Forensic Categories

Computer Forensics

Computer forensics is the use of specialised techniques for recovery, authentication, and analysis of electronic data when a case involves issues relating to reconstruction of computer usage, examination of residual data, authenticating  data by technical analysis or explanation of technical features of data and computer usage. Computer forensics requires specialised expertise that goes beyond normal data collection and preservation techniques available to end-users or system support personnel.
Special precautions need to be taken to collect, preserve and examine digital evidence. Failure to follow the correct protocols may render your evidence unusable in court.


Fingerprint Examination

The experienced staff can provide for all aspects of Fingerprint work. This includes training, crime scene examination and exhibit recovery, fingerprint identification and certification, advice on specific forensic issues and Court appearances at any level. Our staff average over 35 years continuous experience.

Forensic Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of the culture and biology of past and present humankind. Forensic anthropology is the application of anthropological knowledge in legal matters such as assisting police recovering human remains using archaeological techniques and the analysis of skeletal remains for identification and cause of death. Computerised image technology enables forensic anthropologists to use their expertise to analyse photographs and security videos to identify people.

Forensic Biology

Forensic biology identifies tissue samples; such as blood, semen and saliva; that have been separated from the body. There is some degree of overlap with the role of forensic medicine and pathologists who examine the effect of trauma to the person, the biologist examining where the tissue has been deposited, and the identification of trace evidence. The forensic biologists role includes:

Identification and characterization of samples - Including blood, semen,
saliva and other biological substances using various tests (chemical,
microscopic, and immunology)

Individualization of samples - DNA profiling tests

Blood spatter Interpretation - How was the stain produced?

Clothing damage, and identification of weapons
experience in this discipline.

Forensic Document Examiner

A forensic document examiner and handwriting expert can assist from giving advise on initial investigation through to court attendance as an expert witness. The bulk of the work involves:

- Identification of  the author of disputed handwriting and signatures with reference material
 
- Reveal sites of erasure, identify alterations / additions to document entries
 
- Reveal indented impressions of writing
 
- Compare ink, security marks etc. on documents
 
- Determine whether 2 or more documents have been produced via same printer or photocopier
 
- Associate together documents seized at different locations


Forensic Engineering

Forensic Engineering is in depth study of an engineering process or engineering machine, structure or item, which might be needed to determine how that structure or item failed to perform adequately or collapse.  The engineering structure might be a bridge, building, aircraft or factory, or a small part of a factory. In a construction engineering dispute a forensic engineer might need to study the particular construction or manufacturing process in order to analyse the engineering factors that contributed to or motivated a particular party’s actions.

In layman terms a forensic engineer is to a complex industrial failure or engineering dispute what a project manager is to the construction of a large power station or a dairy factory. A complex industrial failure involving several engineering disciplines might require a forensic engineer to solicit, manage and compile the evidence and technical expertise from other metallurgists, specialist engineers and technicians in order to determine a comprehensive causal analysis.

Forensic Medicine

Forensic medicine or medical jurisprudence is the area of medical practice concerned with the relationship between medicine and the law. It is the branch of medical science that uses medical knowledge for legal purposes, to interpret or establish the acts in civil, family or criminal law cases. It involves integrating clinical experience and scientific evidence to formulate an independent, objective expert medical opinion on the degree of medical probability and certainty that the medical findings or absence thereof are consistent or not consistent with the allegations in the case. For example, a forensic physician may be helpful in interpreting injuries in cases of alleged physical and sexual trauma.


Road Traffic Crash (accident) Investigation

Road Traffic crash (accident) investigation and reconstruction encompasses all types of collisions, to include heavy motor vehicle, passenger car, motorcycle, pedal cycle and pedestrian.  Crash Reconstruction is the systematic process of evaluating evidence associated with a collision sequence and applying accepted physical principles to determine how the collision occurred.  A collision is a chaotic event often with a number of contributing factors; it can be difficult to portray the circumstances culminating in a collision event with words alone, collision reconstructionists therefore frequently employ the use of forensic animation to demonstrate the cause or causative factors resulting in the collision.