Research and development at the Centre of Forensic Sciences

Study of the effects of providing scientific expert witness testimony remotely versus in-person in Ontario courts: effectiveness, cost and efficiency

Background

A Research and Development (RAND) Corporation publication identified the need for research to better understand the effect of “telepresence technology” on court proceedings. Of specific interest are the experiences of witnesses and other court participants, identification of technical issues that influence the effectiveness of remote testimony, and the impact of this technology on the court in terms of efficiency and costs. The staggered implementation of remote testimony by the CFS provides an opportunity to examine these issues.

Research objective

To outline the approach taken by the CFS to provide scientific expert witness testimony remotely, and to compare the costs, efficiency, and effectiveness of this approach as compared to in-person testimony.

Partnership opportunity

Seeking a partner to compile, examine, and analyse existing data from the CFS regarding the use of video testimony and in-person testimony by its staff for court proceedings within the province of Ontario. Multiple data sources are available for possible examination:

• Overview of CFS approach to video testimony, including training provided to staff, equipment setup, use and maintenance, communication with and education for courts, and use of video testimony agreements.
• Information on CFS use of video testimony over time, and comparison with use of in-person testimony. Information available for compilation includes:
  • number of court “attendances” in-person and by video
  • number of court testimonies in person and by video
  • information on the type of court cases for which video testimony has been provided
  • limited data regarding costs associated with video and in-person court attendance
• Data comparing the number of court attendances and testimonies in a specific courthouse before and after implementation of a video testimony agreement.
• Data comparing the number of court attendance and testimonies for the northern part of the province which predominantly uses video testimony, versus that of the southern part of the province which predominantly uses in-person testimony.
• Limited results to date comparing the number of court attendances and testimonies prior to the COVID-19 pandemic with those after court proceedings resumed in the province. With the resumption of courts, the CFS implemented default remote testimony provision.
• Comparison of anonymized “court attendance letters” which include feedback from crown and/or defence attorneys regarding the quality of testimony and witness availability. These have been obtained for both in-person and remote testimonies.

Resources required

The partner must have prior experience and expertise in data compilation, examination and analysis, including identification of data limitations. The partner must be willing and able to identify the most probative data for analysis, compile relevant information from multiple sources of raw data, and act as the primary author for manuscript preparation.

Resources available

CFS will provide the raw data for analysis, make knowledgeable staff available to explain the CFS approach to video testimony, provide relevant documents, and assist with subject expertise during manuscript preparation.

Study of transfer and persistence of DNA from semen-stained clothing to unstained clothing, in a laundry basket prior to laundering

Background

Having data to give estimates on the properties of DNA as physical evidence will enable investigators and scientists to assess its value as evidence in a particular case. Combining the particular case circumstances with experimental data on these properties will provide a more grounded, Bayesian-type interpretation of a trace DNA profile.

Research objective

Assessing whether or not DNA can be passively transferred from semen stained garments to unstained garments that are in direct contact prior to being laundered.

Partnership opportunity

Seeking a partner to examine the likelihood of passive DNA transfer between semen-stained and unstained clothing in direct contact in a laundry basket. The variables of interest in this study are:

1. time in contact
2. contact pressure
3. fabric type (for example, high absorbency versus low absorbency)
4. wet versus dry fabrics

Working with the CFS project lead, you will develop the experimental design, conduct the experiment and publish the results. Transfer will be measured with bodily fluid testing (AP, P30, microscope) and DNA analysis. If transfer is found to occur the extent of transfer will be assessed.

Resources required

Microscope, along with standard DNA extraction, quantitation, separation and analysis instruments. The partner must have prior experience with bodily fluid testing and DNA analysis.

Resources available

CFS will provide reagents for bodily fluid testing and DNA extraction, quantitation and analysis kits. Instrumentation may be provided if needed, or research may be performed in the CFS research and development suite.

Develop a method using InnoTyper 21 to obtain forensically relevant results from degraded, inhibited and low-copy number samples such as bones and rootless hair shaft samples.

