Forensic intelligence
Crime scene tape on glass with bullet hole

Forensic intelligence is a recent addition to the CFS research portfolio. The traditional case-to-case approach is expanded to a more phenomenological and proactive approach to better understand criminal activity. Indeed, recent studies have shown that the contribution of forensic science to the criminal justice process is limited and a paradigm shift is required whereby forensic case data are systematically integrated to provide knowledge about criminal activities. We work closely with the forensic science industry as well as health agencies to develop new data-driven research in areas such as serial and/or organised crime and understand the criminal activity.

Our research focuses on:

The development of a holistic approach to study illicit markets and provide strategies to integrate data from different sources.  

The analysis and use of forensic case data to impact on crime reduction and disruption as well as to gain knowledge about illicit markets, ultimately enabling the development of sound strategies to reduce the harm caused to the society.

Publications

A. Agius, M. Morelato, S. Moret, S. Chadwick, K. Jones, R. Epple, J. Brown, C. Roux. Using handwriting to infer a writer’s country of origin for forensic intelligence purposes, Forensic Science International 282 (2018) 144-156. 

A. Agius, M. Morelato, S. Moret, S. Chadwick, K. Jones, R. Epple, C. Roux. Dataset of coded handwriting features for use in statistical modelling, Data-in-brief, in corrected proof. 

J. Broséus & M. Morelato, M. Tahtouh, C. Roux. Forensic drug intelligence and the rise of cryptomarkets. Part I: Studying the Australian virtual market, Forensic Science International 279 (2017) 288-301. 

J. Broséus, D. Rhumorbarbe, M. Morelato, L. Staehli, Q. Rossy. A geographical analysis of trafficking on a popular darknet market, Forensic Science International 277 (2017) 88-102.

A. Agius, R. Epple, K. Jones, M. Morelato, S. Moret, S. Chadwick, C. Roux. The use of handwriting examinations beyond the traditional Court purpose, Science & Justice 57 (5) (2017) 394-400.  

B. Talbot-Wright, S. Baechler, M. Morelato, O. Ribaux, C. Roux, Image processing of false identity documents for forensic intelligence, Forensic Science International 263 (2016) 67-73.

E. Bruenisholz, S. Prakash, A. Ross, M. Morelato, T. O’Malley, M.A. Raymond, O. Ribaux, C.P. Roux, S. Walsh, The intelligent use of forensic data: an introduction to the principles, Forensic Science Policy and Management: an International Journal 7 (2016) 21-29. 

S. Baechler, M. Morelato, O. Ribaux, A. Beavis, M. Tahtouh, P. Kirkbride, P. Esseiva, P. Margot, C. Roux, Forensic intelligence framework – Part II: Study of the main generic building blocks and challenges through the examples of illicit drugs and false identity documents monitoring, Forensic Science International 250 (2015) 44-52.

M. Morelato, A. Beavis, M. Tahtouh, O. Ribaux, P. Kirkbride, C. Roux, The use of methylamphetamine chemical profiling in an intelligence perspective and the problem of homogeneity, Forensic Science International 246 (2015) 55-64.

M. Morelato, S. Baechler, O. Ribaux, A. Beavis, M. Tahtouh, P. Kirkbride, C. Roux, P. Margot, Forensic intelligence framework – Part I: Induction of a transversal model by comparing illicit drugs and false identity documents monitoring, Forensic Science International 236 (2014) 181-190 (Highly commended award from the National Institute of Forensic Science (NIFS) 2014). 

M. Morelato, A. Beavis, M. Tahtouh, O. Ribaux, P. Kirkbride, C. Roux, The use of organic and inorganic impurities found in MDMA police seizures in a drug intelligence perspective, Science and Justice 54 (2014) 32-41.

M. Morelato, A. Beavis, M. Tahtouh, O. Ribaux, P. Kirkbride, C. Roux, The use of forensic case data in intelligence-led policing: The example of drug profiling, Forensic Science International 226 (2013) 1-9. 

News

U:Magazine “Forensic intelligence for crime prevention”, written by Fiona Livy,

U:Magazine “New ways to fight drug crime”, written by James Raptis and Marea Martlew, published April 2017.

UTS Newsroom: New ways to fight drug crime.

Radio: 2ser 107.3, Digital Futures, radio interview (online 10:30am, 14th May 2017).

Grant

Australian Research Council LP160100352 “A new tool to fight crime: illicit drug profiling in forensic intelligence”

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.