Upgrading Forensic & Cyber Capabilities

UPGRADING FORENSIC & CYBER CAPABILITIES

A Strategy for Bihar Police

JITENDRA KUMAR, IPS

M. SUNIL NAYAK, IPS

HIMANSHU SHANKER TRIVEDI, IPS

ASHISH BHARTI, IPS

NILESH KUMAR, BPS

Confidential

STRATEGY FOR UPGRADATION OF FORENSICS AND CYBER CAPABILITIES 1

“dkuwu vaèkk g¨rk gS tt+ ugha---

eq>s igys ls gh irk g¨rk gS fd vijkËkh d©u gSA

eSa bartkj djrk jgrk gwa fd lk{; vc vk;¢xk & vc vk;¢xk---

Vªk;y £Re g® tkrk gS ij lk{; ugh vkrk---”

& ,d fQYe esa ,d tt+ dh O;Fkk

“…the structure in these forensic institutions is very hierarchical,

compartmentalized, insensitive, bureaucratic and rigid (adminis-

tratively as well as operationally). Such organizational structure

and culture is not conducive to the growth of science…”

- Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister

“…Even though the strength of police / paramilitary manpower in

states has increased to meet the ever growing crime in country, the

manpower position in the (forensic) laboratories has gone down

both qualitatively and quantitatively. If the present state of affairs

continues, the laboratories would be left with only skeleton staff,

which would not be able to meet the given mandate…”

- Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister

Confidential


Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary...…………………………………………..…………3

2. Introduction………………………………………………………………..6

3. Organization………………………………………………………….…..10

4. Infrastructure……………………………………………………….…….20

5. Procedures…………………………………………………………..…….30

6. Research………………………………………………………….…..……34

7. Training……………………………………………………….…….…….36

8. Education………………………………………………………...….……39

9. Miscellaneous………………………………………………….…..……..41

10. References………………………………………………….……….…….42

Confidential


Executive Summary

orensic Science, an amalgamation of almost all faculties of knowledge is an es-

sential and efficient enabler in the dispensation of justice in criminal, civil, and

regulatory contexts. Since introduction of science in aid of criminal jurispru-

dence by Britishers in pre-independence era starting from Chemical Examiner’s Labor-

atory in 1849, the establishment of forensic science laboratories has come a long way.

Today country boasts of several central FSLs, a few specialized institutions and at least

one FSL in every state. In Bihar, we have a Forensic Science Laboratory and a Finger

Print Bureau, both administratively controlled by the Criminal Investigation Depart-

ment under the Department of Home, Government of Bihar.

Since beginning the forensic medicine has existed as integral part of expert opinion in

the realm of criminal jurisprudence, albeit as an arrangement independent of FSL set

up. Over a time a relatively new field involving computers and its interface with net-

work has become one of the favourite means of committing crime especially in the

realm of financial transactions, adding new challenge to the law enforcers, as this realm

of crime, notoriously called cyber-crime, demanded a higher level of understanding of

technology and required unconventional means to tackle them, which is not possible

with traditional knowledge of science acquired by the police officers. In addition to the

government functionaries now private ‘experts’ have entered in this field also. These

give an impression that Indian forensics would have to evolve as an integrated entity

encompassing scientific, technological and medical services and will need to incorpo-

rate some sort of regulation and accreditation.

From the training perspective, in order to enable forensic service personnel to get

properly inducted and keep abreast with the dynamics of science and its application,

we need to evolve a certain forward looking policy; making use of existing infrastruc-

ture and upgrading that, at the same time tap the facility of forensic education in vari-

ous parts of the country and later on establish our own institutions for the same.

A study conducted by the MHA, Government of India identified maladies in the exist-

ing forensics set up like – lack of proper infrastructure (including technologies), inade-

quate human resource (including training), absence of quality control measures among

many others shortcomings; the remedial measures will act as a great enabler to strate-

gize systematic development and up gradation of forensics in furtherance of criminal

jurisprudence.

F

Confidential


In the light of the above discussion on forensic edifice which is applicable to our state

too, action is necessitated for redefining the vision, relisting the mission, relaying the

road-map, re-engineering the organization and structure, reviewing the policies, revis-

iting the strategy, regrouping the functions, revamping the infrastructure, refurbishing

the procedures, reinforcing the academics, regulating the profession, repurposing the

practice, and researching the futuristics. Anticipated output is quality driven forensic

service delivered on time infusing accelerated credibility into the minds of stakehold-

ers.

A gist of recommendations follows. The detailed background and reasoning behind

these is contained in the main report.

Recommendations

A Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) be constituted in Department of

Home to widen its scope and act as a single window interface.

The Vision for DFSS should be “Deliver forensic service with quality, timeliness and cred-

ibility to provide, protect and promote justice, peace and tranquility” with a mission to

standardize, proactively upgrade infrastructure and continuously regulate and im-

prove quality of forensic services in state.

Unification of all branches of forensics to act under one umbrella.

The organizational and functional structure of Directorate and Forensic Science La-

boratories (at state, zonal, mobile and district levels) be reorganized to incorporate

new fields such as cyber-crime, behavioural profiling etc.

A policy for human resource motivation to achieve excellence & retain expertise and

health & safety of professionals should be in place.

Measure such as in-house peer review, discussions, newsletters etc. should be adopt-

ed to generate a culture of excellence.

The forensic science laboratories (FSL, Zonal FSLs, Mobile FSLs and District Cyber

Units) should be reorganized functionally and should have their own premises in-

corporating internationally accepted standards and state-of-the-art technologies with

provision of continuous up gradation and replacement.

Knowledge service of the forensic kind should be actively supported / sustained by

updated as well as e- enabled Library.

Confidential


The laboratories should develop SOPs and Manuals in every field of operation which

pass the scrutiny of international standards and adhere to the good laboratory prac-

tices.

All laboratories should get accreditation of the National Accreditation Board for

Testing and Calibrating Laboratories (NABL) for quality control involving processes

and reports generation.

FSLs should develop database in various fields of crimes and be networked with

central laboratories specializing in them.

Encouragement should be given to scientists to carry out intramural and extramural

researches in forensic science.

Bihar Police Academy should act as nodal academy for training activities in forensics

too and special emphasis on forensics should be made an integral part of police of-

ficers’ training. Tenets of forensic science and Cyber-crime investigation need to be

impregnated into the regular trainings of police officers and constables. Wherever

required, our scientists should be encouraged for undergoing foreign trainings and

present their research papers there too.

A number of institutions have come up in various parts of the country imparting

quality education in forensic science sans Bihar. This facility needs to be tapped by

our scientists and in due course we have to develop such institutions in our own

state to ensure regular supply of experts and knowledge to these laboratories.

We may need to introduce some amendments in Section 45 of Indian Evidence Act to

widen the scope of scientists to be treated as expert, Section 293 of Criminal Proce-

dure Code to include more experts who need not be called as witness and their ex-

pert written opinion be made sufficient and Information Technology Act to enable

the reports of FSL scientists be treated as expert opinion and also provisions dealing

with ‘personal sensitive data’, ‘pornography’, ‘transmission’, ‘publishing’ and ‘iden-

tity theft’ to incorporate more elaboration and clarity.

»――――«

Confidential


Introduction

resent day Indian forensics, as a means of scientific aid to investigation, owes its

genesis to several British–initiated ventures such as Chemical Examiner’s La-

boratory (Madras 1849), Anthropometric Bureau (1892), Finger Print Bureau

(1897), Inspectorate of Explosives (1898), Office of Government Handwriting Expert

(1904), Serology Department (1910), Foot Print Section (1915), Note Forgery Section

(1917), Ballistics Laboratory (1930) and Scientific Section (1936). Post-independence the

Government of India instituted three Central Forensic Science Laboratories, mainly to

cater for CBI and other central police organizations, as a result the country now boasts

of some Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) and Forensic Science Laborato-

ries in every state / UT. In Bihar, we have a Forensic Science Laboratory and a Finger

Print Bureau, both administratively controlled by the Criminal Investigation Depart-

ment under the Department of Home, Government of Bihar.

