Behind the Crime Scene

Accidental vs. Intentional Fires: How Investigators Determine Cause

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 1 2026

Learn how fire investigators distinguish between accidental and intentional fires using scientific methods, burn pattern analysis, and origin identification. Understand key signs of arson vs. common household fire causes.

Touch DNA Evidence: Collection Strategies, Limitations, and Best Practices

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 1 2026

Explore the complexities of touch DNA evidence, including collection strategies, surface effects, contamination risks, and interpretation challenges. Learn how forensic professionals navigate low-template DNA analysis and probabilistic genotyping.

Microplastics as Trace Evidence: Source, Spread, and Forensic Challenges

By : Ian Brophy
Date : May 1 2026

Explore how microplastics are emerging as a complex form of trace evidence in forensic science. Learn about source attribution challenges, collection protocols, and the future of microplastic analysis in criminal investigations.

Depth of Field Management in Macro Evidence Shots

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Apr 30 2026

Master depth of field management for forensic macro evidence. Learn how to balance magnification, aperture, and focus stacking to ensure critical evidence is sharp.

Sharp Force Trauma: Understanding Knife and Cut Injuries in Forensics

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Apr 30 2026

Explore the forensic science of sharp force trauma, from distinguishing stab wounds from incisions to identifying defensive injuries and analyzing weapon signatures.

Automotive Paint Systems: Layering and Source Attribution in Forensic Analysis

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Apr 30 2026

Explore how forensic experts use automotive paint layering and chemical analysis for source attribution in hit-and-run and trace evidence investigations.

Mastering Chain of Custody Documentation in Forensic Reports

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Apr 29 2026

Learn how to create bulletproof chain of custody documentation for forensic reports to ensure evidence integrity and legal admissibility in court.

Virtual Machine Forensics: How to Acquire and Analyze VM Evidence

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Apr 29 2026

Master the process of virtual machine forensics. Learn how to acquire and analyze VM evidence, handle memory dumps, and utilize snapshots for digital investigations.

Fingerprint Aging: Do Your Prints Change as You Get Older?

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Apr 29 2026

Do fingerprints change as you age? Discover why ridge patterns stay stable while skin texture evolves, and how this affects biometric scanners and forensic science.

Court-Ready Visuals: Using Graphs and Timelines to Persuade Juries

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Apr 28 2026

Learn how to create persuasive, court-ready graphs and timelines for forensic reporting. Master visual hierarchy, evidence integration, and design principles to win over juries.

Bloodborne Pathogen Protocols: A Guide to Laboratory Biological Safety

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Apr 28 2026

Expert guide on bloodborne pathogen protocols in labs. Learn about OSHA standards, BSL-2 containment, and Universal Precautions to ensure biological safety.

Cold Case Profiling: Using Psychology to Solve Old Crimes

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Apr 28 2026

Discover how cold case profiling uses behavioral analysis, victimology, and forensic psychology to solve decades-old crimes and identify unknown offenders.