The Unsolved Murder of JonBenet Ramsey
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series 1.2 trace evidence criminalistics requires a daubert standard expert witness w/training

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Post by redpill Sun Sep 06, 2015 11:37 am

tricia griffth, the owner of websleuths aka websmear wrote

Suspect trasha griffith pictured below is an example of an anti-science denialist
 series 1.2 trace evidence criminalistics requires a daubert standard expert witness w/training 08282006Geraldo-Gigax025

http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?76520-Patsy-Ramsey/page92
tricia griffith wrote:
Anti-K, this whole forum has example after example after example that an intruder did not commit this crime.

No one can show one scintilla of evidence of an intruder.

As owner, I do my best to stay out of actual discussions about a crime.

The JBR case is the one expection.

Websleuths is a leader in true crime information as well as discussion. People come here to get information. It is imperative we deal with the facts. Not fantasy.

All I ask for are facts and a logical connecting of the dots. Logic and facts.

When I get time I will be going through the forum to make sure the JonBenet Ramsey forum is being held up to the high standards just like all our other forums on Websleuths.

The days of allowing anyone to post anything because it's part of their "theory" are gone. Facts and logic. Very simple.

Tricia neither you nor anyone on that forum has a scintilla of the education required to make this judgment.

Tricia you are not nor have ever been a trained criminalist.

Tricia, you have not studied the case.

Tricia, highly trained criminalists consulted in the case conclude that an intruder murdered Jonbenet

the following is a partial list who signed off on it

Aynia, BOESP, cynic, Love143 superdave, ukguy etc


Tricia this is the daubert standard


In Daubert, seven members of the Court agreed on the following guidelines for admitting scientific expert testimony:

   Judge is gatekeeper: Under Rule 702, the task of "gatekeeping", or assuring that scientific expert testimony truly proceeds from "scientific knowledge", rests on the trial judge.
   Relevance and reliability: This requires the trial judge to ensure that the expert's testimony is "relevant to the task at hand" and that it rests "on a reliable foundation". Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharms., Inc., 509 U.S. 579, 584-587. Concerns about expert testimony cannot be simply referred to the jury as a question of weight. Furthermore, the admissibility of expert testimony is governed by Rule 104(a), not Rule 104(b); thus, the Judge must find it more likely than not that the expert's methods are reliable and reliably applied to the facts at hand.
   Scientific knowledge = scientific method/methodology: A conclusion will qualify as scientific knowledge if the proponent can demonstrate that it is the product of sound "scientific methodology" derived from the scientific method.[3]
   Factors relevant: The Court defined "scientific methodology" as the process of formulating hypotheses and then conducting experiments to prove or falsify the hypothesis, and provided a nondispositive, nonexclusive, "flexible" set of "general observations" (i.e. not a "test") [4] that it considered relevant for establishing the "validity" of scientific testimony:

       Empirical testing: whether the theory or technique is falsifiable, refutable, and/or testable.
       Whether it has been subjected to peer review and publication.
       The known or potential error rate.
       The existence and maintenance of standards and controls concerning its operation.
       The degree to which the theory and technique is generally accepted by a relevant scientific community.

In 2000, Rule 702 was amended in an attempt to codify and structure elements embodied in the "Daubert trilogy." The rule then read as follows:

   Rule 702. Testimony by Experts


   If scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue, a witness qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education, may testify thereto in the form of an opinion or otherwise, if (1) the testimony is based upon sufficient facts or data, (2) the testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods, and (3) the witness has applied the principles and methods reliably to the facts of the case.
   (As amended Apr. 17, 2000, eff. Dec. 1, 2000.)

In 2011, Rule 702 was again amended to make the language clearer. The rule now reads:

RULE 702. TESTIMONY BY EXPERT WITNESSES

A witness who is qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education may testify in the form of an opinion or otherwise if:

(a) The expert’s scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will help the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue;

(b) The testimony is based on sufficient facts or data;

(c) The testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods; and

(d) The expert has reliably applied the principles and methods to the facts of the case.