These apart, the medico–legal (also known as medical jurisprudence / forensic medi-

cine) set up exists in the ambit of Medical colleges and hospitals to practice clinical fo-

rensic medicine – mainly to ascertain age / sex etc. of subjects, perform autopsy and

opine on the cause and nature of injury / death, and today due to increased sensitivity

towards the crime against women and increase in the incidences of sexual assaults, the

importance of this set up cannot be under-emphasized. The latest entrant in the list of

challenges for the law enforcement agencies is the cyber-crime with the advent of com-

puters, WANs, internet, net banking and a host of other activities including cyber-

terrorism.

In addition to these government establishments there are freelance “Experts” who are

available for a fee, however this trend is still in nascent stage in Bihar. The more recent

development is that limited or comprehensive forensic service facilities have sprung up

in the non–governmental private sector with or without accredited capability; and,

public private partnership (PPP) is on the anvil. Furthermore there are now several ac-

ademic campuses, public funded or otherwise, offering numerous courses in forensic

and allied disciplines.

The field reality is that while the same Code of Criminal Procedure, Indian Evidence

Act and Indian Penal Code apply to all the citizens of India, forensic services accorded

to the different population segments by the various delivery units of the Union, State

and UT governments, however, differ owing to gradients of professional training de-

velopment, procedures & processes, external exposure, equipment etc., resources, ena-

P

Confidential


bling logistics and service conditions. This is more so reflected in the state of Bihar

where even at this stage the use of scientific aids for investigation is only at the nascent

stage and its reason is the less than required emphasis on use of technology among the

investigators which is coupled with the inadequate infrastructure at the laboratory lev-

el – both FSL as well as FM.

The government of India, in the year 2010, conducted a study to find out the fault lines

in the development of forensics in the country. The study group surveyed the CFSLs,

state FSLs and working and retired forensic science professionals and identified the

maladies and irritants in working of these institutions. The state of affairs in our state

also echoes the similar sentiments. These fault lines may be summarized as below:

Indian Forensics - maladies and irritants

Sl.

No.

Feature Maladies and Irritants

1 Infrastructure Building and space Inadequate space in most FSLs and RFSLs.

Vehicles Most labs don't have transport vehicles.

Equipment & tech-

nology

Advanced equipment and upgraded hardware and

software are not available.

Library State FSLs have poor library facility.

Other aspects Special facilities like Bomb hut, vehicle raising, in-

ternal firing range etc. are needed for most labs; se-

curity and aesthetic facilities are also required.

2 Human re-

source

Scientists - number Inadequate manpower in all labs including

Central forensic establishments and the State

forensics.

Posts are lying vacant and not filled for long.

Deputation mode of filling is a constraint for

filling regular posts.

Scientists - qualifi-

cation

Qualification variation for posts from lab to lab

due to inclusion of various scientific subjects

for same post

Forensic science post graduates are not provid-

ed Degree with area specialized.

Scientists – train-

ing, SOC to court

testimony

Training courses need to be revamped.

For training abroad, forensic experts in State

labs should also be included.

Confidential


Scientists – pay,

recruitment &

promotion

There is no synchronization in pay / status / re-

cruitment / promotion pattern among the Cen-

tral and State forensic establishments.

In State FSLs the pay scales are poor and pro-

motion chances are rare.

Administrative

staff - number

Shortage of administrative staff in most of the labs.

Administrative

staff – training for

FSL set up

Trained administrative staff is not available. Most of

the State labs are under police, and administrative

staffs also come from police department. FSL work

is different and hence difficulty arises.

3 R & D R & D is mostly case work oriented.

4 Proficiency testing Nil in India.

5 Accreditation Central labs are accredited;

State labs are not accredited.

6 Certification and recertification Does not exist in India.

7 Ethical conduct Very few scientist adhere to.

8 Bench-marks for performance ap-

praisal (for scientists / organiza-

tions)

Hardly or poorly, if any.

9 Scientific audit and accountability Doesn't exist in any laboratory.

10 National forensic networking for

synergy

Not existing except data transfer and storage for

ballistics work between three Central laboratories.

11 Information Service (help-line) None at present.

12 Swift action emergency forensic

team

Forensic emergency response team is not yet formed

in India.

13 Prophylactic / proactive / preventive

forensics

No FSL is working except FSL, Punjab.

14 Structure and role(s) of DFS (GoI) Bare minimal.

15 Forensic science education (UG / PG

/ Ph. D.)

Its haphazard: appears everybody's cup of tea, with

teacher oriented teaching.

Confidential


With this backdrop, striking a balance between linear / stable bureaucratic path and

nonlinear / dynamic scientific path, and, embarking upon policy imperatives for trans-

formational changes, recommendations constituting Strategy Plan are given to enhance

the knowledge service function of forensics in Bihar.

»――――«

Confidential


Organization

ince advent of forensics in India with the first Chemical Examiner’s report-

communication dated October 30, 1849 from Surgeon Thomas Ray to Captain I

Maitland in Madras, the application of science in aid of investigation as well as

other aspects of national security have come a long way. Presently, the States and Un-

ion territories administer 28 main forensic science laboratories, 32 regional laboratories

and 144 mobile laboratories. Under the Central government, forensic science subject

including document examination is handled by the Directorate of Forensic Science

(DFS) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, which has subsequently been renamed as

Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) in order to widen the scope of services

to be provided by this sector in order to make the criminal justice delivery system in

the country more effective vide MHA resolution dated November 29, 2010.

Forward looking steps have been taken by MHA in the recent past by way of forensic

modernization schemes, Finance Commission schemes and five-year plan schemes for

modernization & strengthening of existing forensic units, networking and intramural &

extramural research.

In Bihar, the operational affairs of Forensic Science are handled by the Criminal Inves-

tigation Department (CID) of police and financial, administrative and personnel aspects

are taken care of by Department of Home having three divisions namely – Forensic Sci-

ence Laboratory (FSL), Police Laboratory (Handwriting) and Photo & Fingerprint Bu-

reau. As far as the infrastructure is concerned, there is one FSL at Patna, one State Ex-

aminer of Questioned Documents (SEQD), one Fingerprint Bureau and in addition

three Zonal FSLs are proposed to be set up in Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga and Bhagalpur.

However, the ground reality is that the capabilities of these laboratories are far from

satisfactory and in the field of cyber forensics the state has still to take its position on

the starting line. Faults appear to lie in:- (a) the vision and mission; (b) road-map for

direction and growth; (c) constraints right from the administrative headquarters down

to the scientific enrichment at the operational laboratories; (d) organizational structure

– flaw; (e) policy impoverishment; (f) human resource planning, management and de-

velopment, (g) conduct aberrations.

For any and every one of these things to get corrected, the prerequisite is workforce.

The number as well as the knowledge, skill and ability of operational forensic scientists

/ trainers are pertinently significant. Forensic service is unequivocally an essential ser-

vice and implies that enough people should be in place, to perform optimally with con-

S

Confidential


ventional disciplines / activities and also to catch up with emerging areas. However

staff position in the forensic practicing establishments is far from satisfactory

Organizational reengineering is required for the present setup, right from strengthen-

ing its headquarters and upgrading its laboratories as well as introducing new sectors

of research. Comprehensive and expeditious single node forensic service delivery is

ideally suited for investigation. By and large this integrated approach is the time-tested

practice the world over.

Recommendations

I. The existing three divisions in Department of Home should be replaced by the uni-

fied Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) in line with the MHA setup to

widen its scope and better co-ordination. The charter of duties for this directorate

may be in tune with the MHA, GoI resolution dated November 29, 2010 and it

should operate from the FSL, Patna premises.

