The Forensic Science Education Blog

Threat financing is the most violent form of financial crime, defined as the funding of groups or individuals who pose a threat to domestic, international, and regional security; the term is still new, and has nuanced and evolving applications.

A new political tide in America is calling for deregulation and even considering rolling back the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. If that happens, the securities and commodities frauds that lay in waiting have the potential to obliterate pension funds and destabilize the global financial marketplace. The need for forensic accountants and financial investigators who have keen minds with integrity to match is dire.

Some of the most devastating crimes of the 21st century have not taken place in a dark alley, but rather in an air-conditioned office with a fountain pen. A conservative estimate puts the cost of white-collar crime at over $250 billion each year, while others suggest it is closer to $500 billion.

By the most conservative estimates, white-collar crime costs the U.S. $300 billion per year—more than four times the annual budget of the Department of Education. However, recently, the prosecution of white-collar crime was at a 20-year low. So why do crimes such as insider trading, embezzlement, predatory lending, Ponzi schemes, and threat financing often go unpunished?

One of the biggest debates in education is how to find a proper balance between theory and practical applications to help students master complex subjects. Focusing on theory can provide a strong foundation, while hands-on experiences provide lessons beyond what can be absorbed in books and lectures.

Today, investigators can solve cases using computer programs to generate possible facial images of suspects or victims based on DNA.

Money laundering investigations have busted kingpins of international criminal organizations, prevented terrorists from carrying out attacks, exposed double agent spies, and even contributed to the resignation of a United States president.

As cybercrimes such as state-sponsored attacks, “smart spam,” and ransomware continue to proliferate, so too will the career opportunities for people with degrees in digital forensics. Check out this guide to high-growth careers in this field.

Some of the greatest crime fighters are those who fly under the radar. They are not roaming the streets for criminals or getting into car chases, but rather investigating white-collar crimes.

Within the forensic community, there is a definite sense of curiosity and eagerness about the value of re-approaching older open cases with fresh eyes and new investigative tools. Crimes that baffled detectives when they occurred or were poorly investigated the first time may benefit from outside observers and modern investigative practices.

The term “forensics” encompasses a number of subcategories, thus many who study forensics pursue specializations in areas such as chemistry, microbiology, toxicology, entomology, or sub-specialties within those realms. Meet professors who are pushing the field forward in their chosen forensics specializations.

A legal studies major allows students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with all facets of the law, including legal methodologies, institutions, processes, and best practices. These professors are well-known authors, members of professional organizations, and supporting members of the community who are committed to delivering high-quality education.

These professors, who are active on Twitter, were chosen for their important contributions to research and practice at the intersection of psychology, law, and criminal justice, as well as for their prominence in influential media such as scholarly journals, books, and television programs.

While a majority of people currently use the technology for entertainment, those within the field of forensics are coming to realize VR’s potential to be a powerful tool in pursuit of justice.

The concept of ridge processing is fairly well known, but even the biggest law junkies and CSI fans may not realize just how complicated—albeit promising—the field of forensic print analysis can be. Learn more about the method and the professionals who use it here.