Results tagged “forensics”

Working cold cases has gotta be a bitch. Looking to solve crimes that happened decades ago with no new evidence or information must be some terribly frustrating work. But does that justify using hocus-pocus bullpucky to try to unravel some of these cases? We might be a little more skeptical than others, but when police departments bring in psychics to try to help with long-unsolved crimes, we tend to think that there are better ways that cops can be utilizing their time. Like, say, ramming their heads into a wall, or watching paint dry.

Beginning in 2009, the federal government will require all states to purchase and provide anonymous rape exams if they wish to continue receiving funds under the Violence Against Women Act, which provides money for women's shelters and law enforcement training. The exams allow for the collection of evidence (skin, hair, blood, saliva or semen) from rape victims, but identify the victims only by a serial number, maintaining anonymity. The exams are sealed, preserving the evidence, and are only opened if the victim decides to press charges.