The article analyses clothing damage resulting from the use of dangerous tools in criminal activities. Forensic examinations often encounter fabric and knitwear damage caused by tools such as knives, axes, machetes, daggers, and military double-edged knives. Despite publications on traces left by knives and axes, there is limited research covering other tools, justifying the need for more comprehensive studies. The project aimed to assess the ability to distinguish and correctly interpret traces on clothing caused by various dangerous tools. The research material included eight types of clothing and eight types of tools, such as knives, axes, screwdrivers, ice picks, and broken bottles. The study was conducted in two stages. The first stage included experiments with widely used tools on four types of textiles, with the use of Styrofoam mannequins and ballistic gel acting as substrates. The second stage focused on less common tools and other textile materials. The research results allowed for the classification of traces based on the type of tools used. Distinctive features of damage were observed depending on the type of tool and clothing material. It was demonstrated that ballistic gel as a substrate is more effective in terms of obtaining realistic traces than a Styrofoam mannequin.
Black powder weapons include firearms manufactured before 1885 and their modern replicas. They use black powder instead of smokeless one and in Poland they are completely legal to possess and carry, even without a permit. The study aimed to examine cases of fatalities caused by black powder weapons recorded at the Department of Forensic Medicine in Kraków and compare them to deaths resulting from conventional firearms. A review of autopsy reports and photographic documentation from January 2012 to December 2025 was conducted. Moreover, data regarding gunshot wounds and the circumstances surrounding these fatalities were collected. Out of 16,315 autopsies performed, 144 involved firearm-related fatalities, including 13 cases attributed to black powder weapons (9.0%). Homicides accounted for 38.5% (n = 5) of cases involving black powder firearms, compared to 19.1% (n = 25) for other firearms. Notably, no female firearm suicides were recorded. The findings indicate that black powder firearms are used in both homicides and suicides, making up a considerable proportion of firearm-related fatalities, particularly in Cracow. Compared to conventional firearms, black powder weapons show a higher homicide-to-suicide ratio. These findings highlight the need to reassess their legal status in Poland, as easy access may facilitate their use in homicides.
The salivary microbiome is an emerging area of interest in forensic science, due to its potential insights into human activity patterns, health, and behaviour. Traditionally, the salivary microbiome was limited to oral health; however, current research indicates that the salivary microbiota profile may serve as a supplementary biological marker for forensic investigations. This article conveys information about how different diets, lifestyles, and the environment influence microbial populations in saliva and may provide insight into personal habits and lifestyles. This review further combines research on the application of the salivary microbiome in estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) and in ancestry inference based on population-specific microbial composition. Based on literature reviews, this article examines both the advantages and limitations of salivary microbiome analysis as an innovative technology across a broader spectrum of disciplines, from criminology to medicine.
The primary aim of the present study was to identify risk factors for criminal thinking styles among women convicted of violent offences. Criminal thinking styles are conceptualised as the cognitive content and processes that initiate and sustain criminal activity by repudiating personal responsibility and employing rationalisations and cognitive distortions. Potential risk factors were selected on the basis of prior literature and grouped into biological, psychological, environmental, sociodemographic, and penitentiary categories. Statistical analyses yielded significant predictors for six of the eight criminal thinking styles. These predictors were: low occupational activity, a high level of the temperamental trait of endurance, elevated personal distress, and elevated fantasy as components of empathy, as well as a high level of secure and a low level of avoidant attachment style. The findings offer practical implications, including the importance of vocational activation for incarcerated women, recommendations for empathy-skills training, and the introduction of criminal-thinking assessment tools as a cyclical method for evaluating the effectiveness of rehabilitative interventions and estimating recidivism risk.
The objective of the present article is to provide an examination of the interrelationships between sexual sadism, psychopathy, and violence. Sexual sadism and psychopathy are frequently regarded as synonymous with sexual criminality. Psychopathy is a severe form of antisocial personality disorder (AS PD) characterised by a lack of empathy and remorse, high self-esteem, a manipulative interpersonal style, and poor behavioural control [1]. Furthermore, individuals diagnosed with psychopathy are more likely to commit violent or sexual crimes and have a higher rate of recidivism in comparison to individuals not diagnosed with psychopathy [2, 3]. Conversely, sexual sadism is predominantly associated with a need for control, sexual paraphilias, and atypical behaviours observed at the crime scene. However, it should be noted that the actual prevalence of sexual sadism (and its variants, such as sadistic violence) among sex offenders is unknown [4]. Research has indicated a moderate yet statistically significant correlation between psychopathy and sexual sadism in sex offenders and sexual murderers [5]. A review of the extant literature in this area reveals that few studies have sought to ascertain the comorbidity of these two concepts, and even fewer have addressed the conceptualisation of similarities in predicting violence in each of them. Consequently, an analysis of the current debate regarding their role in the origins of criminal behaviour is of significant importance for theoretical, empirical, and clinical implications in the field of forensic science.
