NSW Branch Newsletter - The Australian and New Zealand Forensic

Transcription

NSW Branch Newsletter
Issue 34
Eric Murray becomes an
ANZFSS Life Member. See
pg 19.
ANZFSS Merchandise
available online at:
www.anzfss.org.au/nsw
Your NSW Branch ANZFSS
Committee
Members wish you a safe
and Happy New Year, see
you in 2012!!
Inside this issue:
New Society
Members
1
President’s
Message
2
REVIEW by Glenn 3-8
Wilcher; CCTV
Evidence
presentation by Dr
Glenn Porter
REVIEW by Glenn
Wilcher; Inside the
Forensic World
Part II
9-18
ANZFSS
Merchandise
18
NSW ANZFSS
Branch Lifetime
Member Profile;
Eric Murray
19
Newsletter &
Contact Details
20
December 2011
Membership Renewal 2012:
Thank you all for your continued commitment to our Society in 2011.
Membership renewals for 2012 will start to appear in your letter boxes after
January 16th. Please ensure that you sign and date your form, complete and
check all details and renew as early as possible so you don’t miss out on the
ANZFSS events in store for 2012. Remember that if you have not renewed
by May 31st, you’ll be taken off the correspondence list and won’t be alerted
to future events.
Please note that those who took advantage of the Annual Dinner & 2012
Membership deal online – in particular those who were renewing for 2012
will still receive their Renewal Form to sign and date, check and post back
before they receive their 2012 NSW ANZFSS Branch Membership Card.
On this note: our 2012 Membership Card will be dedicated to the memory of
two of the NSW Branch’s “Committed Professionals” who sadly passed away
in recent times; Michael Dawson (UTS) and Rebecca Kendrew (DAL). Their
professional dedication and focus on quality and integrity were greatly
appreciated, not only by their work colleagues but also by the forensic
science community. They are sadly missed and we honour them by this token
of appreciation.
During the course of 2012, if any of your contact details change, please send
us an email at nsw.anzfss@gmail.com
Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones.
- Aldo
New Society Members:
The NSW Branch of ANZFSS warmly welcomes the following new members:

Paula HALLAM

Rebecca Maree LEE

Lisa SCHOFIELD

Zachary WILKES
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President’s Review of 2011:
Dear Members,
As I look back on the year that has been,
2011 sure has been a busy year; full of
interesting lectures from a wide range of
forensic disciplines including wildlife forensics
to archaeology and mass grave investigation,
forensic applications of CCTV evidence to
microbiology and bio-terrorism. The NSW
branch also organised Inside the Forensic World
(held in September) and inspired the students
and members of the public who attended into
careers within forensic science. We received
very positive feedback from this event and
hope we can continue to promote forensics
to those keen young members of our society.
With the likes of our recently welcomed Life
Member, Mr Eric Murray, leading the way, the
future for these students is bright. The year
officially closed with the hugely successful
Annual Dinner held on the 25th November at
the UTS Function Centre, Aerial, where
Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Horn and
Inspector Ian Waterson intrigued over 115
guests with stories from cold case murder
investigations. Great thanks and appreciation
is extended to all our guest speakers who
presented in 2011.
We ended the year with 218 financial
members of the NSW branch ANZFSS. This
shows a steady increase in our membership
and we look forward with refreshed
enthusiasm to continue the work of the
ANZFSS in maintaining a professional society
and showcasing all forensic disciplines at
lectures and public nights to be held in 2012.
Public events will be promoted in this
newsletter so watch this space.
their honour, the NSW Branch of the ANZFSS
has also chosen to re-name two financial
scholarships awarded to members for attendance
to the biennial Symposium on Forensic Sciences.
The re-named scholarships will be offered for the
first time for attendance to the upcoming
conference in 2012 held in Tasmania. More details
will become available early next year and
application information will be emailed to all
members once it is finalised.
Talking of the ANZFSS conference 2012, I remind
you all to visit the conference website to view the
updates. Our colleagues from the Tasmanian
Branch are hosting the 21st International
Symposium on Forensic Sciences in Hobart from
23-27th September. I know this will undoubtedly
meet the rising standard of our International
conferences, both professionally and socially! The
call for abstracts and registration has gone out,
and the National Executive have just announced
they’re offering 20 scholarships covering full
member registration costs and 10 scholarships
covering student registration costs. This generous
support, in combination with our Branch offering
will substantially assist financially if you were
thinking of attending. So get those abstracts
written!! Further details on the application
process for these scholarships will be in our next
newsletter, alternatively keep an eye on our
website! Well, we look forward to another
exciting year ahead, and I hope to see you at one
or all of our branch meetings in 2012; of course
being a Symposium year it is even more exciting!
Lastly, I take this opportunity to thank you for
your support throughout the year, and to wish all
our members and their
families
a very Merry
Christmas. We look forward
to seeing you happy and
healthy in 2012.
It is with sadness that we remember two of
our committed Society members who
recently passed away; Ms Rebecca Kendrew
and Associate Professor Michael Dawson.
These members played significant roles in the
Society and are to be commemorated by
- Alison Sears
featuring on our 2012 membership cards. In
President NSW Branch ANZFSS
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REVIEW: “Closed Circuit TV: Application & Issues of Forensic Identification
Methods” by Dr Glenn Porter. ANZFSS Branch Meeting 12th October 2011.
Presenter: Dr Glenn Porter Senior Lecturer in Forensic Science at University of Western Sydney.
Review by Glenn Wilcher.
Dr Glenn Porter is the Head of Program for the Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science) at UWS. Dr Porter
teaches Forensic Photography, Crime Scene Investigation and Complex Forensic Cases. He is Secretary
General of the Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences and a member of the Editorial Board of the
Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences. Dr Porter had 20 years experience as a forensic practitioner and
forensic photographer with the AFP. Dr Porter’s research includes reliability of photographic evidence
including comparison and interpretation, CCTV identification, intelligence and standards and application of
visual evidence in forensic science. He has published in international journals and chapters in textbooks.
What is CCTV?
The acronym CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television. It is a private or
closed video system where viewing of the video is restricted to a specific
group of individuals. Monitoring of areas and or activities may be used for
security, safety, industrial or private purposes. The images created by CCTV
can be viewed while an event or incident is occurring or recorded ‘after the
fact’ ‘on-site’ or ‘off-site’. CCTV systems usually involve links between
cameras on location and monitors at one or more control centres. The systems can be made up of analog
cameras and image storage devices or digital cameras and image storage or a combination. Systems can
provide real-time, time lapse, event, or digitally recorded surveillance information to detect, respond and
investigate, providing evidence for security and safety. Cameras can be stationary or moving. Stationary
cameras point at a specific area broadcasting that site 100% of the time. Moving cameras, known as PTZ (pan,
tilt and zoom), allow an individual to move the camera by remote control following an object or person.
