1

END OF YEAR CELEBRATION

December 2014 Issue 45

NSW Branch Newsletter

Inside this issue:

New Members 1

Presidents Message

REVIEW: Dr Sharon

Neville -DNA profil-

ing

REVIEW: Clive Small

Into the Mix

REVIEW: NSW

Branch Awards

REVIEW: ANZFSS

Symposium

Branch Contacts

End of Year Cele-

bration

2-3

4-5

6-8

9-10

11

13

13

Congratulations

to all the NSW

Branch Award

winners and award

winners from the

ANSFSS symposium

From the commit-

tee of the NSW

Branch, we wish all our

members a safe and

happy festive season

and look forward to

seeing you at one of

the exciting presenta-

tions next year.

New Society Members:

The NSW Branch of ANZFSS warmly welcomes the following new and returning members:

Connie ALDABA

Prue ARMSTRONG

Jo BLACKMAN

Christine BROWN

Madelen CHIKHANI

Baree CHILCOTE

Diana DE LOSA

Anil GAUTAM

Yarong LI

Chris LENNARD

Sebastian MORET

Vilma SILVA

Andrew SYMONS

Stephanie TAN

For more details see page 13

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Presidents Message:

Dear members,

Another year is coming to a close, and how quickly it seems to have ar-

rived! There have been some very interesting events within the world of

forensics, including some court rulings that have caused ripples across the

forensic community. In June this year, after serving 19 years for the murder

of AFP Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester, the ACT Supreme

Court has recommended the murder conviction against David Harold East-

man be quashed. Citing Eastman had not received a fair trial due to flaws

primarily in the forensic case, a re-trial is to be conducted at the discretion

of the DPP. Subsequent calls for a Royal Commission into forensic proce-

dures have been made by Dr Bob Moles, Coordinator for the Justice Advocacy Group ‘Networked

Knowledge’. Dr Moles cites similarities of errors in the case with the Splatt and Chamberlain cases

from the 1980’s. In light of this, I encourage you all to read the Editorial by Professor James Robert-

son in the recent Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences (AJFS,46 (4), December 2014), which ad-

dresses this specific case, Dr Moles’ push for a royal commission, and provides some thought-

provoking comments around the relationship between forensic science and the justice system to-

day. Another conviction successfully challenged, this time in the High Court of Australia, was the convic-

tion of Daniel Glenn Fitzgerald (Fitzgerald v R[2014] HCA 28). In this case, the prosecution relied

heavily on the fact that the appellant’s DNA was recovered from a didgeridoo found at the crime

scene of a fatal assault, and this DNA was transferred from him to the didgeridoo at the time of at-

tack. The appellant argued there were alternative scenarios as to how his DNA was recovered from

the didgeridoo that would raise doubt as to the validity of the prosecution case. One hypothesis

put forward was the appellant had been in contact (shook hands) with a third person who subse-

quently was present at the time of assault, and the appellant’s DNA was transferred ‘innocently’ to

the scene. HCA found “…the prosecutions main contention, that the appellants DNA in the sample ob-

tained from the didgeridoo derived from his blood, was not made out beyond reasonable doubt. Further, the

recovery of the appellants DNA from the didgeridoo did not raise any inference about the time when or cir-

cumstances in which the DNA was deposited there…”, and the court did not accept “… evidence relied

upon by the prosecution was sufficient to establish beyond reasonable doubt that the appellant was present

at, and participated in, the attack. This should have allowed the jury to entertain a reasonable doubt as to

the appellants guilt…”. This case was interesting as not only did it rely on DNA evidence obtained

from the crime scene as the primary link to the appellant, it delves into the issue of DNA transfer ie

the ability of DNA to be transferred from one item to another item (direct transfer), and/or from

one item through a secondary medium to another surface, commonly known as secondary DNA

transfer. Although the DNA expert was asked as to the likelihood of this alternative scenario occur-

ring, and answered to the best of their knowledge and opinion, there is no real published evidence

to categorically state that it could or could not occur. With this in mind, it may be increasingly dan-gerous and perhaps misleading to rely on ‘experience’ to answer a question like this as opposed to

backing up our comments with research. How research could be carried out to cover all transfer

scenarios is still to be debated, however this case would suggest that it is even more important that

we do. Along these lines, a new book has been published by Dr Peter Gill titled ‘Misleading DNA evidence:

reasons for miscarriages of justice’. Peter Gill is now Professor of Forensic Genetics, at the Universi-

ty of Oslo, Norway and is an eminent leader in the advancement of forensic DNA analysis and inter-

pretation. The book is structured into chapters defining trace DNA, causes of miscarriages of jus-

tice, interpretation of trace DNA evidence and case studies.

