NCJ Number
216792
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 51 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2006 Pages: 1228-1234
Date Published
November 2006
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the importance of forensic field tests as a complement to forensic lab work, describes some technologies used in forensic field tests in Israel, and presents some illustrative cases from Israel that show the importance of forensic field tests in solving crimes.
Abstract
Forensic field tests are diagnostic examinations whose purpose is to guide the investigator; their results may become evidence after confirmation in the forensic lab. The U.S. Justice Department's National Institute of Justice recognized the need for significant improvement in crime scene technologies in its 1999 report on the status and needs of forensic science. The report states that "The forensic aspects of crime scene response have not received adequate attention or funding.” This needs to be remedied in a timely manner because the quality of evidence recognition, documentation, collection, and preservation are critical to the quality of results from resultant analyses." Descriptions of some of the technologies used in forensic field tests in Israel include the Explosives Testing Kit, which detects traces of military explosives on the hands of suspects and distinguishes between explosive and nonexplosive materials; a field device for the diagnostic examination of the homemade explosive TATP; and the Bullet Testing Kit, which helps in determining whether holes in walls, cars, or fabrics have been caused by bullets or by other sharp objects. The cases presented to show the value of forensic field tests involved a shoeprint examination; an examination of bullet holes at a scene in order to determine whether an Israeli solider was killed from a shot fired inside or outside the vehicle in which he was found; and an analysis of gunshot residue that helped determine who was the shooter in a murder-suicide at the same scene. 11 figures and 25 references