Some PTZ cameras function automatically when motion is detected. These cameras also have automatic
adjustments such as auto focus and iris for maximum viewing. Dr Porter mentioned sophisticated systems
can have night vision or low light cameras for nocturnal operations. CCTV is also used to capture images for
facial recognition biometric systems.
CCTV Equipment
The basic components of CCTV include a camera and monitor recorders. Video cameras are available as
monochrome and colour. Monitors are similar to television sets and can also be monochrome or colour. The
monitors usually produce superior resolution. Time lapse recording allows time to lapse between taking
individual images or pictures. Dr Porter explained that real-time recording is 30 pictures per second. With
time to lapse between images fewer images are recorded per second and less storage mediums such as tapes,
hard drives, discs etc, are required for recording the event or action.
Effectiveness of CCTV
Applications of CCTV are very wide and include banking, retail, hospital, traffic management and surveillance
of city areas, bus and train stations. The main advantage is the geographic area able to be covered by one
security person in addition to their use in an investigation and as evidence in criminal and civil liability cases.
Examples of liability cases include use of cameras with insurance fraud investigation in workers compensation,
such as falls monitored in supermarkets or disability claims with CCTV picking up a person conducting
manual labor. The knowledge that security cameras are present can be a deterrent to criminal activity and
provides a sense of security to patrons. In the area of privacy issues, some systems can overlay opaque
shapes to prevent viewing of faces which could be prejudicial to the offender in a future criminal trial.
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Bertillonage Biometrics - Process
Bertillonage biometrics was a late 19th century method of identifying individuals by the use of multiple
bodily measurements. Bertillonage biometrics is no longer used. The process required an individual going
through a 20-60 minute measuring exam where they would have various body measurements taken. These
measurements would ideally include the height, length, and breadth of the head, the length of different
fingers, the length of forearms, etc. The results obtained were then recorded and/or manually compared to
a record database. Though all this was done by hand, the record filing and checking system was quite fast for
its time.
History of Bertillonage Biometrics
Created in the 1890's by a Paris police desk clerk, Alphonse Bertillon an anthropologist, this method of
identification became the primary method for identifying criminals in the late 1800's. Bertillon based his
system on the claim that measurement of adult bones does not change after the age of 20. He also
introduced a catalogue system, which enabled filing/checking records quite quickly. The system was a
success identifying hundreds of repeat offenders, and was used world-wide until 1903, when two identical
(within the tolerances) measurements were obtained for two different persons at the Fort Leavenworth
Prison. The prison switched to fingerprinting the following day and the rest of the world soon followed,
effectively abandoning the Bertillonage Biometric measurement system forever.
Evaluation of Results for Bertillonage biometrics
Predicted to be accurate at 286,435,456 to 1 allowing for possible (and eventually proven) duplicates, human
error in measuring contributed to a smaller effective accuracy. Non-unique measurements allowed for
multiple people having the same results, reducing the usefulness of this method. Also, the time involved to
measure a subject was prohibitive for uses other than prison records.
Leavenworth Prison Event
They looked identical and even shared the same name, but the two prisoners pictured below were actually
different people and their case helped with the introduction of fingerprint identification. The man
photographed at the top was Will West, the man whose photos are shown underneath was called William
West, and they were both sentenced to jail at Leavenworth Penitentiary in Kansas over 100 years ago. The
arrival of Will West in 1903 caused the records clerk confusion because he was convinced he'd processed
him two years previously.
The record clerk pulled out
this file photo of William
West, who looked almost
identical to Will West (seen
in the top set of photos).
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The clerk McClaughry convinced the man before him had been to the prison
previously, checked his name in his filing system and found one William West who
looked identical to Will West in the photographs in every respect and had the same
measurements. Will West had stated “That’s my picture, but I don’t know where
you got it, for I know I have never been here before”. McClaughry found he was
correct. William West was a different person altogether and had been admitted to
the prison two years previously for murder. The case highlighted the flaws in the
Bertillon method which resulted in the use of fingerprints. McClaughry, after being
instructed on the technique, introduced fingerprinting to Leavenworth Prison.
America’s first national fingerprint repository was established shortly afterwards.
Penrose Triangle
Dr Porter showed a photograph of the penrose triangle also known as a tribar or impossible triangle. The
triangle was first created by a Swedish artist Oscar Reutersvard in 1934, creating the first triangle out of
cubes. The properties of the 2D drawing cannot be realised by any 3D object hence the name the ‘impossible
object’. The observer assumes the features of the figure that are touching in the 2D representation are at the
same distance from the person viewing it. The illusion affects the eye’s interpretation of 2D pictures and a 3D
object. The visual perspective is twisted creating the illusion of a 3D object that cannot actually exist. The use
of perspective to create depth adds to the effect. This optical illusion is demonstrated below in the
photographs – at different perspectives – of the Impossible Triangle sculpture in Perth, WA.
Images of the Impossible Triangle sculpture in Perth, WA courtesy of source: http://bjornfree.com/galleries.html
Image of Penrose Triangle
courtesy of www.sightsavers.org
Identification Evidence
Dr Porter spoke about issues of recognition evidence. Various expressions are used to describe identification
evidence and are defined under the Evidence Act:
 Visual identification evidence: “identification based wholly or partly on what a person saw but does not
include picture identification evidence.
 Picture identification evidence: “identification made wholly or partly by a person examining pictures kept for
the use of police officers”.
 Resemblance evidence: evidence that a defendant “resembles (visually, aurally or otherwise) a person who
was present or near where the offence was committed”. Resemblance evidence usually consists of evidence
that a person “looks like”, or in the case of aural resemblance “sounds like”, the defendant as opposed to
evidence that a person is the defendant. The weight to be attributed to the evidence is a matter for the jury.
Resemblance evidence that a person looks like the accused is, on its own insufficient to sustain a conviction.
 Recognition evidence: a term used when a defendant is purportedly identified by a person who knows or is
familiar with him or her.
 Descriptive evidence: may take the form of a description of an assailant by an alleged victim or witness of a
crime.
 In-court identification: is the identification of the accused usually by a witness in court.
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Individualisation Methods – Identification
Dr Porter listed individualisation methods used in identification. These were distinctive markings, facial
asymmetry, morphological comparison and photo-anthropometry. Distinctive markings also includes scars,
freckles, tattoos, moles and anatomical peculiarities.
Photo-anthropometry
Dr Porter talked about photo-anthropometry which is a metric approach to facial comparison. It has been
utilised as a facial image comparison technique. CCTV and facial identification has been used in court cases
especially in the United Kingdom. Photo-anthropometry is used with facial morphology and image
superimposition to make identification determinations between two facial images. These are collectively
known as facial mapping. Facial mapping is a practice and not a standardised technique based on teaching or
obtained by qualifications. Facial mapping is qualitative with respect to the presence or absence of
characteristics features, similarities and or proportions. A number of soft tissue landmarks are marked on a
facial image and distance between two landmarks is measured. Proportionality Indices (PI’s) are calculated
for each measurement. Using PI’s, potential difference in distance from the camera can be accounted for.