Page 2 NSW Branch Newsletter

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Page 3 Issue 45

Presidents Message continued:

The book ends with a list of 13 recommendations that should be read and taken into consideration

by DNA scientists and legal practitioners involved in cases containing DNA evidence, as well as any-

one with a desire to learn more about how and why DNA evidence presentation is sometimes seen

as misleading. To quote Dr John Butler in his foreword in the book the aim is “… to refrain from

overstepping the boundaries of knowledge…” in other words placing more meaning behind the evi-

dence than it really has. “… this is how miscarriages of justice occur….”

Another book that has been released recently is a comprehensive

account of the joint Australian and British government mission to

recover the remains of 250 unknown soldiers from WWI buried in

unmarked graves adjacent to Pheasant wood, Fromelles, Northern

France. Titled: ‘Remember Me to All: The archaeological recovery

and identification of soldiers who fought and died in the battle of

Fromelles 1916’, it is a detailed account of Oxford Archaeology’s

excavation and scientific examination of these remains, under the

management of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. This

book details the methodology and procedures used in this major 6

month operation, presenting historical background, aims, objectives

and scientific discussion of recovery techniques of human remains

and almost 6000 related artefacts, as well as extensive anthropologi-

cal examination of these remains. The final chapter outlines how the

project team brought together this enormous amount of data with

ante-mortem data from families of the missing soldiers, to formally

identify and repatriate the remains. An extremely interesting read, I recommend it to anyone who

has an interest in WWI history and/or how archaeologists, anthropologists, geneticists, scientists

and historians can all combine to complete the ultimate task of identification and repatriation of

these soldiers with full military honours in a new war grave cemetery in Fromelles.

Lastly, we have been working on the 2015 calendar of talks, and it is looking extremely interesting

and diverse. Please look out for our upcoming meetings in 2015, starting in February. As usual, if

there is a topic that you would like us to bring to our membership, please let us know through our

webmail. Remember to keep your details up to date in the membership database – if you are un-

sure how, please contact our Secretary via our email (nswbranch@anzfss.org) On behalf of the NSW Branch Committee, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas, and

wishes for a safe and healthy 2015. Hope to see you all at our meetings next year.

REFERENCES: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/david-eastman-inquiry-result-spurs-call-for-royal-

commission-into-forensic-procedures-20140607-zryj7.html

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-22/david-eastmans-murder-conviction-quashed/5688270

http://www.hcourt.gov.au/assets/publications/judgment-summaries/2014/hca-28-2014-08-13.pdf

Misleading DNA evidence reasons for miscarriages of justice. Peter Gill 2014 Elsevier, UK

ISBN: 978-0-12-417214-2‘

Remember Me To All’: The archaeological recovery and identifiication of soldiers who fought and died in the battle of

Fromelles 1916 Louise Loe, Caroline Barker, Kate Brady, Margaret Cox & Helen Webb. ISBN:

9780904220759 | Published by: Oxford Archaeology | Series: Oxford Archaeology Monograph | Volume: 23 | Year of

Publication: 2014 Oxbow Books

4

Advances in DNA Profiling by Dr Sharon Neville (NSW Branch Annual

General Meeting 4th of June 2014) — REVIEW: Review by Glenn Wilcher.

Sharon Neville is the Manager of the DNA Laboratory at the NSW Forensic and Analytical Science

Service (FASS).

Sharon’s presentation looked at advancements and challenges that have arisen as a result of the en-

hanced sensitivity in DNA profiling.

In NSW DNA testing is fully automated due to implementation of a new robotic platform, with

samples collected in the field to the final DNA profile.

New methods have been introduced such as Expert computer software systems to assist the inter-

pretation process.

