Behind the Crime Scene

Double-Wrapping Evidence: When and Why It's Necessary

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 19 2026

Learn why double-wrapping evidence is crucial for forensic integrity. Discover when to use it, how to avoid contamination, and the legal risks of improper packaging.

NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033: The Essential Standards for Fire Investigation

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 19 2026

Explore how NFPA 921 and NFPA 1033 define the scientific method and professional qualifications for fire investigators, ensuring reliable and legally defensible results.

Scene Control Failures: Case Studies and Prevention Strategies

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 19 2026

Explore critical scene control failures through real-world case studies like Grenfell Tower and Equifax. Learn proven prevention strategies for physical and digital incidents to protect life, preserve evidence, and ensure effective response.

Crypto Assets: Wallets, Keys, and Transaction Tracing

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 18 2026

Explore how crypto assets are tracked through wallets and keys. Learn the mechanics of transaction tracing, the role of blockchain analytics, and why digital forensics can uncover hidden financial trails despite perceived anonymity.

Liquid Evidence: Collection and Storage Best Practices

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 18 2026

Learn best practices for collecting and storing liquid evidence, including biological fluids, ignitable liquids, and toxicology samples. Avoid common mistakes like using plastic for wet DNA evidence.

Data Recovery: How to Retrieve Deleted Files and Secure Information

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 18 2026

Learn how data recovery works, from retrieving deleted files on HDDs to the challenges posed by SSD TRIM commands. Understand logical vs. physical recovery and secure deletion standards.

Matrix Effects in Toxicology: Overcoming Ion Suppression in LC-MS/MS

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 17 2026

Explore the causes and solutions for ion suppression in LC-MS/MS toxicology. Learn how matrix effects impact accuracy and strategies like SPE, chromatography optimization, and internal standards to overcome them.

Electrical Fire Investigation: How to Identify Electrical Sources

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 17 2026

Learn how to accurately identify electrical sources in fire investigations. This guide covers NFPA 921 standards, arc mapping, distinguishing pre-fire faults from post-fire damage, and key forensic indicators.

Manner of Death: Natural, Accidental, Suicidal, or Homicidal Explained

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 17 2026

Understand the five manners of death: natural, accidental, suicidal, homicidal, and undetermined. Learn how forensic pathologists distinguish cause from manner, why intent matters, and how these classifications impact public health and legal outcomes.

Ransomware Forensics Guide: Recovering Keys, Analyzing Notes, and Mapping Lateral Movement

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 16 2026

A practical guide to ransomware forensics covering key recovery from memory, analyzing ransom notes for attribution, and mapping lateral movement using Windows logs and EDR tools.

Equipment Calibration: Maintaining Laboratory Standards

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 16 2026

Learn how to maintain laboratory standards through effective equipment calibration. We break down ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, the difference between NIST traceability and accreditation, and best practices for managing calibration intervals and uncertainty.

Digital Evidence: Proving Authenticity and Maintaining Chain of Custody

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 16 2026

Learn how to prove digital evidence authenticity and maintain an unbroken chain of custody using cryptographic hashes, ISO standards, and legal best practices.