This may allow comparison of PI’s from different images. The images must be taken from similar angles.
Comparisons are made of each PI from the questioned image with the corresponding PI in the reference
image. It has been stated that PIs are not discriminatory enough and the process subjective. Facial features
are not static, the face is dynamic and is influenced by many factors; physical and extrinsic (such as lighting,
distance from camera etc).
Opinion evidence and identification evidence
Dr Porter provided some overview of expert identification evidence based on images and talked about
various cases and problems with facial mapping in the legal environment. The discussion, complicated but
well-explained, covered the need for adequate protection of accused persons of criminal acts when there is
incriminating identification evidence (these critical overviews were subject of a journal article “Laws Looking
Glass”, Current issues in Criminal Justice, Vol 20:3 pp337-377).
Dr Porter mentioned the Australian case R v Tang (2006) 65 NSWLR 681 involving the reception of
inadmissible opinion evidence in the form of facial and body mapping which allegedly identified a defendant.
In reviewing the admissibility of this evidence, Spigelman CJ directed his attention to the Evidence Act, and
explained its operation. Section 79 has two parts. Under the first part, it’s necessary to identify ‘specialised
knowledge’, derived from one of the three matters identified, i.e. ‘training, study or experience’. Under the
second part, it is necessary that the opinion be ‘wholly or substantially based on that knowledge’. Accordingly, it
is a requirement of admissibility that the opinion be demonstrated to be based on the specialised
knowledge. Applying this to the evidence, the Court concluded that facial mapping was not ‘specialised
knowledge’ that would enable the Forensic Anatomist giving evidence to give an opinion about the identity of
the unknown person in security images. Facial mapping and body mapping was not shown on the evidence in
the trial to constitute ‘specialised knowledge’ of a character which can support an opinion of identity.
The Forensic Anatomists’ opinions about the identity of Tang were not based on ‘specialised knowledge’.
Instead, her opinions – including the emphasis on what were described as ‘unique identifiers’ – were
characterised by the Court, somewhat as ipse dixit, (Latin for the only evidence we have is the fact the
Anatomist said it). The Judge was concerned that the process employed was inadequately explained. Facial
mapping and body mapping were therefore incapable of supporting opinions of identification and should not
have been admitted. The Anatomist would be allowed to make de facto identifications incriminating Tang.
Even though the Anatomist was not giving opinion evidence based on ‘specialised knowledge’, the Court was
willing to allow testimony regarding similarities between the two sets of photographs in a future trial.
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That is, the Anatomist would be allowed to give expert opinion evidence about similarities, but would be
prevented from actually identifying the accused as the Forensic Anatomist had in very confident terms, during
the first trial. According to Spigelman CJ, any weaknesses or limitations with the techniques and opinions
were for cross-examination. It would be for a future jury to determine the reliability and weight of the
Anatomists evidence.
Facial morphology has been admitted as evidence in Court as a form of expert ‘opinion evidence’. Legally,
opinion evidence is not admissible, except if the person has specialised knowledge based on previous training,
study or experience. Dr Porter talked about the High Court decision Smith v Queen. Smith was convicted
of robbery. Two police officers testified they recognised Smith from CCTV. The police had previous dealings
with Smith and recognised the person as Smith in photos of a bank robbery which Smith was accused of
committing. The photos were of poor quality (low resolution) being frames from a CCTV recording. The
admissibility of this evidence was challenged on the grounds it was inadmissible opinion evidence. The High
Court concluded police evidence was not relevant as the police were in no better position than the jury, or a
member of the public to make comparisons. Police were not present at the robbery, and the opinions of the
police were based on ‘photographs’ and not the robbery itself, not being seen or heard by the police. A new
trial was ordered holding that police identification was inadmissible. Justice Kirby suggested police and
prosecution could get assistance from persons with “expertise in anatomy, anthropology and photography”
because their specialised knowledge meant they could give evidence about identification in images.
In another case, Jung, Dr Porter highlighted limitations in images relied upon by Forensic Anatomists, such as
barrel distortion, poor exposure and resolution, lack of fine detail, subjects being out of focus, (depth of field)
and motion blur (when subjects are moving) etc. In order to obtain accuracy in relation to ATM photographs
and forensic photographs, similarity of image perspective and similar distances between lens and the subject
are important in accuracy. Dr Porter stated that there are no databases for distribution of anatomical
features and that despite issues relating to focusing and distortion, angles and distances, lens and lighting and
conversion of 3D features to 2D, that limitations with security cameras means that not much can be stated
for alleged similarities.
The Peter Falconio case of 2006 where convicted killer Bradley John Murdoch appealed a conviction in the
Northern Territory Criminal Court of Appeal (NTCCA) concerning admissibility of the Forensic Anatomist’s
facial mapping. Dr Porter showed CCTV photographs of a truck with unrecognisable number plates and
Bradley Murdoch at an NT truck stop. The NTCCA found techniques employed did not have a basis with
respect to “field of knowledge” but the evidence was able to assist the jury with similarities between the
person shown at the truck stop and the appellant – it was not admissible evidence concerning a positive
identity.
CCTV images of Bradley John Murdoch and his truck, at an Alice Springs Shell fuel stop.
Images courtesy of www.NTNews.com.au
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Dr Porter discussed reliability issues with facial morphology. With photographs of questioned evidence and
recording reference images, controls are required such as ensuring resolution is high and that image
integrity does not cause problems with image distortion and also using quality lighting to enhance
visualisation. Dr Porter stated images need to be taken with lens free from rectilinear distortion and
positioning the camera that eliminates perspective distortion (camera angle). Images from CCTV cameras,
mobile phones, ATM’s etc do not meet these standards. Reference items should replicate image conditions
and camera angles should match with the camera positioned perpendicular to the object to reduce
distortion. Dr Porter mentioned observations of cameras in shopping centres and that if you are coming
down an escalator, cameras should be directly in front of you. Matching camera angles from CCTV should
provide the same level of distortion. Image perspective must be the same - it can compress or expand visual
space and change size relationship. Dr Porter showed a slide of three mannequin heads where images were
taken at different camera distances, that demonstrated differences in facial morphology caused by image
perspective, with changes to the ear, nose, shape of face, head and neck in each picture. Another issue with
CCTV is fine detail or resolving power. Image resolution can be compromised due to the type of optics.
Ability of software to capture still images is problematic as well as images converted between digital and
analogue. Increasing image magnification does not necessarily increase the detail because quality parameters
become exhausted with any further increase which leads to empty magnification.
Dr Porter’s presentation was fascinating, technical in some areas and well-explained. There is a clear
concern for this field of forensic science with respect to the admissibility of CCTV evidence and the cases
cited by Dr Porter have set some interesting precedents.
- Review by Glenn Wilcher
References
Penrose Triangle, http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Penrose_triangle.
