Searching for Resources on Forensic Computing?

Computer-quincyME asks: "I am very interested in forensic computing (using computers to help forensics, like in blood spatter analysis, geographic profiling etc.) but despite some extensive Googling, I'm not able to find any decent site that contains information on current forensic problems that don't have yet an acceptable computing implementation (I'd like to try my hand at writing some forensic software in my spare time, and I wouldn't want to reinvent the wheel, but to create something useful). Any forensics experts in the Slashdot crowd that could give me a hand? Do you know of any tasks you have to routinely do these days by hand that you would kill to have more automated? Also, how did you end up in your current job?"

Comments

Re:How about asking?

[clark625]

I actually used to volunteer with my county's sheriff's office. It was way out in the sticks, and crime wasn't a huge thing. But still, we had murders and all that evilness. Most of it was domestic violence.

So one day, I do exactly what you purposed. I had sorta known the detectives, and shoot--it seemed perfectly reasonable to ask about how they go about collecting evidence and coming up with models, etc. That was a mistake. The very first statement out of the guy's mouth was that he wouldn't ever share HIS methods with anyone unless by court order (testifying, etc.). Too much fear that if you knew his personal methods, you could then commit a crime that would never be solved. Plus, he (possibly correctly) assumed that maybe I would use this to my advantage in the future.

You might be able to find out general information about the practices, though. Heck--watch TLC and Discovery. But if you notice carefully, you'll find that you never do get to see any particular detective's methods. You only get bits and pieces that may or may not be relevant. It's very much a predator-prey lifestyle. You may also be able to ask professors at a college or university that teaches forensic science.

Just be careful never to ask in such a way that makes you look guilty before you start.