Post on 14-Feb-2017
1
END OF YEAR CELEBRATION
December 2014 Issue 45
NSW Branch Newsletter
Inside this issue:
New Members 1
Presidents Message
REVIEW: Dr Sharon
Neville -DNA profil-
ing
REVIEW: Clive Small
Into the Mix
REVIEW: NSW
Branch Awards
REVIEW: ANZFSS
Symposium
Branch Contacts
End of Year Cele-
bration
2-3
4-5
6-8
9-10
11
13
13
Congratulations
to all the NSW
Branch Award
winners and award
winners from the
ANSFSS symposium
From the commit-
tee of the NSW
Branch, we wish all our
members a safe and
happy festive season
and look forward to
seeing you at one of
the exciting presenta-
tions next year.
New Society Members:
The NSW Branch of ANZFSS warmly welcomes the following new and returning members:
Connie ALDABA
Prue ARMSTRONG
Jo BLACKMAN
Christine BROWN
Madelen CHIKHANI
Baree CHILCOTE
Diana DE LOSA
Anil GAUTAM
Yarong LI
Chris LENNARD
Sebastian MORET
Vilma SILVA
Andrew SYMONS
Stephanie TAN
For more details see page 13
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Presidents Message:
Dear members,
Another year is coming to a close, and how quickly it seems to have ar-
rived! There have been some very interesting events within the world of
forensics, including some court rulings that have caused ripples across the
forensic community. In June this year, after serving 19 years for the murder
of AFP Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester, the ACT Supreme
Court has recommended the murder conviction against David Harold East-
man be quashed. Citing Eastman had not received a fair trial due to flaws
primarily in the forensic case, a re-trial is to be conducted at the discretion
of the DPP. Subsequent calls for a Royal Commission into forensic proce-
dures have been made by Dr Bob Moles, Coordinator for the Justice Advocacy Group ‘Networked
Knowledge’. Dr Moles cites similarities of errors in the case with the Splatt and Chamberlain cases
from the 1980’s. In light of this, I encourage you all to read the Editorial by Professor James Robert-
son in the recent Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences (AJFS,46 (4), December 2014), which ad-
dresses this specific case, Dr Moles’ push for a royal commission, and provides some thought-
provoking comments around the relationship between forensic science and the justice system to-
day. Another conviction successfully challenged, this time in the High Court of Australia, was the convic-
tion of Daniel Glenn Fitzgerald (Fitzgerald v R[2014] HCA 28). In this case, the prosecution relied
heavily on the fact that the appellant’s DNA was recovered from a didgeridoo found at the crime
scene of a fatal assault, and this DNA was transferred from him to the didgeridoo at the time of at-
tack. The appellant argued there were alternative scenarios as to how his DNA was recovered from
the didgeridoo that would raise doubt as to the validity of the prosecution case. One hypothesis
put forward was the appellant had been in contact (shook hands) with a third person who subse-
quently was present at the time of assault, and the appellant’s DNA was transferred ‘innocently’ to
the scene. HCA found “…the prosecutions main contention, that the appellants DNA in the sample ob-
tained from the didgeridoo derived from his blood, was not made out beyond reasonable doubt. Further, the
recovery of the appellants DNA from the didgeridoo did not raise any inference about the time when or cir-
cumstances in which the DNA was deposited there…”, and the court did not accept “… evidence relied
upon by the prosecution was sufficient to establish beyond reasonable doubt that the appellant was present
at, and participated in, the attack. This should have allowed the jury to entertain a reasonable doubt as to
the appellants guilt…”. This case was interesting as not only did it rely on DNA evidence obtained
from the crime scene as the primary link to the appellant, it delves into the issue of DNA transfer ie
the ability of DNA to be transferred from one item to another item (direct transfer), and/or from
one item through a secondary medium to another surface, commonly known as secondary DNA
transfer. Although the DNA expert was asked as to the likelihood of this alternative scenario occur-
ring, and answered to the best of their knowledge and opinion, there is no real published evidence
to categorically state that it could or could not occur. With this in mind, it may be increasingly dan-gerous and perhaps misleading to rely on ‘experience’ to answer a question like this as opposed to
backing up our comments with research. How research could be carried out to cover all transfer
scenarios is still to be debated, however this case would suggest that it is even more important that
we do. Along these lines, a new book has been published by Dr Peter Gill titled ‘Misleading DNA evidence:
reasons for miscarriages of justice’. Peter Gill is now Professor of Forensic Genetics, at the Universi-
ty of Oslo, Norway and is an eminent leader in the advancement of forensic DNA analysis and inter-
pretation. The book is structured into chapters defining trace DNA, causes of miscarriages of jus-
tice, interpretation of trace DNA evidence and case studies.