Background

Recently a new nuclear DNA typing system, InnoTyper 21 has become available that has been designed to obtain informative results from very degraded, inhibited and low-level forensic samples, including bones and rootless hair shafts. The CFS is currently unable to perform any DNA testing on rootless hair shafts and this kit provides a discriminating alternative to mitochondrial testing.

Research objective

The goal of this research proposal is to determine an optimized nuDNA extraction method for rootless hair shafts that may permit successful DNA analysis using the InnoQuant HY and InnoTyper 21 kits.

Research opportunity

We are seeking an external partner to evaluate whether or not 25 to 50pg of total genomic DNA can be successfully extracted from rootless hair shafts and quantified using the InnoQuant HY kit.

Resources required The preferred methods for extraction would be via Qiagen EZ1 (preferred) or organic protocol using phenol/chloroform. Working with the CFS project lead the external partner will develop the experimental design, execute and publish the results. The external partner must have expertise with DNA analysis including extraction, amplification and electrophoresis and will provide instrumentation (including Qiagen EZ1 Advanced XL, Bio-Rad CFX96 or AB 7500 SDS, and AB 3130 or 3500 Capillary Electrophoresis) and needed specialised lab equipment.

Resources available

The CFS will provide consumables and all required kits including Qiagen-EZ1, InnoQuant and InnoTyper 21 kits.

Study of transfer and persistence of DNA from a person's mouth to other individuals and objects.

Background

Having data to give estimates on the properties of DNA as physical evidence will enable investigators and scientists to assess its value as evidence in a particular case. Combining the particular case circumstances with experimental data on these properties will provide a more grounded, Bayesian-type interpretation of a trace DNA profile.

Research objective

Assessing the extent to which DNA can be passively transferred from items that come in contact with an individual’s mouth (for example, drinking glasses, cigarettes) to other individuals and objects. The study will focus on primary, secondary and tertiary transfers of DNA.

Research opportunity

Seeking a partner to examine the likelihood of passive DNA transfer in the following scenarios. One individual (person 1) will either drink from a glass/cup/bottle or will smoke a cigarette (item 1) and then pass or discard the item, which will then be handled by a second individual (person 2) for a short period of time. The second individual will subsequently handle a “clean” item (item 2) that has not been handled by anyone or will touch the skin of a third person.

This research will assess the amount and extent of DNA transfer from person # 1 as follows:

• primary DNA transfer: person 1 to item 1
• secondary DNA transfer: person 1 to person 2 (via item 1)
• tertiary DNA transfer: person 1 to item 2 (via item 1 and person 2)
• tertiary DNA transfer: person 1 to person 3 (via item 1 and person 2)

This research will also assess the amount and extent of DNA transfer from person 2 as follows:

• person 2 to item 2
• person 2 to person 3

A sufficient number of individuals and scenarios should perform these activities to obtain robust data that determines the extent and variability of primary, secondary and tertiary DNA transfer in each scenario.

Resources required The partner must have prior experience with bodily fluid testing and DNA analysis and have access to the DNA extraction (DNA IQ or DNA Investigator’s kit), quantitation (able to run Plexor HY), separation (capillary electrophoresis) and analysis (compatible with GeneMapper IDX) instruments utilized by the CFS Biology Section. The research partner is expected to design the experimental protocol (in partnership with the CFS project lead), conduct the research project and be lead author on a publication.

Resources available

The CFS will provide DNA extraction, quantification and separations kits if required. The CFS project lead will contribute to the experimental design and authorship of the expected publication.

Analyze transfer and persistence of DNA trace evidence between two pieces of fabric

Background

Having data to give estimates on the properties of DNA as physical evidence will enable investigators and scientists to assess its value as evidence in a particular case. Combining the particular case circumstances with experimental data on these properties will provide a more grounded, Bayesian-type interpretation of a trace DNA profile generated from fabric substrates.