(As amended Apr. 17, 2000, eff. Dec. 1, 2000; Apr. 26, 2011, eff. Dec. 1, 2011)

While some federal courts still rely on pre-2000 opinions in determining the scope of Daubert, as a technical legal matter any earlier judicial rulings that conflict with the language of amended Rule 702 are no longer good precedent.

all unsourced trace evidence found at the crime scene - the fibers dna hair ligature shoeprints are all evidence that supports the intruder theory

under Daubert, not everyone can deliver an opinion as to the scientific significance of trace evidence. only those with highly specialized training.

http://www.careerprofiles.info/criminalist.html

Criminalist
Criminalists examine and identify physical evidence and derive conclusions from it. Their most important responsibility is to utilize their knowledge and training to objectively analyze evidence. Criminalists identify significant evidence and remove valueless evidence. They utilize scientific procedures when determining the value of evidence before identifying, classifying, and comparing similar evidence that can be used by police investigators and prosecuting attorneys. Drawing conclusions from, and testing evidence is one of the most important responsibilities of a criminalist since events taking place during a crime can be confirmed and witness reports validated. Additionally, criminalists write reports containing their expert opinions and testify at court.

What do criminalists do?
Criminalists are forensic science specialists who utilize scientific procedures and advanced scientific knowledge to evaluate and interpret physical evidence. Forensic science is a scientific field pertaining to investigative methods used to solve crimes. Criminalists evaluate physical evidence to determine its value and make educated assumptions about transpired events at crime scenes. Physical evidence includes weapons, clothing, human blood and tissue, drugs, and any object providing answers about a crime. Criminalists analyze this evidence to develop a connection between victims and suspected criminals. The transfer of hair strands or clothing fibers from the criminal to victim or vice versa can establish a connection. Criminalists also look for shoe prints, fingerprints, bullet fragments, and other pieces of evidence that link suspected criminals to crimes.

Criminalists frequently collect evidence from crime scenes, and they evaluate evidence transferred to them from other investigators. Criminalists must utilize correct procedures when collecting evidence to avoid destroying or contaminating it. Once evidence is retrieved, it's transferred to crime laboratories where criminalists perform numerous tests to analyze it and determine its relevance. They also frequently provide expert testimony at court detailing their conclusions.

Criminalist typical tasks include the following:

   Inspect, test, and evaluate chemicals, ballistics, hair strands, tissue and body fluid samples, and other pieces of physical evidence by utilizing modern technology and scientific procedures
   Interpret and analyze laboratory test results to determine and categorize chemicals, materials, and other pieces of physical evidence
   Process and record physical evidence that will be used to solve crimes
   Collaborate with handwriting, fingerprinting, medical, ballistics, chemical, and metallurgical specialists to analyze evidence collected from crime scenes
   Reconstruct the assumed events occurring during a crime to determine where physical evidence fits in
   Write reports and prepare presentations detailing conclusions and techniques used to reach them
   Provide expert testimony at trials and hearings

The following are typical procedures used by criminalists to develop conclusions:

DNA typing - when blood, tissues, semen, or other bodily fluids are collected at crime scenes, criminalists use DNA typing, a process used to create a genetic blueprint that is unique to a specific person. After DNA typing is conducted, criminalists can take the DNA blueprint and compare it to DNA samples collected from victims and suspected criminals. It's essential that DNA evidence collected at crime scenes is retrieved, transferred, and stored properly to prevent contamination.

Drug identification - is an investigative method used by criminalists to detect and analyze drugs, including marijuana, pharmaceuticals, marijuana, cocaine, and other controlled substances found at crime scenes. Criminalists must evaluate drug tests to ascertain whether results are relevant to a criminal investigation.

