The Forensic Pathologist

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

Dr Linda Iles is a forensic pathologist who loves the challenge of medical problem-solving. In this episode she leads us through her involvement in unravelling our suspicious death case. From attending the scene to reaching her final conclusions, Dr Iles helps us understand the contributions she might make to the case, the pitfalls she should avoid and how she is not a coroner. Guest information: Dr Linda Iles - Head of Forensic Pathology Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine

Acting Inspector Brad Mason started his forensic career as a photographer and is now an experienced crime scene investigator with Victoria Police. Brad helps us understand how to process the suspicious death scene and why forensic science actually starts well before the lab.  Brad walks us through the meticulous nature of crime scene investigation (CSI) and why investigators have ‘one chance to get it right’. Ali and Stephen talk through the critical steps of CSI from the initial assessment, scene control, recording of the scene and item/trace identification, recognition and collection. Guest information: Acting Inspector Brad Mason, Victoria Police

Forensic science, what is it? In our second episode we explore the fundamentals and the role of forensic science in the criminal justice system. Ali and Stephen ask their guests three key questions: ‘what is forensic science’, ‘what is Locard’s Principle and why is it so fundamental to forensic science’ and ‘is there such a thing as a forensic scientist’. Our experts explore the past, present and future of forensic science and Ali introduces our suspicious death investigation which will be examined by forensic and legal experts in the coming episodes. Guest Information: Professor Linzi Wilson-Wilde, Director, Forensic Science South Australia Distinguished Professor Claude Roux, Director, Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology, Sydney Dr Simon Walsh, National Manager, Operational Science and Technology, Australian Federal Police (AFP). Resource Links: Locard’s Principle: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4581004/pdf/rstb20140260.pdf Australian Federal Police Forensic Services: https://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/operational-support/forensics

Welcome to the first episode of ForensiPod. In this episode our hosts Ali Ross and Stephen Cordner introduce the series.  Our guests today are three of Australia’s leading forensic experts who talk about how they began their journey into the fascinating world of forensic science and medicine. We also delve into their current roles managing two of Australia’s leading multi-disciplinary forensic science organisations. Guest Details: Dr Rebecca Kogios, Executive Director of the Victoria Police Forensic Services Department (VPFSD)  Professor Noel Woodford, Director of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM)  Professor Richard Bassed, Deputy Director and Head, Academic Programs, VIFM