September 2015 Greetings!
In This Issue
Sexual assault is a devastating crime, and the ways that officials respond to it - as
Does Evidence Support
well as how quickly they respond - can determine a great deal about the outcome for both victims and perpetrators. In this issue, Terri Augspurger focuses in on how quickly, following a sexual assault, a medical examination should be conducted to gather evidence regarding the details of the crime and perpetrator. Historically,
Conducting Medical/Evidentiary Exams
professionals have felt examinations should be done within seventy-two hours of the
Teaching Forensic
assault, but Augspurger reveals why the situation is more complicated than that. From
Handwriting Analysis Using
there, we explore the complex field of handwriting analysis and the unusual methods instructors have found to educate their students on searching for clues about writers by scrutinizing written words. Ian James Turner, Cristina Helen Plant, Ashleigh Whiffin, and Chloe Newton describe a highly unusual but effective medium for teaching students handwriting analysis: the television show, The Simpsons.
Articles "Does Evidence Support Conducting Medical/Evidentiary Exams After 72 Hours Following Sexual Assault?"
the Simpsons Certified Forensic Nurse, CFN Certified Criminal Investigator, CCI
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Correction!! By:
Terry Augspurger RN, MSN, CPEN, C-SANE, CFN, DABFE, DABFN Evidence collection in sexual assault plays a crucial role in the prosecution of sexual offenders. Sexual assault is usually an un-witnessed crime, and the physical evidence of semen/spermatozoa has historically served as the criterion for confirming sexual
The August 2015 issue of The Forensic Examiner had an authors name misspelled. Article: The Use of Acoustical Forensic Evidence in High
intercourse. The courts pay much attention to the positive findings of this type of
Profile Criminal
evidence (Allery et al., 2001) (Sharpe, 1963).
By Ed Primeau
Institutions that provide medico-legal exams to sexual assault victims provide complete exams within a specified time frame. For example, many jurisdictions will offer a complete medico-legal forensic exam within 72 hours of the assault. Although this time limitation, which has come to be known as the 72-hour rule, does not apply to all cases,
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it is the guideline that is still largely practiced(Ledray, 2010).
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About the Author Terri Augspurger is a graduate of Houston Baptist University, where she received her
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undergraduate degree in Nursing. She received her Masters of Science in Forensic Nursing from Duquesne University. She currently practices as a Forensic Nurse examiner for adults/adolescents and pediatrics for four counties in Florida. In addition to completing evidentiary exams, she also is a contract SANE instructor for the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence (FCASV), traveling throughout the state of Florida educating potential forensic examiners. Terri holds certification through the International Association of Forensic Nurses in the area of adults, adolescents, and pediatrics as a
Maintenance and
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). She also holds the following credentials
Membership
through the American College of Forensic Examiners International: Certified Forensic
Fee Discount
Nurse (CFN) designation and Diplomat of the American Board of Forensic Examiners (DABFE) and Diplomat of the American Board of Forensic Nursing (DABFN). Terri is also a Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN). Terri serves as an active board member for the Florida Sexual Crimes Investigators Association and is also a member in good standing with the International and Florida Chapters of the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN); Florida Council Against Sexual Violence (FCASV); Florida Nurses Association (FNA); and the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA).
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Teaching Forensic Handwriting Analysis Using the Simpsons By:
Ian Turner, PhD, MSB, MCSFS Ashleigh Whiffin, MSc Cristina Plant, PGDip, AMSB Chloe Newton, MSc The Simpsons is a successful animated sitcom. The opening credits of the show feature a series of chalkboards displaying "lines" produced by a star of the show, Bart Simpson. In this paper, a lesson plan is described that uses the chalkboards to teach undergraduate forensic science students the basis of handwriting analysis.
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Looking to Hire Someone? The American College of Forensic Examiners Institute is always looking to help their members find qualified help in building their practice or business. Send the editor a description of the professional you are seeking to hire and ACFEI will put the announcement in its newsletter. Please specify if
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About the Authors
you prefer your potential hires to hold CCI, CFC, or any other certifications. Email the editor at editor@acfei.com.