Firearms and toolmarks analysis - is a test used to analyze guns which are suspected to have been utilized during a crime. Criminalists conduct forensic analysis to identify bullets and casing and match them to specific guns. Toolmark analysis is used to determine whether an object found at a crime scene carries an impression from a tool used during a crime. For example, wrenches leave distinctive impressions when scrapped against a floor or wall. Criminalists are responsible for examining the impression left by a wrench or other tools create.

Impression evidence - criminalists analyze impressions created by shoes, tires, and other objects that leave distinctive tracks or impressions. Also included are bite marks, puncture impressions, and fabric and glove impressions. Additionally, they examine impressions found on dusty surfaces to locate fingerprints and other pieces of physical evidence.

Serology - is a method frequently utilized by criminalists involving the examination and analysis of blood, saliva, semen, and other body fluids. Criminalists rely on serology to identify where a retrieved fluid originated from. They analyze blood stains found on cloths and surfaces, in addition to cigarette butts containing traces of saliva. Frequently, serology results reveal microscopic blood and fluids. Criminalists frequently use forensic lights to locate bodily fluids which are not colorful or visible like semen. Bodily fluids retrieved from crime scenes must be handled and stored properly at appropriate temperatures.

Trace evidence - is a frequently utilized method criminalists utilize to reenact crimes and identify potential suspects. Trace evidence includes fibers, paint chips, hair strands, glass, wood, soil, and other pieces of physical evidence retrieved at crime scenes. Examining trace evidence often enables criminalists to identify links between suspected criminals and victims. For example, hair fibers recovered from victim's clothing can be used to identify suspects. Fibers retrieved from corpses or injured victims can be traced back to a specific type of car. After trace evidence is identified, criminalists or other investigators retrieve it with specialized tweezers or other tools and place it in a sealed folder which is eventually transported to crime laboratories. Evidence is then thoroughly examined and analyzed to determine composition and origin.

Skills required to be a top criminalist
Successful criminalists typically possess the following essential knowledge and skills:

   Information Gathering - Criminalists must be able to gather essential information and recognize vital information
   Information Organization - Ability to organize and categorize numerous quantities of information
   Information Ordering - Ability to properly utilize rules to categorize items or methods in an effective order, including letters, scientific methods, sentences, pictures, and mathematical and logical methods
   Problem Identification - Determining the type, significance, and nature of problems
   Reading Comprehension - Understanding written content read during work procedures
   Critical Thinking - Utilizing analytical methods and logic to determine and analyze weaknesses and strengths of various scientific methods
   Chemistry - Basic understanding of the physical composition, structure, and reactions of various chemicals. Criminalists must also understand how various chemicals are manufactured and disposed and harm human health
   Science - Utilizing scientific procedures to resolve problems
   Public Safety and Security - Understanding of public safety, security, weaponry, and other important laws and regulations intended to protect people, property, and data
   Inductive Reasoning - Ability to link multiple pieces of similar evidence to solve problems and develop conclusions. Criminalists must also be able to develop rational explanations for why series of unrelated occurrences are related
   English Language - Extensive knowledge of English vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and writing conventions
   Oral Expression - Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain complex ideas in comprehendible language

Work Environment
Criminalists conduct investigations at crime scenes and laboratories. Criminal laboratories are sterile, ventilated, and brightly-lit. They complete a lot of work at computers in individual offices. Because criminalists handle physical evidence, they must take precautions against noxious fumes, odors, chemicals, and blood-borne disease by wearing paper shoe coverings, protective suits, goggles, and gloves. Criminalists frequently get called before juries to offer expert testimony about their conclusions.

Where Criminalists Work
Criminalists are employed at sheriffs' departments, crime laboratories, government agencies, medical examiners' offices, colleges and universities, private companies, and law enforcement agencies.

Training and Education
Aspiring criminalists need to obtain a bachelor's degree in a biological, physical, or forensic science and complete 24 credit hours in math, biology, or chemistry at a minimum. Completed courses often matter more than majors. Additionally, criminalists are required to complete periodic continuing education during their professional lives.