The application of new technologies can be overwhelming in comparison to results generated his-

torically, which is highlighted by reinvestigation of ‘cold cases’ using the new technologies.

Sharon began her presentation by detailing significant DNA advancements including the total auto-

mation of DNA analysis from sample tube in the field to the DNA profile, and enhanced sensitivity

of DNA testing. Sharon discussed enhanced sensitivity that has occurred in DNA testing since 1989

to the present.

1989 — DNA testing was introduced using RFLP: 50 ng (approximately 8000 cells).

1994 — DNA analysis by PCR: 0.25 to 1.5 ng (approximately 40 to 250 cells)

1998 — Profile Plus - 9 DNA loci + gender

2006 — Identifier - 15 DNA loci + gender

2007 — Y filer - DNA testing on Y chromosome, and

2012 — PowerPlex 21 - 20 DNA loci + gender 0.023 ng to 0.5 ng (5 to 80 cells).

As a ‘first’ for an Australian Forensic Laboratory there is total automation of DNA analytical pro-

cesses following validation of the Hamilton STAR Autolys robot for automated lysis.

Previously manual lysis took 3 analysts approximately 3 to 4 hours ‘hands on’ time to process 96

samples prior the robotic extraction.

A key feature of the Robot ready tubes is barcoded tubes with a special design to enable separation

of lysed cells in solution from the substrate (such as a swab) on the robot.

With the robot ready tubes and automated lysis with 96 samples you have 30 minutes ‘hands on’

set up time with 2.5 hours on robot.

The advantages of automation include capacity for high output with currently 800 DNA samples per

week done, with minimal sample handling which decreases contamination and human error.

Also you have consistency in results and analysts can focus on interpretation rather than labour in-

tensive ‘pipetting’ tasks.

Sharon explained the sensitivity has increased due to new extraction methods being the PrepFiler

Magnetic Beads where you have recovery of more concentrated and highly purified DNA.

New profiling kits – PP21 can recover DNA from as little as 10 cells.

The 3500 Genetic Analysers are 4 times the sensitivity of the previous Analysers.

Sharon discussed the move to the PowerPlex 21 and the ability to provide powerful discrimination

useful for disaster victim identification, missing persons and paternity cases and also improved per-

formance on inhibited and degraded samples.

Page 4 NSW Branch Newsletter

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Page 5 Issue 45

Increased Sensitivity—Increased Risk

Sharon discussed challenges of contamination from DNA in the laboratory environment and with

equipment and at the crime scene. Laboratory consumables used in analytical processes are a

source of contamination as well as ‘background’ DNA on substrate being sampled.

Sharon discussed procedures to decrease contamination such as the strict use of personal protec-

tive equipment, strict cleaning protocols, use of DNA free sample kits, using DNA free consuma-

bles and use of elimination databases.

With ‘background’ DNA on substrates there may be background levels of DNA from persons who

have had previous contact with an exhibit, for example clothing grabbed by an offender will have

DNA from the person wearing the clothing and others who came in contact with the clothing such

as family members or work colleagues.

Sharon mentioned challenges which include sample bottlenecks to data reviews because of the high-

er throughput of samples due to sub sampling in the field at crime scenes and robotic processing.

With increased sensitivity and increased performance with degraded /inhibited samples you have

more results which are more complex (low levels and multiple contributors).

To decrease contamination with ‘background’ DNA Sharon discussed defining the area of contact

and target the restricted area to be tested.

Also crime scene investigators should change their thinking from taking a lot of specimens to

achieve a possible result to limiting swabs to the target area

She mentioned that crime scene investigators should change their thinking that large sampling is

best so that there is a chance of getting a result. They should be identifying the target area as being

the key.

Sharon stated should the target area be unable to be defined then take multiple samples or none at

all.

Secondary Transfer.

Secondary transfer is the transfer of DNA via an intermediary to an item which has not had direct

contact with the source of the DNA. This is critical during search warrants.

New sensitivity will potentially lead to the recovery of more DNA which has been deposited via

secondary transfer. This leads to significant issues with interpretation of the results and introduces

new challenges in the processing of evidence. With increased sensitivity there are possibly new lines

of defence in court cases.