Page 2 NSW Branch Newsletter
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Page 3 Issue 45
Presidents Message continued:
The book ends with a list of 13 recommendations that should be read and taken into consideration
by DNA scientists and legal practitioners involved in cases containing DNA evidence, as well as any-
one with a desire to learn more about how and why DNA evidence presentation is sometimes seen
as misleading. To quote Dr John Butler in his foreword in the book the aim is “… to refrain from
overstepping the boundaries of knowledge…” in other words placing more meaning behind the evi-
dence than it really has. “… this is how miscarriages of justice occur….”
Another book that has been released recently is a comprehensive
account of the joint Australian and British government mission to
recover the remains of 250 unknown soldiers from WWI buried in
unmarked graves adjacent to Pheasant wood, Fromelles, Northern
France. Titled: ‘Remember Me to All: The archaeological recovery
and identification of soldiers who fought and died in the battle of
Fromelles 1916’, it is a detailed account of Oxford Archaeology’s
excavation and scientific examination of these remains, under the
management of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. This
book details the methodology and procedures used in this major 6
month operation, presenting historical background, aims, objectives
and scientific discussion of recovery techniques of human remains
and almost 6000 related artefacts, as well as extensive anthropologi-
cal examination of these remains. The final chapter outlines how the
project team brought together this enormous amount of data with
ante-mortem data from families of the missing soldiers, to formally
identify and repatriate the remains. An extremely interesting read, I recommend it to anyone who
has an interest in WWI history and/or how archaeologists, anthropologists, geneticists, scientists
and historians can all combine to complete the ultimate task of identification and repatriation of
these soldiers with full military honours in a new war grave cemetery in Fromelles.
Lastly, we have been working on the 2015 calendar of talks, and it is looking extremely interesting
and diverse. Please look out for our upcoming meetings in 2015, starting in February. As usual, if
there is a topic that you would like us to bring to our membership, please let us know through our
webmail. Remember to keep your details up to date in the membership database – if you are un-
sure how, please contact our Secretary via our email (nswbranch@anzfss.org) On behalf of the NSW Branch Committee, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas, and
wishes for a safe and healthy 2015. Hope to see you all at our meetings next year.
REFERENCES: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/david-eastman-inquiry-result-spurs-call-for-royal-
commission-into-forensic-procedures-20140607-zryj7.html
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-22/david-eastmans-murder-conviction-quashed/5688270
http://www.hcourt.gov.au/assets/publications/judgment-summaries/2014/hca-28-2014-08-13.pdf
Misleading DNA evidence reasons for miscarriages of justice. Peter Gill 2014 Elsevier, UK
ISBN: 978-0-12-417214-2‘
Remember Me To All’: The archaeological recovery and identifiication of soldiers who fought and died in the battle of
Fromelles 1916 Louise Loe, Caroline Barker, Kate Brady, Margaret Cox & Helen Webb. ISBN:
9780904220759 | Published by: Oxford Archaeology | Series: Oxford Archaeology Monograph | Volume: 23 | Year of
Publication: 2014 Oxbow Books
4
Advances in DNA Profiling by Dr Sharon Neville (NSW Branch Annual
General Meeting 4th of June 2014) — REVIEW: Review by Glenn Wilcher.
Sharon Neville is the Manager of the DNA Laboratory at the NSW Forensic and Analytical Science
Service (FASS).
Sharon’s presentation looked at advancements and challenges that have arisen as a result of the en-
hanced sensitivity in DNA profiling.
In NSW DNA testing is fully automated due to implementation of a new robotic platform, with
samples collected in the field to the final DNA profile.
New methods have been introduced such as Expert computer software systems to assist the inter-
pretation process.