Looking for Experts It is the mission of The American College of Forensic Examiners Institute to continually strengthen
Ian Turner, PhD, MSB, MCSFS, is a Head of Forensic Science
and improve the quality of our
and a senior lecturer at the University of Derby, UK. Dr. Turner
certifications in the field of
was named a National Teaching Fellow by the Higher Education
forensics. As such we are
Academy in 2014 and is passionate about pedagogy.
currently looking for members, that have a professional background in criminal investigation, to provide
Ashleigh Whiffin, MSc, studied Forensic Science at the University
feedback on the Certified
of Derby, UK and Entomology at Harper Adams University, UK she
Criminal Investigators exam. If
is now employed by National Museums Scotland as a curatorial
you have multiple years
assistant in the Entomology collections.
experience in criminal investigation and would be willing to assist us as we review the
Cristina Plant, PGDip, AMSB, studied Zoology
CCI exam contact Brittany Kiser
at the University of Derby, UK and Science Communication at the
at:
University of Edinburgh, UK. Cristina is currently involved in the informal science education sector developing and delivering engaging science activities for schools, adults and families.
Brittany.Kiser@acfei.com Sincerely, Brittany Kiser
Chloe Newton, MSc, studied Forensic Science at the University of Derby, UK and Biomedical Science at the University of Chester. Chloe is currently a Pharmacy Assistant with the NHS Foundation Trust and intends to undertaking research in the area of cancer drug development in the near future.
Director of the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute
New Members All new members of ACFEI and certifications issued by ACFEI can be viewed HERE.
Monthly Column A Search for Truth America's Turning Point-The War on Police Ron Martinelli, Ph.D., CMI-V, BCFT, CFA Forensic Criminologist/Certified Medical Investigator Let's see a show of hands. Every one of you who recognize these names raise em up. Michael Brown? Freddie Grey? OK. Now how about Darren Goforth, Steven Vincent, Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu? No hands? That's not all that surprising to me as a forensic criminologist and police expert.
For Complete Story About the Author "Dr. Ron Martinelli is a nationally renowned forensic criminologist who is the only police expert in the country who is also a Certified Medical Investigator at the physician's
Thanks for joining, and welcome to The Forensic Examiner.
Looking for Submissions As always we are looking for regular content for The Forensic Examiner. If there is anything you would like to submit please contact us. Go HERE for submission guidelines. Or email us at editor@acfei.com
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level. Dr. Martinelli directs the nation's only multidisciplinary Forensic Death Investigations & Independent Review Team and specializes in forensic investigations including officerinvolved and civilian self-defense death cases. Dr. Martinelli is a retired San Jose (CA) Police Department detective with a background in investigations, medicine and applied sciences including forensics, psychology &
American Association of Integrative Medicine
psychological profiling; physiology and human factors; violent crimes and death scene investigations. He has been referred to in the forensics and legal community as the "expert's expert." Dr. Martinelli provides forensic expert services to several State Attorney Generals' Offices, major metropolitan cities the USMC Judge Advocate General's Office and
American Psychotherapy Association
numerous nationally prominent private law firms. He is also a contributing forensic investigations expert for CNN, OANN, Discovery, History and Investigations Discovery channels and is a contributing writer to USA TODAY, POLICE Magazine, Law & Order Magazine, The Forensic Examiner, PoliceOne.com and Officer.com. Dr. Ron Martinelli's forensic and law enforcement social media website is found at: www.DrRonMartinelli.com where readers can find his insightful commentary and forensic articles addressing a variety of topics relating to the forensics, law
American Board for Certification in Homeland Security
enforcement and First Responder communities. His firm's website is found at: www.martinelliandassoc.com.
Members in the
Dr. Martinelli will address the forensic facts of officer involved deaths of African American men, in the one hour debate, "Black Lives
News
Matter" Wednesday, September 2, 2015 on FOX News with Megyn Kelly.
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publication of your involvement in
Send ACFEI a press release or a forensic related event to the editor@acfei.com.
August 26, 2015 CCTV's Asieh Namdar interviewed Ron Martinelli regarding the U.S. reporter and cameraman shot to death on live TV.
