ForensiPod

In our final episode of ForensiPod, Ali and Stephen welcome back Linzi Wilson-Wilde, Claude Roux and Simon Walsh, our experts from Episode 2. We review the themes that have emerged throughout the series and Linzi, Claude and Simon bring together their extensive knowledge and experience to provide some final insights into the fascinating world of forensic science. 

Prof Linzi Wilson-Wilde

Director of Forensic Science South Australia

Distinguished Prof Claude Roux

Director, Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology, Sydney.

Dr Simon Walsh, National Manager, Operational Science and Technology, Australian Federal Police (AFP).

The suspect has been arrested, charged with murder and is facing trial. The Hon John Coldrey reprises his demanding 18-year role as a Supreme Court trial judge, and Elizabeth Ruddle (Crown Prosecutor) and Sally Flynn (Defence Barrister) trace the legal steps taken to reach day one of the trial. We then explore the elements of a homicide charge that the prosecution must prove and what arguments the defence might bring up. And as with
all good trials, his Honour eloquently sums up the case.

Special Guests:

The Hon John Coldrey QC, Former Supreme Court Judge

Elizabeth Ruddle QC, Crown Prosecutor

Sally Flynn QC, Defence Barrister

Fingerprints is one of the oldest and most
widely used disciplines in forensic science. Caroline Gibb has extensive experience as a fingerprint examiner with Victoria Police and more recently with the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI). Caroline explains the difference between fingerprints and finger marks and helps clarify the “what, where, when and who” of our suspicious death.

Special Guest:

Caroline Gibb
Caroline Gibb has extensive global experience as a forensic scientist (fingermark examiner) with VPFSD and NFI. She has pursued doctoral studies at the University of Twente, Netherlands, in collaboration with the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS), University of Dundee, Scotland,
and also with the Scottish Police Authority and the National Police of the Netherlands, focusing on human decision-making and improving the reliability of fingermark examiner judgements through computer assisted AI consensus approaches.

In the suspicious death scenario, the deceased
has received two gunshot wounds. Senior Sergeant Gerard Dutton is a ballistics specialist whose job is the forensic investigation of crimes involving firearms. 
In this episode, Ali and Stephen explore the firearms investigation and what observations would be made at the scene and the mortuary. Gerard helps us understand what traces would be collected, how they would be analysed, and the conclusions he would reach.  

Guest:

Senior Sergeant Gerard Dutton, Tasmania Police

Triage, ‘the process of determining the most important
things from amongst a large number that require attention’ is relatively new in forensic science. Today we are joined by Dr Mark Tahtouh and Annie Lam from the Australian Federal Police who walk through the triage process. We examine the items and traces collected at the crime scene that will direct and define the forensic investigation.

Special guest details:

Dr Mark Tahtouh

Coordinator Forensic Operations &
Engagement Operational Science and Technology, Australian Federal Police

Annie Lam

Team Leader Forensic Operations Centre,
Operational Science & Technology, Australian Federal Police