The application of new technologies can be overwhelming in comparison to results generated his-
torically, which is highlighted by reinvestigation of ‘cold cases’ using the new technologies.
Sharon began her presentation by detailing significant DNA advancements including the total auto-
mation of DNA analysis from sample tube in the field to the DNA profile, and enhanced sensitivity
of DNA testing. Sharon discussed enhanced sensitivity that has occurred in DNA testing since 1989
to the present.
1989 — DNA testing was introduced using RFLP: 50 ng (approximately 8000 cells).
1994 — DNA analysis by PCR: 0.25 to 1.5 ng (approximately 40 to 250 cells)
1998 — Profile Plus - 9 DNA loci + gender
2006 — Identifier - 15 DNA loci + gender
2007 — Y filer - DNA testing on Y chromosome, and
2012 — PowerPlex 21 - 20 DNA loci + gender 0.023 ng to 0.5 ng (5 to 80 cells).
As a ‘first’ for an Australian Forensic Laboratory there is total automation of DNA analytical pro-
cesses following validation of the Hamilton STAR Autolys robot for automated lysis.
Previously manual lysis took 3 analysts approximately 3 to 4 hours ‘hands on’ time to process 96
samples prior the robotic extraction.
A key feature of the Robot ready tubes is barcoded tubes with a special design to enable separation
of lysed cells in solution from the substrate (such as a swab) on the robot.
With the robot ready tubes and automated lysis with 96 samples you have 30 minutes ‘hands on’
set up time with 2.5 hours on robot.
The advantages of automation include capacity for high output with currently 800 DNA samples per
week done, with minimal sample handling which decreases contamination and human error.
Also you have consistency in results and analysts can focus on interpretation rather than labour in-
tensive ‘pipetting’ tasks.
Sharon explained the sensitivity has increased due to new extraction methods being the PrepFiler
Magnetic Beads where you have recovery of more concentrated and highly purified DNA.
New profiling kits – PP21 can recover DNA from as little as 10 cells.
The 3500 Genetic Analysers are 4 times the sensitivity of the previous Analysers.
Sharon discussed the move to the PowerPlex 21 and the ability to provide powerful discrimination
useful for disaster victim identification, missing persons and paternity cases and also improved per-
formance on inhibited and degraded samples.
Page 4 NSW Branch Newsletter
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Page 5 Issue 45
Increased Sensitivity—Increased Risk
Sharon discussed challenges of contamination from DNA in the laboratory environment and with
equipment and at the crime scene. Laboratory consumables used in analytical processes are a
source of contamination as well as ‘background’ DNA on substrate being sampled.
Sharon discussed procedures to decrease contamination such as the strict use of personal protec-
tive equipment, strict cleaning protocols, use of DNA free sample kits, using DNA free consuma-
bles and use of elimination databases.
With ‘background’ DNA on substrates there may be background levels of DNA from persons who
have had previous contact with an exhibit, for example clothing grabbed by an offender will have
DNA from the person wearing the clothing and others who came in contact with the clothing such
as family members or work colleagues.
Sharon mentioned challenges which include sample bottlenecks to data reviews because of the high-
er throughput of samples due to sub sampling in the field at crime scenes and robotic processing.
With increased sensitivity and increased performance with degraded /inhibited samples you have
more results which are more complex (low levels and multiple contributors).
To decrease contamination with ‘background’ DNA Sharon discussed defining the area of contact
and target the restricted area to be tested.
Also crime scene investigators should change their thinking from taking a lot of specimens to
achieve a possible result to limiting swabs to the target area
She mentioned that crime scene investigators should change their thinking that large sampling is
best so that there is a chance of getting a result. They should be identifying the target area as being
the key.
Sharon stated should the target area be unable to be defined then take multiple samples or none at
all.
Secondary Transfer.
Secondary transfer is the transfer of DNA via an intermediary to an item which has not had direct
contact with the source of the DNA. This is critical during search warrants.
New sensitivity will potentially lead to the recovery of more DNA which has been deposited via
secondary transfer. This leads to significant issues with interpretation of the results and introduces
new challenges in the processing of evidence. With increased sensitivity there are possibly new lines
of defence in court cases.
