THE FORENSIC EXHIBIT ANZFE Australia New Zealand ADVIC CWALN Biology Chemical Criminalistics Crime Scene Ballistics Document Examination Electronic Evidence Fingerprints Illicit Drugs Medical Sciences Toxicology Standards Coordination Innovation Quality Information Management Education Training After the Fact Certification Peak Body DNA Analysis Facial Identification Speaker Recognition Fire Debris and Explosives Geological Materials Friction Ridge Firearms Toolmarks Tyre & Shoemark Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Odontology Anthropology Digital Evidence Audio Visual Computer Forensics Digital Imaging Entomology Mortuary Statistics MPS YSTR Forecasting Emerging Challenges Informing Best Practice Opportunities to Collaborate and Leverage Resources Discipline Specific Technical Advice Capability Development Inform Strategic Policy Support Research Information Exchange Promote and Facilitate Excellence in Forensic Science ANZFEC Australia New Zealand ADVIC CWALN Biology Chemical Criminalistics Crime Scene Ballistics Document Examination Electronic Evidence Fingerprints Illicit Drugs Medical Sciences Toxicology Standards Coordination Innovation Quality Information Management Education Training After the Fact Certification Peak Body DNA Analysis Facial Identification Speaker Recognition Fire Debris and Explosives Geological Materials Friction Ridge Firearms Toolmarks Tyre & Shoemark Bloodstain Volume 1 Issue 2 1 July 2018 April Shining a spotlight on the work of the Australia New Zealand forensic science community Your Mid-Year Review In this issue: News from the forensic News from the forensic community community 2 2 Updates from: Updates • Inauguralfrom: Police Conference, Innovative Policing: Dean Dr Linzi Catoggio Wilson-Wilde OAM Director,Manager, General ANZPAA ANZPAA NIFS NIFS As the team readies itself to commence a variety of new projects, we would like to thank all ANZPAA NIFS stakeholders and partners for supporting us to succesfully deliver our 2017-18 Business Plan. Over the next few issues of The Forensic Exhibit you will be welcomed each time by a different member of the ANZPAA NIFS team. It’s my turn for this edition and I look forward to sharing with you some of the teams recent cross-jurisidictional projects and activities. SMANZFL Developing Future Forensic Leaders Workshop In May we ran the inaugral SMANZFL Developing Future Forensic Leaders Workshop. The workshop was very well attended with 27 representatives from 18 different agencies across Australia and New Zealand. The purpose of the workshop was to bring together participants from Australia and New Zealand forensic science laboratories to explore leadership in the context of law enforcement and forensic science. In this issue you will hear from Jane Devenish-Meares (Forensic Science Service Tasmania) who kindly volunteered to share the insights she gained from attending the workshop, which included guest presentations from Victoria Police Acting Chief Commissioner Wendy Steendam and Mr Colin Priddis, Director of ChemCentre WA. Introduction to Evaluative Reporting In Forensic Science Workshop Last year we published the “Introductory guide to evaluative reporting” on our website and we are very grateful to the co-authors for delivering a follow-up crossdiscipline workshop in June this year. The workshop was aimed at providing forensic practitioners, managers and trainers with an introduction to evaluative reporting, which is a formalised thought process that enables the evaluation of scientific findings given two propositions. Twenty eight representatives attended the workshop including Matthew Bolton (NSW Police), who kindly prepared an overview of the workshop for this issue of The Forensic Exhibit. Best Paper Awards The 30 September closing date for the ANZAAP NIFS Best Paper Awards is approaching! We encourage authors and co-authors from Australia and New Zealand government forensic labortories to submit their peer reviewed published papers now. Information about the submission process, best paper categories and conditions of entry are provided later in this issue. New Projects! The ANZPAA NIFS team are excited about our approved new projects to be launched in the new financial year. The projects include: Model Framework for Double Blind Prociency Testing, Peer Review in Forensic Science, and Process Mapping and Identifying Best Practice in Fingerprints and Illicit Drug Analysis, just to name a few. New projects commencing this calander year are outlined in this issue and we are very eager to start them! Future Challenges • Anticipating A ustralia New Zealand Forensic • R esearch and Innovation Advisory Committee Executive Committee (ANZFEC) •• C ongratulations Superintendent Frieberg and A ustralian Academy of Superintendent Hatch Forensic Sciences (AAFS) • Australia Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) • Research AAFS Victorian Chapter Fellowship Applications •• UA pdate ustralia New Zealand Forensic from the Australian and New Zealand ScienceScience Society (ANZFSS) Forensic Society (ANZFSS) ustralia New Zealand Forensic Executive •• AI an Riebeling New Practitioner Committee (ANZFEC) Update Workshop • ANZPAA NIFS Best Paper Awards •• IR anelocation of the Editorial Office Riebeling New Practitioner Workshop Forensic Science Medicineof Forensic • Sof urvey on Intelligence Implications andPhenotyping Pathology DNA •C ertificate of Appreciation Forensic project update – Peter Hatch 5 Updates provided on all of ANZPAA NIFS current and new projects including: •Forensic Forensic Fundamentals - Phase 2 project update 4 • Forensic Standard Development Explanatory text such as: “Everything • Environment Scan (E-Scan) you need to know about our new and •current ANZPAAprojects.” NIFS Groups Review • Double Blind Proficiency Testing • Best Practice Guideline for Crime Scene Managers and workshops •Meetings Peer Review in Forensic Science 7 •Reports Process Mapping from: and Identifying Best Practice Fingerprint and Drug Analysis • The Impression, Pattern and Trace • AFFSAB Review Implementation Project Evidence Symposium 2018 •Meetings Unfamiliarand Faceworkshops Identification 9 Group Conference Reports from: • SOFT / TIAFT Conference • SMANZFL Developing Future Forensic Leaders • Workshop Clandestine Laboratory