Blood Transfusions~

The table above portrays the different blood types and there compatibility to one another. This is all based on the idea of transfusion. Transfusion is the process of transferring blood, or blood based products from one person, into the circulatory system of another. Although this may sound like a simple process, it is actually quite complicated. Not only does each individual have different types of blood, but if some of these different types of blood were to mix with another type of blood, then your immune system may form antibodies and begin attacking the donated blood. Furthermore, above you will notice that blood O negative is the Universal Donor which means it can successfully be donated to every type of blood without harm. You will also notice that blood AB positive is the Universal Receiver which means that it can receive any type of blood successfully. Every other blood type has restrictions as you will notice in the table above.

Information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_transfusion

Major Types of Blood~

There are four main types of blood, A, O, AB, and B. Each of these types is divided into two different types: AB+, AB-, O+, O-, A+, A-, B+, and B-. As you can see, the blood types are divided between positive and negative types. The main difference between positive and negative blood types is the positive has the RhD antigen, while the negative does not. RH is a complex way of classifying blood.

Picture and Information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_type

Techniques Used to ID Hair/Fiber~

Hair and Fiber:

Today hair and fiber has become a very important clue to police when trying to catch the culprit of a crime. In a very thin strand of hair police are able to identify the drugs or poison the person has had and the race of the person (Asian, African American, White). . Although, if the hair has been dyed or a certain chemical is put in the hair, the hair might change its style and the way it looks under a microscope, giving the police a false clue. However with fiber, scientists are able to determine where crime scenes occured and vertify that they are searching for the correct criminal. Also, once the fiber is formed, its type cannot be changed therefore the mix ups with fibers are very rare. Furthermore, forensic scientists have been able to identify the three main types of hair: Coronal, Spinous, and Imbricate and two main types of fiber: Natural and Man- Made.

Pictures:

http://www.cgakhaltekes.com/index_image3798.gif

http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/fsc/backissu/jan2004/research/images/fig03.jpg

http://foileducation.com/Forensics/hair_files/image006.jpg

http://www.kongfi.com/cp/cp2b.jpg

http://216.38.51.43/microsites/education/treks/primitive/images/Cordage-from-natural-fibers.jpg

Information:

http://www.fbi.gov/hq/lab/fsc/backissu/july2000/deedric1.htm

Handwriting Forgery~

As another part of our lab experiences in Isaac Bear, each student made a fake check, using a fake name, but writing in our own handwriting. Next, we were to rip our check apart and place it into an envelope. Mr. Kelly then mixed up the envelopes and gave us each a different envelope with a different check. We were then required to put the check back together and identify the person who wrote the check. After comparing the handwriting of the check to my classmate’s handwriting, I was able to discover the owner of the check. This method of Handwriting Analysis is not accurate but sometimes used when trying to catch the criminal of a crime. I can only imagine the difficulty the police go through when comparing the different handwritings, although, in todays society we have technology for this sort of thing.

Inaccuracy in Handwriting Analysis~

Although a note left by a criminal could become another helpful clue for police in the middle of solving a mystery, sometimes it is very inaccurate. Inaccuracies in handwriting analysis may include the following:

1. Criminal may change the style of his/her writing forming a false clue

2. The writing may be smudged

3. The note may be typed

4. The criminal might have framed someone else by allowing them to right the note

5. Depending on the instrument, the writing may thicker/thinner

6. The writing may be a bit skewed if the person writing the note was in a rush

Picture:

http://www.shelbycollinge.com/Handwriting-style-main_Full.jpg

History of Handwriting Analysis~

Handwriting analysis is basically a comparison between two or more documents and determining whether or not the same person wrote both documents. Throughout the years, handwriting analysis has gotten more accurate and police are sometimes able to use it as a valid clue. Although, in the 1980's handwriting analysis was not very authentic because a man named Konrad Kujau was able to trick all by forging a few diaries he stated was written by Hitler. Kujau reported to the police that he had found a lost diary of Adolf Hitler in an airplane wreckage after World War II. After police compared the diary with known exemplars written by Hitler, they stated that the diary was truly written by Hitler and Kujau received 2.3 million dollars. It was not until years later was Kujau identified as a liar, for he forged the diaries and the 'exemplars'. Kujau was caught because apparently, the paper Kujau used had a special ingredient that was not used in paper until 1954, whereas Hitler passed away in 1945.

