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AUGUST 2014
FOCUS ON
FORENSICS
Investigate · Recover ∙ Examine
Innovative solutions for the Forensic science laboratory
An update from Pathtech
Cracking cold cases
BVDA – Partners with Pathtech
Vacuum Metal
Deposition for fingerprints
Rapid response shelter systems
Pathtech unveils new website
View our product range on our NEW website
pathtech.com.au
AN UPDATE FROM PATHTECH
Pathtech represents
Pathtech are proud to be the
Australian distributor for leading
Forensic brands including:
Foster + Freeman
www.fosterfreeman.com
FitzCo International
www.fitzcoinc.com
Welcome to the 2014 Issue of the
Focus On Forensics newsletter.
It has been a very busy year for the Pathtech Forensics team
and we are pleased to announce that the new Pathtech
website has finally gone LIVE. Visit www.pathtech.com.au to
view our full range of Forensic products, access the latest
news and enjoy a user friendly experience at your fingertips.
We have also been busy expanding our Partner Network and
recently signed Distribution Agreements with MSI M-Vac
systems (USA) who manufacture the new Wet Vacuum System
for DNA collection and recovery, and West-Technology (UK)
who specialise in the latest Vacuum Metal Deposition systems
for fingerprints. These products are highlighted in this edition
and product demonstrations are currently being scheduled.
And as the excitement builds for the 2014 ANZFSS Symposium
in Adelaide, Pathtech Forensics is gearing up as Symposium
Gold Sponsor. This is our first year as a major sponsor and
we will also be sponsoring the Symposium Gala Dinner. The
theme is BLUE so to complement your formal outfit, wear
a touch of blue – or go all out in all blue! We look forward
to seeing you all for what is going to be a spectacular week.
Feel free to let us know what you think of this latest edition and
content via [email protected], and as always, I hope
to see you in my travels over the next 12 months.
Attestor Forensics
www.attestor-forensics.com/English
Nutwell Logistics
www.nutwelllogistics.com
SheerSpeed Shelters Ltd
www.sheerspeedshelters.com
Abacus Diagnostics
www.abacusdiagnostics.com
ACO Electronics
www.acoelectronics.com
Justice Trax
www.justicetrax.com
Consolite Forensics
www.consolite.co.uk
BVDA
www.bvda.com
Camille Foote
Business Development Manager – Forensics
West Technologies
www.west-technology.co.uk
M-Vac Systems, Inc
www.m-vac.com
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AUGUST 2014 FOCUS ON FORENSICS
CRACKING COLD CASES
Cracking cold cases
a new forensic tool making headlines
The M-VAC DNA Retrieval System
An innovative and industry disruptive technology platform,
the M-VAC DNA Retrieval System is designed to dramatically
improve the user’s ability to effectively and safely collect
surface samples from a variety of materials.
Using wet-vacuum principles, the M-VAC allows users to
retrieve DNA, pathogens, bio-threats and other microscopic
particles in a revolutionary, non-destructive manner from
both porous and non-porous surfaces such as clothing, dry
wall, floorboards and bedding. With a patented wet-vacuum
and separation filter, the M-VAC is extremely effective and
has been proven through independent studies to capture
significantly more DNA than traditional swabbing methods
on porous surfaces. The M-VAC is also a great method for
DNA retrieval over large sampling areas where the potential
DNA evidence is not visible.
How the M-VAC works
The M-VAC simultaneously sprays a DNA-free buffer
solution onto the surface of interest while a vacuum is
applied around the spray pattern, collecting the buffer
and extracted particles into the attached sample collection
bottle. Once collected, the user filters the solution
through a 0.45 micron filtration system, separating
the DNA from the buffer. Once filtration of the sampled
solution is complete, the filter can be packaged and
submitted to the crime lab for DNA processing using
their preferred method.
M-VAC picks up the trail on a river rock
Cold case solved in Utah, USA
Adapted from an article by Michael McFall as it appeared
in The Salt Lake Tribune, September 2013
It was a frosty December morning 18 years ago
when Wasatch County Sheriff’s Deputy Todd
Bonner arrived at the Provo River crime scene to
investigate the murder of Krystal Beslanowtich.
Despite having looked at the evidence every which
way, the eventual suspect—a man named Joseph
Michael Simpson—was not on his radar. Revisiting
the case after the trail had gone cold, investigators
decided to engage Sorenson Forensics, a private
crime lab, to examine the old evidence. With the
victim suspected of being bludgeoned to death with
a rock, the laboratory exhausted traditional swabbing
techniques on this evidence before turning to the
M-VAC System. The bacteria vacuum-turned-CSI
machine had succeeded in picking up “touch DNA”
from the 18-year-old rock, returning a full DNA
profile of Simpson. A spokesperson for Sorenson
Forensics commented, saying, “When we used the
vacuum collection method, that was when we got
the most DNA that did yield the best DNA profile for
comparison.” After linking Simpson to the crime and
arresting him on murder charges, Deputy Bonner
stated “There are many officers, analysts and agencies
that need to be thanked for their part in solving the
Baslanowitch homicide” adding “…without a doubt,
the M-VAC System is the major tool that allowed us
to make critical DNA connections in this case.”
Demonstration units now available in Australia. To schedule a demonstration call 1800 069 161
or email [email protected]
AUGUST 2014 FOCUS ON FORENSICS
3
P
Go ath
ld te
for Spo ch
20 nso
14 r
anzfss.org.au | Visit us in booths 39/40
BVDA
Partners with Pathtech
Established in 1932,
BVDA (Bureau voor
Dactyloscopische Artikelen)
is a leading manufacturer
and distributor of material
and equipment for use by
crime scene officers and
forensic laboratories.