A key issue is the potential for inadvertent transfer of small amounts of DNA from one item to an-
other which could incriminate an innocent person.
Introduction of EFIMS (Exhibits, Forensic Information, and Miscellaneous Property System).
Sharon talked about the introduction of the EFIMS by the NSW Police to electronically manage ex-hibits and expanded to incorporate electronic forensic results.
Following analysis, the DNA results are transferred electronically to the reporting biologist for re-
view in which the results are reported via EFIMS to the Police.
Future and recently implemented work involves relocation to a refurbished DNA Laboratory, ex-
pansion of specialist DNA capability at FASS to include a mitochondrial activity and familial search-
ing capability and electronic case files in court.
An interesting presentation especially the changes with DNA testing and disadvantages associated
with such increased detection.
Advances in DNA Profiling by Dr Sharon Neville (NSW Branch Annual
General Meeting 4th of June 2014) — REVIEW: Review by Glenn Wilcher.
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REVIEW: ‘Into the Mix: A tale of drugs, terrorists and Australia’s biggest
manhunt’ presented by Clive Small (NSW Branch Public Night 18th July
2014). Review by Glenn Wilcher.
Clive Small is a 38 year NSW Police veteran who has received many
commendations. He was an investigator with the Woodward Royal
Commission and on Strike Force Omega reinvestigating the shooting of
Detective Michael Drury.
In the 1990’s Clive led the backpacker murder investigations which led
to the conviction of serial killer Ivan Milat, for the killing of seven back-
packers in the Belanglo State Forest, between 1989 and 1992.
In 2001 Clive was the head of the Greater Hume Police region where he
helped dismantle Vietnamese street gangs that made Cabramatta the
drug capital of Australia’s heroin trade. Post retirement from the NSW
Police, Clive joined the ICAC as Executive director of Operations. Since
2007 Clive has been a fulltime author having published his latest and
fourth book Milat, Inside Australia’s Biggest Manhunt, A Detective’s Story.
Discovery of Bodies.
Saturday 19th September
1992, an unidentified
body was found in the
Belanglo State Forest.
Two men on an orient-
eering exercise noticed a
bad smell coming from a
rocky overhang near the
Longacre Creek fire trail.
Concealed by vegetation
they discovered a bone, a boot and some clothing. It
was remains of a decomposed female that had been
subject to extreme violence. A police search the
following day resulted in second lot of remains close
by the first also decomposed.
Clive described the wounds to the human remains
being multiple stab wounds with cuts to the ribs,
spine, and cervical vertebrae as well as numerous
bullet entry wounds to the skull. Material had been
wrapped around the head of one victim with multi-
ple slashes to the clothing.
Clive mentioned the discovery of cigarette butt evidence being the brand Longbeach that was
smoked by the missing person Caroline Clarke. Clive stated that this suggested that Milat spent
some period of time with the victim before killing Caroline. Multiple cartridges were found at the
scene with ballistics determining the weapon was a Ruger 10/22 rifle. Both girls appeared to have been sexually assaulted. The bodies were identified as Joanne Walters and Caroline Clarke.
Date Victim/s Circumstances of disappearance
December
1989
Deborah Everist,
James Gibson
Travelling to Walwa—never arrived
January
1990
Simone Schmidl Travelling to Melbourne—never arrived
January
1992
Gaboir Neugebauer,
Anja Habschied
Backpackers from Germany— never
boarded plane home
May 1992 Joanne Walters
Caroline Clark
Travelling to Mildura—reported missing
by family
Clive Small presented at the July
Meeting
The first discovered victims Joanne Walters and Caroline Clark
NSW Branch Newsletter Page 6
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Issue 45
REVIEW: ‘Into the Mix: A tale of drugs, terrorists and Australia’s biggest
manhunt’ presented by Clive Small (NSW Branch Public Night 18th July
2014). Review by Glenn Wilcher.
Clive explained the search of the area being an area 300
metres around the crime scene for a distance of about 3
km.
A second pair of bodies was located being James Gibson
and Deborah Everest. Property belonging to James was
located at Galston Gorge.