Advanced Practitioners Workshop • ANZPAA Disaster Victim Identification (ADVIC) Commanders Course • Forces of Change - Defining the Future Justice Events calendar 11 Conference •“A Training Methodology Forensic Audio and summary of this for years key events.” Video Examiners Practitioners Workshop • Introduction to Evaluative Reporting in Forensic Next issue Science Contact us Events calendar 12 14 Overview of upcoming national and international forensic science meetings and events. Volume 1 Issue 2 July 2018 1 The Forensic Exhibit News from the forensic community Inaugural Police Conference, Innovative Policing: Anticipating Future Challenges The inaugural Police Conference, themed Innovative Policing: Anticipating Future Challenges, was held in Melbourne on 2 and 3 May 2018 in conjunction with the Civil Security (CIVSEC) Congress and Exposition. The conference, hosted by the Australia and New Zealand Police Commissioners and facilitated by ANZPAA, brought together approximately 120 of the most influential strategic thinkers in law enforcement and security to discuss the future of policing – anticipating challenges, exploring opportunities for capability innovations and considering how a dynamic society will influence policing. The conference broached a wide range of topics including social media, emerging drug and alcohol issues, big data, demography and technology predominantly from a policing perspective, but also provided insight into the challenges and impact on the forensic landscape in Australia and New Zealand. Dr Linzi Wilson-Wilde, Director NIFS, provided an informative overview of the current and future state of Predictive DNA, stimulating discussions about the potential use of the technology for criminal investigations and highlighting how advancements in technology can impact both policing and forensic operations and capabilities. Dion Sheppard (Institute of Environmental Science and Research) with a little help from Robert Morgan (ANZPAA NIFS) demonstrates ESR’s innovative use of virtual reality in crime scene investigation training. ‘Data is the new oil, it now drives more global economic growth than trade.’ Dr Angus Harvey and Tanè Hunter of Future Crunch, speakers at PC18. Sessions from PC18. Volume 1 Issue 2 July 2018 2 The Forensic Exhibit News from the forensic community Research and Innovation Advisory Committee Membership for the Research and Innovation Advisory Committee (RIAC) has now been finalised and the first meeting has been scheduled for 27 September 2018. At this meeting, members will review the ANZPAA NIFS Research and Innovation Strategy, as well as the priority areas included in the Roadmap, in light of emerging issues affecting forensic science service provision. The Annual list of Research Questions Document will also be reviewed to identify new project questions and remove from the list those that have been addressed or are no longer required. Opportunities to enact the Roadmap, including availability of resources and expertise will also be discussed. It is anticipated that a more focused annual projects list will be generated and made available for forensic science service providers and academic institutions to consider later in the year. Congratulations Superintendent Frieberg & Superintendent Hatch We would like to congratulate Superintendent Dale Frieberg and Superintendent Peter Hatch on each receiving an Australian Police Medal (APM) as part of the Queen’s Birthday 2018 honours list on Monday 11 June 2018. The accolades are well deserved with both Dale and Peter having made significant contributions to the Policing and Forensic communities, residing on the Australia New Zealand Forensic Executive Committee (ANZFEC), during their careers. Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) -Research Fellowship Applications Mehera San Roque Council Member, AAFS Applications are now open for the Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences 2018 - 2019 Research Fellowship (supported by the Oscar Rivers Schmalzbach Foundation). The Fellowship supports the broader objectives of the Academy, which are to: • encourage the study, improve the practice and advance the knowledge of the forensic sciences; and • generally do all things as may be calculated to widen, improve and develop the education and knowledge both of those actively concerned in the pursuit of the forensic sciences, and of the public. The Fellowship is valued at up to $15,000. Applications are now invited for this prestigious fellowship, for projects and/or activities that will contribute to the broader aims of the Academy. Relevant projects or activities may include direct support for specific research resulting in a publication, or contributing to support for travel and other costs associated with a defined research output. All applicants must clearly demonstrate how their proposal will achieve the objects of the Academy. The closing date for applications is 30 September 2018. How to apply: For further information and for the 2018 -19 AAFS Research Fellowship Application Forms, please contact Mehera San Roque. m.sanroque@unsw.edu.au Update from the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) Adrian Linacre National President, ANZFSS At this time of year for our members there are possibly two society-based matters on the horizon: renew membership and prepare for the symposium. Thank you to all who have just renewed. We have kept the membership fees the same for a number of years now, but I am always conscious of ensuring that all receive the benefits of being a member. In this regard, I remind myself of the mission statement of the society. There are actually four points and point 2 relates to the interchange of ideas and information. Point 3 relates to meeting objective 2 through lectures, meetings, as well as publications. In this regard it is often the public talks and presentations put on at branch level that meets this objective of the ANZFSS. I am very mindful that it is to these branch meetings that many members attend and with no wish or reason to attend our symposium. It is therefore essential for the well-being of the society that these talks and presentations are of the highest quality. One new concept from the Executive and Council is that funds are set aside to allow