Used by crime scene officers for
more than a century, gelatin lifters
are an indispensable tool in crime
scene investigation.
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AUGUST 2014 FOCUS ON FORENSICS
In the past, only transparent lifters
were used, exclusively for lifting
powdered fingerprints, however
because gelatin lifters have a number
of special characteristics, their use
has broadened.
The GLScan, BVDA’s latest companion
instrument, is the first digital system
for recording gel lifter shoeprint
traces that can surpass traditional
photography. With the ability to
record traces on gel lifters simply
and efficiently, the GLScan provides
users with perfectly illuminated,
high resolution images every time.
Come and see this instrument
at the ANZFSS – Booths 39/40
GLScan instrument
THE LATEST
Vacuum Metal
Deposition for fingerprints
The latest in user friendly
instrumentation
The technique of Vacuum Metal
Deposition (VMD) involves
evaporating tiny amounts of gold
and zinc film coatings onto flexible
non-porous substrates such as
polythene packaging film in order to
recover fingerprints. Developed by
the Police Scientific Development
Branch of the UK Home Office in
the 1970s, VMD remains one of the
most powerful latent fingerprint
development techniques available
to the modern forensic scientist.
The leading manufacturer of
VMD systems, West Technology
UK have a range of systems to suit
your needs and is now available in
Australia and New Zealand through
Pathtech Forensics.
• Bench-top system
“VMD remains one of the most powerful latent
fingerprint development techniques available to
the modern forensic scientist”
Develops fingerprints
on a wide range of
exhibits including:
› Plastic packaging
› Plastic or glass bottles
› Fabrics
› Leather
› Glossy magazines
› Paper
› Firearms
› Coins and polymer notes
• Compact system
• Standalone system
Benefits
›Can be used to indicate grab
or touch areas on clothing for
targeted DNA analysis
›Fast process cycle, typically
less than 15 minutes
›High definition fingerprints
developed with fine detail,
often down to 3rd level detail
›Develop fingerprints on “wet”
exhibits, i.e. items that have
been submerged in water
›Develop fingerprints on
exhibits many years after
the crime
›Does not affect DNA
Touch screen features
For more information call 1800 069 161 or email [email protected]
AUGUST 2014 FOCUS ON FORENSICS
5
Rapid response shelter systems
diverse products for the crime
scene examiner
A high quality range of lightweight
tents and screening products that can
be erected in less than a minute, fit for
purpose and made of heavy duty PVC
for easy decontamination.
Suitable for:
›Crime scene privacy and work tents
›Major crash incident screening
›Cyanoacrylate fuming enclosures
›Blackout laser tents
Features:
›2 year warranty
›Robust design
›Flame retardant
›Light weight
›No loose components
›Complete with heavy duty carry bag
Demonstration tents and screening
kits available in Australia. To arrange
a demonstration call 1800 069 161
or email [email protected]
Forensic
Black-out Tent
for laser and
fuming operations
NE
W
WHAT’S NEW
Document verification device
The MDV-05 is a compact system for the easy
verification of document security safeguards
and for the detection of counterfeit and
forged documents.
›Twin lens achromatic system, 30mm
diameter and 10x magnification—with white
light illumination
›Angled LED’s provide visualisation of OVDs,
DOVDs such as holograms and kinegrams.
›OBLIQUE Illumination LED’s
›UV 365nm Illumination with an optional
annual lamp at 254nm or 313nm
›Powered via a USB cable from a PC or
laptop or from a mains adapter (supplied).
For more information call 1800 069 161 or email [email protected]
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AUGUST 2014 FOCUS ON FORENSICS
WHAT’S NEW
NE
W
Pathtech unveils
new website
› pathtech.com.au
Visit us today for the
latest news and full
product range.
AUGUST 2014 FOCUS ON FORENSICS
7
Does your instrument
need recalibration?
We often don’t realise our instruments
need servicing until we notice a fault or
problem. Or the instrument may appear
to be operating correctly, however it
may need a recalibration and service
for optimal function.
Pathtech has dedicated Service staff who specialise
in Forensic instrument recalibration and preventative
servicing. Trained by product manufacturers, the Pathtech
Service Laboratory will handle all your servicing and
recalibration needs.
›MVC Cyanoacrylate fuming cabinets
›SUPERfume portable fuming system
›Video Spectral Comparators
›Crime-lite portable LED forensic light sources
(Crime-lite2, 80, 82 and XL series)
›CERA-LT Fingerprint Imaging System
RECALIBRATION AND SERVICING
MVC Recalibration / Servicing at a glance
VSC Preventative Maintenance at a glance
› MVC-1000/D, 3000/D, 5000/D models
› Preventative maintenance servicing
› Recalibration procedure
› Follows manufacturers servicing guidelines
› Service Report provided
›Certificate provided to show proof or service
› VSC6000HS, 5000, 400, 40, 4CX and 4Plus models
› Preventative maintenance servicing
› Calibration checks
› Follows manufacturers servicing guidelines
› Service Report provided
›Certificate provided to show proof or service
and recalibration as per NATA Laboratory
Audit requirements
and recalibration as per NATA Laboratory
Audit requirements
Protect your investment and extend the life of your equipment with annual servicing.
Contact the Pathtech Service Laboratory for a quote and details. Call 1800 069 161
Contact the Pathtech team
Phone 1800 069 161 | Email [email protected]
pathtech.com.au

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