The individual variation in depositing DNA traces, historically termed “shedder status,” represents a critical variable in forensic activity level evaluations. However, the integration of this concept into casework is currently hindered by inconsistent terminology, a lack of standardized definitions, …

Determining the time of death is a critical factor in forensic death investigations. Currently, the most widely used method is rectal temperature measurement. However, there are many, often unknown, factors influencing the results of this method and furthermore it has the limitation that it can only …

Recent years have shown a growing effort in the evaluation of DNA given activity level propositions. Yet, its implementation remains challenging for forensic scientists due to the complexity of assessing relevant DNA TPPR mechanisms. One particular challenge is the sparsity of relevant experimental data …

Stigma vormt een belangrijke barrière in het persoonlijke herstelproces van mensen met onbegrepen gedrag. Dit case report beschrijft het verhaal van een 56-jarige man die voorafgaand aan zijn opname worstelde met (zelf)stigma: een geïnternaliseerd gevoel van afwijking, waarbij mensen negatieve stereotypes …

Smartphones and smartwatches are ever-present in daily life, and provide a rich source of information on their users' behaviour. In particular, digital traces derived from the phone's embedded movement sensors present an opportunity for a forensic investigator to gain insight into a person's physical …

Accurate and reliable decision-making in the criminal justice system depends on accurate expert reporting and on the correct interpretation of evidence by the judges, prosecutors, and defense lawyers. The present study aims to gain insight into the judiciary's capability to assess the accuracy and reliability …

Highlights • Mandates standardised protocols for the publication of DNA transfer and recovery data to ensure consistency • Requires open-sharing of non-allelic experimental and casework data in accessible formats to build a databank. • Specifies use of fully continuous probabilistic genotyping and NIST …

Self-injurious behavior in forensic mental health care populations happens frequently and affects not only the individuals involved but also other patients and treatment staff. Moreover, it is linked to violent behavior toward others and is a predictor of suicide. There is still a limited understanding …

It is common knowledge that when driving a vehicle, people leave traces of DNA behind. However, in the context of vehicle crimes, it is helpful for the police and investigative personnel to know the vehicle locations in which a perpetrator most likely left DNA during the incident. By specifying the most …

Residential burglaries often go unsolved, as collected DNA traces and fingermarks frequently originate from residents rather than the offender. It is therefore important to know how to target sampling locations that specifically relate to the burglary event. However, data that aid in assessing the likelihood …