Benefits of CCTV, www.article.com/business-articles/the-benefits-of cctv-119459.html
Thornhill, Ted (May 2011), Spot the difference?, The Daily Mail
Morten R, Morley J, (2011) Investigation into use of photoanthropometry in facial image comparison. Journal of
Forensic Science International pp 231-237.
Edward G. (2008) Specialised Knowledge, the exclusionary directions and reliability: Reassessing incriminating expert
opinion evidence. NSW Law Journal Vol 32.
Edward G, Biber K, Kemp R, Porter G. (2009) Laws Looking Glass: Expert Identification Evidence Derived from
Photographic and Video Images. Current Issues in Criminal Justice, Vol 20, pp 337-377.
Big Brother may be
“Watching” you but
others are “Listening” to
your every word!
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REVIEW Part II by Glenn Wilcher: Inside the Forensic World 2011
The ANZFSS NSW Branch held the Inside the Forensic Worlds seminar on Saturday 17th September 2011 at
the University of Technology, Sydney. The seminar was well attended with over 90 registrants enjoying the
information sessions, most of whom were senior high school or first-year Uni students. A multidisciplinary
cross-section of forensic specialists presented information on the duties they perform in their occupation and
career path information. In the foyer, ANZFSS merchandise was available for purchase. Our Membership
Officer Aldo Severino was busy promoting the Society and signed up a total of 13 new members and four
UTS forensic science degree students became financial members on the day. Well done Aldo!
Forensic posters from previous conferences were prepared by Committee Member Glenn Wilcher and set
up for the registrants to look at and read during the morning tea break. From observations, the posters were
well received with registrants taking notes and reading the interesting material. The posters provided a ‘taste’
of forensic pathology cases illustrating and providing information on wound pathology specifically bruising,
lacerations and abrasions, as well as a poster providing case studies of radiographic methods of identification
using natural disease processes, surgical interventions and dysmorphic skeletal features. A journal article
previously published by Glenn Wilcher in the Medicine Science and Law journal on the use of multiple
exostoses (a benign bone cancer known as osteochondroma) in the identification of incinerated human
remains was also on display as an adjunct to the radiography poster illustrating the radiographs.
The following is the final, Part II (see previous newsletter for Part I) of the review of each presentation given
at the 2011 Inside the Forensic World. Thank you again to all our brilliant speakers. Feedback from attendees
has been overwhelming positive.
Dr James Wallman - Institute Conservation Biology, Biological Sciences, University of
Wollongong:
Dr Wallman defined Forensic Entomology as the use of insects and other arthropods to aid legal
investigations. He outlined the importance of insects in the ecosystem providing food such as honey from
bees, their role in pollination, food for animals as well as providing a rich source of protein in
underdeveloped countries and Asia. Without insects, vertebrates and large numbers of plant species would
become extinct. Dr Wallman also mentioned the benefits of maggots in medicine with debridement therapy,
he showed before and after photographs of infected wounds, and maggots eating necrotic tissue, promoting
blood flow and having antibiotic properties that kill bacteria.
He also mentioned more sinister insects that cause hundreds of thousands of people to be sick and die such
as the anopheles mosquito responsible for malaria, and the Botfly Dermatobia hominis, responsible for myiasis
being the infection of human tissue with maggots. The anopheles mosquito, of which there are 30- 40 species,
causes over one million deaths each year. One species of blowfly, the human Botfly lays eggs on a horsefly or
mosquito, which then becomes the carrier. When that carrier lands on a human, the body heat causes the
egg to hatch which then burrows into the skin. Dr Wallman outlined the areas entomologist work in, such as
medico-legal investigations; rapes, murders, physical and medical neglect, contraband and animal welfare
involving the RSPCA. Urban investigations, both criminal and civil in nature, concerned with buildings and
pest issues & eradication of pests, and the investigation of stored products dealing with insect infestation or
contamination of commercially distributed food and manufacturing of food. Dr Wallman discussed and
showed examples of the succession of insects that arrive at a body from time of death and through the
decomposition process. Blowflies such as Calliphoridae arrive soon after death and with microbial
fermentation, flesh flies arrive. Species include Chrysomya, Muscidae, Sarcophagidine and Phoridae such as
Scuttle and Coffin flies. Beetles Dermestidae (hide beetle) arrive late in the decomposition process. Other
examples are Hister, Rove and Carcass beetles. Dr Wallman illustrated the life cycle of the fly commencing
with the cotton appearance of the eggs, and the various instar stages of the larvae (maggots) and puparium
stage with hatching of the fly, and the various hourly succession of development dependent on temperature
and species.
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Resource by The Centre for Forensic Science, The University of Western Australia
Maggots are collected from a crime scene and bred in the morgue to determine the time since death,
known as the post mortem interval (PMI). It was stressed that when collecting maggots that some maggots
such as the hairy maggots parasitise other maggots and have to be kept separate at collection and with
invertebrate colonies. Other uses include determining if the corpse has been moved, cause and manner of
death, associate suspects with the death and detection of toxins and drugs. The Entomologist identifies the
species of fly and insects, determines the size and development of insects, calculates growth and passage
through life cycles in the laboratory as an invertebrate culture and compares growth against weather
conditions to estimate time of oviposition. Dr Wallman explained that pig carcasses are used in
entomological research in Australia, unlike places such as the ‘body farm’ in Tennessee, which utilise
donated deceased persons. Dr Wallman stated that most careers in entomology are in the agriculture
sector and that a BSc degree with Honours in Biology followed by Post Graduate and Doctoral research is
the career path.
Left: The life cycle of a fly © Mark Gribben www.trutv.com/library/crime/criminal mind/forensics
Right: A maggot mass capable of producing heat and raising the temperature by more than 10oC.
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James Indsto – Forensic Botanist, Crime Science Services Branch, NSW Police:
Forensic Botany refers to the use of plant materials to help solve crimes
or resolve other legal problems. Because plant remains are found almost
everywhere, they may occur as trace evidence at a crime scene in the
form of macroscopic pieces of wood or charcoal, seeds, fruits, leaves,
pods, twigs, flowers, as microscopic air-borne pollen or spores, plant
cells in stomach contents or as DNA in plant fragments. Analysis of plant
materials for forensic purposes requires expertise in one or more
of several plant science sub-disciplines such as systematics, anatomy,
palynology, ecology, molecular biology or plant chemistry. Assessment
of evidence also frequently requires access to extensive reference
collections from herbaria; palynological, anatomical, or morphological
slide collections.
James Indsto, Forensic Botanist at the NSW
Police Forensic laboratories, examines plant
materials under a stereomicroscope. Photo by
Sydney Morning Herald 2008.
Plant materials such as seeds, pollen,
or leaves can be found not only in soil
samples, but also on dead bodies,
clothing, flooring, carpets, tools and many other places. These plant
materials can be the subject of forensic study and just like any type of
trace evidence, plant materials can link a suspect to a criminal act or a
crime scene. James gave examples of cases where Forensic Botany had
been used to solve crimes such as the Graham Thorn murder, the Jeanene
Image courtesy of the Botanical Society of Bonner murder in the United States and the Jody Gallante murder (which
America. Diversity of pollen morphology in ANZFSS Committee Member Glenn Wilcher assisted on as a Forensic
Centrospermae. Nowicke & Skvarla 1977 Technician at Westmead Coronial Morgue).
