Claire Gwinnet, reports that the trace evidence research group is currently working on experiments in transfer and persistence of fibres in a variety of environments, such as waterways and common points of entry to aid in reconstructing events at crime scenes. Very important validation studies are being conducted by Staffordshire university for West Mercia and Warwickshire police for their ISO17020 accreditation – validation studies include effective methods for tape lifting at scenes and 3D footwear impression casting methods.

 Forensic Students Beth and Charlotte are having extra tutorials with Dean Northfields in the techniques of 3D bodymapping. This techniques incorporates computer CGI with complex pathology reports to create forensic graphics that are suitable for use in UK courts, in particular when explaining traumatic death of individuals.his techniques bring together disciplines across the STEM spectrum incorporating Post mortem pictures, CGI and technical reporting

 Rachel Bolton-King is undertaking research with firearm expert Paul Olden (Key Forensic Services) to identify manufacturing lines of shotgun cartridges through the forensic examination of fired wadding and shot. The research is supported by National Ballistics Intelligence Service and students from Staffordshire University and Avans University (The Netherlands). Recent research activity involved visiting ammunition manufacturing facilities to further understand and observe manufacturing processes.

Sarah Fieldhouse’s Level 6 Forensics students have been learning about the Bayesian approach to the interpretation and evaluation of evidence.  Students were given a mock crime scenario involving a hit and run case, whereby fibres were recovered from the bonnet of a suspect car that were indistinguishable from fibres taken from the victim’s coat.  Students were required to devise likelihood ratios for the fibres evidence, which were used to assess its probative value.