branches to attract speakers from one branch to another and facilitate an interchange of ideas. The original concept was to support the movement of international speakers when attending one branch to also visit others, but the two recent applications for this support were actually to part-fund a speaker to travel from one state to another. I am supportive of this if the public meetings meet our mission statement and is very much part of the reason why the ANZFSS exists and continues to attract new members. In this light, I will be attending one such speaker-supported meeting at my own branch and very much hope that all members are educated (and potentially entertained) at meetings of their own branches and enjoy being members of the ANZFSS. Link to ANZFSS symposium website: http://www.anzfss2018.com/ Volume 1 Issue 2 July 2018 3 The Forensic Exhibit News from the forensic community Australia New Zealand Forensic Executive Committee (ANZFEC) Update The Australia New Zealand Forensic Executive Committee (ANZFEC) met on 17 May 2018. The ANZPAA NIFS Groups Review, AFFSAB Review Implementation, Forensic Fundamentals, Parabon® and the ANZPAA NIFS 2018 – 2019 Business Plan made for a substantial agenda. 2018 – 2019 Business Plan The ANZPAA NIFS Business Plan (The Plan) for the 2018 – 2019 financial year was approved by ANZFEC and has since been presented to the ANZPAA Board for noting (June 2018). Approval of The Plan and the beginning of a new financial year, sets in motion the start of a number of new projects for ANZPAA NIFS, in conjunction with the Australia New Zealand forensic community. These include: 17 May 2018 – ANZFEC Meeting 9 in full swing. • Peer Review in Forensic Science • Model Framework for Double Blind Proficiency Testing in Forensic Science • Process Mapping and Identifying Best Practice in the Forensic Process – Fingerprint Analysis • Process Mapping and Identifying Best Practice in the Forensic Process – Drug Analysis • Best Practice Guideline for Crime Scene Managers • Transition of Technology from the Laboratory to the Field. An update on all the projects and activities approved will be provided in the next edition of The Forensic Exhibit. The business plan will be available on our website in August Ian Riebling New Practitioner Workshop Dates: Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September 2018 Registration Fee:* $150 for students and $200 for practitioners Location: Cliftons Perth, Parmelia House, 191 Georges Terrace, Perth ANZPAA NIFS Best Paper Awards Survey on Intelligence Implications of Forensic DNA Phenotyping The ANZPAA NIFS Best Paper Awards are now open. This year the application process has been simplified – the application form and one copy of the entry should be emailed to secretariat.nifs@anzpaa.org.au before 28 September 2018. For further information on the awards available and the criteria for acceptance please visit To participate, and for a chance to win one of two Amazon gift vouchers, please visit: https://bit.ly/2LcZ2A8 https://www.anzpaa.org.au/forensicscience/our-work/awards/best-paper Registrations for the Ian Riebeling New Practitioner Workshop are open. To register, head to: https://eecw.eventsair.com/anzffs18/ anzpaawrkshp/Site/Register *The fee includes a social dinner on Saturday 8 September 2018. Volume 1 Issue 2 July 2018 4 The Forensic Exhibit Forensic project update In brief: Forensic Fundamentals Phase 2 New Overview The aim of the Forensic Fundamentals project is to identify the underpinning science and validation requirements for forensic science disciplines. This project represents a long term activity for ANZPAA NIFS and will see a gap analysis performed for multiple forensic science disciplines. These gap analyses will inform ongoing updates to the Research and Innovation Roadmap Annual Project Questions document. Empirical Study Guideline The first version of the empirical study guideline has been developed by the working group and was approved at ANZFEC 9. This document will be used on a trial basis over the coming months in order to obtain feedback from practitioners, before an updated version is made available on the ANZPAA NIFS website. The international forensic community has also been consulted throughout the development of this document, with similar work being performed by numerous agencies. Gap Analysis The next round of gap analyses will commence in July, with subject matter experts and working group participants from fingerprints, ballistics and explosives and post-blast residue analysis to be identified. Any potential projects that arise from the gap analyses will be incorporated into the Research and Innovation Roadmap, which can be accessed via the following link: http://www.anzpaa.org.au/forensic-science/our work/projects/research-and-innovation-project Forensic Standard Development Update The ISO TC272 committee recently met in Stockholm, Sweden 28 May to 1 June 2018. The committee considered the country member comments on the following four standards: • ISO/WD 21043-3 – Forensic Sciences – Analysis • ISO/WD 21043-4 – Forensic Sciences – Interpretation • ISO/WD 21043-5 – Forensic Sciences – Reporting • ISO/WD 20964 - Specification for consumables used in the collection, preservation and processing of material for forensic analysis for product, manufacturing requirements and forensic kit assembly. Members agreed to focus the manufacturing standard (ISO/WD 20964) to critical consumables where contamination of those consumables may adversely affect the forensic result. Committee members were requested to consult with country mirror committees to provide information to determine consumables that should be included. Adam Dale (USA) is the Working Group Chair and editor of this standard. The Working Group for this standard is also seeking additional country experts to participate in the development of the standard and group deliberations. Interested experts from Australia should contact Standards Australia. Interpretation standard, joining Charles Berger (Netherlands) as the current coeditor. Didier Meuwly (Netherlands) is the editor for the Analysis standard. These standards are being developed under Working Group 4, Chaired by Michel Smithuis (Netherlands). The committee worked through all comments received for the Reporting