Author Archives: csidds

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About csidds

Dr. Michael Bowers is a long time forensic consultant in the US and international court systems.

Academic experts blast back at Forensic DNA Body and Facial Reconstruction

I was wondering how long someone in the forensic arena would counteract the MSM overblown headlines declaring faces can be predicted by a commercial motivated DNA businesses. That will not stop unregulated law enforcement and the public from taking this … Continue reading

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NYC Medical Examiner strikes back to critics of her DNA lab

It is a very measured and short strike-back and is interspersed with personal and organizational pride. The ME says that the DNA methods recently criticized by the NY Times here, have also been used to exonerate the innocent. I’m beginning … Continue reading

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Despite false convictions – Alford appeals used to preserve DA conviction stats

Would you choose: 1) immediate freedom as a murderer, or 2) call the DA’s bluff, refuse the deal, and pray for DNA? In this one, the DNA was already on the table when the DA threatened a retrial. San Bernardino, … Continue reading

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Speaking of Error in Forensic Science – adversarial system quashes honesty

Very short but profound talk about the differences between real science and ‘police-forensic science.” From a NIST meeting on Forensic Error. Lynn Garcia from the Texas Forensic Commission sums up the organic differences: “That culture of fighting and not giving … Continue reading

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Tryout for Facial Recognition Algorithm is a Total Flop

This one was done during a festival in the UK. “It was only a test, which was successful” seems a bit over the top. I can’t wait to see how the Rapid-DNA coming to your local cop shop does in … Continue reading

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Customs and Border Patrol uses $5M polygraphs for……..what?

This is rather cringe-worthy for a number of reasons. Foremost is the continued bs that polys are reliable. “[Now] we have a commitment from CBP brass that adjudicators will immediately remove “unsuitable” job applicants from the hiring process when the … Continue reading

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Looking at wrongful convictions and the politics of US incarceration

A time line on the growing trends for future increase of innocents being convicted. Police forensics clearly has a hand in this.  Racial targeting is another.  Although Gross says there’s no way to know an exact number, “at least tens … Continue reading

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Forensics at it’s worst – Is DNA change an “upgrade” or a “coverup” for past junk?

The New York Times  and ProPublica presents: Thousands of Criminal Cases in New York Relied on Disputed DNA Testing Techniques Once again we look at the tenuous reliability of forensic expertise in US criminal courts. This time it is New … Continue reading

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More on faked police lab testing: This time in Ireland

The veracity of police doing their own forensic testing takes another hit. We should note the current overwhelmingly optimistic popularity of cops using “magic boxes” to do their own DNA testing.  Sounds like more of these dangers will continue into … Continue reading

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A Forensic fraudster personified: In depth look at ACFE founder

Back in the 90’s I got into it with the American College of Forensic Examiners Inc regarding its ‘diplomate mill’ of certifying dentists as being forensics qualified. Past AAFS President Mary Fran Ernst led the battle to track and counter-act … Continue reading

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