Behind the Crime Scene

Shot Pattern Testing Guide: How Choke and Pellet Spread Affect Accuracy

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 5 2026

Learn how to pattern your shotgun correctly to understand pellet spread and choke influence. Discover why point of impact and pattern quality matter more than just hitting the target.

Contamination Controls in Trace Microlabs: A Practical Guide for Forensic Accuracy

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 5 2026

Master contamination controls in trace microlabs with practical strategies for airflow, sterilization, and workflow design. Essential reading for forensic accuracy and ISO 17025 compliance.

The Stringing Method: How to Reconstruct Attack Patterns in Bloodstain Analysis

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 5 2026

Explore the stringing method in bloodstain pattern analysis. Learn how forensic experts use physics and manual reconstruction to pinpoint attack origins, victim positions, and weapon dynamics in crime scenes.

Duplicate Evidence Sets: How to Manage Sub-Samples and Splits for Chain of Custody

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 4 2026

Learn how to manage duplicate evidence sets, sub-samples, and splits to maintain chain of custody integrity. Covers field duplicates, lab replicates, and best practices for forensic accuracy.

Accelerant Detection: How Investigators Identify Ignitable Liquids

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 4 2026

Learn how fire investigators detect accelerants using dogs, electronic sniffers, and GCMS lab analysis to identify ignitable liquids in arson cases.

Toxicology in Homicide Cases: Proving Poisoning

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 4 2026

Discover how forensic toxicology proves poisoning in homicide cases through specimen collection, advanced lab testing, and expert interpretation.

Contamination Controls: Avoiding Examiner-Induced Latents in Fingerprint Analysis

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 3 2026

Discover how forensic teams prevent examiner-induced latent contamination through strict protocols, proper sequencing, and cognitive bias management. Learn practical strategies to protect evidence integrity.

Forensic Anthropologist: The Skeletal Analysis Specialist Guide

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 3 2026

Discover how forensic anthropologists use skeletal analysis to identify unknown remains. Learn about biological profiling, trauma assessment, and the education required for this specialized forensic career.

Respiratory Protection: Fit Testing and Cartridge Selection for Biohazard Cleanup

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 3 2026

Master respirator fit testing and cartridge selection for biohazard cleanup. Learn OSHA compliance, NIOSH color codes, and how to ensure a perfect seal against biological and chemical hazards.

Measurement Traceability: Linking Results to SI Units and Reference Materials

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 2 2026

Learn how metrological traceability links lab results to SI units via reference materials. Essential for ISO 17025 accreditation and ensuring measurement reliability.

Search Warrants in Homicide: Scope and Specificity Explained

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 2 2026

Explore how search warrants in homicide investigations balance urgent evidence collection with Fourth Amendment protections. Learn about scope, specificity, and legal boundaries.