Research objective

Gain a better understanding of DNA trace evidence transfer and persistence patterns using real-time PCR/qPCR to determine quantity and quality of DNA after potential transfer events and stability over time. Specifically, to measure the extent of transfer events (how often trace evidence is detected to be transferred and in what situations transfer occurs) between two fabrics and its detection over time (persistence). The method would first be validated and optimized using a known solution of purified DNA and then additional more complex sources (blood, buccal swab/saliva, etc.) would be analyzed.

Partnership opportunity The external partner must have expertise with DNA analysis including extraction, amplification and electrophoresis. Standard DNA extraction, quantitation, separation and analysis instrumentation.

Resources required DNA extraction, quant and separations kits. Instrumentation may be provided if needed, or research may be performed in the CFS research and development suite. Training in DNA analysis techniques can be provided by CFS staff.

Assess the value of DNA evidence in property crimes during both the police investigations and during the court litigation process

Background 

The CFS currently measures the value of its services to clients in terms of time to complete reports or the number of reports delivered to clients relative to previously set targets. The CFS is seeking to develop tools to measure the impact of it’s services on the investigative process and on the subsequent litigative process.

Research objective

Identify one or more measures that demonstrate whether or not forensic DNA analysis has an impact on the police investigation of property crime. For example, does DNA analysis in property crime casework increase or decrease the police resources required to undertake the investigation, or does it shorten or lengthen the investigation. Identify one or more measures that demonstrate whether or not forensic DNA analysis has an impact o the litigation process for property crimes. For example, is the trial longer or shorter when DNA evidence is presented? Does DNA evidence increase or decrease the likelihood of a plea prior to trial?

Partnership opportunity

Seeking a partner to work with the CFS project lead to develop the experimental design, conduct the experiment and publish the results. A high-level description of the project follows. Data-mining casework in the High Volume Service: Determining which types of items are most often submitted, and the outcomes of those examinations (for example, single source or mixed DNA, is a profile uploaded to the National DNA Databank, is a hit recorded to a Convicted Offender and/or to a crime scene, is a comparison sample submitted from a suspect). Data-mining public records and legal documents relating to these offenses: Determining the legal outcome of the DNA results above. (Did the DNA evidence assist in identifying a suspect? Was there other evidence? Was there a plea, or verdict in the case? What role did the DNA evidence have? Were there any significant rulings or decisions made relating to the DNA evidence?) Review of transcripts and/or develop interviews/surveys directed at the end user (for example, investigators, crown attorney)

Upon completion of the data-mining, recommendations regarding best practices can be made – were there patterns observed to suggest certain types of evidence had a bigger/lesser impact than others? The outcome of this research will be a series of recommendations for the optimization of the High Volume Service (used for the analysis of property crime at the CFS).

Resources required

Expertise in designing, conducting and evaluating longitudinal or associational research.

Resources available: 

Case-specific information stored in relational databases.

Study transfer and persistence of DNA deposited onto face, neck and chest surfaces while people are talking in close proximity

Background

Having data to give estimates on the properties of DNA as physical evidence will enable investigators and scientists to assess its value as evidence in a particular case. Combining the particular case circumstances with experimental data on these properties will provide a more grounded, Bayesian-type interpretation of a trace DNA profile.

Research objective

To determine whether or not measurable amounts of DNA can be deposited during an intimate (close proximity) conversation onto the face, neck and chest of the partner in the conversation.

Partnership opportunity

Seeking a partner to work with the CFS project lead to develop the experimental design, conduct the experiment and publish the results. A high level description of the project follows. Face (both cheeks) and neck swabs would be taken from all subjects, and unexposed breast swabs and exposed chest swabs would be taken from female subjects only, to assess level of background DNA. The skin would then be cleaned. Male and female pairs would spend varying fixed amounts of time speaking together in an environment replicating a social scenario where voices would be raised and individuals would be in close contact. Face and neck swabs (all subjects) and chest and breast swabs (female subjects) would be taken again following the timed interaction. DNA analysis would be performed on all swabs and results interpreted.

Resources required The external partner must have expertise with DNA analysis including extraction, amplification and electrophoresis. Standard DNA extraction, quantitation, separation and analysis instrumentation.