Graham Thorn Murder 1960.
Basil Thorn, the father of young Graham (8 years of age), had won an Opera House lottery worth one
hundred thousand pounds. Graham was kidnapped and a ransom demanded. At the time a Blue Customline
Ford had been seen hanging around the area of the kidnapping. Graham’s body was found five weeks later,
wrapped in a tartan blanket, at Seaforth on Sydney’s northern beaches. Soil scrapings from the body revealed
pink cement mortar (suggesting the body had been stored beneath a house with pink mortar) - pink mortar
being not uncommon at the time, but useful information. Plant fragments of two plants: Arizona Cypress
(Cupressus glabra) and a garden variety of False Sawara Cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Squarrosa') were
identified from the tartan blanket. Arizona Cypress was not widely grown at the time, but this variety of False
Sawara Cypress was a popular garden plant. The very distinctive combination of fragments of these two
plants strongly suggested they occurred together in the one garden. Also on the blanket was hair identified to
be from a Pekinese dog. Police prepared a flyer which was distributed to postmen asking if they had noted a
property with these botanical features, a Pekinese dog and a Blue Customline Ford. A postie came forward
saying there was such a rented house in nearby Clontarf....but by this time offender Stephen Bradley had fled
the country. Detectives later arrested him in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Jody Gallante Murder.
On January 7th, 2006 pregnant mother-of-one Jody Gallante was reported missing by her husband Mark. Jody
was last seen when her husband allegedly dropped her off at Parklea Markets. Jody’s body was later found in
bushland at Bilpin, in the Blue Mountains. She had died of a single gunshot wound to the back of the head.
Police investigated the murder and arrested her husband in March 2006. The case came to a conclusion in
April 2008. Systematic Botanist Joy Everett was able to identify an unusual suite of plants and grass fragments
from the underside of a vehicle suspected to be used during the Jody Gallante murder. While plant evidence
can rarely convict, in this case it confirmed that the suspect had probably been in the Bilpin area where her
body was found, contrary to his claims.
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Jeanene Bonner Murder, United States.
Jack Garcia had picked up his daughter, 9 year old Jeanene Bonner, from her elementary school in Altadena
nine days earlier. She hadn’t been seen since. Butte County sheriffs found Garcia near Butte Meadows, dead
from what was believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and with no sign of Jeanene.
Property from the truck examined revealed, in the sleeve of his daughters bloodstained yellow jacket, small
fragments of leaves identified as certain species of pine and oak. Soliciting help from a Chico State Botanist,
investigators narrowed the search area down to an exact elevation, the only place where those types of
trees coexisted. Soon after, they found Jeanene’s body. She was just a few yards from where the truck had
been parked, halfway down an embankment, covered with a green tarp that had been weighted down and
camouflaged with rocks and tree branches. She had been shot with the same 9 millimeter Garcia used on
himself.
Mr Indsto talked about the sub specialty of palynology, being the study of pollen, and how pollen is unique
with each species of plant with complex surface patterns. The processing of pollen can take several days, is
labor intensive and requires experience with use of hazardous chemicals and acids. James also discussed the
advances with DNA bar coding and cannabis genetic profiling. Forensic Botany helps determine when and
where a body died. As James covered, it focuses on the biology of a plant. Careers in this area include
university faculty/research positions and laboratory work with forensic consultation, such as with Police.
Zane Kerr, Senior Forensic Biologist, Division of Analytical Laboratories (DAL):
Zane is responsible for DNA testing for forensic exhibits. He reinforced “Locard’s Exchange Principle” that
states every contact leaves a trace. The DAL analyses 10,000 cases each year for serious crime, coronial and
private work and in cases of sexual assault. Materials tested by Forensic Biologists at DAL include blood,
semen, hair, skin cells, preliminary identification and DNA profiling of biological material. Zane explained
that evidentiary material may consist of a single item but in murder and suspicious cases there can be
several hundred items. Zane illustrated the process involved with DNA recovery, which can take from 24
hours to several days or weeks to perform. To prevent contamination with other DNA such as from staff,
personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn such as laboratory coats, masks, hair covers, jump suits
and gloves. Screens surround each examination area and consumables are disposable and/or bleached to kill
any potential contaminants. In cases of blood, a chemical screening test is first carried out to determine that
a sample is actually blood prior to DNA processing. DAL uses
the O-toluidine, or “Otol”, test that produces a characteristic
colour if positive for blood.
Zane explained what DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is and how
we inherit genetic material from both our parents and what
short tandem repeats (STR’s) are and their relation to DNA
testing. The steps in performing DNA analysis were described in
a step by step fashion. The process of DNA amplification via
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was also explained. Zane
described PCR to the crowd as “basically a biological
photocopier” producing millions of copies of a person’s DNA in
order to yield a full profile. Zane shared his career path and gave
an overview of University degrees available that can lead into a
career in Forensic Biology, such as the UTS BSc of Biomedical
Science in Forensic Biology.
DNA Structure. Image courtesy of the US National
Library of Medicine.
http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/basics/dna
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Page 13
Todd McBriar, Forensic Analyst, Illicit Drug Division, DAL:
Todd works at the Division of Analytical Laboratories (DAL) analysing illicit drugs. Clients include Police
involved in undercover and controlled drug operations, military police, NSW Health, the Pharmaceutical
industry, Department of Education and Corrective Services. Todd mentioned that much of the work done
comes under the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (DMT Act) and the Poisons and Therapeutics Goods
Act 1966 (PTG Act) of NSW. The DMT Act classifies a wide range of drugs as ‘prohibited drugs’ (and
‘prohibited plants’ in the case of cannabis, opium and coca). The Act defines offences for use, possession,
supply and trafficking of prohibited drugs (with the seriousness of the offence depending on the quantities
involved), as well as the cultivation and possession of prohibited plants, manufacture of prohibited drugs,
aiding and abetting and taking part in offences involving prohibited drugs or plants, possession of precursors
and possession of drug-use implements. The drugs covered by the Act are listed in a schedule. They include
the common street drugs – cannabis (marijuana), heroin, ecstasy, amphetamines, LSD, cocaine, methadone –
and many others.
Left: Illegal drug paraphernalia © 2011 SodaHead.com Right: Colourful Ecstasy pills pressed with symbols
indicating their manufacture batch. Image courtesy of http://homestestingblog.testcountry.com/?tag=teenage-drug-
The PTG Act deals with poisons and lists various schedules of drugs and poisons. Todd mentioned the
increased workload with 6,000 cases referred to the Illicit Drug Division back in 2004 and an increase to
32,000 in 2010 with no extra staffing. A similar situation has occurred with DNA testing. Certain cases
receive priority in processing such as undercover operations. These are fast tracked with results produced in
24 hours. Also involved with illicit drug analysis is botanical examinations and the use of palynology (as
discussed by James Indsto).