Studies conducted in various countries, including Poland, demonstrate that many rape cases end at the stage of preparatory proceeding and a lot of rape sentences are the suspended ones. Moreover, the data from Norway demonstrate that rape perpetrators who knew the victim/survivor before the incident, obtain 18% shorter sentences than those who were strangers to the victim/ survivor. That suggests that some decisions of criminal justice system may result from the influence of the “ideal victim” myth. According to a Norwegian criminologist, Nils Christie, an ideal victim is a victim whose victim status does not elicit social controversies. Such a victim needs to have an impeccable reputation, defend themselves even putting at risk their own life, and they should not have any personal relationship with the perpetrator. The current article is a review of the studies concerning the role of the “ideal victim” myth in the work of criminal justice system. In the review both studies of real cases and survey studies among criminal justice system professionals are included. It demonstrates that the “ideal victim” myth may have a significant impact on detection and conviction rates of rape.
The article examines the role of protective factors in explaining temporal changes in violence risk among forensic psychiatric patients and prison inmates in Poland. A longitudinal study was conducted with 403 men (201 forensic patients and 202 inmates). Participants were assessed twice at a six-month-long interval using the HCR-20v3 and SAPROF. Forensic psychiatric patients showed a significant reduction in integrated risk for vioence, while prison inmates exhibited a slight increase in this field during the same period. In the patient group, the level of motivational protective factors from SAPROF was the sole notable predictor (albeit with low predictive power) explaining the variance in risk reduction. No protective factors significantly predicted risk changes in the inmate group. The findings indicate that risk dynamics may be context-dependent. The conducted analyses require further deepening and expansion. To facilitate this within the Polish psychiatric and penitentiary systems, systemic improvements are necessary, including the further implementation of Structured Professional Judgement (SPJ) risk assessment tools.
The aim of this article is to analyze the axiological determinants of decisions concerning responses to juvenile problems and their relationship with growing distrust of judicial officials. The study used an original Remedial Measures Questionnaire and Schwartz’s Profile Value Questionnaire (PVQ). The participants were judges (n = 44), court professionals (n = 51), parents (n = 55), and students (n = 57). The results indicate significant differences between the groups – parents were more likely than other respondents to support intervention measures. The analysis showed that conservative values favor intervention decisions, while values focused on others limit them, although these relationships differ across groups. The results have important implications for forensic science, pointing to the importance of axiological factors in the process of assessing and making decisions regarding minors. A better understanding of the role of values can support communication between experts and recipients of opinions, as well as reduce tensions and distrust towards the justice system.
The aim of the research project was to develop a model of psychological assessment in juvenile cases corresponding to contemporary psychological knowledge and amended regulations regarding proceedings in cases of demoralization and juvenile delinquency. The provisions of the Act of June 9, 2022 on the support and social resocialization of minors apply in the scope of: proceedings in cases of demoralization (against persons who are over 10 years of age and who are not adults) and proceedings in cases of criminal acts (against persons who have committed such an act after the age of 13 but before the age of 17). The Act does not clearly explain the definition and criteria for recognizing demoralization of varying degrees. The legal act itself does not set a boundary between demoralized people, those at risk of demoralization, and those for whom the said threat does not occur. As part of the project, research was carried out with 117 psychology experts who assessed the importance of individual manifestations of demoralization (using a 5-point scale). Of the 47 factors indicated, according to the respondents, the most important factors are: regular mistreatment of the weaker, mobbing, bullying; animal abuse, regular use of intoxicants; practicing fornication, prostitution; burglary; arson. The least important factors are: listening to inappropriate music; improper eating habits; participation in demonstrations (e.g. regarding women’s rights, equality marches, etc.); negative attitude towards faith and religion. The result of the study was the development of an interview questionnaire taking into account various causes and manifestations of social maladjustment in juvenile, as well as risk and protective factors.