Recertification Policies Recertification policies are being
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strengthened for all American College of Forensic Examiners Institute certifications. All new
USA Today Senate Chairman Demands Action on Rape Kits Steve Reilly, USA TODAY 4:36 p.m. EDT August 7, 2015
and current certifications and renewals will be for a three (3) year period. In compliance with third-party accreditation, the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute requires certification holders to remain in good standing by being current
When sexual assault occurs, medical personnel create "rape kits" to gather and
with maintenance fees or
preserve physical evidence. This evidence, nce examined, can be used in
membership dues, submitting the
investigations determining who a given offender was, and, ultimately, to seek justice. To
required 30 continuing education
what extent are rape kits effective in the United States? According to a
units every three years for
USA Today article by Steve Reilly, they are only as effective as the Justice Department
recertification, and upholding the
allows them to be. Last month, around 70,000 rape test kits that had been collected had
American College of Forensic
not even been sent to labs so that forensic scientists could test them. Last week,
Examiners Institute's code of
Senator Ron Johnson cited delays in the development of protocols for collecting
conduct.
physical evidence, as well as a failure to oversee grant awards designed to reduce the number of untested rape kits, as contributors to this national problem. "This backlog
If you have any questions please
delays justice to the victims," the Senator wrote in a letter to Assistant Attorney General
feel free to contact our Registrar
Karol Mason, "and in some ways may allow innocent men - convicted without forensic
via email
evidence - to remain in jail."
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Featured Certifications Certified Forensic Nurse, CFN®
Jeff Thornsberry MA, Ed. S Director of Education 417-823-2528 Jeff.Thornsberry@ACFEI.com
ACFEI Offers NBCC Clock Hours! American College of Forensic Examiners Institute (ACFEI) is
The Certified Forensic Nurse, CFN® Forensic nursing is an exciting and rapidly growing field that offers great opportunities and rewarding career options for nursing professionals. Being a Certified Forensic Nurse, CFN® can set you apart from your peers to get the recognition and respect you deserve, both in the medical community and the legal arena.
excited to announce we are now able to offer NBCC (National Board of Certified Counselors) credit to our members to meet their licensing and re-certification needs. We will be offering courses totaling over 60 clock
Certified Criminal Investigator, CCI®
hours of NBCC credit. This a great opportunity for our members in the mental health field to obtain needed NBCC clock hours. This opportunity is available to ACFEI members. ACFEI is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEPTM) and may offer NBCCapproved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.
The Certified Criminal Investigator,CCI® Investigating criminal behavior involves many different facets. Investigators have to identify the crime scene, identify evidence (including trace evidence), conduct interviews, properly handle evidence, make out different wound types, and testify in court. Being efficient in these areas attests to your knowledge as an investigator.
CE Credits for ACFEI Members ACFEI Members Eligible to Receive Continuing Education Credits Through DUI Seminars with Dave Cox Dave Cox is the owner and operator of Your DUI Pro, which is located in Middleton, Idaho. Mr. Cox investigates criminal cases and is an Expert DUI Defense Analyst and Consultant. Mr. Cox is a decorated former police officer and he devoted most of his time as a police officer to DUI enforcement. He has performed the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests on thousands of people. Mr. Cox arrested over 1,000 people for DUI throughout his career, with over 200 arrests for DUI - Drugs. He was named the 2003 State DUI Enforcement Officer of the Year. Mr. Cox learned, from his experience as a police officer, that DUI enforcement is not an exact science. Because DUI enforcement is not an exact science, Mr. Cox discovered that, after further investigation, it was sometimes determined that drivers arrested for DUI were not actually under the influence. Knowing this information, Mr.
The ACEP solely is responsible for all aspects of the program. For a fee of $5.00 per clockcredit hour our members will now have the opportunity to not only receive the ACFEI credit for approved CE courses completed but they can also obtain a certificate of completion for NBCC clock hours of credit. By simply going on to the CE online catalog, members will see a new tab labeled NBCCApproved CE'S. Our members then know that those courses will be qualified to meet the NBCC standards for clock hours of Continuing Education Credit. Once they complete the course the CE assessment and course evaluation the member will receive a certificate of completion noting the number of
Cox decided to leave law enforcement so he could teach attorneys across the
NBCC clock hours received for
United States how to identify drivers who are not guilty of DUI and teach attorneys
the course completion.
how to effectively win these cases.
We look forward to offering more of these types of continuing
Mr. Cox was trained as a certified Drug Recognition Expert. He was certified in the
education opportunities to our
National Highway Transportation Safety Administration DWI Detection and
members in the future and if you
Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and was also trained as a certified operator of
wish to author an article for
both the Intoxilyzer 5000 and the Intoxilyzer 8000. Mr. Cox has also received
NBCC credit, contact us as well.
training, from a breath testing expert, on each of the commonly used breath testing machines. Mr. Cox was a regular speaker at Victim Impact Panels and taught DUI
Educationally,
Detection classes at the Citizen's Police Academy. Mr. Cox testified in hundreds of DUI trials and hearings as an officer and has testified many times as a DUI Defense
Jeff Thornsberry MA, Ed. S
Expert. Mr. Cox is the author of How to Fight a DUI Arrest and he now consults with
Director of Education
and assists attorneys across the United States in effectively and efficiently
417-823-2528
investigating, preparing, and defending DUI cases.