Information:

http://science.howstuffworks.com/handwriting-analysis2.htm

Techniques and Indicators Used to Identify Handwriting~

When trying to identify the culprit of a crime, Forensic scientists are usually needed to analysis handwriting. The twelve main characteristics for comparing handwriting are as follows:

1. Line quality: Do the letters flow or are they written with very intent strokes?

2. Spacing of words and letters: What is the average space between words and letters?

3. Ratio of height, width, and size of letters: Are the letters consistent in height, width and size?

4. Lifting pen: Does the author lift his or her pen to stop writing a word and start a new word?

5. Connecting strokes: How are capital letters connected to lower case letters?

6. Strokes to begin and end: Where does the letter begin and end on a page?

7. Unusual letter formation: Are any letters written with unusual slants or angles? Are some letters printed rather than written in cursive?

8. Pen pressure: How much pen pressure is applied on upward and downward strokes?

9. Slant: Do letters slant to the left or right? If slant is pronounced, a protractor may be used to determine the degree.

10. Baseline habits: Does the author write on the line or does the writing go above or below the line?

11. Fancy writing habits: Are there unusual curls or loops or unique styles?

12. Placement of diacritics: How does the author cross the t's or dot the i's?

Handwriting Lab~

Although handwriting analysis is an interesting topic, when trying to find the criminal in a case, it might not be the most reliable thing. After completing our handwriting analysis lab in school, I realized that although every style of writing is unique, after practice, an individual can write almost identical to someone else. Therefore, when police are trying to use Handwriting Analysis to figure out the criminal, they might identify the wrong person as the criminal because of forgery. Above, you see the original sample done by Tala Khatib.

This is a freehanded sample tried once by Nicole Pridgen. Although it does not perfectly match the original sample, it is close enough to show that with a little practice, Pridgen could copy Khatibs writing perfectly.

This is a traced forgery done by Lizzie Paluso. Once, although it is not perfect, it is still much closer than the freehand and with a little practice, it could be identical to the original.

Fingerprint Types~

Plastic Prints~

Plastic prints are fingerprints that have been impressed onto a surface. These prints can be seen on anything soft or malleable, for the print leaves an indention. For instance, Plastic prints can be seen on gum, something newly painted, play doe, wax, and/or cement that has not yet dried. Obviously, these types of fingerprints are visible and do not need any enhancements to be seen.

Direct Prints~

Direct Prints are visible fingerprints that occur when a foreign substance such as blood or oil is on a finger which then leaves a print. These prints are usually seen on smooth surfaces such as doorknobs, or tables. They are formed by dust particles attached to the foreign substance that cling to the surface; no extra enhancements are needed to see these prints.

Latent Prints~

Latent fingerprint are caused from the perspiration from ones sweat pores on their finger. The prints are usually smudged causing a high percent error when trying to find the person who has that specific fingerprint; although, they are highly valuable because the convict has no idea he/she has left those fingerprints. Also, these prints need many enhancements to be seen because they are invisible to the human eye.

Pictures:

http://www.bsapp.com/forensics_illustrated/photos/Unit_4_Pictures_Fingerprints/Developed_Latent_Prints/Latent_Print_12_developed_with_iodine_fuming.JPG

http://www.clpex.com/images/Articles/tio2/nonadhesive.gif

http://people.pwf.cam.ac.uk/jw566/research/photex/application/images/finger1.jpg

Information:

