Integration of Soil Fingerprinting Techniques for Forensic Applications (Soilfit)
Lead Research Organisation:
James Hutton Institute
Department Name: Environmental Sciences
Abstract
This proposal aims to bring together the use of a combination of conventional, improved and new soil analytical techniques for forensic use on UK The main objective is to increase the range of situations where the normal constituents of soil can be analysed for criminal investigations. This will I achieved through the combined use of improved fingerprinting methods, effective use of available databases and through ensuring that a robust statistical approach is adopted throughout the whole project. Updated conventional soil analysis methods currently used in forensics (e.g. colour, texture, microscopic observations and mineralogy) will be integrated with with state-of-the-art techniques employed in soil science research (e.g. organic analysis, high resolution powder X-ray diffraction and molecular methods). Techniques that are applicable to trace samples (QemSCAN, palynology and molecular approaches) will be correlated to soil attributes measurable on larger sized samples and to those variables held in databt in Scotland, England and Wales and Northern Ireland. The ability to match samples with a defined probability will be greatly improved. Comparison data from a forensic sample with soil and associated data held in several databases will provide important intelligence clues, such as narrowing the geographical location of sample origin and associated vegetation.The main outcomes of the project will be, in collaboration with the National Crime and Operations Faculty (NCOF) and other relevant end users, to provide routes for the development of robust corroborative soil intelligence tools and enhance the provision of reliable evidence. In addition, a meth selector will be designed to assist investigators choose the best methods or indeed help decide which soil characteristic to use, dependant upon sa size, condition and pretreatment.
Organisations
- James Hutton Institute (Lead Research Organisation)
- Home Office (Collaboration)
- National Crime and Operations Faculty (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Police Forensic Science Laboratory Dunde (Collaboration)
- The Forensic Science Service (Project Partner)
- Police Forensic Science Laboratory Dundee (Project Partner)
Publications
Macdonald L
(2008)
Microbial DNA profiling by multiplex terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism for forensic comparison of soil and the influence of sample condition
in Journal of Applied Microbiology
Ruffell A
(2009)
Forensic Geology in Environmental Crime: Illegal Waste Movement & Burial in Northern Ireland
in Environmental Forensics
Description | The use of soil in search and as evidence has now been presented and accepted in UK courts. |
Exploitation Route | use in both criminal and civil law, investigation and evidence. Trace evidence in art, museum, environment, contamination etc |
Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Education,Environment,Government, Democracy and Justice,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections,Security and Diplomacy,Transport |
URL | http://www.macaulay.ac.uk/soilfit/ |
Description | The research findings have been further adapted and have been used in investigations and as evidence in UK and Australian courts. |
First Year Of Impact | 2009 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Construction,Education,Environment,Government, Democracy and Justice,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections,Security and Diplomacy,Transport |
Impact Types | Societal,Policy & public services |
Description | FW7 |
Amount | € 280,000 (EUR) |
Organisation | European Commission |
Sector | Public |
Country | European Union (EU) |
Start | 06/2013 |
End | 07/2015 |
Description | Forensic Science Service Ltd |
Organisation | Home Office |
Department | Forensic Science Regulator |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
Start Year | 2006 |
Description | National Crime and Operations Faculty |
Organisation | National Crime and Operations Faculty |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
Start Year | 2006 |
Description | Police Forensic Science Laboratory Dunde |
Organisation | Police Forensic Science Laboratory Dunde |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
Start Year | 2006 |
Description | Murder Mystery Microscopes |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | e James Hutton Institute runs a series of events delving into the science behind fictional crime with Murder, Mystery and Microscopes. Crime fiction comes face to face with science fact as the fictional forensics of a crime writer such as Stuart MacBride, Ann Cleeves, Val McDermid, Margaret Murphy, Peter James and Mark Billingham are put under the microscope by a group of real-life CSIs, including experts at the James Hutton. Increase in interest from students, university and schools in receiving information/talks. Uptake in discussion with police and investigation authorities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014 |
URL | http://www.hutton.ac.uk/events/mmm |