II. Vision for DFSS should be:

Deliver forensic service with quality, timeliness and credibility to provide, protect

and promote justice, peace and tranquility.

III. Mission for DFSS should be:

Standardization of robust and dynamic systems for scientific management and opti-

mal operations of forensic service delivery

Recruiting talent, minting professionals, and, motivating & retaining committed ex-

perts with continuing education

Need based and proactive up gradation of infrastructure of all sorts for different arms

of forensics

Building, grooming and fostering strong forensic service base

Ceaseless empanelment and deployment of problem–solving as well as futuristic fo-

rensics through research and development

Encouragement and endorsement to regulation of forensic education, extension, en-

terprise and ethics

IV. There is no justification for stand-alone existence of State Examiner of Questioned

Documents (SEQD); it should be incorporated into the FSL.

V. Similarly, in place of existing Finger Print Bureau (FPB), a new division named

“Identification Forensics” should be created in FSL, that would enable case work

examination as well as database establishment in variety of biometric features (fin-

ger print, lip print, iris pattern, etc.).

VI. The organizational structure and functions of the DFSS should be as proposed:

Confidential


Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS)

Director

Administration and Resources

Administration

Establishment Budget

Purchase Special Schemes

Miscellaneous

Resources

Buildings, Equipment, vehicles, infrastructure

Recruitment

Motivation / Welfare Career Progression

Grievance Redressal

Service & Quality

Services

All Forensic services In-house R&D

In-house TrainingFeedback / co-ordination

from stakeholders

All SOC responses Emergency Response

Hazardous response Disaster response

SOC reconstruction

Standards & Quality

Controls Method Validation

SOPs / Manuals Proficiency Testing

Quality Audit NABL Accreditation

Co-ordination with CFSLs

Training & Research

Training & Academics

Non In-house TrainingInduction / Refresher /

Orientation / mid-career coursees

Senior level coursesCertificate / Diploma / PG

Dip courses

Sensitization courses for stakeholders

Forensic Education

Certification of professionals

Research & Development

Problem solving / Procedures / Product

development research

Intramural / extramural research and funding

Research fellowship Library

Journals / BooksReports / Reviews /

Proceedings

Forensic Information Documentation

Forensic Intelligence Databases

Co-ordination with Intelligence Agencies

Confidential


VII. For continuous up gradation of laboratories it is desirable that the FSLs should be

delegated sufficient financial powers.

VIII. Forensic Medicine (Medico-Legal) expertise in Health Department’s field arms such

as medical colleges and hospitals significantly and uniquely serves the cause of

criminal justice essentially by ascertaining age, sex etc. of subjects and cause & na-

ture of injury / death and the like. But this important branch of knowledge service

(indispensably sought after in the context of complicity of contemporary crimes,

gender abuse and human rights) has been for long in doldrums, and should be re-

juvenated by enlarging, encouraging, emboldening and empowering by bringing it

under the ambit of Forensic Science Laboratory. Addition of toxicology, forensic pa-

thology, forensic odontology, clinical forensic medicine, polygraph, brain mapping

and narcoanalysis should enlarge and embolden the forensic medical functioning.

IX. With the increased instances of use of computers, mobile networks and internet in

committing various types of crimes, it becomes imperative that there should be a

dedicated division in FSL to help investigators in collection of evidence and detec-

tion of crimes. This division will deal with online cyber forensic analysis, forensic

imaging, online crime related to hacking, illegal intrusion, collection of volatile data,

monitoring of network traffic and identification of viruses that attack software etc.

X. The crimes taking place in the cyber space have a unique feature that in contrast to

the traditional crimes, the Locard’s principle of exchange does not hold for long in

such crimes. If crimes and clues are not handled and developed immediately, they

may lose relevance in a very short time and gap between investigator and criminal

may widen further. To address this, the Cyber Crime Division in FSL will need to

work as Resource Centre also to Bihar Police on real time basis to aid and advice the

swift analysis of clues for follow up action.

XI. As a corollary of the discussion above, the Forensic Science setup in the state should

comprise of one State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) at Patna, three Zonal Fo-

rensic Science Laboratories (ZFSL) in remaining zonal headquarters and one Mobile

Forensic Science Lab (MFSL) in each of FSL and ZFSLs. Due to peculiarities and ur-

gency of cyber-crimes it is proposed that every district should have a Dedicated

Cyber Cell with latest forensic tools to analyze inputs on real time basis and help in

investigators in follow up actions.

XII. The organizational structures for State Forensic Science Laboratory, Zonal Forensic

Science Laboratories, Mobile Forensic Science Laboratories and Cyber Crime Divi-

sion and Resource Centre may be as follows:

Confidential


Forensic Science Laboratory, Patna

Director

Additional Director

Joint Director (Planning & Development Science)

Establishment AccountsR&D /Training /

LibraryScene of Crime

Team

Scientific Officer

Scientific Assistant (Biology)

SA (Chemistry)

SA (Physics)

Photographer

Lab Assistant

Lab Attendant

Driver

Joint Director (Scientific)

Deputy Director

(Division 1)

Assistant Director (Unit1)

Scientific Officers

Scientific Assistants

Lab Assistants

Lab Attendants

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.Assistant Director (Unitn)

Scientific Officers


Lab Assistants

Lab Attendants

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.Deputy Director

(Division n)

Assistant Director (Unitn)

Scientific Officers


Lab Assistants

Lab Attendants

Confidential


Zonal Forensic Science Laboratory

Joint Director

Deputy Director (Division 1)

Assistant Director (Unit 1)

Scientific Officers


Lab Assistants

Lab Attendants

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.Assistant Director

(Unit n)

Scientific Officers


Lab Assistants

Lab Attendants

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.Deputy Director

(Division n)

Assistant Director (Division n)

Scientific Officers


Lab Assistants

Lab Attendants

Library Scene of Crime Team

Scientific Officer

Scientific Assistant (Biology)

SA (Chemistry)

SA (Physics)

Photographer

Lab Assistant

Lab Attendant

Driver

Establishment

Confidential


Mobile Forensic Science Laboratory

Scientific Officer

Scientific Assistant

(Physiology)SA (Chemistry) SA (Physics) Photographer Lab Assistant Lab Attendant Driver

Confidential


Cyber Forensics Division and Resource Center

Deputy Director

Assistant Director (Cyber

Crime)

Scientific Officer


Lab Assistant

Lab Attendant

AD (Internet Monitoring)

Scientific Officer


Lab Assistant

Lab Attendant

AD (Mobile Forensics)

Scientific Officer


Lab Assistant

Lab Attendant

Establishment

Confidential


XIII. Work norms for case work unit and the composition of cadres in every such unit

should continue till Work norms per Expert is evolved. However, health hazards of

different kinds like pathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi, poisons, chemicals, solvents,

vapors, sonic vibrations, UV radiation, nuclear radiation, etc. are inherent in foren-

sic work. “Health & safety” aspect of laboratory accreditation addresses this issue

only minimally. Therefore there should be a health care policy to incorporate risk

insurance to employees and regular health checkup, immunization, exposure moni-

toring and use of eco-friendly disposables.