Mr McBriar, as with speakers from other disciplines in forensics, stressed the principle of continuity and chain
of custody in relation to evidence with accountability for the transfer of evidence between persons and
departments. Laboratory Information Management System receipts and documentary evidence confirming
there has not been a break in the chain of custody that would jeopardise a future court case and successful
prosecution is vital in all forensic investigations. Todd mentioned the main types of quantitative and
qualitative analyses conducted using colorimetric tests and different types of chromatography such as GC/MS,
TLC, UP/LC or GC/FID. In his presentation, Todd listed the types of drug seizures by law enforcement, with
31% of the total drug seized being THC. Heroin, Cocaine, Piperazine and Amphetamines are also common
with other substances such as Ketamine, Methadone, Buprenorphine, LSD, Steroids, Amyl Nitrate, GBL and
benzodiazepines also discovered in circulation or being manufactured across the state. Todd listed the range
of purities with different drugs, the majority being in the 20-30% range with the highest purity around 75%.
He gave purities for specific drugs as well as for the presentation of the specific drug whether it is in tablet,
powder or paste form. For example, Todd gave purities for Amphetamines tested in his lab, the powder
ranging from 4 to 80%, ice 81.5%, paste 4 to 61% and tablet form 1 to 5% purity. Todd showed photographs
of different drugs and how they are identified by colour and impressions/logos, as in the image above.
13
Page 14
Todd provided information on Ecstasy and the great variety in purity at ‘street level’. He also mentioned the
types of users and pattern of use with certain drugs. Ecstasy is the street name for a range of drugs
including, or similar in chemical structure to, MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine). Some of these
include MDA, MDEA and PMA. Ecstasy belongs to the family of synthetic drugs known as phenethylamines.
Ecstasy tablets may contain varying mixtures of MDMA and related drugs (including amphetamine) as well
other substances. Many ecstasy pills are fake and contain little or no MDMA. In its original form, ecstasy is a
white, bitter-tasting oil. It is usually available in tablet form and sometimes as capsules. Pills vary in colour,
size and design, and may be crushed to give the appearance of a powder.
A thorough overview of this drug was provided. Ecstasy has both stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. Like
other stimulants, ecstasy causes increased heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. It can also lead
to increased confidence and euphoria. The hallucinogenic properties can lead to altered perception. Users
may experience clenching of the jaw, grinding of the teeth, nausea, anxiety, as well as profuse sweating, a
tingling feeling and blurred vision. Used in high doses, MDMA may lead to an amphetamine-like psychosis,
vomiting, convulsions and kidney failure. Very high body temperatures and blood pressure, accelerated
heartbeat and hallucinations characterise overdose. In addition to deaths caused directly by the drug, people
have died by becoming overheated, sometimes through the combination of ecstasy use, vigorous dancing
and hot humid conditions venues, or from dilution hyponatremia, a flooding of the brain due to excess fluid
consumption. Ecstasy is usually taken orally either in tablet or capsule form. The powdered form can be
snorted, smoked or injected. In some cases, the pill is crushed and swallowed inside a folded napkin, known
as "parachuting" or "bombing", or is inserted in the anus or vagina, a method known as "shelving", "plugging"
or "shafting". Another drug Todd mentioned is Nexus. Its official name, 4-bromo-2,5dimethoxyphenethylamine. Due to it being so difficult to pronounce it is almost always referred to by its
shortened name, 2C-B, or by the street name "Nexus." 2C-B is usually sold as a tablet, a capsule or a white
powder. 2C-B abuse is most common among teenagers and young adults who attend all-night dance parties,
known as raves. It is often taken in combination with other drugs such as ecstasy (MDMA), GHB, ketamine,
LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) and/or methamphetamine. This drug has no known medical uses – it is used
to get high. It is very similar in chemical properties to amphetamines. Other interesting drugs mentioned by
Todd were GBH, MDPV “Bath Salts” and “JWH Compounds”, analogues of the principal active component
of cannabis, first synthesized by Chemist John W. Huffman.
Dr Alison Beavis, Forensic Science Education & Training, UTS:
Dr Beavis discussed the career paths and qualifications available across forensic science disciplines. She
mentioned the undergraduate degrees specifically in forensic science were first offered by UTS and that
now, in 2011 there are over 40 degrees available from over 20 providers in Australia.
In the TAFE system Certificates III and IV in Mortuary Theatre Practice exist for mortuary environments
including coronial morgues, with various other Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas in biological sciences,
laboratory skills and pathology testing providing possible entrance “pathways” to University degree
programs. Various scientist positions are available in forensic science including both field and laboratory
work; crime scene investigation, biologists, chemists, fingerprint examiners and forensic document
examiners. Alison mentioned the main providers for forensic education in NSW/ACT, being the University
of Western Sydney (UWS), University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), the University of Canberra (UC) and
the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT). She stated a full time degree at UC in B Applied Science in
Forensic Studies takes three years and specialisations in chemistry and biology are available. The ATAR
needed is 65. Distant learning is also an option. Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga also offers
a B Medical Science/B Forensic Biotechnology with an ATAR requirement of 70. At UWS Hawkesbury
campus, a three year full time B of Science (Forensic Science) has an ATAR of 80.35. A new Crime Scene
House with NSW Police has been established at this UWS campus and is used to train students and officers.
14
Issue 34
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At UTS, both Forensic Chemistry and Forensic Biology / Environmental degrees are offered over three years
full-time and six years part-time. Alison told the audience about the $110 M upgrade to UTS Science facilities.
Specialist areas at UTS include DNA, Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Fire/Explosives, Environmental Forensics
and Toxicology. The ATAR for entry to the B of Forensic Science in Applied Chemistry is 79, the ATAR
required for the B of Forensic Biology in Biomedical Science is 85.35 and the ATAR needed for the B Science
in Environmental Forensics is 71.
Dr Beavis stressed that students planning on studying forensics need to review degree programs and ensure
that the program they choose has strong foundation, first-year science subjects in Maths, Chemistry, Physics
and Biology. In years 2 and 3 of a Forensic Chemistry program, Advanced Chemistry and specialised forensic
subjects such as toxicology, fires / explosives and crime scene become available. In the Forensic Biology
stream, Biochemisty, Microbiology, Histology / Histopathology, Anatomical Pathology and Immunology are
other areas of study. Forensic Enviro-chemistry deals with legal aspects of environmental crime and
biodiversity is a new area of study being offered through UTS Science courses. Dr Alison Beavis, a
Co-secretary of the NSW Branch of the ANZFSS, advised students to look at the NIFS website, specifically
the forensic science education group, allowing parents and students to assess forensic science courses
available in Australia.