Licensing and Certification Requirements
There are no pre-qualifications to begin a career as a criminalist, but most criminalists certify with the American Board of Criminalistics. The Laboratory Accreditation Board and the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors are two organizations that accredit crime laboratories.

has Tricia Griffith ever studied criminalistics? NO! has any poster on websleuths from ukguy to superdave to cynic et al, studied criminalistics? NO!

under Daubert, their opinion as to the significance of DNA + all trace evidence found on the crime scene has ZERO evidentry value.

Tricia Griffith and the non-expert opinions of websleuth crimeshots forumsforjustice topix justicequest is fundamentally ignorant, anti-science and highly misleading.

Has Tricia Griffith or any RDI poster from websleuth forumsforjustice topix undergone this kinda of training?

http://www.crimesceneinvestigatoredu.org/trace-evidence-analyst/

What is Trace Evidence Examiner?

A trace evidence analyst, also referred to as a trace evidence examiner, is a forensic scientist who performs analyses on trace evidence that may occur as a result of physical contact between a suspect and victim during a violent crime. Trace evidence analysis includes the identification and comparison of these transferred materials using specific scientific instrumentation and methodologies.

Trace evidence materials may include:

   Fibers
   Primer residue
   Hairs
   Paint
   Duct tape
   Arson debris
   Accelerants
   Fibers
   Glass
   Unknown substances

The physical contact between a suspect and a victim can result in the transfer of trace materials. The identification and comparison of these materials can often associate a suspect to a crime scene or with another individual.

Instrumentation commonly used by trace evidence analysts include: stereomicroscopes, polarized light microscopes, glass refractive index measurement devices, scanning electron microscopes, gas chromatography, mass spectrometers, and energy dispersive spectrometers.

Trace evidence analysts are responsible for performing chemical and physical analyses using state-of-the-art methodologies and instrumentation as to analyze physical trace evidence obtained from the scene of a crime. These forensic scientists prepare Certificates of Analysis on the results of their findings, and they may be called to testify in criminal court proceedings as expert witnesses on the analysis of evidence and the conclusions that result from the analysis.

Trace evidence analyst jobs are found in forensic laboratories/coroners offices within local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Trace Evidence Unit.
FBI Trace Evidence Unit (TEU)

The FBI’s Trace Evidence Unit (TEU), in addition to forensic scientists in trace evidence, consists of other physical scientists and geologists.

The TEU conducts analysis on a variety of trace evidence, including:

   Hair: Hair examinations include determining whether the hair is human or animal. In addition to determining the racial characteristics, body area, length and root type, trace evidence analysts may study hair using mitochondrial DNA testing.
   Fibers: Fiber analysis may include determining if a fiber is natural or manmade and whether it originated from a specific source.
   Fabric: Fabric examination includes testing to determine if a known piece of fabric is consistent in color, composition and/or construction and if it can be physically matched to a damaged or torn garment.
   Mineralogy: The FBI Trace Evidence Unit is one of the only laboratories in the nation that performs geologic services, which includes studying both naturally occurring and manmade geologic materials, such as soil, building materials, gemstones, and glass.
   Anthropology: Trace evidence often includes forensic anthropology, which includes analyzing human remains in a medico-legal contact.

Education for Trace Evidence Analysts

Due to the highly scientific nature of trace evidence analysis, it comes as no surprise that trace evidence analysts are required to have extensive study through a formal educational program. Specifically, these forensic scientists are often required to have, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a closely related field, along with coursework and laboratory work in the areas of:

   General chemistry
   Organic chemistry
   Analytical chemistry

Many employers also require specific training in polarized light microscopy, comparison microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and digital imaging.
Training for Trace Evidence Analysts

Although a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited college or university provides a solid framework in the natural sciences, the highly technical nature of this forensic laboratory profession requires extensive training under the supervision of a senior trace evidence analyst. Comprehensive training programs allow individuals to achieve knowledge in basic theoretical principles and applications of the instrumentation and methodologies used to analyze trace evidence samples. Further, a trace evidence analyst training program allows individuals to gain valuable knowledge in criminal court procedures and rules of evidence.

