Behind the Crime Scene

Shedding Propensity: Individual Variation in Touch DNA

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 20 2026

Explore shedding propensity in touch DNA, revealing why some individuals leave abundant genetic traces while others leave none. Learn how behavior, biology, and environment influence forensic outcomes.

Drug Testing Errors: How to Spot False Positives and Prevent Contamination

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 20 2026

Discover how false positives and contamination occur in drug tests. Learn which medications, foods, and lab errors cause inaccurate results, and how confirmatory testing protects you.

Forensic Psychology and Behavioral Analysis: The Real Career Path

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 20 2026

Explore the real career path in forensic psychology and behavioral analysis. We debunk profiling myths, outline education requirements, and reveal actual job roles like risk assessment and correctional counseling.

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.