Dr Matthew Orde, Forensic Pathologist, NSW
Department of Forensic Medicine:
Dr Orde is employed as a Forensic Pathologist at the
Department of Forensic Medicine, Glebe. The Glebe Morgue is
now the only forensic service for CBD and Western Sydney
after the decommissioning of the Westmead Hospital Forensic
Services and Deputy State Coroner’s Office by the previous
Labor Government.
Dr Orde talked for 40 minutes on the necessary training for
Forensic Pathologists and a wide range of aspects regarding the
NSW Institute of Forensic Medicine building in Glebe.
role of Forensic Pathologists. He showed many photographs of
Image courtesy of Nine News 2008.
different types of deaths, both natural and unnatural. Dr Orde
explained the different disciplines within pathology. These include forensic anatomical pathology and general
pathology in addition to haematology, chemical pathology, microbiology, and immunopathology. Forensic
Pathologists conduct medico-legal autopsies or post mortems which are different to anatomical autopsies in
method and legal basis.
Forensic autopsies are ordered by a Magistrate being the Coroner, via court orders. The types of deaths that
come under the jurisdiction of the Coroner to hold inquests are specified under the NSW Coroners Act.
Anatomical autopsies are different legally to forensic autopsies in that they require a deceased to have a
Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and consent from a senior next of kin or their representative.
Medico-legal autopsy examinations are a medical procedure on a deceased person to basically determine the
cause, manner and mechanism of death. The forensic autopsy is done also to identify the deceased person,
time of death, the nature and extent of past and present disease and trauma and to bring to the attention of
authorities any public health issues such as infectious diseases. Pathologists prepare reports after completion
of autopsies, attend histopathology examinations, toxicology and radiological reviews.
Dr Orde explained the autopsy process. This involves reviewing Reports of Deaths to the Coroner issued by
Police who act as an agent for the Coroner and by medical practitioners precluded from issuing death
certificates due to deaths being reportable under the Coroners Act NSW. The information provides initially
differential diagnoses to pathologies with regard to disease and injuries. Tissue is collected for histopathology
15
Page 16
and body fluids for toxicological analysis to indicate presence or absence of drugs, medications, poisons or
other chemicals. In some cases, Dr Orde explained, toxicology will be what determines the cause of death
in the absence of macroscopic and microscopic findings. He also explained that in some situations, known as
obscure autopsy, no cause of death may be determined, such as degree of decomposition. Preliminary
activities of the Forensic Pathologist include collecting trace evidence from the body and clothing in murders
and suspicious cases. Dr Orde informed the audience that murders constitute only a small percentage of
deaths as far as manner of death, with natural causes the majority of causes of deaths. In addition, removal
and examination of clothing and managing personal effects takes place in the morgue. Non-invasive
procedures include radiological examinations and as in the case of the Victorian jurisdiction CT scanning.
Dr Orde explained that autopsies can involve external and internal examinations and that not all deceased
will be subject to a full autopsy. Some cases only require an external examination with radiographs and
blood and urine for toxicology. He stated that under the Coroners Act, senior next of kin or
representatives for the senior next of kin, have the right to lodge objections to an autopsy examination
which will be considered by the Coroner, on grounds such as religion. If the Coroner refuses the
application by the person/s, the Act allows for the objection to be heard by the Supreme Court. During an
external examination, post mortem changes are documented such as rigor mortis and hypostasis, as well as
scars, tattoos, injuries / wounds and any medical paraphernalia attached and body modifications.
Photographs and measurements of wounds are also done at the external examination. The internal
examination involves making incisions and removing organs usually attended to by post mortem assistants
or technicians. The pathologist may have certain protocol with removal techniques depending on the type of
autopsy. After removal of the organs, Dr Orde explained, the organs are examined macroscopically and
then sectioned for examination and specimens for histological examination are collected. At the end of the
examination the technician restores the deceased and manages the specimens collected. The Forensic
Pathologist then completes an autopsy report for the Coroner providing an interim cause of death and
advising of pending tests and results. The interim cause of death will allow the Coroner to issue a Medical
Certificate of Cause of Death to enable registration of the death with the Registrar Generals Department.
Dr Orde also explained the role of various persons attending an autopsy examination. The Coroner is a
Magistrate not a medical practitioner and conducts mandatory and discretionary inquests making
recommendations and determining the cause, manner, mechanism, time of death and deals with matters of
public health often resulting in legislation and regulations being made by politicians. A coroner usually does
not attend a scene of death except in cases like disasters where disaster victim identification (DVI)
protocols will be instituted. Another role is that of the technician who will reconstruct the deceased by
placing the organs bag in the body cavity and stitching up the body. The technicians have to ensure there are
no body fluids leaking and the surface of the deceased is clean of post mortem exudates like blood and
tissue. The bodies are able to be viewed by relatives after the autopsy.
All in a day’s work at Glebe morgue, Sydney. These images show the autopsy tables and a technician attending a storage area.
Images courtesy of The Age (2003) and The Daily Telegraph (2009).
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Issue 34
Page 17
Glebe morgue provides Forensic Counsellors for families for viewings and body identifications, to assist with
legal claims such as victim compensation, provide support at inquests and criminal trials and assist in the
process of grieving with children and behavioural issues that may arise at school or at home due to the loss
of a parent or grandparent or fellow students.
Dr Orde mentioned the role of the Forensic Pathologist in DVI. Pathologists perform under the umbrella of
the Australian Federal Police when called to assist in the identification of deceased persons and human
remains from natural disasters and man-made disasters including terrorism. Examples and pictures shown by
Dr Orde included the Bali bombings, the Solomon Islands, the Victorian bushfires, the Boxing Day Tsunami in
Thailand as well as forensic archaeological excavations of mass graves from genocide / gendercide such as in
Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan to mention a few cases under the United Nations. The audience was also shown
a short video of an individual being electrocuted by touching the overhead lines while standing on top of a
train in India- an incident in which forensic teams were involved.
Pathologists are engaged by prosecution and defense lawyers within the criminal justice system. They also
provide specialist expert opinions in court cases, coronial inquests and civil and administrative arenas.
Pathologists have special interests and specialisation such as aviation medicine, paediatric pathology,
neuropathology, public health, exhumations and infectious diseases.
Training for Forensic Pathologists.
Training for medical doctors in Forensic Pathology is part of the post graduate course offerings in Australasia.
To enter pathology training, a medical graduate must have completed their intern year and will usually have
undertaken hospital residencies. Doctors interested in training to become Forensic Pathologists are advised
to gain several years of clinical practice experience and to integrate their training with work as a specialist
trainee in anatomical pathology. Accreditation as a Forensic Pathologist requires trainees to gain admission as
a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia. This is obtained by completing a five year
program of work within approved institutional training positions. During this ‘hands on’ training there are a
number of examination competency tasks to complete. The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia
requires trainees to pass the ‘basic pathology sciences’ examination as well as Part 1 and Part II examinations
of the College in the appropriate disciplines in order to be admitted as Fellows.