Highly qualified trace evidence analysts must be able to analyze and solve technical problems; effectively communicate both orally and in writing; defend their scientific findings in a court of law; make sound conclusions; and maintain accurate records.
Professional Certification for Trace Evidence Analysts

The American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) offers professional certification for forensic scientists in a number of forensic disciplines, including trace analysis.

To qualify for certification and achieve the status of Diplomate, candidates must possess, at a minimum:

   A bachelor’s degree in a natural science or an approved field from an accredited institution
   Two years of full-time experience (including on-the-job training) in the field of criminalistics

To achieve status as a Fellow, candidates must have, at a minimum:

   The status of Diplomate
   Successfully complete an approved proficiency testing program in a designated specialty area for the Comprehensive Criminalistics Examination

American Board of Criminalistics certifies applicants as qualified to offer expert witness testimony.

is Tricia Griffith or any RDI poster from andreww superdave UKguy et al, certified by  American Board of Criminalistics?

no?

then their opinions carry no weight under Daubert and under justice.

they lack training and they do not use the same STANDARDS as in other cases.

if in another crime, they find the same trace evidence in another crime that they find in Jonbenet, would they come to the same conclusion of an intruder?

if the answer is no, they are NOT using the same scientific standard.

this is made clear here

https://www.troopers.ny.gov/Employment/Civilian_Employment/view.cfm?ID=a9cbb882-c4d6-40a2-b511-738da94f3637

Forensic Scientist - Trace Evidence/Criminalistics
Forensic Investigation Center
Albany , NY 12226
Albany County
January 2, 2015


Forensic Scientist 1 - Trace Evidence/Criminalistics, SG-14

Will be familiar with and aware of work completed and analyses performed in other laboratory sections.

Will successfully complete trace evidence training under the guidance of the Supervisor of Forensic Services - Trace Evidence/Criminalistics. Appropriate training with competency and/or proficiency tests will be completed before assuming any casework.

Will inform the appropriate supervisor of any unusual or unexpected developments that may occur during his/her analysis.


Forensic Scientist 2 - Trace Evidence/Criminalistics, SG-18

Will be proficient in all of the duties of a Forensic Scientist 1 - Trace Evidence/Criminalistics.

Will be expected to perform appropriate analysis on casework which is technically of limited complexity utilizing standard established procedures. When standard procedures are not applicable, the Forensic Scientist 2 will discuss alternate or modified methodologies with the Supervisor of Forensic Services - Trace Evidence/Criminalistics or designated Forensic Scientist 3 prior to conducting analysis.

Will plan and execute analyses, including proper quality control procedures, using instrumentation and techniques as necessary. Results will be interpreted and findings reported for court purposes.

Will inform the appropriate supervisor of any unusual or unexpected developments that may occur during his/her analysis.

Will be expected to maintain and enhance his/her expertise and maintain technical proficiency in the field of forensic Trace Evidence/Criminalistics.


Forensic Scientist 3 - Trace Evidence/Criminalistics, SG-20

Will be assigned analyses of complex cases and will exercise considerable independent judgment in evaluating possible alternative methods of analysis and modify existing methodology to fit each particular investigation, subject to approval of the Supervisor of Forensic Services - Trace Evidence/Criminalistics.

Will be proficient in all of the duties of a Forensic Scientist 2 - Trace Evidence/ Criminalistics.

Will interpret data and results derived from analyses and report findings and conclusions.

Will work with little supervision and will inform the appropriate supervisor of any unusual or unexpected developments that may occur during his/her analysis.

Expected to perform troubleshooting and maintenance tasks within the section.

May be required to assume the duties of the Supervisor of Forensic Services - Trace Evidence/Criminalistics in his/her absence.

and

Forensic Scientist 1 - Trace Evidence/Criminalistics, SG-14

Shall have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in the Natural Sciences, Physical Sciences, or Forensic Science.