standard (ISO/WD 21043-5), being developed under Working Group 5. David Neville (Australia) is the editor and Chair. All standards will be undated following deliberations at the meeting and then will be sent for country member comments at the Working draft phase. The next meeting of TC272 will be held in Mexico City, Mexico 19-23 November 2018. Environment Scan (E-Scan) Update Overview ANZPAA NIFS has applied a forensic focus to the ANZPAA quarterly environment scanning process (E-Scan). The E-Scans are an important tool in stimulating discussions and forecasting future work at the ANZPAA Board meetings. Elliot Cottrill (Western Australia Police), completed a review of the content of the current ANZPAA E-Scans and conducted further research to identify potential impacts for forensic science. We would like to thank Elliot for his work at ANZPAA NIFS and for delivering the first of the Forensic E-Scan series. There were a large number of comments received for the Analysis (ISO/WD 210433) and Interpretation (ISO/WD 21043-4), therefore the Committee focused much of the discussion on the general structure and content of the standards. Both standards will now undergo a considerable rewrite to align the documents to the revised structures. Dr Linzi Wilson-Wilde was nominated as a co-editor of the Volume 1 Issue 2 July 2018 5 The Forensic Exhibit Forensic project update – continued In focus: Update ANZPAA NIFS Groups Review Following the transfer of the Specialist Advisory Groups (SAGs) to ANZPAA NIFS management, with reporting to Australia New Zealand Forensic Executive Committee (ANZFEC), a review of all ANZPAA NIFS Groups was launched at the Joint SAG meeting (9 August 2017). ANZPAA NIFS Group Roles We would like to thank the current ANZPAA NIFS Groups Chairs for their input and feedback in developing the roles presented below which were approved by ANZFEC in May 2018. Final Phase The ANZPAA NIFS Groups Review has entered the final phase. ANZPAA NIFS are busy developing options for the ANZPAA NIFS Groups Structure and drafting a Terms of Reference. Engagement with the forensic science community will continue over the coming months to ensure that the ANZPAA NIFS Groups are fit for purpose and can continue to develop forensic science disciplines across Australia and New Zealand. ANZPAA NIFS Groups Roles Co-ordination • Provide specialist advice regarding technical issues, emerging challenges and capability development. • Identify agreed best practice and promote cross-jurisdictional standardisation. • Collaborate in initiatives to improve forensic science capabilities. Research and Innovation • Identify and prioritise trends, research and innovation needs and new technology to inform projects and initiatives. • Participate in research projects and initiatives. Information Exchange • Share and exchange information to reduce duplication and leverage resources across jurisdictions. • Communicate the activities of the Group to ANZPAA NIFS and ANZFEC through quarterly reporting. • R epresent the Australia New Zealand forensic science community at national and international meetings and groups and liaise and communicate between the groups. • Liaise with equivalent international groups. Education and Training • Identify and prioritise opportunities for cross agency and cross discipline training workshops and co-ordinate applications to ANZPAA NIFS. • Co-ordinate and run cross agency workshops. Quality • Identify cross agency discipline specific or general quality issues and initiatives to promote continuous improvement and recommend actions to address the issues. • Action approved recommendations that address quality assurance issues. Volume 1 Issue 2 July 2018 6 The Forensic Exhibit Forensic project update – continued In focus: Double Blind Proficiency Testing New Overview The aim of this project is develop an Australia New Zealand model framework for double blind proficiency testing in forensic science. In double blind proficiency testing, examiners are not aware that test samples have been introduced into the flow of casework. The key benefit of this is that it is likely to give a more accurate indication of a laboratory’s performance in conducting casework. A working group will be established in the first quarter of the new financial year to develop the model framework taking into consideration matters such as terminology, sample preparation, logistics, legislation and international best practice. It is hoped the framework will promote consistent design and a framework implementation of double blind testing for interested forensic laboratories. Best Practice Guideline for Crime Scene Managers New Overview The aim of this project is to develop a best practice guideline for crime scene managers that allows for a crossdiscipline approach for the collection and management of forensic evidence for both intelligence and evidentiary purposes. The need for this project arose from discussions at the 2016 Australasian Forensic Science Summit, in relation to the future roles of crime scene managers. Commencing in July, this project will involve a review of current practices in place in both Australia and New Zealand, as well as overseas. It is anticipated that this project will also explore the roles of the Co-ordinator and the Generalist, in best practice crime scene management. Process Mapping and Identifying Best Practice – Fingerprint and Drug Analysis Deliverables New The concept of broad scale mapping of the forensic process to identify best practice was raised at the Australasian Forensic Science Summit 2016 following the success of the End-to-End (E2E) projects Phase 1 and 2 and the tangible benefits to process improvements gained. The ‘Process Mapping and Identifying Best Practice in the Forensic Process – Fingerprint Analysis’ and ‘Process Mapping and Identifying Best Practice in the Forensic Process – Drug Analysis’ projects, developed by ANZPAA NIFS with feedback from the Fingerprints and Illicit Drugs Specialist Advisory Group (SAG) Chairs, were approved by ANZFEC in May 2018 and have received support from the ANZPAA Board. It is anticipated these projects will run over two years, commencing July 2018. Mandate The mandate of both the Fingerprint and Drug analysis projects are to review and compare jurisdictional processes