A key issue is the potential for inadvertent transfer of small amounts of DNA from one item to an-

other which could incriminate an innocent person.

Introduction of EFIMS (Exhibits, Forensic Information, and Miscellaneous Property System).

Sharon talked about the introduction of the EFIMS by the NSW Police to electronically manage ex-hibits and expanded to incorporate electronic forensic results.

Following analysis, the DNA results are transferred electronically to the reporting biologist for re-

view in which the results are reported via EFIMS to the Police.

Future and recently implemented work involves relocation to a refurbished DNA Laboratory, ex-

pansion of specialist DNA capability at FASS to include a mitochondrial activity and familial search-

ing capability and electronic case files in court.

An interesting presentation especially the changes with DNA testing and disadvantages associated

with such increased detection.

Advances in DNA Profiling by Dr Sharon Neville (NSW Branch Annual

General Meeting 4th of June 2014) — REVIEW: Review by Glenn Wilcher.

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REVIEW: ‘Into the Mix: A tale of drugs, terrorists and Australia’s biggest

manhunt’ presented by Clive Small (NSW Branch Public Night 18th July

2014). Review by Glenn Wilcher.

Clive Small is a 38 year NSW Police veteran who has received many

commendations. He was an investigator with the Woodward Royal

Commission and on Strike Force Omega reinvestigating the shooting of

Detective Michael Drury.

In the 1990’s Clive led the backpacker murder investigations which led

to the conviction of serial killer Ivan Milat, for the killing of seven back-

packers in the Belanglo State Forest, between 1989 and 1992.

In 2001 Clive was the head of the Greater Hume Police region where he

helped dismantle Vietnamese street gangs that made Cabramatta the

drug capital of Australia’s heroin trade. Post retirement from the NSW

Police, Clive joined the ICAC as Executive director of Operations. Since

2007 Clive has been a fulltime author having published his latest and

fourth book Milat, Inside Australia’s Biggest Manhunt, A Detective’s Story.

Discovery of Bodies.

Saturday 19th September

1992, an unidentified

body was found in the

Belanglo State Forest.

Two men on an orient-

eering exercise noticed a

bad smell coming from a

rocky overhang near the

Longacre Creek fire trail.

Concealed by vegetation

they discovered a bone, a boot and some clothing. It

was remains of a decomposed female that had been

subject to extreme violence. A police search the

following day resulted in second lot of remains close

by the first also decomposed.

Clive described the wounds to the human remains

being multiple stab wounds with cuts to the ribs,

spine, and cervical vertebrae as well as numerous

bullet entry wounds to the skull. Material had been

wrapped around the head of one victim with multi-

ple slashes to the clothing.

Clive mentioned the discovery of cigarette butt evidence being the brand Longbeach that was

smoked by the missing person Caroline Clarke. Clive stated that this suggested that Milat spent

some period of time with the victim before killing Caroline. Multiple cartridges were found at the

scene with ballistics determining the weapon was a Ruger 10/22 rifle. Both girls appeared to have been sexually assaulted. The bodies were identified as Joanne Walters and Caroline Clarke.

Date Victim/s Circumstances of disappearance

December

1989

Deborah Everist,

James Gibson

Travelling to Walwa—never arrived

January

1990

Simone Schmidl Travelling to Melbourne—never arrived

January

1992

Gaboir Neugebauer,

Anja Habschied

Backpackers from Germany— never

boarded plane home

May 1992 Joanne Walters

Caroline Clark

Travelling to Mildura—reported missing

by family

Clive Small presented at the July

Meeting

The first discovered victims Joanne Walters and Caroline Clark

NSW Branch Newsletter Page 6

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Issue 45

REVIEW: ‘Into the Mix: A tale of drugs, terrorists and Australia’s biggest

manhunt’ presented by Clive Small (NSW Branch Public Night 18th July

2014). Review by Glenn Wilcher.

Clive explained the search of the area being an area 300

metres around the crime scene for a distance of about 3

km.

A second pair of bodies was located being James Gibson

and Deborah Everest. Property belonging to James was

located at Galston Gorge.