No prior laboratory experience is required.


Forensic Scientist 2 - Trace Evidence/Criminalistics, SG-18

Shall have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in the Natural Sciences, Physical Sciences or Forensic Science.

AND

Have a minimum of eighteen months satisfactory experience performing the duties of a Forensic Scientist 1 -Trace Evidence/Criminalistics or its equivalent in another laboratory.

AND

If applicable, have gained experience in testimony as an expert witness and have established his/her credentials as an expert in various courts of record.


Forensic Scientist 3 - Trace Evidence/Criminalistics, SG-20

Shall have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in the Natural Sciences, Physical Sciences or Forensic Science.

AND

Have a minimum of four years satisfactory experience performing the duties of a Forensic Scientist - Trace Evidence/Criminalistics or its equivalent in another laboratory.

AND

If applicable, experience in testimony as an expert witness and have established his/her credentials as an expert in various courts of record


if any RDI who contradicts the scientific criminalist consensus that an intruder murdered Jonbenet have any of the above training? are they qualified to be a forensic scientists level 3?

NO.

under Daubert their opinions have zero scientific weight. their conclusions that the parents did it is not supported by scientific evidence and expert witness testimony.

the FBI trace evidence Unit

https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/lab/scientific-analysis/trace

Trace Evidence

Mission

The Trace Evidence Unit (TEU) identifies and compares specific types of trace materials that could be transferred during the commission of a violent crime. These trace materials include human hair, animal hair, textile fibers and fabric, rope, feathers, soil, glass, and building materials. The physical contact between a suspect and a victim can result in the transfer of trace materials. The identification and comparison of these materials can often associate a suspect to a crime scene or with another individual. Physical anthropology (skeletal remains) examinations are also performed. These examinations are conducted to assist in the identification of human remains.

The Team

Physical scientist, geologist, and forensic examiners

The Work

The unit maintains reference collections of human and animal hair, natural and man-made textile fibers, fabrics, feathers and wood.

Hair

Hair examinations can determine if a hair is animal or human. If animal, the species and possibly breed of the animal can be determined. If human, the racial characteristics, body area, length, root type (naturally shed/forcibly removed), and any artificial treatment or damage can be determined. Hairs associated by microscopic comparison are also examined by the Mitochondrial DNA Unit.

Fibers

Fiber examinations can determine if a fiber is natural or manmade. Questioned fibers can be compared to fibers from a known source to determine if they are consistent with having originated from that source. Questioned fibers can also be compared to other questioned fibers to determine if they are consistent with originating from the same source, though that source is not known.

Fabric

Fabric examinations can determine if a questioned piece of fabric and a known piece of fabric are consistent in color, construction, and composition. Torn pieces of fabric can be physically matched to a damaged garment

when i say tricia griffith i also include any author or detective from steve thomas and james kolar to david hughes and last christmas with jonbenet, do they have training in trace evidence criminalistics? if the answer is no, then their opinions have no weight under Daubert
the answer is NO btw.

neither Tricia Griffith nor anyone on the websmear forum has a resume that reads like this

http://www.jim-norris.com/Resume.html

Curriculum vitae: James L. Norris
· Current Employment
Consultant in Forensic Science

3130 Alpine Road #228 - 137
Portola Valley, CA 94028
(650) 799-6390
(650) 851-7229 (Fax)
Forensic@Jim-Norris.com
www.Jim-Norris.com
· Education

Bachelor of Science, magna cum laude, Chemistry, California State University, Fresno

Master of Science, Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley
· Professional Employment

1995 to 2004 (Retired) - Director, San Francisco Police Department Forensic Services Division

Responsible for the overall management of the Forensic Services Division which includes the Criminalistics Laboratory, Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Photography Section, Polygraph Unit, Computer and Cellular Telephone Analysis Unit, Forensic Art Unit, and the Identification Bureau.