to identify best practice and opportunities for improvement, cost savings and reductions in turn-around times. The project has been split into two phases. In Phase 1, a scoping exercise will be conducted within each jurisdiction, data collection points will be identified and a process mapping framework developed. Phase 2 will consist of a process mapping exercise to identify best practice and opportunities for improvement. The projects will encompass the analysis process from point of request, through collection and analysis, to reporting and police action/follow up. Jurisdictional processes will be mapped with the assistance of discipline experts within each agency through consultation with the relevant Specialist Advisory Group (SAG). A process mapping framework report detailing the general analysis processes and identification of data collection points to be used in Phase 2 will be developed as the deliverable for Phase 1. A best practice guideline and individual jurisdictional reports will be developed for the completion of Phase 2. Peer Review in Forensic Science New Overview The aim of this project is to review the current processes for peer review of casefiles and reports in forensic biology and to develop a best practice risk-based approach for results that are intended for both intelligence and evidentiary purposes. The need for this project arose from discussions regarding the definition of an administrative and technical review and how these can be applied differently in different scenarios. The issue was raised for the attention of ANZPAA NIFS in the Western Australia Ross Report, 2017. Commencing in July, the project will involve a review of current practices and will convene a working group of subject matters to identify recommendations for best practice. It is anticipated that the working group will comprise senior forensic biologists, quality managers and representatives from the accreditation sector. Volume 1 Issue 2 July 2018 7 The Forensic Exhibit Forensic project update – continued AFFSAB Review Implementation Project Update Certificate of Appreciation AFFSAB Review Implementation Project Update The Australasian Forensic Field Sciences Accreditation Board (AFFSAB) Review Implementation Project was established in June 2017 to facilitate the implementation of recommendations that were developed as part of a major review of AFFSAB between June 2016 and March 2017 (AFFSAB Future Directions Project). The implementation of the approved recommendations will streamline and standardise accreditation across the crime scene investigation, fingerprint investigation and firearm examination programs. A meeting of the ANZFEC sub-committee for the AFFSAB Review Implementation will be held on 10 August 2018. This meeting will focus on the review and future direction of the AFFSAB assessment process. AFFSAB Board Annual Meeting The 2018 Annual Meeting of the Australasian Forensic Field Sciences Accreditation Board (AFFSAB) was held in Melbourne on 14 June 2018. As well as general board duties, Board members were active in discussions regarding the AFFSAB Review Implementation project which resulted in the approval of a new AFFSAB interim policy, now termed the AFFSAB Policy and Processes for Certification, and associated forms. The interim policy and updated forms will be available on the ANZPAA NIFS website (http://www. anzpaa.org.au/forensic-science/resources/ affsab) before the end of July 2018. The interim policy addresses all of the approved recommendations from the AFFSAB Future Directions Review Report, except those related to the assessment process, with the following notable changes: • Addition of a communication strategy (Recommendation 8) • Removal of crime scene subdisciplines for the pre-requisite criteria (Recommendation 11) • Addition of a process and eligibility criteria for AFFSAB assessors (Recommendation 9) AFFSAB and ANZPAA NIFS would like thank Craig Harris, Brad Mason and Rick Sinclair for their significant contributions to AFFSAB. Craig Harris (Crime Scene), Brad Mason (Crime Scene) and Rick Sinclair (Fingerprints) have served on the AFFSAB Board as discipline representatives, providing discipline specific advice and informing the future direction of AFFSAB. • Addition of an appeals and grievance policy (Recommendation 10) • Addition of a five-yearly recertification process (Recommendation 16) • Addition of an AFFSAB Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. It is envisaged that this will be the last interim policy before the final update which will be disseminated once the review and update of the assessment processes has been completed. Five-yearly recertification A five-yearly recertification process for AFFSAB certified practitioners has been in development for several years. This points based process is aimed at increasing the rigour of AFFSAB certification and requires practitioners to demonstrate currency and professional development in their discipline. Brad Mason (left) and Craig Harris (right) accepting their certificates of appreciation at the AFFSAB Annual Board Meeting. The five-yearly recertification process has now been approved by the AFFSAB Board and we are now excited to announce the staggered implementation of the fiveyearly recertification process commencing with the Firearms and Crime Scene disciplines on 1 January 2019 (practitioners certified before 1 January 2014), with the Fingerprints discipline to commence from 1 January 2020 (practitioners certified before 1 January 2015). Please keep an eye out for the five-yearly recertification form in your email inbox over the next month. We encourage you to begin filling out the form at your earliest convenience, even if you are not yet due for recertification, and continue to update it over the five-year period. Volume 1 Issue 2 July 2018 8 The Forensic Exhibit Meetings and workshops Workshop Report: SMANZFL Developing Future Forensic Leaders Workshop Title: SMANZFL Developing Future Forensic Leaders Workshop Date: 21 to 23 May 2018 Location: Melbourne, Australia Jane Devenish-Meares Forensic Biology, Forensic Science Service Tasmania A workshop dedicated to the training and development of current and future leaders in the forensic domain has been long overdue. The inaugural SMANZFL Developing Future Forensic