Resources available

DNA extraction, quant and separations kits. Instrumentation may be provided if needed, or research may be performed in the CFS research and development suite. Training in DNA analysis techniques can be provided by CFS staff.

Whether DNA can be deposited on fabric, as a result of a touch or more vigorous action (for example, grabbing), as well as localized and differentiated from DNA deposited through normal wear of the clothing item

Background

Having data to give estimates on the properties of DNA as physical evidence will enable investigators and scientists to assess its value as evidence in a particular case. Combining the particular case circumstances with experimental data on these properties will provide a more grounded, Bayesian-type interpretation of a trace DNA profile.

Research objective

To determine whether or not a chemical test can be developed to permit the visualisation of DNA deposited by a touch or by a more vigorous action (for example, grabbing) To determine whether a chemical test can be developed to permit the visualisation of DNA deposited by a touch or more vigorous action (for example, grabbing) versus the background DNA from normal wearing of the item.

Partnership opportunity

Working with the CFS project lead, you will develop the experimental design, conduct the experiment and publish the results. We are seeking to develop a chemical testing method for visually localizing touch DNA that:

• is both practical and safe to use in the lab
• reliably detects and distinguishes a touch DNA deposition from background sources
• allows for the best recovery of DNA

Resources required The external partner must have expertise with DNA analysis including extraction, amplification and electrophoresis. Standard DNA extraction, quantitation, separation and analysis instrumentation.

Resources available

Alternative light source if required for luminescent visualisation (Projectina Scene of Crime Lamp). DNA extraction, quant and separations kits. Instrumentation may be provided if needed, or research may be performed in the CFS research and development suite. Training in serology and DNA analysis techniques can be provided by CFS staff.

Study transfer and persistence of DNA deposited on the body during sexual activities, which are followed by bathing or showering

Background 

Having data to give estimates on the properties of DNA as physical evidence will enable investigators and scientists to assess its value as evidence in a particular case. Combining the particular case circumstances with experimental data on these properties will provide a more grounded, Bayesian-type interpretation of a trace DNA profile.

Research objective: 

To study whether or not foreign DNA deposited on skin in various body locations during sexual activities can be detected after showering or bathing.

Partnership opportunity 

Seeking a partner to work with the CFS  project lead to develop the experimental design, conduct the experiment and publish the results. A high-level description of the project follows. Completion will require consenting individuals to perform sexual activities, followed by collection of bodily samples using swabs. Areas will be swabbed immediately after the sexual activity for the purpose of determining a baseline amount of deposition. Participants should resume their normal activities after the sexual contact has occurred. They should record how much time has elapsed between the sexual contact and the shower/bath. Following collection of the swabs, DNA analysis including extraction, quantification (total and male DNA), amplification using Identifier plus and interpretation following CFS  protocols is required. A sufficient number of individuals should perform these activities in order to obtain robust data that determines the extent of persistence of foreign DNA in each scenario.

Resources required

The external partner must have expertise with DNA analysis including extraction, amplification and electrophoresis. Standard DNA extraction, quantitation, separation and analysis instrumentation.

Resources available: 

DNA extraction, quant and separations kits. Instrumentation may be provided if needed, or research may be performed in the CFS  research and development suite. Training in DNA analysis techniques can be provided by CFS  staff.

Study the transfer and persistence of DNA from habitually worn clothing relative to the most recent wearer of an item

Background

Having data to give estimates on the properties of DNA as physical evidence will enable investigators and scientists to assess its value as evidence in a particular case. Combining the particular case circumstances with experimental data on these properties will provide a more grounded, Bayesian-type interpretation of a trace DNA profile.

Research objective

To assess whether or not the DNA results derived from different sampling methods would permit conclusions to be drawn about the habitual wearer of an item vs the most recent wearer of an item.

Partnership opportunity

Seeking a partner to examine three classes of items: Those worn and rarely washed; those worn but not washed after every wear; those worn and washed after one wear. All items should be purchased new and laundered prior to use in the study. Note that working with the CFS project lead, you will develop the experimental design, conduct the experiment and publish the results.