The search covered 78 kms of fire trails extending up to

150 metres either side of the track. The total area of the

search was approximately 24 sq metres. Clive mentioned

the use of satellite images of the forest to identify chang-

es in vegetation density, identifying possible burial sites

and plot search areas. 300 Police and cadaver dogs were

used. Clive mentioned that the terrain was rough and

the cadaver dogs needed to wear specially made boots.

Skeletal remains were found of a fifth body that were later identified as Simone

Schmidt. Clothing, jewellery and backpacking equipment were also found.

Clothing had evidence of multiple stab wounds on the front and back.

Days later skeletal remains of Anja Habschied were found. The clothing again

had evidence of stab wounds and

slashes. Her spine had been sev-

ered but her skull was missing. A

short distance from Anja’s remains another body was

found along with clothing. The skull had multiple bullet

holes and a gag had been used around the mouth.

Airline tickets in the name of Gabor Neugebauer were

found at the scene.

The Milat Family.

Clive talked about the Milat family. Ivan’s father was

Stiphan born on a Croatian island called Korcula. He

was one of 22 children, only four surviving infancy.

He migrated to Australia at the age of 24 years and worked as a coal miner in Queensland before

coming to Sydney, with Ivan being employed in numerous jobs. He married Margaret Piddlesten and

between 1936 and 1962 the couple had 14 children, the fifth child being Ivan.

They family moved to Guildford with Margaret dying in 2001. Ivan’s father died many years earlier in

1983.

Ivan had appearances in Liverpool Court and found guilty on charges of break and entry and stealing.

Ivan had an affair with the wife of one of his brothers Boris, named Marilyn. Marilyn fell pregnant and

had a daughter Lynise. It was believed by the family that the daughter was actually Ivan’s.

Ivan met a woman named Karen. Together they lived at Guildford with other family members in car-

avans on the property.

Ivan was eventually divorced from Karen. Clive mentioned that with relationship problems Ivan

would respond by turning his attention to hitchhikers. After the marital upheaval, James Gibson and Deborah Everist were abducted and murdered.

(left)) Deborah Everest

(right) James Gibson and

(bottom right) Simone

Schmidt

(left) Gabor Neugebauer, (right) Anja Habschied)

Page 7

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REVIEW: ‘Into the Mix: A tale of drugs, terrorists and Australia’s biggest

manhunt’ presented by Clive Small (NSW Branch Public Night 18th July

2014). Review by Glenn Wilcher.

Paul Onions.

Clive mentioned the strongest lead in the investigation being the incident of Paul Onions being saved

from a man with a gun.

There were 5 backpackers murdered after the Onion’s incident had been reported.

Onions had stated he had been approached at Casula by a man with a Merve Hugh’s moustache ask-

ing if he wanted a lift. Onion identified the vehicle as a 4WD with details of the interior.

Clive mentioned that Onion’s was questioned by Ivan whether he had Special Forces training or

been in the IRA, or Navy, obviously trying to assess if Onion’s was going to be difficult to abduct.

Clive described how Ivan pulled over and reached under the driver’s seat producing a black revolver

pointing it at Onion as well as retrieving some rope. Onion stated he bolted with Ivan shooting at

him. Escaping from Ivan, Paul Onion managed to stop a van with a woman driving (Joanne Berry)

who did a U-turn, and drove to Bowral Police station.

Clive stated that in 1992 Onion’s read in the papers about the missing backpackers who had gone

missing and in 1994 Onions was taken to the Sydney Police Centre and shown 13 photos on a video

in which he identified Ivan. Clive stated phone intercepts were placed on the Eagle Vale home of Ivan. Listening devices were

not able to be installed internally but surveillance had disclosed complex security measures Ivan had

installed.

Did Ivan Act Alone?

Clive believes to this day that Ivan acted alone despite

differences in opinion. He stated the strongest evidence

he acted alone is Ivan’s life history.

He said that Ivan picked up two female hitchhikers 1971,

bound them and had sex with one of them. In 1977 two

more females escaped. In 1990 Ivan was alone when he

tried to abduct Paul Onion.

Another point with Ivan acting alone was the amount of

the victims property he had at the Eagle Vale home, and

at other family members residences which Ivan gave the

family.

Clive stated that Ivan’s murders became more ritualistic

with him spending more time at the murder scenes.