XIV. Policy for human resource motivation should be invigorated to retain expertise and

achieve excellence; the resulting committed scientists & teams with sense of owner-

ship and pride of productivity would be an asset. Therefore there should be action

to initiate measures as below:

a. Scheme of annual awards should be introduced to encourage the scientists work-

ing in furtherance of use of science in aid of investigation.

b. Other incentives may be Best Paper Award (for each discipline at All India FS

Conference), Cash Award for forensic scientists publishing in international jour-

nals, and Best Crime Scene Management Awards for FSLs.

c. A lump sum one-time payment of considerable amount for relevant postgraduate

and higher qualification acquired while in service.

d. Share in reward money (prevailing in Customs, Excise etc. services) in cases as

appropriate.

e. Spot Cash reward (with entry of Good Service in Records) for any good work

(from janitorial to scientific leadership).

f. Reimbursement of payment towards annual subscription for one relevant scien-

tific society and one relevant scientific journal.

g. Reimbursement of fee towards Certification; permission on-duty to take up Certi-

fication – specific tests and lab sessions; and, consideration of Certification as en-

abler for promotion.

h. Deputation to relevant training / professional development programs in India

and abroad.

i. The police officials working on deputation in district cyber units and assisting in

Cyber Forensics Division and Resource Centre will need to be incentivized to at-

tract talent and acknowledge their contribution. These incentives may include –

awarding of one increment on joining, preference in choice posting on comple-

Confidential


tion of their normal tenure, special mention about their contribution in their an-

nual confidential reports etc.

XV. Peer review is very important for generating a culture of excellence and continuous

improvement in practices, more so in the field of science of testing. Therefore in eve-

ry FSL, the following activities should be introduced:

a. Sharing with colleagues the experience on return from SOC visit / court testimony

/ Conference etc. / training,

b. Weekly Group Discussion, among scientists in every Division for review and

strategy,

c. Monthly Meeting with all scientists of FSL to listen to and deliberate upon presen-

tation – cum – analysis of two recent international publications [ one presentation

by a cadre from Scientific Officer (SO) to Director, and the other by a cadre from

Scientific Assistant (SA) to Scientific Officer (SO)],

d. In–house “Forensic Newsletter”, as a four–page Quarterly, with brief / crisp

scripts from within the laboratory and through invited ones from judiciary, prose-

cution, police, forensic technology, forensic medicine and social welfare,

e. In–house training in, for example,

i. The Art and Science of Crime Scene Forensics: - for SA to SO;

ii. The Art of Loving, Utilizing and Maintaining Scientific Instruments: - for SA

to SO;

iii. Mock Court: - for SA to SO.

»――――«

Confidential


Infrastructure

aboratory environment is one of the crucial factors to ensure good forensic prac-

tice. Exclusive premises with sufficient space and relevant infrastructure are in-

dispensable for boosting the morale and productivity of scientists and support

staff. Designs and ambience - control favour evidence integrity, analytical confidentiali-

ty, equipment functionality and health and safety. Laboratories should possess all

equipment and facilities necessary to provide the highest quality forensic service.

An effort is made to compile a list of sophisticated state of the art technologies (hard-

ware and software) already available as well as needed by the forensic laboratories.

They cover those required for meeting the increase in case work and for attempting al-

ternate approaches; some also harbor emerging areas. Some of these divisions are not

yet functional in our state but for a forward looking approach it is imperative that state

FSL must develop competency in every field.

While doing this a change in functional structure of laboratories is also attempted to

make the laboratories addressing ways and means being adopted by today’s fugitives

rather than merely carrying on with the legacies of nineteenth century.

Forensic Science Laboratory - Reorganized Functional Structure

Physiological Forensics

•Biology

• Serology

•Body Fluids

•Microbiology

•DNA Profiling

•Anthropolgy (Skull)

•Odontology

•Osteology

Physical Forensics

• Physics

•Ballistics

• Explosives

• Pyretics

•Micro Traces

•Nuclear Forensics

Chemistry Forensics

•Chemistry

• Toxicology

•Alcohol

•Narcotics

Documentation Forensics

•Documents

•Counterfeit Currency

Print & Pattern Forensics

• Foot / Footwear Pattern

• Tool Marks

•Motor Vehicles

• Track Marks

•Biometrics

• Forensic Geology

Cyber Forensics

•Cyber Crimes

•Computer / Digital Media

•Network Forensics

•Cellphone

• Image Processing

Identification Forensics

• Finger Prints

• Photography

• Photo-fit Portraiture

•Voice Identification

•Crime Scene Management

Behavioural Forensics

• Polygraphy

•Narco Analysis

•Brain Mapping

• Forensic Intelligence

•Behavioural Profiling

L

Confidential


List of Technologies desirable in Forensic Laboratory

Sl.

No.

Lab Division Unit Technology / Equipment / Hardware / Soft-

ware in possession of Division (alphabetic order)

1 Physiological

Forensics

Biology

3D-Colour laser printer and scanner

3D-Video Superimposition device

Advance graphical workstation and Facial recon-

struction and other image processing software

Automated DNA extraction system

Automated forensic DNA instruments facility

Blood Test kits

Chromatography

Colour Test kits

Cryogenic Grinder

Deep freezers and refrigerator

Digital Orbital shaker

DNA research unit

Gel Documentation or Gel Image or Gel Imager Sys-

tem

Genetic Analyser

High resolution digital camera

High Resolution Zoom Tissue Processing Unit

Horizontal Electrophoresis System

Ice flaking machine

Incubator

Latest upgraded thermo cycler

Microscopes – stereo, comparison, stage, ocular

Millipore water purifier

Missing person and mass disaster victim identifica-

tion facility and mass fatality identification system

and MFlSys software

Mitochondrial DNA sequencing analysis facility

and software

National DNA Index system facility and software,

Neutron Activation Analyser

Precipitin Test kits

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ((PCR) In-

strument

Refrigerated centrifuge

Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP)

Instrument

Rotograph – for taking dental X-ray of skull

Skull stand

Software for Genetic Data interpretation (DNAview

or Geneproof or other)

Spectrophotometry UV & IR

Spectroscopy

Tissuelyzer,

Trinocular Fluorescent microscope

Vertical Electrophoresis System

Serology

Body Fluids

Microbiology

DNA Profiling

Forensic Anthro-

pology (Skull)

Forensic Odontolo-

gy

Forensic Osteology

Confidential


Water bath

Weighing balance,

2 Physical Fo-

rensics

Physics Armourer Workshop kit

Atomic Absorption (AA) Spectrometry & Spectro-

photometry

Bomb containers

Bomb frequency jammer

Bomb suits

Bomb vehicle

Chemical test

Chemical Testing Kit for Gunshot residue (GSR)

identification

Chemical tests

Comparison microscope with camera

Conductivity Meter

Density Measurement Kit

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) & Thermo

gravimetric Analysis (TGA) – for thermal analysis of

polymers

Dust lifting kit

Electrical lab

Fire Hazard Detection System

Firearm signature identification system – such as In-

tegrated Ballistic Identification System ( IBIS) TRAX

systems

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrophotome-

ter

Fragment Analyser

Fume Hood

Gas Chromatography – Flame Ionisation Detector

(GC-FID) – to detect concentration of organic species

in a gas stream

Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC –

MS)

Gas Chromatography (GC)

Gauss meter

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

High speed camera for Ballistics

Human Dummies

Inductively coupled plasma- AES

Infrared Photography

Infrared Spectroscopy

Ion chromatograph

Ion-mobility spectrometry

Kit for radioactivity measurement

Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass

Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) – for elemental and iso-

topic analysis on solid samples

Macroscope

Micro Chemical Test Kit

Ballistics

Explosives

Pyretics

Micro Traces

Nuclear forensics

Confidential


Micro macro image processing system,

Micro Ohm meter

Microprocessor based Water bath

Mobile Firing Gun Rest system

Muffle Furnace

Multimeter

Neutron Activation Analyser (NAA)

Periphery camera

Petrographic Microscope – to analyse rocks and

minerals

Polarography

Pyrolysis

Pyrolytic Gas Chromatography (PGC)

Robot for collection of unexploded bombs

Scanning Electron Microscope – Energy Dispersive

X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM – EDX)

Screw gauge

Sieve shaker

Sieve

Slide callipers

Spectral comparator

Spectrofluorometer

Stereo microscope

Stereoscopy

Striagraph

Tensile strength testing unit

Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)

Ultraviolet – Visible Spectrophotometry

Universal Receiver for Gun Testing

UV light

UV-Vis spectrophotometer

Velocity measurement system

Velocity Measuring System

Video Bore scope

X-ray Diffraction (XRD)