The following is a high-level description of the experimental design.

1. Items that are worn and not regularly washed:
   Individual 1 wears for 30 days and individual 2 then wears for one day. Sampling is as described: Toques – cut out from front inside headband followed by swab of entire inside headband. Baseball hats – cut out from front inside headband followed by swab of entire inside headband. Fabric gloves – cut out from thumb pad followed by swab of inside surface of all fingers.
2. Items that are worn and not washed after every wear:
   Individual 1 wears for 5 days; individual 2 then wears for one day. Sampling as described. Pants/jeans - Sample waistband by fabric cutting inside back waist, then swab entire waist. Also could take a fabric cutting from front pocket at pocket opening and then a swab of the entire pocket opening
3. Items that are worn and washed regularly, typically after one wear:
   Individual 1 wears for 1 day; individual 2 then follows up by wearing for 1 day. Sampling as described. T-shirts/tank tops will sample back inside neckline by first a fabric cutting from the back and then swabbing the entire neckline.

The DNA profiles determined would be compared to known comparison samples of the participants to determine total amounts of DNA and which wearer was the major contributor vs the minor contributor.

Resources required The external partner must have expertise with DNA analysis including extraction, amplification and electrophoresis. Standard DNA extraction, quantitation, separation and analysis instrumentation.

Resources available

DNA extraction, quant and separations kits. Instrumentation may be provided if needed, or research may be performed in the CFS research and development suite. Training in DNA analysis techniques can be provided.

Development of a microfluidic platform for the separation of different cell types in forensic samples commonly encountered in sexual assault investigations

Background

Sexual assault samples contain DNA from multiple sources, making them one of the most challenging types of forensic samples to analyze, often beyond the reach of rapid DNA analyzers. The goal of this project is to develop a workflow that facilitates the use of rapid DNA typing instruments for all samples, including those collected in sexual assaults.

Research objective

• enable processing of most sexual assault samples automatically
• enable the generation of full STR profiles from degraded samples

Partnership opportunity Developing a microfluidic platform for the separation of different cell types in forensic samples commonly encountered in sexual assault investigations.

Resources available

Access to CFS forensic processing capabilities, including, equipment (EZ1 Advanced XL automated liquid handler, thermomixer, qPCR), software (Genemapper IDX, Probabilistic STARmix), staff resources and consumables as required.

Determine whether Imaging Flow Cytometry (IFC) can be used to identify body fluids and body sources of epithelium on forensically relevant items and inform DNA mixture analysis, activity level reporting and point of crime evidence collection

Background

The CFS typically performs only presumptive testing of body fluids.  More robust identification of body fluid and cell sources can provide valuable, additional context in some investigations and at court.

Research objective: 

Multi-phased project to include the following:

• use single source samples to develop criteria for identification of body fluids and body sources of epithelium.
• determine whether the cell composition of mixtures determined by IFC align with the mixture proportions obtained with DNA analysis.
• characterize single source and mixtures of body fluids/epithelium on commonly encountered forensic case work items.
• determine whether IFC accurately identifies the time since deposition of body fluids and body source epithelium.

Partnership opportunity

The CFS is seeking a partner to explore the potential utility of IFC to help identify body fluids and bodily source of epithelium.

Resources available

Access to forensic biology expertise.

Creation of an automotive carpet fibre database

Background

The interpretation of trace evidence, such as automotive carpet fibres, is enhanced by contextual information, often provided by sample reference databases.

Research objective

This research project aims to establish and populate a searchable vehicle carpet fibre database for the CFS. The collection will be comprised of fibre reference samples from personally-owned vehicles, manufacturers and salvage lots. A fibre’s physical and microscopic characteristics will be recorded and search results will provide a vehicle’s make/model/year information.

Partnership opportunity

The CFS is seeking a partner to source, collect and examine a wide variety of automotive carpet fibres to assist with the interpretation of forensic fibre evidence.