Forensic DNA evidence is essential in criminal investigations; however, its interpretation is often complicated by contamination and the presence of multiple DNA profiles in a single sample. Although many laboratories follow stringent quality control and ISO 17025 standards, the pre-analytical stage, including crime scene and medical sample collection phases, lacks rigorous quality management protocols, increasing the integrity of DNA sampling and evidence handling. The UK’s Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) enforces a framework based on various ISO standards to enhance DNA evidence quality throughout its lifecycle and pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases. Key standards include ISO 17020 for crime-scene units, ISO 15189 for medical examination centers, ISO 17025 for forensic DNA labs, and ISO 18385 for forensic-grade consumables. This comprehensive approach aimed to mitigate contamination risks and ensure the reliability of forensic DNA evidence from collection to court presentation, thereby strengthening the criminal justice system and maintaining public confidence in forensic science.
This study aimed to investigate the legal credibility assessment of eyewitness testimonies in criminal proceedings, with particular attention to the criteria used by courts to assess eyewitness credibility and the factors that influence the number of criteria in the assessment. It also investigated whether judicial credibility assessment is subject to bias. We conducted a case record analysis of criminal cases (N = 381), wherein a total of 3210 eyewitnesses were interviewed at trial. The analysis revealed that legal credibility assessment seems superficial – courts evoke a small number of criteria to justify their judgments and tend to cite only a few despite individual differences in testimonies and eyewitnesses. The legal assessment of eyewitness credibility is influenced by numerous procedural and individual (for the eyewitnesses) factors; our analysis showed that this is subject to certain biases. The practical implications of these results are discussed along with avenues for future research.
Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze correlations between cognitive emotion regulation strategies and life attitudes among convicted recidivists, as well as to compare the results of the examined variables between the men convicted multiple-times and those never convicted, and between groups of recidivists depending on the length of the prison sentence. Material and methods: 246 adult men participated in the study including 124 convicted recidivists and 122 men never convicted. The following questionnaires were used: the Life Attitude Profile – Revised (LAP-R) and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). Main results: The obtained results indicated that seven out of nine cognitive emotion regulation strategies correlated with the goal-seeking attitude. Moreover, it has been shown that the convicted recidivists used the strategies of self-blaming and catastrophizing more often than the men never convicted, and less often the strategy of blaming others. There were no statistically significant differences found between the levels of the personal meaning scale and the balance of life attitudes in the examined groups. It was also noted that with the number of prison sentences, the frequency of using the strategy of blaming others increased while the level of personal meaning and balance of life attitudes decreased. Practical implications for forensic science: The obtained results of this study provide significant knowledge which can be used in the development of social rehabilitation programs for convicted recidivists. Resocialization activities aimed at regulating emotions and satisfying the need for meaning in life of prisoners may prove to be beneficial preparation for life in freedom in accordance with the law.
In recent years, an increased number of reports concerning illegal production and non-medical use of fentanyl and its analogues found in NPS samples have appeared. Because of high potency, these compounds are used in very low doses and most of them are highly dangerous and toxic. Forensic quantitative analysis of seized NPS samples is requested by the law enforcement administration (police, judges, prosecutors) usually in order to estimate the number of active doses and thus the number of people who can be intoxicated. It can be helpful in estimating whether they deal with a large scale case or minor one. This number of doses is taken into account when proceeding a forensic case and passing a sentence in court. To perform such an analysis, the forensic laboratory should use individual quantitative reference standards. In case of NPS such compounds may sometimes be commercially unavailable. Continuing purchase of NPS standards is also very expensive, and the time needed to obtain controlled drugs may be very long. All these were the reasons why the authors searched for an alternative method of NPS quantification in such instances. Application of charged aerosol detection (CAD) combined with ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) as a separation technique, appeared to be such a solution. Instead of individual reference standards of the analytes, the method utilises only one certified standard called the reference compound in this case para-fluorofentanyl. Quantification of the detected substances is then based on the calibration curve of the chosen reference compound – para-fluorofentanyl. This procedure can be used for determination of fentanyl analogues in the forensic analysis of seized NPS without the use of individual reference standards.