The search covered 78 kms of fire trails extending up to
150 metres either side of the track. The total area of the
search was approximately 24 sq metres. Clive mentioned
the use of satellite images of the forest to identify chang-
es in vegetation density, identifying possible burial sites
and plot search areas. 300 Police and cadaver dogs were
used. Clive mentioned that the terrain was rough and
the cadaver dogs needed to wear specially made boots.
Skeletal remains were found of a fifth body that were later identified as Simone
Schmidt. Clothing, jewellery and backpacking equipment were also found.
Clothing had evidence of multiple stab wounds on the front and back.
Days later skeletal remains of Anja Habschied were found. The clothing again
had evidence of stab wounds and
slashes. Her spine had been sev-
ered but her skull was missing. A
short distance from Anja’s remains another body was
found along with clothing. The skull had multiple bullet
holes and a gag had been used around the mouth.
Airline tickets in the name of Gabor Neugebauer were
found at the scene.
The Milat Family.
Clive talked about the Milat family. Ivan’s father was
Stiphan born on a Croatian island called Korcula. He
was one of 22 children, only four surviving infancy.
He migrated to Australia at the age of 24 years and worked as a coal miner in Queensland before
coming to Sydney, with Ivan being employed in numerous jobs. He married Margaret Piddlesten and
between 1936 and 1962 the couple had 14 children, the fifth child being Ivan.
They family moved to Guildford with Margaret dying in 2001. Ivan’s father died many years earlier in
1983.
Ivan had appearances in Liverpool Court and found guilty on charges of break and entry and stealing.
Ivan had an affair with the wife of one of his brothers Boris, named Marilyn. Marilyn fell pregnant and
had a daughter Lynise. It was believed by the family that the daughter was actually Ivan’s.
Ivan met a woman named Karen. Together they lived at Guildford with other family members in car-
avans on the property.
Ivan was eventually divorced from Karen. Clive mentioned that with relationship problems Ivan
would respond by turning his attention to hitchhikers. After the marital upheaval, James Gibson and Deborah Everist were abducted and murdered.
(left)) Deborah Everest
(right) James Gibson and
(bottom right) Simone
Schmidt
(left) Gabor Neugebauer, (right) Anja Habschied)
Page 7
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REVIEW: ‘Into the Mix: A tale of drugs, terrorists and Australia’s biggest
manhunt’ presented by Clive Small (NSW Branch Public Night 18th July
2014). Review by Glenn Wilcher.
Paul Onions.
Clive mentioned the strongest lead in the investigation being the incident of Paul Onions being saved
from a man with a gun.
There were 5 backpackers murdered after the Onion’s incident had been reported.
Onions had stated he had been approached at Casula by a man with a Merve Hugh’s moustache ask-
ing if he wanted a lift. Onion identified the vehicle as a 4WD with details of the interior.
Clive mentioned that Onion’s was questioned by Ivan whether he had Special Forces training or
been in the IRA, or Navy, obviously trying to assess if Onion’s was going to be difficult to abduct.
Clive described how Ivan pulled over and reached under the driver’s seat producing a black revolver
pointing it at Onion as well as retrieving some rope. Onion stated he bolted with Ivan shooting at
him. Escaping from Ivan, Paul Onion managed to stop a van with a woman driving (Joanne Berry)
who did a U-turn, and drove to Bowral Police station.
Clive stated that in 1992 Onion’s read in the papers about the missing backpackers who had gone
missing and in 1994 Onions was taken to the Sydney Police Centre and shown 13 photos on a video
in which he identified Ivan. Clive stated phone intercepts were placed on the Eagle Vale home of Ivan. Listening devices were
not able to be installed internally but surveillance had disclosed complex security measures Ivan had
installed.
Did Ivan Act Alone?
Clive believes to this day that Ivan acted alone despite
differences in opinion. He stated the strongest evidence
he acted alone is Ivan’s life history.
He said that Ivan picked up two female hitchhikers 1971,
bound them and had sex with one of them. In 1977 two
more females escaped. In 1990 Ivan was alone when he
tried to abduct Paul Onion.
Another point with Ivan acting alone was the amount of
the victims property he had at the Eagle Vale home, and
at other family members residences which Ivan gave the
family.
Clive stated that Ivan’s murders became more ritualistic
with him spending more time at the murder scenes.