Resources available

Expertise on sourcing automotive reference samples, any required equipment or instrumentation as well as training on their use.

Cable-tie study: variability, discriminating power and evidential power

Background

Plastic cable ties can be utilised in a range of serious criminal activities and a comparison of cable ties, or fragments, may form part of the physical evidence presented to a court of law. Existing research includes:

• A comparison of plastic cable ties based on physical, chemical and stable isotopic measurements
• Evaluation of the evidentiary value of cable ties

Research objective

To bring statistical rigour to the examination of cable tie variability and establish evidential value of this examination.

Partnership opportunity To evaluate the discriminating power of compared physical properties of cable ties in order to determine the probative weight of an indistinguishable finding in casework.

Resources required Literature review of plastic cable tie examination and comparison. Expertise in probability statistics and sampling strategies. Microscopy/stereomicroscopy.

Resources available

CFS has expertise in microscopy/stereomicroscopy and may be able to lend an instrument for the duration of the research. The CFS may also be able to financially support costs of consumables and purchase of cable ties.

To examine the contribution chemical/physical trace evidence makes in the Ontario criminal justice system

Background

Trace evidence is defined as the analysis of materials that, because of their size or texture, transfer from one location to another and persist there for some time period. The examination of trace evidence plays a role in the criminal justice system through the support it provides to policing and the courts. However, there is a relatively small body of research that has evaluated the impact of chemical trace forensic evidence on investigative and judicial processes. For additional background see: Woodman, P.A. et.al., The impact of chemical trace evidence on justice outcomes: Exploring the additive value of forensic science disciplines, Forensic Science International Feb. 2020, Vol. 307, pp. 110-121.

Research objective

Evaluate trends in demand for forensic chemical trace evidence examinations based on mining of data from the Centre of Forensic Sciences’ Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and determine possible causal relationships by investigating contributions of trace evidence findings to criminal court cases in the Ontario justice system.

Partnership opportunity Contribute to understanding the value of chemical trace evidence in official investigations and to court proceedings in Ontario.

Resources required Experience with evaluating large datasets and undertaking multi-disciplinary research.

Resources available

Access to CFS datasets including LIMS information and case records.

Development of a method for the detection of drugs in non-biological matrices by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS)

Background

CFS analyzes non-biological samples (for example, food products and residues, stomach contents) for the presence of noxious substances such as drugs, insecticides etc. The current procedure employs an optimized “Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, Safe” (QuEChERS) method to extract analytes of interest, followed by derivatization and subsequent analysis by GC-MS and/or LC-DAD. CFS has developed a method for detecting drugs in biological samples (blood, urine) by means of LC-QTOF-MS. CFS is looking to apply QTOF to the analysis of drugs in non-biological samples.

Research objective

The goal of this research project is to develop a drug screening method (including extraction steps) for non-biological matrices utilizing LC-QTOF-MS. The method is to be evaluated based on performance characteristics such as accuracy, precision, specificity/selectivity, limit of detection, ruggedness/robustness and practicality.

Partnership opportunity CFS is seeking an external partner to work with the CFS project leads on the experimental design and technical implementation of QTOF analysis for drug detection in non-biological matrices.

Resources required Expertise in LC-QTOF-MS and access to a LC-QTOF mass spectrometer. The research partner is expected to design the experimental protocol, conduct the research project and be lead author on a publication.

Resources available

CFS can provide training in the extraction and derivatization of non-biological samples (for example, QuEChERS method), drug reference standards and other consumables, and access to procedures and protocols used for drug detection in the toxicology section.

Transfer and persistence of gunshot residue (GSR) between fabrics

Background

Improved understanding of transfer and persistence of GSR can be a critical factor in the interpretation of this evidence during investigations and in court.

Research objective

Analyze transfer and persistence of metals such as Pb, Ba and Sb between two pieces of fabric to gain a better understanding of GSR trace evidence transfer and persistence.