Leaders Workshop was well attended by agencies from New Zealand and Australia and it is hoped this workshop will be offered on a regular basis. The SMANZFL Developing Future Forensic Leaders Workshop is an initiative strongly supported by the Australia New Zealand Forensic Executive Committee (ANZFEC). Its name recognises the previous efforts of the former Senior Managers of Australia New Zealand Forensic Laboratories (SMANZFL), now amalgamated with ANZFEC, in developing leaders in forensic science in Australia and New Zealand. Representatives from 18 forensic and policing agencies came together for three days of facilitated sessions to explore and pick apart what it means to be a leader in the realm of policing and forensic science. The Workshop began with the Ross Vining Memorial address presented by Acting Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Wendy Steendam. She spoke of the close continuing relationship and reliance police agencies have with forensic science, and the increased role of forensics as an intelligence tool. Dr Linzi Wilson-Wilde, Director NIFS, then presented an overview of the wider forensic landscape and identified the multiple overlapping priorities, interdependencies and relationships between forensic organisations and bodies both in Australia and on the world wide stage. This emphasised what a massive contribution Australia and New Zealand makes to Forensic Science globally. Colin Priddis, Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory, ChemCentre WA spoke about leadership challenges and opportunities within the context of forensic laboratory facilities. Day one involved investigating the difference between being a manager and being a leader, and emphasised that you don’t need to be in charge, you can be a leader at any level within your organisation. We learned about the 5 Levels of Leadership (as defined by John Maxwell). I found this illuminating as it helped explain the nuance involved in taking people along with you on the leadership journey. We used the DISC Personality Test to identify the different behavioural styles encountered at work, and explained how these types perceive the world. Day two focused on the importance of effective communication and decision making. We discussed different innovative ‘thinking’ concepts such as Edward de Bono’s 6 Thinking Hats. We explored the Trust Equation defined by David Maisters, showing how to influence others and build authentic trusting relationships with our co-workers. We looked into identifying positions and interests and how to use these in negotiations. On day three we learnt about effective time management, project planning and how to handle difficult management conversations and situations. The workshop was extremely informative and enjoyable, and highlighted how similar the issues are that we deal with in our various workplaces. I took away so many insights and so much useful practical information, I hope that this workshop continues to be offered as a training resource in years to come. The facilitator for the workshop was Philippa Taylor from the Ducendi Group. Through the course of the workshop, she focused on defining successful leadership, effective communication and influencing the people around you. She discussed decision making in a dynamic environment, successful planning and project delivery, as well as handling and managing difficult situations. I found Philippa to be energetic, insightful, and very engaging. Participants engage in a practical exercise at the inaugural SMANZFL Developing Future Forensic Leaders Workshop Volume 1 Issue 2 July 2018 9 The Forensic Exhibit Meetings and workshops Course Report: ANZPAA Disaster Victim Identification (ADVIC) Commanders Course Date: 7 to 10 May 2018 Location: Adelaide, Australia Rod Anderson ADVIC Chair Between 7-10 May 2018, the ANZPAA Disaster Victim Identification Committee (ADVIC) DVI Commanders Workshop was held in Adelaide, South Australia. In the past, ADVIC has conducted a number of DVI Commander and Coordinator Courses depending on the status of the DVI cohort across all jurisdictions. This ensures our ADVIC Mission is continued. Central to this mission is to prepare current and future DVI Commanders for the role and to enhance our DVI response to mass fatality incidents through a better understanding of the DVI Commander’s leadership roles and responsibilities. Participants were drawn from all Australian and New Zealand Police Forces as well as from the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service, Forensic Specialist and a representative from Hong Kong Police. “I’d like to acknowledge and thank South Australia Police for hosting the workshop which provided a unique learning opportunity for current and future DVI Commanders.” Guest presenters included Detective Inspector John Simm OBE from the UK Metropolitan Police Courter Terrorism Command, who provided insight into some of the challenging operations involving DVI he has encountered during his policing career. Further, all participants bought their own valuable experiences, be it in policing or Forensics disciplines, to this learning environment, regardless of any DVI specific background. They were all strongly encouraged to engage with other participants throughout the Workshop and share their views, ideas and experiences. In this way, all participants benefited as a group and added value to their respective agencies. A significant amount of work by many individuals went into the co-ordination of this workshop, particularly when you consider the variety of jurisdictions and agencies represented and the coordination required. This multi-jurisdictional, multi-agency approach provided great opportunities for participants to learn and network with others. S/Sgt Anderson ADVIC Mission: To enhance the regional Disaster Victim Identification capacity, through the collaborative development of adaptive procedures and protocols. The workshop comprised a combination of presentations, in the form of Case Studies, as well as syndicate exercises and discussions on key strategic command issues. Participants’ learning was enhanced by the shared knowledge and experiences of the guest presenters and the Syndicate Mentors, all of whom have considerable experience in DVI operations. Participants pondering over Excercise ‘ODIN.’ Attendees at the 2018 DVI Commanders Workshop. Volume 1 Issue 2 July 2018 10 The Forensic Exhibit Meetings and workshops Conference Report: Forces of Change - Defining Future Justice Conference Date: 25 to 26 May 2018 Location: Brisbane, Australia On 25 and 26 May, the Australian Institute of Judicial Administration hosted the Forces of Change – Defining Future Justice conference at the Stamford Plaza in Brisbane. In attendance were senior barristers, judicial officers and judges. Given the future focus of the conference, ANZPAA NIFS were invited to attend and discuss future developments in forensic science. The program commenced with a Stateof-the-World report from 2050 by Mark Pesce, a futurist, author and inventor, who set the scene for what challenges the judicial system may face in the coming years. The Right Honorable Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd then spoke of the experiences in technology development and introduction in both England and Wales. The program continued with a number of panel discussions, focusing on the issues raised by the key note speakers, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in the legal profession, the use of audio visual links in court rooms and how substantive law can be disrupted by new technologies. using the Lindt café case and the work performed by New South Wales Police as an example of how technology can assist in the court in better understanding a sequence of events. Robert spoke about the developing area of predictive DNA and how this technology can be used to support police investigations. A number of other topics were discussed throughout the question and answer session, including the underpinning science requirements for forensic methods and opinions, the demonstration of expertise of forensic practitioners and the impact of forensic technology developments on the judicial system. Day two commenced with a discussion on mental health for those working in Courts and Tribunals, followed by the impact of technology on the rule of law. The future forensic developments panel included Dean Catoggio and Robert Morgan from ANZPAA NIFS, as well as the Honorable Helen Murrell, Chief Justice of the Australian Capital Territory, and the Honorable Chris Kourakis, Chief Justice of South Australia. Dean spoke about the use of virtual reality for crime scene reconstruction, The final sessions included discussions about the future of the legal profession and how to best manage the changing environment. This conference provided an excellent opportunity to update the judicial sector on the work being performed by the forensic science community in Australia and New Zealand, as well as to hear about the challenges to be addressed in the courtroom of the future. Dean Catoggio and Robert Morgan, ANZPAA NIFS, participating in the Forces of Change – Defining Future Justice Conference panel discussion. Volume 1 Issue 2 July 2018 11 The Forensic Exhibit Meetings and workshops Report: Training Methodology for Forensic Audio and Video Examiners Date: June 2018 Location: Canberra, Australia Jason Hutcheon Chair, Audio Video Scientific Working Group, Electronic Evidence Specialist Advisory Group In June, the Audio Video Scientific Working Group (AVSWG) met in Canberra to discuss a unified training methodology for Audio and Video examiners. In 2015, ANZPAA NIFS published Education and Training Guidelines for Audio and Video Examination which sought to inform the development of nationally consistent training and education. The document detailed agreed theory and practical components, but it stopped short of providing an actual training curriculum. An environmental scan of the training landscape highlights the lack of established industry provided courses for police AV which is a highly specialised and niche discipline. All jurisdictions are providing in-house training to varying degrees. To address this issue, ANZPAA NIFS facilitated a workshop, hosted by AFP Forensics in Majura. Workshop members, featured in one of the two AFP AV studios. From left to right - Sharon Bamford VICPOL, David Ringrose AFP, Geoff Biggs AFP, Tony Bonnici VICPOL, Jason Hutcheon TASPOL, Tim Woodcock QPOL, Jane Elliott QPOL Jurisdictional AV practitioners, armed with their own training documents met to establish a nationally consistent framework. They commenced the task of developing actual lesson plans with training outcomes and in many cases identified actual training resources. Many people predicted that audio may face a decline with the proliferation of video, however jurisdictions are reporting the opposite with the demand for audio enhancement actually increasing. A particular challenge was evident: the need of retaining skills with legacy formats such as VHS and reel to reel tape, whilst keeping pace of new advancements such as Body Worn Cameras and cloud based CCTV systems. The work will continue this year within the AVSWG with aims to publish a completed training framework in 2019. Volume 1 Issue 2 July 2018 12 The Forensic Exhibit Meetings and workshops Workshop Report: Introduction to Evaluative Reporting in Forensic Science Date: 2 to 14 June 2018 Location: Victoria Police Forensic Services Centre, Melbourne, Australia Matthew Bolton Scientific Officer, Forensic Ballistics Investigation Section, New South Wales Police Force Day 1 Dr Jo Bunford, Head of Trace Evidence, NSW Forensic and Analytical Science Service (FASS), set the scene by introducing the workshop to evaluative reporting, emphasising the formalised thought processes that enable the evaluation of scientific findings. Dr Bunford detailed the background to evaluative reporting and how it is used overseas and in Australia. Dr Kaye Ballantyne, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, continued with a presentation on the focus of forensic science, the role of the courts and types of expert evidence. Dr Ballantyne introduced the basic elements and benefits of evaluative reporting and a structured workflow diagram for developing an evaluative report. Hosted by the Victoria Police Forensic Services Centre, the Introduction to Evaluative reporting in Forensic Science workshop brought together a diverse range of participants from many forensic disciplines in Australia and New Zealand