Glenn Wilcher, Laboratory Technician, University of New South Wales (UNSW):
Glenn Wilcher provided information on the role of Forensic Technicians working with Forensic Pathologists
in a coronial morgue setting, utilising his 20 years experience at Westmead Hospital Coronial Morgue (now
decommissioned as a forensic centre). Glenn outlined the courses available at TAFE allowing entry to this
discipline, being a Certificate III and IV in Mortuary Theatre Practice which is the only nationally-recognised
course providing well-trained post mortem assistants for states and territories of Australia with the ability to
work in a variety of different mortuary environments. Glenn discussed the different types of mortuaries that
exist in a community i.e. coronial and hospital mortuaries, funeral home mortuaries, university mortuaries
and temporary mortuaries. He also showed photographs of such facilities as well as photos of different
mortuary infrastructure such as storage for deceased, post mortem and viewing rooms.
The role of various medical and non-medical personnel involved with a deceased person and the care for the
deceased after medical care ceases, is not final, especially in forensic cases once the person dies, and may
continue in a judicial arena for many years after their death. The role of Police in deaths that come under the
jurisdiction of the Coroner (an Inquest) is to act as the agent for the Coroner. Police will collect evidence,
interview witnesses, organise transfer of the body to the morgue, handle personal effects, establish
identification of the deceased and also have administrative functions / obligations under the Coroners Act.
17
Page 18
Glenn also detailed the role of Coroner, stressing he/she is a magistrate, whose role is to determine the
cause of death, the mechanism, manner and time of death, the identification of deceased persons, hold
Coronial Inquests and make recommendations of public importance with the purpose of preventing future
deaths. He stated the Coroner was also responsible for the investigation of fires.
One interesting role of technicians is to assist in corneal transplant programs with enucleation of eyes after
death (when consent has been obtained by the transplant coordinators). The technician will also perform
duties pre-autopsy, during the autopsy and post-autopsy. Glenn discussed the stages of autopsy and showed
images. Glenn’s photographs covered the types of cases received in a mortuary from fresh, intact bodies to
skeletal remains as well as trauma, human decomposition – such images highlighting the need for persons
interested in this field to have a strong constitution for unpleasant sights and smells.
The ability to cope with grieving families was also stressed, a need in body viewing situations where facilities
do not have Counsellors to do viewings and body identifications regularly. Mention was also made of
Technical Officers working in histopathology, processing tissue and slide preparation for microscopic
examination after the autopsy. Mr Wilcher, also a Committee Member of the NSW Branch of the ANZFSS,
encouraged interested members of the audience to complete the TAFE Certificates mentioned earlier or a
four year Diploma in Pathology Techniques or Biological and Environmental Testing.
ANZFSS Merchandise…makes the perfect Christmas gift!
Support your Society! All this and more available for purchase. Use the order form online at
www.anzfss.org.au to place your order today...2GB USB wristbands, caps, keyrings, sports bags, tea
towels, compendiums, coasters, brollies and more! We also have limited stock available on discontinued
t-shirt lines, email us if interested in $5 t-shirts (note: limited sizes). Look out for NEW 2012 items soon...
18
Issue 34
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NSW ANZFSS Branch Lifetime Member Profile:
St Johns Ambulance. Added to this he has been a
long time Fellow of the College of Nursing, and
Eric is a semi-retired Nursing Unit Manager at boats a continual 45+ years of “hands on” and
the Forensic Unit Corrections Health and a nurse education. Eric is best known in many
dedicated Committee Member of the NSW circles for his Medivac role as a “spotter” from
helicopters in search and rescue functions.
Branch of ANZFSS.
Eric Murray BSc; BCh; RN; FCN; OBStJ; JP
His career in nursing commenced in 1956 and
has covered all aspects and positions, including
Director of Nursing, of some large areas. One
of Eric’s major roles, besides supervision of the
usual general and mental health status of
people, is to train and assist nurses to prepare
documentation and to give evidence to
tribunals and the courts. Of course supervision
of nurses working in this specific environment
is challenging within itself.
Eric studied chemistry and science whilst doing
Occupational Health and Industrial Safety at a
large chemical plant. He has been involved in
the rescue phases of disasters such as the
Granville rail disaster, Newcastle earthquake
and cyclonic disturbances, and has met several
infamous people. These experiences led Eric to
look more closely at what is happening to
people and property, leading to his work on
profiling and incident reconstruction.
Eric became a member of the Australian and
New Zealand Forensic Science Society
(ANZFSS) in 1989 and has seen a continual
growth in education and professionalism eagerly
fostered by Henry Delaforce, Allan Hodda and
their committees. Eric has offered a yearly
Forensic Science scholarship available to
students or any member of the Society who may
be “battlers” and would otherwise not have the
opportunity to study. Also, some years ago, the
College of Nursing named an ongoing
scholarship in his name for his continuing
contributions to nursing specialities such as
“Trauma Injury Management” and “Forensic
Nursing”.
Eric is certainly an inspiring character whose
contribution to a range of medical and forensic
disciplines has been impressive.
The NSW Branch of ANZFSS proudly presented
Mr Eric Murray as a Lifetime Member at the
Interesting projects in his career include recent Annual Dinner.
participating in setting up the first Area Health
Service (NSW) and for its subsequent
accreditation. Another was an 18 month study
into the Forensic Medical / Nursing services
provided by the Department of Health to the
NSW Corrective Services. He is pleased to
report that many of his recommendations are
now in practice.
Eric has been recognised by the Local
Government for his voluntary community work
in the City of Gosford. He has also been
recognised by the State Government for
services to the NSW Ambulance and State
Emergency Services. He holds awards from
Her Majesty for contribution to Scouting and
Mr Eric Murray, ANZFSS Lifetime Member
(NSW Branch)
19
NSW Branch ANZFSS Newsletter
Contact Details -Your Society:
If you have any query, comment, suggestion or
content idea for this newsletter or any Branch
activities, please do not hesitate to contact us. All
correspondence regarding general enquiries,
membership renewal, payment etc, can be
addressed to:
Your Committee
President:
Alison Sears
Vice President: Shaheen Aumeer-Donovan
Treasurer:
Peter Jamieson
Secretaries:
Alison Beavis/Kate Grimwood
Memberships: Aldo Severino
Public Officer: Denise Donlon
NSW Branch ANZFSS
Merchandise:
Aaron Heagney
PO Box K208
Website:
Philip Maynard
Haymarket NSW 1240
Newsletter:
Annalise Wrzeczycki
Committee Members:
Email: nsw.anzfss@gmail.com
Harry Albani
Paul Donkin
N.B Specific recipients (e.g. President, TreasEric Murray
urer, Membership Officer) can be reached c/o
Tania Prolov
these details.
Dianne Reader
Glenn Wilcher
Website: http://www.anzfss.org.au/nsw
&
www.anzfss.org.au/nsw
Cartoon © 2011 Insanity Streak www..stoneytoons.com
20

NSW Branch Newsletter - The Australian and New Zealand Forensic

Transcription

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