http://www.fingerprinting.com/types-of-fingerprints.php

The History of Fingerprints~

Although the idea that no two fingerprints are alike was first discovered by various officials in 14th century Persia, it was not until 1858 that Sir William Herschel began using fingerprints as an identification process. Herschel began having locals sign contracts with their palm prints, because he believed leaving a print bound you to a contract more than a signature would. Later, Herschel began only using the thumb and the forefinger for contracts, and as he used this form of signature more and more, he began noticing that although there are basic designs for fingerprints, each print has its own distinct design. Furthermore, in 1882 by a man named Alphonse Bertillon discovered that fingerprinting can actually be used as way to catch criminals. Bertillon was the Chief of the Department of Judicial Identity in Paris, France. He used Anthropometry as a means of identifying criminals. Anthropometry is a science which uses an individual’s length of head, middle finger, left foot and forearm from elbow to tip of middle finger to identify whether or not someone is guilty of a crime. When Bertillon was introduced to using fingerprints as a means of identification, he used it but only as a secondary role in the category of special marks. Although, the more Bertillon’s’ fingerprint collection grew, the more he was able to learn about fingerprints. And as his knowledge grew, he noticed that every fingerprint is unique and using fingerprints is one of the most accurate identification techniques. Later, in 1891, Juan Vucetich, an Argentine Police official, made the first criminal identification using a bloody fingerprint in 1892. To conclude, in 1902 the use of fingerprints as an identification process was introduced in the United States. And since then, we have found many different techniques in finding the prints and we have made files of prints for every baby born in the United States. Today, Fingerprint Identification is a basic method used to identify

suspects in a crime.

Information:

http://www.onin.com/fp/fphistory.html

Lifting Fingerprints~

Super Glue Fuming~

Although it may sound odd, the fume of superglue is one of the three basic things used to find fingerprints. Research proves that the fumes of superglue in a small closed environment, with the object that has the invisible prints, will not only show one the outline of the fingerprint, but it will also clearly show the print, leading the police closer to the criminal. The fumes from the super glue, or Cyanocrylate Ester, helps find prints on many different smooth surfaces including glass or plastic.

Powder~

Powder is usually used when fingerprints are visible, bought are not clear. The color of the powder must always contrast with the surface color. For example, a black table usually calls for the use of Talcum Powder, which is white. Or, on glass surfaces Carbon powder, which is black is most likely used. After the powder has been sprinkled onto the print, the excess powder is brushed away and a piece of tape is placed on the print and lifted, capturing the design of the print. There are also dyed powders that can also be used, depending on the color of the dry, nonabsorbent surface. Furthermore, there are also fluorescent powders, which are a fine powder, used to detect prints with low UV rays.

Chemical~

Although using chemicals to visualize fingerprints is highly effective, it is usually only done in labs. One of the chemicals used is iodine, and just as superglue, it is the fume used which discovers the print. Iodine is a solid crystal that when heated, skips the liquid phase and immediately becomes a vapor, called sublimation. This vapor then combines with the print allowing it to become visible. The only downfall is once the process is complete, the print becomes invisible once more; therefore, during the process, a picture of the print is usually taken or starch is sprayed onto the surface leaving the print visible for months.

Information:

http://www.diylife.com/2008/01/24/diy-csi-lift-fingerprints-with-super-glue/

http://www.csigizmos.com/products/latentdevelopment/processing.html

http://www.bxscience.edu/publications/forensics/articles/fingerprinting/f-fing03.htm

Basic Fingerprint Shapes~

Although families may be genetically alike, their fingerprints are drastically different. While the parents may have plain arches and ulnar loops, the children may have an accidental whorl and double loop whorl. Every human being has their own set of unique fingerprints, and although you might have two fingers with plain whorls, they might not have very many similarities as one might think. Also, it is one out of sixty-four billion that two people have IDENTICAL finger prints.

Arches~

Arches are found in about 5% of the fingerprints seen. There are four basic arch patterns which are plain radial ulnar and tented arches. The plain arches have an even flow with no significant curves, the flow from one side of the finger to the other, leaving a wave at the end. Tented arches have significant up-thrusts in the middle, making the print look like a mountain.