The goal of this research would be to gain a better understanding of GSR trace evidence transfer and persistence patterns through studying the transfer and persistence of the elemental metals (inorganic elements) GSR is composed of. Specifically, to measure the extent of transfer events (how often trace evidence is detected to be transferred and in what situations transfer occurs) between two fabrics and its detection over time (persistence).

Partnership opportunity The CFS is seeking a partner to collaborate on study design, to carry out simulated transfer and persistence scenarios, to perform GSR testing and to lead on manuscript preparation for publication.

Resources required Experience with evaluating large datasets and undertaking multi-disciplinary research.

Resources available

The CFS will provide guidance on study design to ensure relevance to real-life scenarios, access to required instrumentation and training (if required) and expertise to interpret test results.

Development of a tapes database using Raman Spectroscopy

Background

The interpretation of trace evidence, such as tapes, is enhanced by contextual information, often provided by sample reference databases

Research objective

This research project aims to establish and populate a searchable Tapes Database for the Centre of Forensic Sciences (CFS). The collection will be comprised of tape reference samples from various retail sources. Each tape samples’ characteristics will be recorded in the database to support casework interpretations in future.

Partnership opportunity The CFS is seeking a partner to source, collect and examine a wide variety of tapes to assist with the forensic interpretation of tape evidence.

Resources available

Guidance in the collection of samples and assessment of results in the context of forensic casework, as well as support for joint publication of the final manuscript.

Evaluation of general rifling characteristics — Comparison of three methods for measuring land and groove widths of fired bullets: comparison microscope and stage micrometer, 3D microscopy and an Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS)

Background

A conventionally rifled gun barrel will have grooves that have been cut or impressed, and this imparts a spin to a bullet when fired. Each cut, or groove, is separated by a ridge of metal called the land. Together, these grooves and lands define the type of rifling inside the bore. The direction, width, and number of lands may vary by manufacturer. The rifling characteristics of a barrel are transferred to the bullet during the firing process.

Research objective

Attempt to establish whether or not one of the three methods can be objectively shown to produce superior results in the measurement of land and grooves.

Partnership opportunity

The CFS is seeking a partner to design and conduct the experiment; statistically evaluate the results and publish the work. The land and groove impressions of approximately 100 bullets are to be measured using the IBIS, comparison microscope using a stage micrometer and a 3D microscope.

Resources required

None, but prior experience with microscopy, experimental design and statistical evaluation of data sets is valuable.

Resources available

The CFS will supply all needed material, training, Standard Operation Procedures and access to required instrumentation. Analyses will be conducted on 100 bullets, which have already been test fired from handguns and rifles. A general rifling characteristics database is available to evaluate the data-sets produced by the three analytical methods.

Investigate opioid concentrations in individuals (for example, cancer patients) experiencing severe chronic pain within a clinical or outpatient system. Particularly interested in the pediatric population of 18 years of age or less and patients receiving hydromorphone.

Background

Individuals who experience severe chronic pain are often prescribed opioid medications (for example, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, hydromorphone, etc.) on a long-term basis in order to achieve pain control for better quality of life. However, the repeated use of opioids typically results in the development of tolerance whereby the individual requires increasingly larger doses to maintain an effective analgesic outcome. Studies of opioid concentrations in patients who chronically receive high doses are very limited. Opioid-tolerant individuals will exhibit serum opioid concentrations which could be toxic or lethal in naive users. The limited published literature on serum/blood opioid levels in living chronic opioid patients may lead to the forensic misinterpretation of post-mortem blood opioid concentrations.

Research objective

To document opioid concentrations in highly tolerant patients and thereby more accurately interpret post-mortem opioid blood concentrations in death investigations.

Partnership opportunity

To contribute to the medico-legal literature related to the opioid tolerance seen in patients receiving high doses of opioids while being treated for severe chronic pain.

Resources required

• Access to individuals receiving high-dose opioids within a clinical or outpatient system and ability to collect whole blood samples using sterile technique.
• Ability to collect limited, but relevant patient information (for example, age, sex, opioids used, dosing, length of opioid therapy, etc.).
• Review current literature and draft study design.
• Prior publication experience is valuable but not required.

