resolution in major departments like United States – army , navy and air force investigative services . The study proposes to analyze and investigate the reports and findings of several forensic examinations and felony examinations along with the experiences of the personnel involved in these forensic investigations . The research methodology proposed includes Qualitative interview and Quantitative survey , followed by appropriate data analysis methodologies like SWOT analysis and statistical data analysis. References : Donigan, R. L., Fischer, E. C., Hugel, D. H., Reeder, R. H., & Williams, R. N. (1980). “ The evidence handbook ” (4th ed.). Evanston, IL: Traffic Institute, Northwestern University. Gary D. Light, M.S. and John R. Schwartz, M.S. , ( March 1993 ) , “The Relative Utility of the Forensic Disciplines” , Department of Defense Polygraph Institute , Fort McClellan, Alabama . Guba, E. G., & Lincoln, Y. S. (2005). “Paradigmatic controversies, contradictions, and emerging influences" In N. K. Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research (3rd ed.), pp. 191-215. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. ISBN 0-7619-2757-3 Henson, Rich (1998), “Pa. to Join DNA Database for Aid in Finding Violent Offenders,” Philadelphia Inquirer . Jarvinen , P . (2004) . On research methods, Opinpajan kirja, Tampere. McMurray, A, Pace, RW & Scott, D. (2004) . Research: A Commonsense Approach. Thomson Learning Nelson. Moenssens, A. A., Inbau, F. E., & Starrs, J. E. (1986). “Scientific evidence in criminal cases” (3rd ed.). Mineola, NY: Foundation Press. Morgan, M. (2001), “Choosing and Managing Technology-Induced Risk,” IEEE Spectrum, Vol. 18, No. 12, pp. 53–60. Yankee, W. (1992). “A case for forensic psvchophysioloqv and other chanqes in terminoloqy”. Memorandum prepared at the Department of Defense Polygraph Institute, Fort McClellan, AL. Read More