As I always do at the end of the year, I give thanks. I thank my family, colleagues, friends and all of you. This year I traveled 45, 979 miles by air alone. That involved 34 different lectures. It was also over 101 days away from home and my practice to give back to […]
What is the relevant scientific community for the Drug Recognition Expert?
What is the relevant scientific community for the Drug Recognition Expert? I, like an astonishing 500 million people, have a Facebook profile. I primarily use it to connect with friends and colleagues. I like it a lot. One day, Facebook suggested that I try to join the group DrugRecognitionExpert. The page states: Simply, this Facebook-based […]
“But It’s NIST traceable” and I’ve Got A Bridge to Sell You in Brooklyn
I am sure that a lot of goofy things can and will be done by folks to call some instrument “calibrated.” Some places simply do a calibration check at one point and presume linearity across a range. Lunacy. What forensic science should have in its analytical instruments is “true scientific instrument calibration” which is part […]
A Forensic Measurement Device is Not an X Box
In forensic science there are many analytical instruments that are used to identify and quantify. For example, there is Gas Chromatography and Breath Testuing Devices (infrared spectroscopy or electrochemical) in DUI. When these devices are deployed in the field or in the laboratory, they are not properly deployed. What we have in forensic science is […]
Voice Stress Analysis Challenges
Voice Stress Analysis Challenges The speculation behind how Voice Stress Analysis (VSA) works is based upon the following premise: liars experience more psychological stress when lying than truth tellers do when they tell the truth. The notion is that this psychological stress results in minor changes in the blood circulation, which subsequently influences various characteristics […]
The scariest words in criminal court: “Based upon my training, knowledge and experience”
Seven little words have likely cause more convictions than anything else in all of criminal law combined: “Based upon my training, knowledge and experience.” Every day, in thousands of courtrooms all across the Untied States this phrase is uttered. It has come to be the sine qua non in all criminal prosecutions. Many times it […]
GERD and breath alcohol testing: NHTSA misunderstands the epiglottitis and other curious statments
GERD and breath alcohol testing The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently published its newest taxpayer publication related to DUI prosecution entitled: Challenges and Defenses II. These publications have generally been a hoot to read. There is a discussion in that publication on what it terms “The Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) defense.” In reality, […]
False Child Abuse Charge: Misinterpretation of Child Injuries
False Child Abuse Charge: Misinterpretation of Child Injuries Can you imagine of being accused of child abuse? As a father of a five year old, I cannot imagine being accused of a worse crime. I love my daughter. To think that anyone would think that I would be capable of hurting her is so incredibly […]
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