1987 to 1995 - Senior Criminalist, San Francisco Police Department Criminalistics Laboratory

Responsible for the supervision of the Criminalistics Laboratory and the analysis of physical evidence in complex cases. Testimony in the Municipal, Superior and Federal District courts as an expert witness in several areas of forensic science, including firearms identification, ballistics, crime scene reconstruction, trace evidence examination, and the effects of alcohol and drugs of abuse on human behavior and driving performance. Supervision of the narcotics analysis, firearms and tool marks, questioned document, trace evidence, arson, forensic serology, and DNA programs. Responsible for the Forensic Alcohol Program.

1974 to 1987 - Criminalist, Santa Clara County District Attorney, Criminalistics Laboratory

Assigned to the major case section of the laboratory, which involved the analysis of physical evidence in violent crimes. Testimony in the Municipal, Superior courts as an expert witness in several areas of forensic science, including firearms identification, ballistics, crime scene reconstruction, forensic serology, trace evidence examination, and the effects of alcohol and drugs of abuse on human behavior and driving performance.

1970 to 1974 - Criminalist, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Crime Laboratory

Analysis of physical evidence and testimony in the Municipal, Superior courts as an expert witness in several areas of forensic science, including firearms identification, ballistics, crime scene reconstruction, forensic serology, narcotics analysis, and trace evidence examination.
· Certification

Forensic Alcohol Supervisor, Santa Clara County, 1978 to 1987

Forensic Alcohol Supervisor, City and County of San Francisco, 1987 to 2004

Administrator and Person Responsible for Forensic Alcohol Analysis for the San Francisco Police Department, 1995 to 2004
· Professional Associations

California Association of Criminalists (Past President, Regional Director, Editorial Secretary and Membership Secretary)

American Academy of Forensic Sciences

California Association of Crime Laboratory Directors

Law Enforcement Video Association (LEVA)
· Professional Activities

Member, Users’ Advisory Board, California Criminalistics Institute (Representing the California Association of Crime Laboratory Directors)

Instructor in Homicide Investigation, California State University, San Jose

Instructor in Sexual Assault Investigation, California State University, San Jose

Instructor in Property Management, California State University, San Jose

Instructor in the effects of alcohol on human behavior and driving performance and the ability of subjects to perform field sobriety tests, San Francisco Police Department Academy

Consultant in Alcohol Impairment, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Nuclear Division

you have highly trained and qualified criminalists consulted in the Jonbenet case.

their training and education and use of scientific methodology leads them to conclude that Jonbenet was murdered by an intruder.

none of the RDi Tricia Griffith not cynic not superdave nor brothermoon ukguy andreww have ANY training in criminalistics

http://www.cacnews.org/membership/criminalistics.shtml

Criminalistics Information

WHAT IS A CRIMINALIST?

A criminalist is a person with a background in science, typically having at least a baccalaureate degree in an area such as chemistry, biology, forensic science, or criminalistics. Some criminalists have degrees in other, similarly related areas. Many criminalists have advanced degrees.

With the above scientific background and additional training given by his/her employer (either a government or private laboratory) a criminalist applies scientific methods and techniques to examine and analyze evidentiary items and testifies in court as to his or her findings. Please read below, under criminalistics, for a more detailed description of what criminalists do.

WHAT IS THE C.A.C.?

The California Association of Criminalists (CAC) is a professional membership organization of forensic scientists founded in 1954 by sixteen members from various agencies throughout California. They met to exchange ideas, new testing methodologies and to share case histories. Since its inception, the CAC has expanded its membership throughout the United States and Europe. The CAC is the oldest established regional forensic science organization in America. CAC Members are employed in local, state and federal governmental agencies, as well as private companies and teaching institutions.

Today, there are many members representing an array of forensic science specialties. They include criminalists, document examiners, serologists, toxicologists, chemists, molecular biologists, firearm & toolmark examiners and educators. CAC members are involved in national forensic science organizations such as SWGDAM, SWGMAT, ASCLD, ASCLD-LAB, ASTM E-30, DAB, ABC and AAFS. CAC membership provides an opportunity to be involved in the professional activities that affect one's career, the profession of criminalistics and the criminal justice system.