Ivan’s violence appeared to be motivated by relationship issues with Clive explaining attempted ab-
ductions and murders occurring in an environment when Ivan was unable to form or maintain a rela-
tionship with women.
The presentation was very interesting with an inside account of the investigation, which was one of
the biggest and complex manhunts in Australian history.
The word Milat and the Belanglo Forest still has a profound effect on the general public twenty years
after the murders, and more recently bringing back memories with the Auchterlonie murder com-
mitted by Matthew Milat and the remains of the female girl with the T-shirt labelled ‘Angel’ found in
2010 in the forest.
The now infamous image of Ivan Millat.
NSW Branch Newsletter Page 8
9
REVIEW: NSW Branch Awards Evening—Wednesday 27th August 2014.
Review by Scott Chadwick
The NSW Branch of ANZFSS is dedicated to the continued support of its members and has created
awards that recognise their members excellence. The Michael Dawson and Rebecca Kendrew Me-
morial awards, in addition to the Eric Murray Student Award, provide financial assistance to NSW
Branch members wishing to attend the ANZFSS International Symposium. Awards to facilitate travel
and or attendance to Symposia are based on the merits of the application.
The evening started with an address from Kevin Forward of the NSW Forensic & Analytical Science
Service who applauded the research being conducted by ANZFSS members and highlighted the im-
portant role it has in the future of forensic science.
The recipient of the Rebecca Ken-
drew Memorial Award, Dr David
Bruce, presented a case study on the
improvements in DNA profiling
technology and how it helped an un-solved cased from the early nineties.
Dr Bruce talked us through a time-
line of improvements starting from
grouping analysis, then DNA Re-
striction Fragment Length Polymor-
phism (RFLP), followed by short tan-
dem repeat (STR) profiling in the late
nineties. In the early 2000’s with the
introduction of DNA databases, a
suspect was able to be identified
from the mixed DNA profile. Jump-
ing to the present day using modern techniques such as locus profiling kits, two other individuals
were able to be identified from DNA recovered from various crime scene exhibits. This lead to
their inclusion into the investigation and breathing new life into a cold case.
The award recipients then presented a short ‘teaser’ of their work, all fields of forensic science were
well represented with presentations ranging from gunshot residue analysis, textile degradation, doc-
ument examination, drug intelligence and decomposition chemistry. For the full list of recipients and
topics; see page 10.
The recipient of the Eric
Murrary Student Award,
Laura McGrath closed
preceding's by presenting
her PhD work on the
role of distractor odours
in false responses of ignit-
able liquid residue and
drug detection dogs. A
number of distractor odours were identified
from surveys of detection
dog handlers.
Dr David Bruce (left) and Committee member Dr Rebecca Johnson (right) with the
family of Dr Rebecca Kendrew
NSW Branch Award recipients with Kevin Forward (centre), ANZFSS President Claude Roux (back left)
and NSW Branch President Alison Sears (front right)
Issue 45 Page 9
10
Page 10 NSW Branch Newsletter
REVIEW: NSW Branch Awards Evening—Wednesday 27th August 2014.
Review by Scott Chadwick
Award Award Recipient Presentation title
Rebecca Kendrew Memorial
Award
Dr David Bruce
(NSW FASS)
Case study: From blood groups to STR Mix—How
improved DNA profiling technology provided cru-
cial evidence in a cold case homicide
Michael Dawson Memorial
Award
Dr Jennifer Raymond
(NSW Police Force)
Evidence recovery: A discipline in it’s own right?
