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New forensic sleuths to 'crack the case'

Date: 30/05/2005

Tragic events like the Bali bombings, the Waterfall train crash and the tsunami in South-East Asia have positioned Australia as a much-respected world leader in forensic science, according to a University of Western Sydney expert.

Mr Glenn Porter is a former Australian Federal Police forensic services officer who heads up the UWS forensic science degree - a program which is training a new generation of forensic scientists to meet the rising demand for graduates in this highly specialised field.

He says the increasing reliance on forensic specialists in crime and emergency situations has led to the growing call for more forensic experts internationally.

"Modern technology means we are seeing continual breakthroughs in forensic science and, as a result, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what forensic science can do," says Mr Porter.

"Greater reliance on scientifically based forensic evidence, including DNA, is creating a burgeoning demand for forensic scientists in various areas of work, from crime labs and drug testing labs to actual crime scene investigations," he says.

"Forensic scientists are in great demand as courts, juries and the general public have come to expect comprehensive scientific evidence as proof to help them come to a verdict.

"Advancing technology is giving scientific investigators new tools that provide a higher quality of sampling at the scene. More sophisticated sampling methods create better screening processes and provide a higher level of evidence detection," he says.

According to Mr Porter, futuristic remote digital analysis is also coming closer to reality with wireless technology. For example, it may become possible to scan fingerprints at the scene using a fingerprint scanner, which is then linked to a data base of known offenders.

"The investigating police on site can gain some intelligence on possible suspects in real-time while the scene is being processed. If suspects can be detected earlier, they may be still wearing the same clothes when they committed the crime or possess other valuable forensic evidence," he says.

"At UWS we are training science professionals who can complement the current forensic teams that are helping solve today's crime. This will enhance evidence detection and eliminate unnecessary samples, which will ultimately reduce the workload and costs at the crime lab."

Mr Porter is about put a group of second-year forensic science recruits through their paces as part of a simulation exercise being carried out next week at the University's Crime Scene House at Hawkesbury Campus - a dedicated training facility which is the only one of its kind in NSW.

The 40 forensic scientists will have their skills tested in detecting and analysing footprints, fingerprinting, blood spatter and glass evidence. They will be dressed in forensic suits to conduct the investigation, which will be part of their undergraduate assessment.

"The police service is supportive of higher education programs such as the one at UWS. In the past, only police officers were recruited into forensic departments; however civilians are also being recruited into forensic science after studying at university," Mr Porter says.

"Boosting industry numbers is important but it's equally necessary to ensure we prepare future forensic practitioners people with expertise for the task," he says.

"We believe the development of best practice should commence right from the start or during the student's university studies. Embedding professional practices within the course structure provides students with a holistic perspective of the industry.

"Forensic investigation is demanding work which follows a set procedure to preserve evidence and requires enduring patience. That is exactly what our students are learning through practical experiences."

Ends.

Interview and photo opportunities are available on Wednesday, June 1 at midday, at the Crime Scene House, Hawkesbury Campus, Richmond, or other times by arrangement.

WHAT: Simulated crime scene investigation

WHERE: Crime Scene House, UWS Hawkesbury Campus, Londonderry Road, Richmond

WHEN: 12pm Wednesday, June 1 or by arrangement

Media contact: Senior Media Officer, Suzie Vlaming, (02) 9852 5823 or 0414 308 701

Ends

Contact:
Senior Media Officer
Suzie Vlaming
s.vlaming@uws.edu.au
02 9678 7086, 0414 308 701

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