Recent years’ developments have brought a considerable number of battery electric vehicles (BEV) onto the road. As the engine compartment does not contain a combustion engine representing a stiff mass block, it raises the question whether the structural stiffness compared to combustion engine vehicles (CEV) has changed or not and if so, how. In accident reconstruction, the crashworthiness of CEVs of the various types has been the focus of attention for decades. However, there is no data relating to the practice of accident reconstruction that directly compares CEVs with BEVs. The frontal impact crash tests as part of the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) allow a comparison of measurement data of CEVs and BEVs. Therefore, 32 crash tests including 16 BEVs and 16 CEVs were evaluated. The results from barrier force and acceleration data are indicating remarkable differences between the two vehicle concepts. Acceleration data can be trustworthy for representing the motion of the vehicle structure but in many cases, especially with CEVs, the acceleration data show local vibrations of the accelerometer’s surrounding structure also after data post processing. Regarding barrier force as the more reliable data source for evaluating vehicle’s frontal stiffness, it was found that in the mean CEVs are 14% stiffer than BEVs. The CEVs experienced a 12% lower crush depth than the BEVs. Vehicle linearized stiffnesses are provided section by section. This data can be helpful for the reconstruction of real traffic accidents with a force based impact model.
Introduction: Sexual recidivism risk factors, both static and dynamic stable and acute, can be taken into account when sentencing and influence the penal response to the perpetrator. This can take place at two moments: along with the sentencing of the perpetrator for the committed act (front-end sentencing) or during the enforcement proceedings (back-end sentencing). Results: The analysis of Polish criminal law and related norms has shown that this takes (in both above-mentioned moments) three forms: (1) comprehensive and explicit consideration of risk factors for sexual recidivism when the act refers to the probability of committing another act, (2) selective and free consideration of risk factors as an element of criminogenic prognosis, and (3) decision-making based on one selected risk factor: sexual preference disorders. Conclusions: Newer regulations more often than older ones assume a comprehensive assessment of the risk of sexual recidivism by experts, but indirect and fragmentary assessment still dominates. Current solutions of the front-end sentencing type allow for better adjustment of the applied measures than solutions of the back-end sentencing type. Norms concerning the sexual recidivism risk assessment and sex offenders management are scattered in various legal acts and are poorly coordinated. Recommendations: A coherent system for assessing sexual risk and management of sex offenders is needed. Assessments should be carried out by expert teams and all offenders should be subjected to them immediately after conviction. No measures should be applied based on the identification of a single risk factor.
The purpose of this article is to study the problems associated with the introduction of digitalisation into forensic expert activity in Ukraine. The methodological basis of the study was the dialectical approach of scientific knowledge of phenomena and processes in their interconnection, mutual dependence, repeatability and advance of their development, which reveals the unity of the object in its complex and diverse manifestations. The study of digitalisation for forensic activities was largely guided by such general categories of dialectics as essence and phenomenon, form and content, possibility and reality. The issues of legal regulation of the digitalisation of forensic expert activity should be addressed in conjunction with the development of digital economy legislation. The author considers the relevant legislative provisions which affect the issues of digitalisation of forensic expert activity in the context of digital economy development. The status of experts who are employees of state specialised institutions is ambiguous: on the one hand, an expert of a state specialised institution is personally responsible for the expert opinion provided on the matters under investigation, and on the other hand, he or she must comply with the requirements of the management of the state specialised institution where he or she works. The court should be able to send rulings on the appointment of an expert examination both to the Unified Judiciary Information Telecommunication System e-Cabinet of a state specialised institution and to the Unified Judiciary Information Telecommunication System e-Cabinet of a particular forensic expert of a state specialised institution.
Nowadays, forensic DNA analysis plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system, particularly in cases of sexual assault, rape, murder, homicide, and mass disasters. The quality of the DNA used for subsequent forensic DNA analyses is an important factor and depends on the collection and preservation of samples prior to DNA extraction. Ideally, tissue samples are preserved immediately upon collection. However, if samples are collected in the field, suitable preservation methods might be limited due to the unavailability of resources or the remoteness of field sites. Moreover, the use of inappropriate chemical preservatives, inadequate storage conditions, and extended sample transit or long-distance shipping can lead to the degradation of DNA quality. This study reviews the collection and preservation of products of conception, fetal and other body tissues, as well as the processes involved in product of conception (POC), fetal tissue decomposition and DNA degradation, and the subsequent challenges in preservation and storage prior to DNA analysis. It also examines the use of centralized evidence storage facilities for the effective preservation of nucleic acids within tissue samples prior to forensic DNA analysis.