Eric Murray Student Award Laura McGrath
(UTS)
An investigation of false response causation in de-
tector dogs
Executive Travel Awards Kate Grimwood
(AIFFI)
The development of the incendiary device database
(IDD): A forensic fire investigation tool
Michelle Franco
(NSW FASS)
What happened last night? The important role that
forensic evidence can play when the victim has no
recollection of events. A case study
Fiona Jackson
(NSW FASS, UTS)
Surveys of vehicle colour frequency and the trans-
fer of vehicle paints to stationary objects in Sydney,
Australia
Melanie Holt
(NSW Police Force)
Laser reveals hidden information on envelope win-
dow and Novel use of organic solvent to reveal
obliterated serial number on OC canister
Executive Student Travel
Awards
Regina Verena Taudte
(UTS)
The development and comparison of techniques for
the combined collection of organic and inorganic
gunshot residues
Maiken Ueland
(UTS)
Textile degradation patterns of clothing associated
with remains
Maire Morelato
(UTS)
The use of organic and inorganic impurities found
in MDMA and MA police seizures in an intelligence
perspective
Rebecca Lee
(UTS)
An objective assessment of fingerprint expert opin-
ion using a skin stretch model
Katelynn Perrault
(UTS)
Establishing the persistence of an odour signature
in decomposition soil
From this a volatile organic component (VOC) profile of distractor odours could be compared with
the VOC profile of target odours.. Using techniques such as headspace solid-phase microextraction
(HS-SPME) and gas chromatography—mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Laura was able to determine
whether a relationship existed between target odours and distractors, that could lead to a false posi-
tive response. From her work it was found that there were very few items that caused false re-
sponses that had a similar VOC profiles. This has significant implications on the understanding of de-
tector dogs as it highlighted that false responses could not be attributed solely to odour. Special
mention should also go to Regina Verena Taudte, who received a highly commended for her applica-
tion for the Eric Murray Student Award.
The night was an excellent showcase of all the important and diverse research being conducted by
NSW Branch Members. The range of presentation topics strongly reflected not only the diverse na-
ture of forensic science but also the diversity within our branch.
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Page 11 Issue 45
REVIEW: The 22nd International Symposium of the Australian and New
Zealand Forensic Science Society 31st August to 4th September 2014—
Review by Jennifer Raymond
825 national and international delegates descended on the newly renovated Adelaide Convention
Centre for the 2014 edition of the renowned ANZFSS symposium. Supplementing the extensive pro-
gram were 13 workshops held pre- and post conference, covering topical issues such as forensic in-
telligence, hyperspectral imaging, contextual bias, next generation DNA sequencing, and demonstra-
tions of new technology from industry partners.
A highlight of the conference were the excellent plenary speakers
on diverse topics. Commendably the organising committee select-
ed speakers from outside the standard forensic sphere, which
helped delegates think outside the box. In particular, Dr Jason Fox
was a novel addition to the program. His highly entertaining talk
went into the science of motivation, and how treating work like a
game is a primary motivator for employees. Without the ‘fist-
pumping rah-rah’ of traditional (and often American) motivational
experts, Dr Fox gave a self-deprecating and down to earth ap-
proach to motivation, and provided advice as to how employers
can devise work tasks and culture to be inherently self-motivating.
All of the plenary speakers gave passionate and thought provoking
presentations. Dr Mark Reynolds made the point that homicides
are increasingly domestic related, and therefore the standard
‘identifying’ forensic evidence types of fingerprints and DNA may
not provide useful information to investigations where suspects have legitimate access to the scene.
His thesis was that trace evidence, perhaps neglected in light of the high probative value of other evi-
dence types, may provide more use in proving versions of events in domestic homicides.
Dr Christophe Champod talked on the often controversial topic of fingerprint ‘identification’. He
passionately argued for a change in the traditional approach to fingerprint comparisons, stating that
more notes and transparency in the analysis phase will help to reduce human error in the process.
He also noted that the complexity of marks and comparisons need to be objectively assessed by
electronic means. Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) may be suitable for ‘lights out’
comparisons of marks judged to be of low complexity (clear marks with a large amount of detail and
no distortion), leaving examiners to concentrate on the more difficult comparisons. Dr Champod is a
devoted supporter of probabilistic models of fingerprint comparison conclusions rather than the con-
cept of identification, and again presented a convincing argument for this cause.
Contextual bias proved to be a continuing theme throughout the conference. Dr Brian Found pre-
sented a plenary discussing the state of play in this arena, and outlined the considerable work the Vic-
toria Police forensic department has made to research this area and help to prevent adverse out-
comes in criminal investigations. Numerous presentations on this theme were found in the biology,
firearms, and anthropology streams. Research in this highly important area was initiated from outside
the forensic science community, and it is encouraging to see that the community itself has made in-
roads into determining the true effect of cognitive bias on criminal investigations.