X-ray Fluorescence (XRF)

3 Chemistry Fo-

rensics

Chemistry Atomic Absorption Spectrometer

Automatic Flash Point Apparatus

Automatic Potentiometric Titrator

Automatic Solvent Evaporator

Automatic Solvent Extractor

Biological test Kit

Capillary Electrophoresis

Chemical Test Kit

Chemical Testing Kit for Narcotics

Densitometer with Beer Alcolyser

Detection & decomposition equipment for chemical

war fare agents

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrophotome-

ter

Toxicology

Alcohol

Narcotics

Confidential


FUY

Gas and Liquid Chromatography (GLC)

Gas Chromatograph – Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS)

Gas Chromatography (GC)

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography

(HPTLC)

Incubator

Infrared Spectrogram

Ion Chromatography

Ion Scan Mass Spectrometer

Liquid Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (LC-

MS)

Microwave Digester

Millipore Water Deioniser

Muffle Furnace

Neutron Activation Analyser (NAA)

Nuclear Magnetic Resonator

Oil & Water bath viscometer

Paper Chromatography

Particle Size Analyser

pH Meter

Quartz Water Distillation Assembly

Radio Immuno-Assay

Raman Spectral Comparator

Rotary Shaker

Scanning Electron Microscope – Energy Dispersive

X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX)

Spectrophotometer – UV/IR

Sulphur Analyser


Ultraviolet Spectrogram

UV & IR Absorption Spectrogram

UV Spectrophotometer

UV-Visible spectrophotometer

Video Spectral Comparator

X-ray Diffraction

4 Print & Pattern

Forensics

Foot / Footwear

pattern Composite Matching – Comparison Microscope

Electrostatic Printing Equipment

Holographic Equipment

PedBaroGraph (PBG)

Peripherographic Camera

Petrographic Microscope – to analyse rocks and

minerals

Silicone Casting

Spectrofluorometer

Striagraphy

Superimposition

Ultraviolet Photography

Tool Marks

Motor Vehicles

Track Marks

Biometrics

Forensic Geology

Confidential


5 Documenta-

tion Forensics

Documents Contrast Photography

Document Examination System

Electro-Static Detection Apparatus (ESDA) – for de-

tecting indented writings

Fake Indian currency note (FICN) Detection kit,

Forensic KP spectral Comparator

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy

High Performance Thin Layer chromatography

(HPTLC)

High Resolution Imaging System for authenticating

security documents – like VSC 6000, Eye – D, Foren-

sic XP-4010D etc.

IR & UV source of light

Leica stereo zoom microscopes for studying the line

quality/intersection of strokes etc. ESDA for indenta-

tion

Portable equipment for verification of printed doc-

uments – like TrueScan etc.

Raman Spectrometer with integral video microscope

Stereomicroscopy


Travel IR for ink and paper analysis

Tuneable light source


Counterfeit Curren-

cy

6 Cyber Foren-

sics

Cyber Crimes Complete CDR and SDR Solution

Cyber Check Suit

Data Evaluation Cell (DEC) systems for cell phone

Data Recovery Analysis Computer (DRAC) Work-

station

Device for extraction of data from SIM / Cell phone

and GPS Services

Digital Evidence Analyser

Disk Duplicator (Voom Hard Copy 3P)

Email database Analyser

EnCase Data Retrieval software

Faast

Forensic Dossier

Forensic MD5

Forensic Sentinel Visualizer

Forensic Tool Kit – Disk Forensic Software

Forensic Video Clarification Specification & Video

Processing Unit

Fred Workstation

High end laptops

High end Workstation

High speed imaging workstation

Internet Evidence Finder Triage

Mac Acquisition Software

Malware Detection and Analysis Software

Computers / Digital

Media

Network Forensics

Cellphone Forensics

Image Processing

Confidential


Mobiledit etc.

multimedia forensics

Network Forensic Tools

Network real time forensic analysis unit

Oxygen phone forensic mobile DIT

Paraben Device seizure

PassWare Kit (Password Cracking Software)

Portable Digital Evidence Collecting Unit

Portable forensic lab

registry viewer

Social Media sites Analysis Software

Steganography Detection & Analysis Software

Storage media analysis unit

Table WP Kits

Winhex

Workstations for digital forensics – like Cellebrite,

DIBS etc.

7 Identification

Forensics

Finger Prints Audio digital recorder

Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)

Automatic speaker recognition system

Camera Reprovit system

Computerised speech lab

Dark Room facility

Digital Audio Recorder

Fingerprint Analysis Criminal Tracing System

(FACTS)

Fluorescent Tube with Magnifier

Forensic Video Optical Comparator

Fuming Chamber

Hearing/mounting press

Language independent speaker identification sys-

tem

Laser Development System

Lunar testers of fixed focal length for comparison

Photographic equipment

Poly-light

Polyview Comparator

Printer and scanner

Recorder and player

Sound Spectrograph

Speech Format Conversion Software

Stereo Microscope

Video Cameras

Video measurement system


Photography

Photofit Portraiture

Voice Identification

Crime Scene Man-

agement

8 Psychology

Forensics

Polygraphy Brain Electrical Oscillation Signature Profiling Sys-

tems (BEOS)

Computerised Polygraph system Narco Analysis

Confidential


Brain mapping Pentothol Sodium solutions or Truth Serums

Forensic Intelli-

gence

Behavioral Profiling

Hardware and software for District Cyber Units:

Android mobile Deleted Data Recovery hardware & software

Complete CDR & SDR solution

Cyberchecksuite – for recovery of deleted data

Digital Evidence Analyser

Disk Duplicator (Voom hard copy 3P)

Forensic SIM card reader

High end Workstation

Portable Evidence Collecting Unit

Video forensic software – for analysis of CCTV footage

Voice Logger

Equipment for Investigators Kit:

Blood Testing kit

Casting kit

Collection paraphernalia

Examination kit

Fingerprint kit

Making & Breaking kit

Recording equipment

Equipment for Mobile Forensic Science Laboratory:

Anometer

Customized vehicle

Electricity tester

Hand spectroscope

Infrared lamp

Investigators kit

Magnifiers

Photographic equipment

Portable X-ray unit

Stereomicroscope

Ultraviolet lamp

Vacuum cleaner

Knowledge service is always looked upon for quick and clinching solutions. Strong

foundation as well as avid up gradation are therefore indispensable. Library is the

sanctum sanctorum wherein every forensic practitioner should find scope for this.

Books and journals are two specific arms to enable learning as a continuing process. Fo-

Confidential


rensic expenditure on library is not very encouraging and it appears that true potential

and importance of regular readership with journals is yet to be realized.

With this background, for strengthening and standardizing the infrastructure of foren-

sic laboratories in Bihar, the recommendations are as below:

Recommendations

I. It is recommended that each forensic establishment should have its own premises, in-

corporating internationally accepted standards e.g. National Institute of Standards

and Technology and National Institute of Justice, with the following:

Zones of perimeter security (including parking bays)

Indoor access security

Surveillance installations

Case reception area

Visitors’ lounge

Uninterrupted supply of power and water with auto stand–by

24 x 7 maintenance of electronic, electrical, mechanical and civil units, machines and gadgets

Ambience control (temperature / humidity / acoustics / suspended particulate matter)

Drainage / waste handling – disposal systems for solids, liquids and vapors of chemical / bio-

logical origin

Bomb hut

Ballistics test fire range (indoor, closed and standalone)

Ramp for vehicle (under chassis) examination

First – Aid kits

Firefighting devices

Museum

Canteen / lunch – hall (operable in specific time)

Indoor game hall (operable in specific time)

Local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN)

Organizational information management system (indigenously developed)

Laboratory information management system (indigenously developed)

Touch less sensor based hand sanitizer dispensing devices

Transit apartments

Staff quarters

Kids’ play zone

II. There should also be in the campus an equipped ever ready Mobile Forensic Labora-

tory vehicle.