Resources available

The CFS will conduct all extractions and analyses using current standard operating procedures (i.e. Liquid Chomatography - Mass Spectrometry – Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)).

Drug use among automobile drivers in Ontario - 2018 to 2020 data

Background

Impaired driving is the leading criminal cause of death and injury in Canada, and drug-impaired driving is increasing.

Research objective

To retrospectively examine toxicology case results to test the hypothesis that the number of drug-involved driver fatalities now rivals, and possibly exceeds, the number involving alcohol.

Partnership opportunity

Examine drug use among two populations of Ontario drivers – those fatally injured in motor vehicle collisions and those arrested and evaluated by a drug recognition evaluator. Data from case files compiled by the CFS from 2018 to 2020 will be analyzed to gain a better understanding of the types of drugs used by drivers, the demographic characteristics of those involved (for example, age group, sex), and the circumstances of the event (for example, month of occurrence, day of week, time of day). Comparisons of drug-involved driver fatalities with drug-driving arrests will outline similarities and differences in these two populations and provide insights into how enforcement activities might better target those drug drivers most likely to crash.

Resources required

Expertise evaluating and analyzing data.

Resources available

Data is available from case records. Data will be anonymized prior to sharing with partner.

The impact of cannabis legalization and commercialization on cannabis-involved and alcohol-involved motor vehicle fatalities in Ontario, Canada (2016–2021)

Background

The Cannabis Act came into effect on October 17, 2018, and outlines a strict framework for controlling the sale, possession, production and distribution of cannabis in Canada. There remain concerns that recreational cannabis legalization may affect the perceived harmfulness of cannabis use.

Current evidence concerning the impact of recreational cannabis legalization on traffic injuries from jurisdictions in the United States is mixed (1-4). Importantly, the generalizability of this evidence to the context in Canada is limited, given the differences between the two countries in socio-legal environments.

Research objective

Our research aim is to examine the impact of cannabis legalization on traffic injury deaths based on toxicological analyses of blood samples from 2016 to 2021.

Partnership opportunity

Examine data from traffic injury deaths and results of toxicological testing using a time-series analysis with monthly or quarterly data to address the research questions:

1. Does recreational cannabis legalization result in increases in rates of traffic injury deaths with detection of cannabis?
2. Does recreational cannabis legalization result in decreases in rates of traffic injury deaths with detection of alcohol?
3. Does recreational cannabis legalization result in decreases in rates of traffic injury deaths with detection of other drugs?
4. Have demographic characteristics and collision characteristics of traffic injury deaths with detection of cannabis, alcohol and other drugs changed from the pre-recreational cannabis legalization period to the post-recreational cannabis legalization period?

Resources required

Expertise evaluating and analysing data.

Resources available

Data is available from case records. Data will be anonymized prior to sharing with partner.

Effects of drugs and alcohol on psychomotor and driving performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Interpretation in forensic toxicology relies on the objective evaluation of literature related to a given question. For drug effects related to an individual’s ability to operate a motor vehicle, this can typically be achieved by a review of the literature as it relates to clinical/laboratory effects of drugs, simulator, or on-road driving studies and when available, epidemiological studies of prevalence and crash risk for drug classes; however, there are few studies that address the overall impact of a drug on driving ability.

Meta-analysis allows for the analysis and statistical combination of data from multiple studies to better answer a specific question, which can increase the strength of an interpretive opinion. Further, the combined data may allow for the development of evaluative reporting models that inform the relative strength of an opinion/conclusion in a given report.

Research objective

Systematic review and meta-analysis of literature to develop tables of published data related to alcohols effect on psychomotor and driving performance and compare these effects to published data of other drugs.

Partnership opportunity

Review and perform meta-analysis of data obtained from the impaired driving literature for specific drugs to better characterize the impact that the drug has on driving ability. The drug(s) to be studied will be determined when the project partnership is established.

Resources required

Expertise evaluating and analysing data and performing meta-analyses; access to relevant scientific literature.

Resources available

CFS project lead expertise.