Plenary speaker Dr Jason Fox
12
REVIEW: The 22nd International Symposium of the Australian and New
Zealand Forensic Science Society 31st August to 4th September 2014—
Review by Jennifer Raymond
Page 12 Issue 45
An interesting keynote lecture by Dr Roland van Oorschot examined unattended behaviours during
the examination of forensic evidence. The study involved video recording experienced forensic bi-
ologists while they sampled various evidence types for DNA. Despite strict training and contamina-
tion prevention protocols, participants were observed to perform actions with increased risk of
contamination (such as failure to change gloves appropriately, directly touching sampling areas etc)
that they were completely unaware of. This was a novel and highly relevant study in these times of
immense sensitivity. Similar studies may help to educate examiners to be hyper-aware of all their
actions when examining exhibits.
As always the social program was epic and put other
international conferences to shame! The Australian
and New Zealand forensic community are definitely
world beaters when it comes to partying stamina. The
notorious Xtreme night out was held at the magnifi-
cent Adelaide Oval, with a theme of 1920s gangsters
and molls. The sight of eminent and highly respected
forensic scientists traipsing across the river walkway,
resplendent in feather boas, flapper dressers, dapper
suits and hats and with inflatable firearms, was some-
thing to be remembered. The ‘touch of blue’ themed
Pathtech Gala dinner was held in the beautifully deco-
rated convention centre hall. The NSW ANZFSS branch was definitely over-represented in the
awards for best paper and poster presentations. At the end of formalities the dubiously named ‘Mr
Buzzy’ band kicked off, and was probably astounded at the number and energy of dancers at what
they probably expected was a staid scientific conference!
The South Australian ANZFSS branch is to be commended on a world class symposium, and mem-
bers should start preparing for Auckland 2016!
Congratulations
NSW branch committee member Eric Murray was
awarded his life member pin at a ceremony during the
symposium
The following NSW Branch members received awards
for the work they presented at the conference
Best Oral Presentations
Chemical Criminalistics –Regina Verena Tautde
Fingerprint Examination—Mackenzie de la Hunty
Best Posters
Document Examination—Melanie Holt
Wildlife Forensics and Entomology—Katelynn Perrault
NSW Branch members enjoying the Xtreme night out
Eric Murray being awarded his life-member pin
13
If you have any query, comment, sugges-
tion or content idea for this newsletter
or any Branch events, please do not hesi-
tate to contact us. All correspondence
regarding general enquiries, member-
ship renewal, payment etc, can be ad-
dressed to:
NSW Branch ANZFSS
PO Box K208
Haymarket NSW 1240
Email: nswbranch@anzfss.org
Save this new email address in your
contacts so branch correspondence
doesn’t end up in your spam folder.
Specific recipients (e.g. President,
Treasurer, Newsletter Editor) can be
reached c/o these details.
Website: www.anzfss.org/nsw
Your Committee:
President: Alison Sears
Vice President: Alison Beavis
Treasurer: Sonia Scott
Secretary: Kate Grimwood
Public Officer: Denise Donlon
Website: Philip Maynard
Newsletter: Scott Chadwick
Committee Members:
Harry Albani
Shari Forbes
Greta Frankham
Rebecca Johnson
Eric Murray
Tania Prolov
Jen Raymond Glenn Wilcher
Contact Details - NSW Branch:
anzfss.org/nsw
End of Year Celebration—Ghost Tour
To kick off the festive season the NSW Branch will be participating in a ghost tour
around the historic Rocks district. The two hour walking tour will explore the sordid
past and true stories of suicides, murders and hauntings in the Rocks. After the eerie
expedition, we will be heading to the Harbour View Hotel to share our spooky sto-
ries in a relaxed (and non-haunted) environment for some cocktail food and refresh-
ments. This will be an excellent opportunity to socialise with other branch members
and end the year on a high note. For those of you attending, we look forward to see-ing you this Friday, please see the information below.
PARKING — Street meter parking is available in Argyle Street and
Observatory Hill
Parking Stations are located in Harrington Street
PUBLIC TRANSPORT—3 Minute walk from Circular Quay Station
DRESS—Comfortable walking shoes
Tours operate in all weather (ponchos are provided if wet)
OTHER INFORMATION—Cameras are permitted, no videos allowed.