to discuss key issues in evaluative reporting. outcome. Participants were shown how stronger support for an elimination or identification within the ‘inconclusive’ range can assist in supporting one hypothesis over the other. A cool evening saw in the workshop dinner, where networks continued to be developed across the many disciplines and jurisdictions present. Day 2 Day two started with Dr Ballantyne presenting lectures on setting propositions, which is the first step in the evaluative reporting structure. Proposition rules were introduced along with the importance of developing propositions at the appropriate hierarchical level, which are dependent upon the case framework of circumstances. Participants were then required to develop their own propositions based upon the prosecution and defence (or competing) hypotheses from a number of disciplinesspecific exercises. Dr Duncan Taylor from Flinders University delivered a series of very detailed presentations on report evaluation, the establishment of databases, database construction through such tasks as experimentation, literature reviews and expert experience and the use of numerical systems or verbal equivalents to represent the support of one proposition over another. Day two continued with more exercises and group discussions before retiring to Ivanhoe for more networking. Day 3 Dr Bunford and Dr Ballantyne commenced the third and final day with presentations on reporting results, stressing the importance of transparency by communicating assumptions, explanations and outlining how the findings lead to the conclusion(s) reached in the report. The subjective estimation of probabilities, which may be numeric or use verbal descriptors, were again emphasised. Other beneficial information during this final stage included the reduction of bias and warnings about framed questions and anchored beliefs. The final part of the workshop looked at the implementation of evaluative reporting in the workplace, which included ideas such as stakeholder education and report appendices explaining the evaluative process. Robust discussions then ensued during the remaining time, before departure to our home locations. A special note of thanks must go to Mr Dean Catoggio, for his excellent administration of the course and his direct line to Melbourne’s taxi services. Mr Gerhard Weavers, Firearms and Toolmark examination expert from the Institute of Environmental Science Research, New Zealand, delivered the postlunch session on probability and statistics, likelihood ratios and worked examples, highlighting how these concepts could be used in a number of forensic science settings. Gerhard went on to discuss the possible information available from an ‘inconclusive’ result. An inconclusive result covers a broad range of findings from ‘almost’ an elimination to ‘almost’ an identification, with the potential for valuable information being lost when nothing further is reported beyond the ‘inconclusive’ Volume 1 Issue 2 July 2018 13 The Forensic Exhibit Events Calendar – 2018 2018 August International Police Executive Symposium 2018 19 – 24 August 2018 Vienna, Austria http://ipes.info/ The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT) 2018 Conference ICDF2C 2018: 10th EAI International Conference on Digital Forensics and Cybercrime 10 – 12 September 2018 New Orleans, United States http://d-forensics.org/ ICDFJE 2018: 20th International Conference on Digital Forensics and Justice System 10 – 11 September 2018 2019 Jan 21st International Conference on Forensic and Investigative Science 21 – 22 January 2019 London, United Kingdom https://waset.org/conference/2019/01/london/ ICFIS June Tokyo, Japan 26 – 30 August 2018 Ghent, Belgium http://www.tiaft2018.org/ 8th European Academy of Forensic Science Conference 27 – 31 August 2018 Lyon, France https://www.eafs2018.eu/programme/10 September 10th Asian Forensic Science Network (AFSN) Annual Meeting and Symposium 4 – 8 September 2018 Beijing, China http://afsn2018.cn/ Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) 24th International Symposium 2018 9 – 13 September 2018 Perth, Western Australia http://www.ANZFSS2018.com https://waset.org/conference/2018/09/tokyo/ ICDFJS International Symposium on Human Identification (ISHI) 2018 24 – 27 September 2018 Phoenix, Arizona https://www.ishinews.com/ October Society of Forensic Toxicologists Annual Meeting 2018 7 – 12 October 2018 3rd World Conference and Exhibition on Forensic Science 3 – 4 June 2019 Berlin, Germany https://scientificfederation.com/forensicscience-2019/ September 28th Congress of the International Society for Forensic Genetics (ISFG) 9 – 14 September 2019 Prague, Czech Republic http://www.isfg2019.org/ Minneapolis, Minnesota http://www.soft-tox.org/meeting December 31st Annual Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology (ANZSOC) Conference 4 – 7 December 2018 Melbourne, Australia http://www.anzsoc.org/cms-conferences/ index.phps Volume 1 Issue 2 July 2018 14 The Forensic Exhibit Next edition focus In the next issue: Forensic project update • Transition of Technology from the Laboratory to the Field Follow us on Twitter: @nifs_anz • Peer Review in Forensic Science Meetings and workshops • ANZFSS Symposium • Specialist Advisory Group Meetings • Best Practice Digital Imaging in Forensic Odontology Workshop • Continuing Education for Mortuary Technicians Workshop • Advancing the Value of Fibre Traces Obtained in Casework Workshop • Ian Riebeling New Practitioner Workshop More information: Newsletter contributions If you would like any further information on ANZPAA NIFS or would like to contribute to the next edition of The Forensic Exhibit please contact Tracie Gould: tracie.gould@anzpaa.org.au Contact us Level 6, Tower 3 World Trade Centre 637 Flinders Street, Docklands Victoria 3008 T: +61 3 9628 7211 F: +61 3 9628 7253 secretariat.nifs@anzpaa.org.au www.nifs.org.au Disclaimer This newsletter is for general information purposes only. The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of ANZPAA NIFS. ANZPAA NIFS has taken all reasonable measures to ensure that the material contained in this newsletter is correct. However, ANZPAA NIFS gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or the completeness of the material. Volume 1 Issue 2 July 2018 15