Handwriting is a complex neuromuscular activity, with writing complexity being one of the key features impacting the ease of imitation. Generally, higher complexity signatures are more difficult to replicate without revealing signs of simulation. However, some low-complexity signatures can be harder to simulate, suggesting unexplored factors influencing complexity. This study aimed to differentiate between genuine and simulated pen-paper signatures across various styles by examining handwriting characteristics, including absolute size, slant, lateral expansion, and the number of pen lifts. Signature complexity is often believed to correlate with forgery difficulty, yet existing literature presents conflicting evidence. By analyzing different signature styles and their characteristics, this study sought to enhance understanding of the factors influencing signature imitation. Findings confirmed that pen lifts are not significant indicators for distinguishing between genuine and simulated signatures in text-based and non-complex stylized categories. Complexity features, such as the number of turning points and line intersections, provided more reliable differentiation. Higher complexity scores were associated with genuine signatures, while simulated signatures typically exhibited fewer turning points and intersections. This study indicated a potential for further research to uncover additional factors affecting signature complexity and imitation, ultimately contributing to more effective forensic examination practices.
Voice lineup is a possible form of an identification parade conducted during an investigation. It could occur in cases where the perpetrator’s appearance was not observed by the victim or witness, and only the voice was heard. Some of the factors that could impact the accuracy of voice recognition, such as age of the witness, retention interval and whether the voice was heard live (at crime scene) or through a mobile phone, have already been the subject of some studies. The aim of the study was to examine the impact of the following factors: music education, retention interval and gender. The experiment was conducted with a total of 129 participants, both musically and non-musically educated. The participants were asked to listen to a short voice recording simulating a true event and then (after the retention interval of 1 week or 2 weeks) to listen to a recorded lineup of 6 female voices. Following that, they were asked to try to identify the perpetrator’s voice. The results revealed no statistically significant difference between musically educated and non-musically educated participants, and similarly, no significant difference was found based on gender or confidence rating. A nearly significant decrease in accuracy was observed among the participants with a longer retention interval. Nevertheless, the maximum level of accuracy was only 55% which implies low reliability of voice recognition evidence. There results must be taken into consideration by authorities if a voice lineup is used, especially to treat voice recognition evidence with caution.
Ivory and its products are in high demand in both national and international markets due to their charismatic qualities and exotic values. However, increased law enforcement efforts and legal restrictions have limited the ivory trade and the preparation of its products. To meet the market demand, fake ivory items are now being made from osseous materials, which have flooded the market. This situation complicates identification efforts by frontline law enforcement and wildlife forensic laboratories. Current ivory identification methods face several challenges, including inconsistent accuracy, high costs, slow turnaround times, and the issue of destructive sample requirements. To address these issues, this study developed a simple, rapid, and accurate method for identifying ivory products using FTIR spectroscopy combined with partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). We received seven (n = 7) carvings from law enforcement agencies to identify whether the carvings are of ivory origin. Initially, we performed the FTIR analysis for all the carvings and compared the spectra with known FTIR spectra of Asian elephant ivory and bone (served as internal reference). The results indicated that out of seven carvings, samples S1–S4 and S7 were found not to be of ivory origin. In contrast, the FTIR spectra recorded for two carvings (S5 and S6) were identical to FTIR spectra of ivory and bone. To confirm these results further, we employed PLS-DA to assess whether carvings S5 and S6 were indeed made of ivory or a material with a similar chemical composition, likely bone. We also used a commercial IR library to identify the chemical composition of carvings S1–S4 and S7. The PLS-DA analysis indicated that carvings S5 and S6 were crafted from bone-like materials, whereas the IR library analysis showed that carvings S1–S4 and S7 were prepared using sheet molding compounds and polymers. To further investigate the biological origin of the bone materials used in carvings S5 and S6, DNA analysis was performed. The results indicated that the crafted materials were derived from Bubalus bubalis (domestic water buffalo). This study demonstrated a simple, rapid and cost-effective method for identifying the origin of ivory in carvings. Additionally, it opened new avenues for screening carvings using ivory-specific FTIR spectra, which have potential applications in wildlife forensic analysis.