Jeff.Thornsberry@ACFEI.com
Mr. Cox has personally trained thousands of attorneys across the United States. This includes Defense Attorneys, Prosecutors, Judges, and Police Officers. Mr.
Disclaimer
Cox's DUI Continuing Legal Education Courses have consistently been rated by
The American College of Forensic Examiners
attending attorneys as one of the best DUI seminars in the country.
Institute, and/or The Forensic Examiner does
The American College of Forensic Examiners Institute (ACFEI) recognizes this continuing education activity for Certified Members, and provides 7.5 hours of credit for attendees. Members are also able to receive CLE credits for attending.
not endorse, guarantee or warrant the credentials, work, or opinions of any individual member. The opinions and views expressed by the authors, publishers, or presenters are their sole separate views and opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute and/or The Forensic Examiner, nor does the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute and/or
Click below for more information on times, dates and location of the DUI seminars.
The Forensic Examiner adopt such opinions or
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Forensic Examiner Institute and/or The
views as its own. The American College of Forensic Examiner does not assume any
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ACFEI Offers ACCME Credits! The American College of Forensic Examiner's Institute is excited to announce we are now able to offer Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) credit to our members to meet their medical licensing and re-certification needs. We will be offering courses totaling over 35 clock hours ACCME credit. This a great opportunity for our members in the health field to obtain needed ACCME credits. For a fee of $10.00 per clock-credit hour our members will now have the opportunity to not only receive the American Psychotherapy Association credit for approved CE courses completed but they can also obtain a certificate of completion for ACCME clock hours of credit. When you go to the CE online catalog, members will see a new tab labeled ACCMEApproved CE'S. You then know that those courses will be qualified to meet the ACCME standards for clock hours of Continuing Education Credit. Once you complete the course, the CE assessment and, evaluation the member will receive a certificate of completion stating the number of ACCME clock hours received for the course completion. We look forward to offering more of these types of continuing education opportunities to our members in the future and if you wish to author an article for ACCME credit, contact us as well.
responsibility or liability with respect to the opinions, views, and factual statements of such authors, publishers, or presenters, nor with respect to any actions, qualifications, or representations of its members or subscriber's efforts in connection with the application or use of any information, suggestions, or recommendations made by ACFEI or any of its boards, committees, publications, resources, or activities thereof.
ACFEI is also able to offer ACCME for the following certifications Certified Medical Investigator-IV , Certified Medical Investigator-V and Certified Forensic Physician, CFP. As many hospitals will pay for the obtaining of ACCME credits this would be a great opportunity to obtain these valued certifications and be reimbursed for them. If you have any questions concerning these credits contact: Jeff Thornsberry Director of Education for The American College of Forensic Examiner's Institute Phone: 417-823-2528 Jeff.Thornsberry@ACFEI.com
Member Profile Ben Venktash, FRSH (UK), FSE Ben Venktash is the Chair of the American Board of Forensic Engineering and Technology and he has been a member of the American College of Forensic Examiners International Inc. for over 10 years. Ben Venktash is an experienced building environmental system engineer with diverse experience in the areas of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and industrial ventilation. Experiences include the design and installation of the electrostatic filtration system for healthcare ventilation infection control. His studies include the direct investigation and analysis of building mechanical system functionality, executive maintenance management and design reviews. He is a Chartered Fellow of The Chartered Association of Building Engineers in the United Kingdom, a professional building engineering license recognized worldwide. Ben Venktash, a trained mechanical engineer (MSE, Mechanical), UK), with an extensive background has applied his academic and practical experience in the areas of HVAC and facilities engineering. He has been responsible for exposing potential property risk assessments, investigation of existing facilities, health and hazard risk identification. As part of the safety assessment, his due diligence investigations place emphases on the detection of hazardous materials and conditions to mitigate insurance exposure and life threatening issues. He offers technical support in the design, implementation and management of Terotechnology solutions in the areas of equipment condition monitoring, indoor air quality and building pathology guidelines. READ MORE
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email at Brittany.kiser@acfei.com. To contribute to our E-Newsletter contact our editor at editor@acfei.com. Sincerely, ACFEI Team