Loops~

Loops are seen on about 60-70% of fingerprints. The three basic types of loops are radial, ulnar and central pocketed. The radial loop, named after the radius in the forearm, is a mountain like figure that curves to the left. Likewise, the ulnar Loop, which is named after the Ulna in the forearm, is also a mountain like figure but instead, it curves to the right. Lastly, the central-pocketed loop looks like a tiny bullsye in the top right side, without any random thrusts going to the left and right.

Whorls~

Whorls are seen on about 25-35% of fingerprints. There are three basic types of whorls, Double Loop, Plain, and Accidental Whorl. One characteristic that all of the whorls have in common is that they all have two or more deltas in the middle. The Double-Loop Whorl literary looks like two whorls, forming into one larger whorl. The Plain Whorl looks like a two or more ridges that usually make a complete circle around the two deltas. Lastly, the Accidental Whorl looks like a circle but with more lines, giving the circle a hidden look.

Picture:

http://www.viewzone.com/fingerprint1.jpg

Information:

http://odec.ca/projects/2004/fren4j0/public_html/fingerprint_patterns.htm

The Crime Scene~

The Cat Hair

The Note written by Mr. Michael Kelly

Mr. Michael Kelly and Ms. Kooladria Jones are found guilty of drug trafficking. Kelly, the owner of the crack, was dealing crack to his usual clients on a late Saturday night when Jones, a woman who rarely comes to Kelly to purchase crack, decides to buy half a pound of the crack. Apparently, Kelly’s selling price was firm at 500 dollars for half a pound. Jones, who wanted to buy it for 150 dollars, was outraged at the high price and grabbed the bag of crack as she ran towards the door holding her cat, Steffi, and the crack securely. Kelly pulls out his gun in rage and shoots Jones right arm. Jones then falls to the ground, she drops the crack, one of her earrings, and her left shoe, and Steffi runs away. Jones and Kelly escape but because of the blood, the shoe, the earring, and Steffi’s hair Jones left behind, the police were able to find her. Also, because Kelly left a note which stated, "Ha, ha, ha I love crack", and a fingerprint, police were able to identify Kelly as part of the case as well. Today Michael Kelly and Kooladria are doing their time in prison as well as community service.

Links~

Fingerprint Types:

http://www.bsapp.com/forensics_illustrated/photos/Unit_4_Pictures_Fingerprints/Developed_Latent_Prints/Latent_Print_12_developed_with_iodine_fuming.JPG

http://www.clpex.com/images/Articles/tio2/nonadhesive.gif

http://people.pwf.cam.ac.uk/jw566/research/photex/application/images/finger1.jpg

http://www.fingerprinting.com/types-of-fingerprints.php

History of Fingerprints:

http://www.onin.com/fp/fphistory.html

Lifting Fingerprints:

http://www.diylife.com/2008/01/24/diy-csi-lift-fingerprints-with-super-glue/

http://www.csigizmos.com/products/latentdevelopment/processing.html

http://www.bxscience.edu/publications/forensics/articles/fingerprinting/f-fing03.htm

Basic Fingerprint Shapes:

http://www.viewzone.com/fingerprint1.jpg

http://odec.ca/projects/2004/fren4j0/public_html/fingerprint_patterns.htm

~COMMENTS~

Alex Pender says that your handwriting analysis section is really good... it showed just how much of a skill forgery is and how much analysing goes into proving criminals. Also i think that your blog looks really nice! The information that I read seems very accurate and good and also i think maybe you have to go back and check your spacing.

Mike Kelly says that the layout of the overall blog is excellent...I like the concise descriptions coupled with excellent visuals...The flow of the blog is nice and the understanding you display in your presentation is evident. Nice work Tala.

Curtis Cribb says I really like the chart you made on blood transfusions, it helped me understand which bloods can mix well with other bloods

Jennifer Williams says the paragraph was very insightful on blood types and the different types, it goes with the picture. Good Job

Mary Zielonka says the inaccuracies in the number of different ways of handwriting analysis shows that you can't just set the way that the note or whatever was written because it does matter.