III. Scientific equipment constitute the flagship that processes and mediates knowledge

application for forensic interpretation. Therefore, all the Forensic Science Laboratories

(FSL, ZFSLs and MFSLs), District Cyber Units and Investigator’s Kits should be

equipped with latest technologies as mentioned before. These lists are indicative only,

not exhaustive. The investment in procurement of these equipment will be huge so

this may be done phase wise – as soon as a certain level of proficiency is attained in a

Confidential


particular division. Investigator’s Kits should be made available to every police sta-

tion in the state but before that it will be desirable that the users (police officials) be

given exposure about how to use them.

IV. There should be a continuing system to align expertise and purchase (and operation

& maintenance) of latest equipment / instruments. There should be a policy of regular

withdrawal and replacement for instruments / equipment which have outlived their

utility either due to wear and tear or because of their obsolescence in technology. No

uniform time frame may be prescribed for this as each technology has its own life.

AMC for equipment should be entered into, immediately after the supplier’s warran-

ty period, for such duration so as to be fully functional till withdrawal.

V. Knowledge service of the forensic kind should be actively supported / sustained by

state of the art as well as e- enabled Library, and this should be integral part of the in-

frastructure. Each FSL should have a modern library; they in turn should be linked to

each other and then to that of National Forensic Library at the national level, if there

exists one. The library of FSL should have more of training related audio, video etc.

updates.

»――――«

Confidential


Procedures

orensic Science personifies a cross - section of disciplines involving different sets

of technologies and practices. Some are laboratory based (e.g., toxicology, nar-

cotics and DNA profiling etc.); others depend on expert interpretation (e.g., fin-

gerprints, documents and bite marks etc.). This leads to wide variability in respect of

techniques, methodologies, human bias, sources of error, reliability and general accept-

ability. Further within a given discipline there could be identifiable operational differ-

ences among practitioners in different laboratories of different places. Such disparity

can occur at scene of crime (SOC), in laboratory and / or in court (testimony). Reliability

would then be at stake and therefore quality and acceptability become blurred.

US courts’ rulings popularly called as “Frye standard” (Frye vs. United States, 1923) and

“Daubert criteria” (Daubert vs. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 1993) insist that these

issues should be addressed / ensured before adjudging the admissibility.

“To meet the Frye standard, scientific evidence presented to the court must be interpret-

ed by the court as "generally accepted" by a meaningful segment of the associated scien-

tific community. This applies to procedures, principles or techniques that may be pre-

sented in the proceedings of a court case.

In practical application of this standard, those who were proponents of a widely disput-

ed scientific issue had to provide a number of experts to speak to the validity of the sci-

ence behind the issue in question.

Novel techniques, placed under the scrutiny of this standard forced courts to examine

papers, books and judicial precedents on the subject at hand to make determinations as

to the reliability and "general acceptance."

In Daubert, seven members of the Court agreed on the following guidelines for admit-

ting scientific expert testimony:

Judge is gatekeeper: Under Rule 702, the task of "gatekeeping", or assuring that sci-

entific expert testimony truly proceeds from "scientific knowledge", rests on the trial

judge.

Relevance and reliability: This requires the trial judge to ensure that the expert's

testimony is "relevant to the task at hand" and that it rests "on a reliable founda-

tion". Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharms. Inc., 509 U.S. 579, 584-587. Concerns about ex-

pert testimony cannot be simply referred to the jury as a question of weight. Fur-

thermore, the admissibility of expert testimony is governed by Rule 104(a), not Rule

104(b); thus, the Judge must find it more likely than not that the expert's methods are

reliable and reliably applied to the facts at hand.

Scientific knowledge = scientific method/methodology: A conclusion will qualify

as scientific knowledge if the proponent can demonstrate that it is the product of

sound "scientific methodology" derived from the scientific method.

Factors relevant: The Court defined "scientific methodology" as the process of for-

mulating hypotheses and then conducting experiments to prove or falsify the hy-

pothesis, and provided a non-dispositive, nonexclusive, "flexible" set of "general ob-

F

Confidential


servations" (i.e. not a "test") that it considered relevant for establishing the "validity"

of scientific testimony:

o Empirical testing: whether the theory or technique is falsifiable, refutable, and/or

testable.

o Whether it has been subjected to peer review and publication.

o The known or potential error rate.

o The existence and maintenance of standards and controls concerning its opera-

tion.

o The degree to which the theory and technique is generally accepted by a relevant

scientific community.”

To achieve these standards the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Manuals

need to be in the system with periodical revision / replacement as warranted by ad-

vancements in S & T. The objective of this exercise will be reduction in qualified / in-

conclusive opinion and promotion of inter-personal / inter-laboratory uniformity. Sci-

entific evidence with enhanced quality would then attract positive feedback from fo-

rensic end-users like police, prosecution and judiciary. Procedures and processes

should also vouch for speed or timeliness of forensic service. These efforts hold poten-

tial for developing databases to further intelligence & investigation relating to regular

forensics and internal security.

In this way the quality triangle of standardization (of procedures), certification (of prac-

titioners) and accreditation (of capability) will be achieved.

Directorate of Forensic Science (DFS; MHA, GoI) released eight forensic science Manu-

als in 2005, incorporating SOPs for adoption in Toxicology, Biology, Serology, DNA

Profiling, Physics, Ballistics, Examination of Counterfeit Currency, and Analysis of Pe-

troleum Products; in 2007, three Manuals were issued covering Polygraph, Narcoanaly-

sis, and, Brain mapping. Besides Manuals for Chemistry, Explosives, and, Narcotics

have also been brought out by CFSL, Hyderabad. They need to be adopted / reviewed /

revised by our forensic laboratories; and, manuals should be prepared for other disci-

plines also.

The concept of Certification (and Re-Certification) of forensic practitioners has not yet

been given a try in India. Laboratory Accreditation has of course come to stay for good;

all the Central forensic organizations have been accredited by National Accreditation

Board for Testing and Calibrating Laboratories (NABL). Unfortunately, the FSL in Bi-

har has not gone for it yet; this situation awaits enabling thrust.

Recommendations

Confidential


Procedures and processes in forensic practice need to be a blend of expertise, experi-

ence, excellence and advancement, to render quality service and garner global credibil-

ity. Therefore the following are recommended.

I. Our laboratories should adopt the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed

by the central FSLs and also make original efforts to bring out SOPs / Manuals in the

fields where none exists. Such exercise should naturally take care of application of re-

cent S & T developments in evidence search / location / collection / analysis and court

testimony. Arrangements should be there to review and revise such documents (al-

ready in use as well as those forthcoming for new fields) regularly, so that Good La-

boratory Practice (GLP) prevails.

II. All forensic laboratories should be accredited by National Accreditation Board for

Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accompanied by the stipulated upkeep

and surveillance. All forensic professionals should also be subjected to some sort of

certification by some autonomous body.

III. Forensic Sciences Department of Government of Tamil Nadu is unique in the country

in the way that it receives by default a copy of judgment in every case wherein the la-

boratory report has been taken on the court file. This helps in the scientists to reassess

their procedures and develop more capabilities in tackling the newer challenges to

pass the test of scrutiny of courts. Therefore it is recommended that every laboratory

report / opinion should be accompanied by some standardized Feedback Format re-

questing the prosecutor / counsel and the investigation officer / police to fill and re-

turn and a request should be sent to the Registrar of High Court for their follow up

instruction in turn to the Sessions and lower courts, to routinely mark / send to the la-

boratory a copy of judgments as and when pronounced in lab report-filed cases.

IV. Of late Bihar has been figuring among the places where international terrorist organi-

zations, drug rackets, illegal arms traffickers and counterfeit currency traffickers have

made inroads, but absence of database in organized fashion has been limiting our

competence. The state FSLs need to be integrated together and then with the national

level institutions for active sharing of databases existing in some of the central FSLs

related to internal security matters.