Ivan’s violence appeared to be motivated by relationship issues with Clive explaining attempted ab-

ductions and murders occurring in an environment when Ivan was unable to form or maintain a rela-

tionship with women.

The presentation was very interesting with an inside account of the investigation, which was one of

the biggest and complex manhunts in Australian history.

The word Milat and the Belanglo Forest still has a profound effect on the general public twenty years

after the murders, and more recently bringing back memories with the Auchterlonie murder com-

mitted by Matthew Milat and the remains of the female girl with the T-shirt labelled ‘Angel’ found in

2010 in the forest.

The now infamous image of Ivan Millat.

NSW Branch Newsletter Page 8

9

REVIEW: NSW Branch Awards Evening—Wednesday 27th August 2014.

Review by Scott Chadwick

The NSW Branch of ANZFSS is dedicated to the continued support of its members and has created

awards that recognise their members excellence. The Michael Dawson and Rebecca Kendrew Me-

morial awards, in addition to the Eric Murray Student Award, provide financial assistance to NSW

Branch members wishing to attend the ANZFSS International Symposium. Awards to facilitate travel

and or attendance to Symposia are based on the merits of the application.

The evening started with an address from Kevin Forward of the NSW Forensic & Analytical Science

Service who applauded the research being conducted by ANZFSS members and highlighted the im-

portant role it has in the future of forensic science.

The recipient of the Rebecca Ken-

drew Memorial Award, Dr David

Bruce, presented a case study on the

improvements in DNA profiling

technology and how it helped an un-solved cased from the early nineties.

Dr Bruce talked us through a time-

line of improvements starting from

grouping analysis, then DNA Re-

striction Fragment Length Polymor-

phism (RFLP), followed by short tan-

dem repeat (STR) profiling in the late

nineties. In the early 2000’s with the

introduction of DNA databases, a

suspect was able to be identified

from the mixed DNA profile. Jump-

ing to the present day using modern techniques such as locus profiling kits, two other individuals

were able to be identified from DNA recovered from various crime scene exhibits. This lead to

their inclusion into the investigation and breathing new life into a cold case.

The award recipients then presented a short ‘teaser’ of their work, all fields of forensic science were

well represented with presentations ranging from gunshot residue analysis, textile degradation, doc-

ument examination, drug intelligence and decomposition chemistry. For the full list of recipients and

topics; see page 10.

The recipient of the Eric

Murrary Student Award,

Laura McGrath closed

preceding's by presenting

her PhD work on the

role of distractor odours

in false responses of ignit-

able liquid residue and

drug detection dogs. A

number of distractor odours were identified

from surveys of detection

dog handlers.

Dr David Bruce (left) and Committee member Dr Rebecca Johnson (right) with the

family of Dr Rebecca Kendrew

NSW Branch Award recipients with Kevin Forward (centre), ANZFSS President Claude Roux (back left)

and NSW Branch President Alison Sears (front right)

Issue 45 Page 9

10

Page 10 NSW Branch Newsletter

REVIEW: NSW Branch Awards Evening—Wednesday 27th August 2014.

Review by Scott Chadwick

Award Award Recipient Presentation title

Rebecca Kendrew Memorial

Award

Dr David Bruce

(NSW FASS)

Case study: From blood groups to STR Mix—How

improved DNA profiling technology provided cru-

cial evidence in a cold case homicide

Michael Dawson Memorial

Award

Dr Jennifer Raymond

(NSW Police Force)

Evidence recovery: A discipline in it’s own right?

Eric Murray Student Award Laura McGrath

(UTS)

An investigation of false response causation in de-

tector dogs

Executive Travel Awards Kate Grimwood

(AIFFI)

The development of the incendiary device database

(IDD): A forensic fire investigation tool

Michelle Franco

(NSW FASS)

What happened last night? The important role that

forensic evidence can play when the victim has no

recollection of events. A case study

Fiona Jackson

(NSW FASS, UTS)

Surveys of vehicle colour frequency and the trans-

fer of vehicle paints to stationary objects in Sydney,

Australia

Melanie Holt

(NSW Police Force)

Laser reveals hidden information on envelope win-

dow and Novel use of organic solvent to reveal

obliterated serial number on OC canister

Executive Student Travel

Awards

Regina Verena Taudte

(UTS)