WHAT ARE SOME TYPES OF CRIMINALISTICS?
Trace Evidence
Trace evidence, frequently overlooked because of its microscopic size, applies microanalysis to fibers, hair, soil, paint, glass, pollen, explosives, gunshot residue, food, plastic bags, and virtually anything involved in a crime. No training exists that will prepare the trace evidence analyst for every kind of case that will cross their workbench, as each case is fascinatingly unique. By having a thorough knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of microscopic, spectroscopic, and chromatographic methods, the criminalist can meet the analytical challenge of each case.

DNA and Serology
In the mid 1980s, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) techniques began to be applied to forensic cases. Any tissue from the body carrying the genetic code of DNA may be used to compare to a standard. This can possibly allow blood and other biological material to be associated with an individual. Databases of DNA profiles have been compiled to aid in identifying criminals and have been used to solve cases many years old, where samples were properly preserved and reanalyzed. In some cases innocent persons have even been released from prison based on the reanalysis of DNA evidence.

WHAT DOES A CRIMINALIST DO?

Criminalistics is one of many divisions in the field of forensic science. Forensic science includes forensic pathology, odontology, entomology, engineering, criminology, and other disciplines. All of these are specialized sections in forensic science. Criminalists use techniques learned in chemistry, molecular biology, geology, and other scientific disciplines to investigate and solve crimes. Criminalistics should not be confused with the field of criminology. Criminologists are sociologists, psychologists, and others who study the causes and effects of crime on society.

For the criminalist, crime scene investigation involves the recognition, documentation, collection, preservation, and interpretation of physical evidence which may be as big as a truck or as small as a diatom or pollen grain. Recognition of items out of place, articles improperly located or items added to the crime scene are an important part of crime scene processing. The criminalist collects, preserves, and makes interpretations about the evidence and their relation to the series of events resulting at the crime scene.

The criminalist brings evidence back to the laboratory where examinations will be conducted. Interpretations are made about the relevance of a particular item from the crime scene by associating particular items of evidence to specific sources and reconstructing the crime scene. This means not only associating a suspect with a scene but also the telling of a story about what transpired before, during and after the crime. The criminalist must draw on a wide spectrum of scientific knowledge including chemistry, biology, genetics, molecular biology, physics, statistics and a working knowledge of civil and criminal law. Applying this knowledge, criminalist will associate and identify evidence, interpret the results, reconstruct the crime scene, and write a report summarizing the findings.

Finally, the criminalist testifies in courts of law, teaching the judge and jury about the conclusions reached in the laboratory.

TESTIMONY

The end of the journey is the court room where testimony of the crime scene work, laboratory analysis, the conclusions on the report and interpretation of the evidence will be presented and questioned. The criminalist tells the truth in an unbiased manner, educating the jurors about the techniques that were used, the results obtained and interpretations derived from those conclusions. The criminalist must answer the question posed so that their answer is not misleading the jurors. If the question posed requires a yes or no answer but an explanation is needed to explain the yes or no answer, they are obligated to give an explanation. Professionally, the criminalist does not care whether the defendant is found guilty or not guilty. Presentation of the evidence in a fair and unbiased manner and telling the truth are the primary obligations of the criminalist.


Mark Beckner summarizes the conclusion of the criminalists who have testified and formed an expert witness opinion
Mark Beckner wrote:
• "The suspect is the donator of that unknown DNA, and until you can prove otherwise, I think that's the way you've got to look at it.

No Tricia, no RDI no poster has ever refuted that claim. not Steve Thomas, not James Kolar.

all other unsourced fibers hair shoeprint ligature ransom note is evidence of an intruder

fundamentally its best to ignore the RDI as they have never studied criminalistics. they have never studied trace evidence forensics and forensic handwriting linguistics and therefore they are only promoting anti-science ignorance

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redpill
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