- Integrated ballistic information system (IBIS) database has been in place for a

few years at CFSL, Chandigarh; our laboratories and scientists should join in ac-

tive participation in pooling & sharing of ballistic data with the nodal base at

CFSL (Chandigarh) and in turn with the DRDO’s Terminal Ballistics Research

Laboratory (TBRL; Chandigarh).

Confidential


- Similar arrangements should fall in place for the DNA database node at CFSL,

Kolkata which on its part is expected to have extended relationship with the

Centre for DNA Fingerprinting & Diagnostics (CDFD; Hyderabad).

- Likewise the not-much-grown Bomb database at CFSL, Hyderabad (interacting

with National Security Guard, NSG) looks for grooming and participatory pat-

ronage.

- Another attempt at CFSL, Hyderabad on chromatographically resolvable geo-

graphical indicators database for opium requires attention; its NAA Unit (at

BARC, Mumbai) is pursuing this through isotope tracking. Tapping of this facil-

ity will go a long way in keeping a tab on drug trafficking with interactions

with Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

- Data repository for counterfeit (Indian/foreign) currency should further ensure

discernible integration and synergy across the Indian forensic spectrum. Work-

able assistance from Reserve Bank of India would be a great enabler.

»――――«

Confidential


Research

orensics should have the techniques of day after tomorrow in order to face and

floor the ever increasing science and sophistication in the violations of criminal

law, civil codes and, regulatory procedures. Research and Development (R & D)

is the only strategy to realize this. Improvement in operational procedures, innovation

in analytical examinations, incisiveness in report interpretation and imagination in pro-

cess / product development can all form areas for R & D in forensics. Case work related

problem solving as well as proactive pursuit for future application are achievable; in-

duction of novel technologies is value addition to the laboratories

The MHA, through BPR&D and CFSLs, is carrying out some extramural research and

Ph.D. programs which have a great relevance for forensic tests and techniques. We

need to tap on the outcome of these researches by regularly interacting with MHA

through an institutional mechanism as suggested earlier and also to imbibe a culture of

excellence through research in our own labs. Some of the topics which are of our im-

mediate attention are listed below:

Research topics under Extramural Research

Sl.

No.

Research Topics

1 National resource centre for forensic psychology / centre of excellence in forensic psychology

2 Pilot project for setting up model DNA database unit

3 Development of new methodology for the analysis of pirated CD-DVD

4 Reliability of phalangeal flexion creases in personal identification

5 Metric assessment of sex from human skeletal parts: a comprehensive study on Indian sam-

ples

6 Application of miniaturized separation system (CE) in various fields of forensic science

7 Application of Nano-particles in forensic science

8 Comparison of human chronological age estimated from the structure of dentine using scan-

ning electron microscope and tooth cementum annulations count using polarising microscopy

9 Y Chromosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms in personal identification

10 Analysis of degraded human DNA by autosomal markers with short amplicons

11 Genetic variation of X chromosomal markers in Indian population

12 Document forensics – Classifying different printing technology

13 Visual information retrieval for document forensics

14 Development of algorithms for improved steganalysis applied to digital forensics

15 Digitization of biometric features – Arterial blood flow pattern on surfaces of fingers

16 Studies on digital forensics for the detection of computer frauds and cyber-crimes (with stress

F

Confidential


on network security)

17 Establishment of link between printer / photocopier and inks of suspected documents using

instrumental techniques

18 Physical and chemical examination of writing pen inks for forensic applications

19 Validation of SOPs in handwriting identification in post-Daubert era

20 An image processing and pattern recognition frame work for forensic document fraud analy-

sis

21 Forensic analysis of digital images for detecting image manipulation

22 Spectrographic and automatic analysis of speech sample recorded in forensic contexts

23 Electronic vapour detection of illicit materials

24 Studies on sound patterns of Gun-shots for characterization of firearms(small arms) and crea-

tion of data bank for forensic interpretation

25 Psychology (Brain Electrical Oscillations signature profiling and lie detection) – a normative

study

26 Digital signal processing

27 Security issues in the wireless communication

Recommendations

Research is founded on aptitude, focus, sacrifice and perseverance; then come motiva-

tion, incentives and awards. Researching should be a passion and a habit. Recommen-

dations for reorienting forensic R & D are as follows.

I. Encouragement should be given to every forensic scientist (and team) to pursue case

work oriented R & D, intramural innovative R &D.

II. A suitable cash Award on every publication in national or international journal

should be introduced.

III. Extramural research projects should be funded by the department involving scientists

of laboratories and researchers of proven credentials.

IV. Exclusive budget provision for foreign travel should be earmarked to enable scientists

and research fellows to participate in international seminars, deliver talks and present

research papers at scientific meetings.

V. FSL should enter into agreements with CFSLs to engage them professionally for shar-

ing knowledge arising out of researches carried out by them.

»――――«

Confidential


Training

cience is dynamic and therefore its application is dynamic. Training is a compre-

hensive means to ensure and sustain these professional qualities for optimal and

salubrious forensics. Without training, experts cannot update their knowledge

and would face the danger of going outdated fast. For meaningful and interactive par-

ticipation, scientists as well as allied staff need to be periodically trained. Training and

retraining of all forensic employees will have to be a continuing policy in forensic set

up. In–house courses in laboratory and external programs within India and in foreign

countries should serve the purpose and effective participation should be encouraged.

Induction / orientation / reorientation / refresher / mid-career / short term / long term /

Diploma / PG Diploma Courses, symposia, seminars, workshops, brainstorms, group

discussions and meetings are some patterns of imparting training. Specific forensics

(e.g., SOC, laboratory subjects, SOPs, uncertainty and error, bias in interpretation, sta-

tistics, databases, research methodology and court testimony); interplay of forensic sci-

ence, technology, medicine and law; peculiarities of cyber-crimes; management; leader-

ship; and institution building are important themes for appropriate coverage in train-

ing schedules.

Right from induction level up to the senior cadre science managers in service, training

plays honing and capacity building roles. In consonance, forensic end–users should al-

so be sensitized to the advantages and limitations of forensic techniques and practices,

through appropriate awareness workshops and capsule courses. To facilitate all these

important dimensions of training a well-established infrastructure with competent fac-

ulty is required; and nothing can be a better place than Bihar Police Academy (BPA -

coming up at Rajgir) with active participation of FSL scientists.

The training in the field of Cyber forensics needs special attention as the advent of its

demand is increasing by leaps and bounds; and lack of infrastructure and trained

workforce necessitates some steps in addition of creating competency in this field in

due course of time. Some institutes have been identified by us which impart training in

cyber forensics including cyber security. The services of these may be requested till we

develop our own training infrastructure. These institutes may design courses to suit

our needs too. They are as follows:

For experts in the Cyber Forensics division of FSL:

S

Confidential


Center for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Thiruvananthapuram

Central Forensic Science Laboratory, Hyderabad

NASSCOM & DSCI

Gujarat Forensic Science University, Gandhinagar

CBI Academy, Ghaziabad

Institute of Information Security, Mumbai

For DSsP, Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors of District Dedicated Unit:

CBI Academy, Ghaziabad

National Police Academy, Hyderabad (for DSP and above only)

Haryana Police Academy, Madhuban

CERT IN, New Delhi

North East Police Academy, Shillong

SCRB, Kolkata

Gujarat Forensic Science University, Gandhinagar

Police Radio Training School, Indore

Institute of Information Security, Mumbai

Central Detective Training School, Jaipur

Recommendations

DFSS should formulate a training policy for scientific, support and administrative &

allied service personnel. While in-house brainstorming and selective external exposure

would hone the latter two, more progressive approach should be adopted for scientists

– recruits and in service. As suggested, the Bihar Police Academy may act as the nodal

academy of high competence to translate this into action. The following recommenda-

tions are made towards this end:

I. The forensic professionals should undergo training in India and abroad with regulari-

ty. Stimulus package including funds etc. for all, should come from the state govern-

ment.