The development and comparison of techniques for

the combined collection of organic and inorganic

gunshot residues

Maiken Ueland

(UTS)

Textile degradation patterns of clothing associated

with remains

Maire Morelato

(UTS)

The use of organic and inorganic impurities found

in MDMA and MA police seizures in an intelligence

perspective

Rebecca Lee

(UTS)

An objective assessment of fingerprint expert opin-

ion using a skin stretch model

Katelynn Perrault

(UTS)

Establishing the persistence of an odour signature

in decomposition soil

From this a volatile organic component (VOC) profile of distractor odours could be compared with

the VOC profile of target odours.. Using techniques such as headspace solid-phase microextraction

(HS-SPME) and gas chromatography—mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Laura was able to determine

whether a relationship existed between target odours and distractors, that could lead to a false posi-

tive response. From her work it was found that there were very few items that caused false re-

sponses that had a similar VOC profiles. This has significant implications on the understanding of de-

tector dogs as it highlighted that false responses could not be attributed solely to odour. Special

mention should also go to Regina Verena Taudte, who received a highly commended for her applica-

tion for the Eric Murray Student Award.

The night was an excellent showcase of all the important and diverse research being conducted by

NSW Branch Members. The range of presentation topics strongly reflected not only the diverse na-

ture of forensic science but also the diversity within our branch.

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Page 11 Issue 45

REVIEW: The 22nd International Symposium of the Australian and New

Zealand Forensic Science Society 31st August to 4th September 2014—

Review by Jennifer Raymond

825 national and international delegates descended on the newly renovated Adelaide Convention

Centre for the 2014 edition of the renowned ANZFSS symposium. Supplementing the extensive pro-

gram were 13 workshops held pre- and post conference, covering topical issues such as forensic in-

telligence, hyperspectral imaging, contextual bias, next generation DNA sequencing, and demonstra-

tions of new technology from industry partners.

A highlight of the conference were the excellent plenary speakers

on diverse topics. Commendably the organising committee select-

ed speakers from outside the standard forensic sphere, which

helped delegates think outside the box. In particular, Dr Jason Fox

was a novel addition to the program. His highly entertaining talk

went into the science of motivation, and how treating work like a

game is a primary motivator for employees. Without the ‘fist-

pumping rah-rah’ of traditional (and often American) motivational

experts, Dr Fox gave a self-deprecating and down to earth ap-

proach to motivation, and provided advice as to how employers

can devise work tasks and culture to be inherently self-motivating.

All of the plenary speakers gave passionate and thought provoking

presentations. Dr Mark Reynolds made the point that homicides

are increasingly domestic related, and therefore the standard

‘identifying’ forensic evidence types of fingerprints and DNA may

not provide useful information to investigations where suspects have legitimate access to the scene.

His thesis was that trace evidence, perhaps neglected in light of the high probative value of other evi-

dence types, may provide more use in proving versions of events in domestic homicides.

Dr Christophe Champod talked on the often controversial topic of fingerprint ‘identification’. He

passionately argued for a change in the traditional approach to fingerprint comparisons, stating that

more notes and transparency in the analysis phase will help to reduce human error in the process.

He also noted that the complexity of marks and comparisons need to be objectively assessed by

electronic means. Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) may be suitable for ‘lights out’

comparisons of marks judged to be of low complexity (clear marks with a large amount of detail and

no distortion), leaving examiners to concentrate on the more difficult comparisons. Dr Champod is a

devoted supporter of probabilistic models of fingerprint comparison conclusions rather than the con-

cept of identification, and again presented a convincing argument for this cause.

Contextual bias proved to be a continuing theme throughout the conference. Dr Brian Found pre-

sented a plenary discussing the state of play in this arena, and outlined the considerable work the Vic-

toria Police forensic department has made to research this area and help to prevent adverse out-

comes in criminal investigations. Numerous presentations on this theme were found in the biology,

firearms, and anthropology streams. Research in this highly important area was initiated from outside

the forensic science community, and it is encouraging to see that the community itself has made in-

roads into determining the true effect of cognitive bias on criminal investigations.