II. Fresh recruits should undergo induction training for not less than six months in

Academy followed by six months on-the-job training in lab.

III. Tenets of forensic science and Cyber-crime investigation need to be impregnated into

the regular trainings of police officers and constables – as they are the first responders

to any crime situation or a situation requiring intervention of scientific aids. Forensic

science has traditionally been a part of syllabus but cyber-crime and its handling are

relatively a new field and time for its introduction has arrived. These should be part

Confidential


of basic induction, refresher and mid-career courses for all police officers and consta-

bles – with varying degrees of competency.

IV. Completion of and performance in training courses and continuing education / pro-

fessional development programs should be criterion for assessment, promotion and

certification for all.

V. Scientists of FSLs would be directly concerned with in-house training only; all other

training courses in forensics, continuing education / professional development pro-

grams for in service forensic personnel, capacity building measures and awareness

courses for forensic clients like police, prosecution and judiciary should be the role

impregnated functions of BPA. As required, FSL scientists would be invited as re-

source persons for courses conducted by BPA on its own and / or in collaboration

with any forensic and non-forensic organization.

»――――«

Confidential


Education

orensic Science is a composite of multiple disciplines with their inherent basics,

unique techniques and varied interpretations; hence forensic practice is compa-

rable to operating a multipronged multifunctional tool. Dynamic advancements

in Science and Technology alter / add to the shape and shine of the prongs. Education

in modern forensics began as part of Chemistry at University of Strathclyde (UK) and

has spread across continents.

In India, in 1959, Sagar University (Madhya Pradesh) started education in forensic sci-

ence and criminology and the latest entrant is Gujarat Forensic Science University,

Gandhinagar (Gujarat). Traditionally forensic profession for justice administration in

India has been entirely in public governmental sector; of late private organizations are

entering the field. Besides there is increase in volume of crimes, variety of crimes and

intricacy of crimes; alongside judiciary, police, media and general public are better

aware of forensics. The writing on the wall is that there is demand for forensic practi-

tioners and there is supply of forensic science pass outs. In extrapolation there is an ur-

gent need for supply of quality professionals and quality education.

There are, as of now, numerous public funded / government aided / non – governmen-

tal Universities, institutions and colleges in India, as listed below, that conduct Certifi-

cate, Diploma, PG Diploma, Degree and Postgraduate courses and Doctoral programs

in various disciplines of forensic science.

Institutes imparting forensic education in India

Sl.

No.

University / Institution Certificate, diploma or de-

gree offered

1 Amity University, Noida (a) B.Sc.(H) (FS)

(b) M.Sc. (FS)

(c) Ph.D. (FS)

2 Asian School of Cyber Law, Pune Certificate (CC)

3 Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (a) PG Diploma (FS)

(b) B.Sc. (H) (FS)

(c) M.Sc. (FS)

4 Department of Anthropology University of Delhi, Delhi Certificate (FS)

5 Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Agra M.Sc. (FS)

6 Dr. H.S. Gour Vishwavidhyalaya, Sagar (a) B.Sc. (FS)

(b) M.Sc. (FS)

F

Confidential


7 Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar (a) M. Sc. – six courses

(b) PG Diploma – five course

(c) M. Tech. – one course

(d) M. Phil. – two courses

(e) Ph. D.

8 IFO Forensic Standards and Research, Delhi Certificate courses (FS) – seven

9 Intense Forensic Services India, Pune Eleven courses

10 Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra M.Sc. (FS)

11 Maharashtra Govt. Institute of Forensic Science, Au-

rangabad

(a) PG Diploma (FS)

(b) B.Sc. (H) (FS)

12 NICFS (affiliated to Guru Gobind Singh Indra Prastha

University, Delhi) Delhi

(a) Induction, refresher and aware-

ness courses

(b) Certificate courses

(c) Diploma

(d) PG Diploma

(e) M.Sc. (FS)

13 Osmania University, Hyderabad M.Sc. (FS)

14 Panjab University, Chandigarh (a) M.Sc. (FS)

(b) Ph.D. (FS)

15 Punjabi University, Patiala (a) PG Diploma (FS)

(b) M.Sc. (FS)

16 Sam Higginbotom Institute of Agriculture, Technology

& Science, Allahabad

(a) Diploma (DOC / FP)

(b) B.Sc. (FS)

(c) M.Sc. (FS)

(d) Ph.D. (FS)

Recommendation

Absence of an institution having affiliation with Bihar speaks volumes not only about

the general appreciation of the subject, its importance and potential among common

masses but also about the apathy of stakeholders towards this very important and criti-

cal field of criminal justice system. This temperament and inertia has to be overcome by

introducing some courses in some of the universities in forensic science and later on

graduating to dedicated university or institution in forensic science. Simultaneously,

this facility, available outside Bihar, should be exploited to our use by promoting our

scientists and police officers, interested in specialising in a particular field of forensics,

especially related to cyber-crime or security, by sanctioning grants to undergo full time

courses there. On return they will work as resource persons, who in turn will contrib-

ute to scientific temper in the police and labs.

»――――«

Confidential


Miscellaneous

orensic Science serves the cause of justice and peace and therefore the forensic

professionals have to necessarily interact with agencies, personnel, and laws /

rules / procedures / Codes / Acts dealing with evidence, enforcement, investiga-

tion, prosecution and justice dispensation. By such interaction forensic experts, police,

prosecutors and judiciary are able to understand and appreciate each other’s domains.

Changing scenario of involvement of more of S & T in commission of crime as well as

in its solution requires frequent interaction. Suggestion, criticism and assessment are

the main useful products out of this exercise. Self – indoctrination of quality and self –

assessment of capability are indispensable for laboratories to render meaningful foren-

sic service. Once satisfactory, they should be subjected to external adjudication; this is

where the concept of “accreditation” plays an enabling role. Associated practice and

stipulated surveillance ensure sustainment. These aspects have been dealt with in detail

earlier.

Hitherto uncovered miscellaneous aspects of forensic sector relate to pertinent Acts /

Code. It is recommended that steps should be taken to amend Section 45 of Indian Evi-

dence Act to widen the scope of scientists to be treated as expert, Section 293 of Crimi-

nal Procedure Code to include more experts who need not be called as witness and

their expert written opinion be made sufficient and section 79A of Information Tech-

nology Act to enable the reports of FSL scientists be treated as expert opinion and also

provisions dealing with ‘personal sensitive data’, ‘pornography’, ‘transmission’, ‘pub-

lishing’ and ‘identity theft’ to incorporate more elaboration and clarity.

»――――«

F

Confidential


References

1. Perspective Plan of Indian Forensics – Report of Consultants, Ministry of Home Af-

fairs, Government of India – The recommendations contained in the present strategy pa-

per are largely inspired from this.

2. National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL),

New Delhi - Specific Guideline document on accreditation of Forensic Laboratories.

3. National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice – Special Report on Educa-

tion and Training in Forensic Science: A Guide for Forensic Science Laboratories,

Educational Institutions, and Students (June ’04).

4. National Science and Technology Council, Executive Office of the President of the

United States – Report of Committee of Science titled ‘Strengthening the Forensic

Science’ (May 2014)

5. Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India resolution no. 25020/50/2010-PM-II

dated November 29, 2010.

6. Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India, Bi-annual Report 2011 –

“Concept Note on Improving Forensic Science Activities in India”.

7. West Bengal Police Vision 2020.

8. Forensic Science in Criminal Investigation & Trials by Dr. B. R. Sharma.

9. A Textbook of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology by Dr. Jaising P. Modi.

»――――«

Date post:	04-Jan-2022
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	1 times
Download:	0 times