Plenary speaker Dr Jason Fox

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REVIEW: The 22nd International Symposium of the Australian and New

Zealand Forensic Science Society 31st August to 4th September 2014—

Review by Jennifer Raymond

Page 12 Issue 45

An interesting keynote lecture by Dr Roland van Oorschot examined unattended behaviours during

the examination of forensic evidence. The study involved video recording experienced forensic bi-

ologists while they sampled various evidence types for DNA. Despite strict training and contamina-

tion prevention protocols, participants were observed to perform actions with increased risk of

contamination (such as failure to change gloves appropriately, directly touching sampling areas etc)

that they were completely unaware of. This was a novel and highly relevant study in these times of

immense sensitivity. Similar studies may help to educate examiners to be hyper-aware of all their

actions when examining exhibits.

As always the social program was epic and put other

international conferences to shame! The Australian

and New Zealand forensic community are definitely

world beaters when it comes to partying stamina. The

notorious Xtreme night out was held at the magnifi-

cent Adelaide Oval, with a theme of 1920s gangsters

and molls. The sight of eminent and highly respected

forensic scientists traipsing across the river walkway,

resplendent in feather boas, flapper dressers, dapper

suits and hats and with inflatable firearms, was some-

thing to be remembered. The ‘touch of blue’ themed

Pathtech Gala dinner was held in the beautifully deco-

rated convention centre hall. The NSW ANZFSS branch was definitely over-represented in the

awards for best paper and poster presentations. At the end of formalities the dubiously named ‘Mr

Buzzy’ band kicked off, and was probably astounded at the number and energy of dancers at what

they probably expected was a staid scientific conference!

The South Australian ANZFSS branch is to be commended on a world class symposium, and mem-

bers should start preparing for Auckland 2016!

Congratulations

NSW branch committee member Eric Murray was

awarded his life member pin at a ceremony during the

symposium

The following NSW Branch members received awards

for the work they presented at the conference

Best Oral Presentations

Chemical Criminalistics –Regina Verena Tautde

Fingerprint Examination—Mackenzie de la Hunty

Best Posters

Document Examination—Melanie Holt

Wildlife Forensics and Entomology—Katelynn Perrault

NSW Branch members enjoying the Xtreme night out

Eric Murray being awarded his life-member pin

13

If you have any query, comment, sugges-

tion or content idea for this newsletter

or any Branch events, please do not hesi-

tate to contact us. All correspondence

regarding general enquiries, member-

ship renewal, payment etc, can be ad-

dressed to:

NSW Branch ANZFSS

PO Box K208

Haymarket NSW 1240

Email: nswbranch@anzfss.org

Save this new email address in your

contacts so branch correspondence

doesn’t end up in your spam folder.

Specific recipients (e.g. President,

Treasurer, Newsletter Editor) can be

reached c/o these details.

Website: www.anzfss.org/nsw

Your Committee:

President: Alison Sears

Vice President: Alison Beavis

Treasurer: Sonia Scott

Secretary: Kate Grimwood

Public Officer: Denise Donlon

Website: Philip Maynard

Newsletter: Scott Chadwick

Committee Members:

Harry Albani

Shari Forbes

Greta Frankham

Rebecca Johnson

Eric Murray

Tania Prolov

Jen Raymond Glenn Wilcher

Contact Details - NSW Branch:

anzfss.org/nsw

End of Year Celebration—Ghost Tour

To kick off the festive season the NSW Branch will be participating in a ghost tour

around the historic Rocks district. The two hour walking tour will explore the sordid

past and true stories of suicides, murders and hauntings in the Rocks. After the eerie

expedition, we will be heading to the Harbour View Hotel to share our spooky sto-

ries in a relaxed (and non-haunted) environment for some cocktail food and refresh-

ments. This will be an excellent opportunity to socialise with other branch members

and end the year on a high note. For those of you attending, we look forward to see-ing you this Friday, please see the information below.

PARKING — Street meter parking is available in Argyle Street and

Observatory Hill

Parking Stations are located in Harrington Street

PUBLIC TRANSPORT—3 Minute walk from Circular Quay Station

DRESS—Comfortable walking shoes

Tours operate in all weather (ponchos are provided if wet)

OTHER INFORMATION—Cameras are permitted, no videos allowed.