I am a forensic behavioral analyst with a neuroscientific approach and expertise in bloodstain pattern analysis and crime scene reconstruction. As an independent expert consultant with a diverse scientific background, I can provide strong support to best inform your investigative and/or legal casework.

Specializing in forensic science since my doctorate in neuroscience (PhD), all my analytical laboratory, practical and biomedical knowledge still apply. Ensconced in the scientific method, my approach is uniquely rigorous compared to other specialists in this discipline. My range of scientific skill sets give me the flexibility, confidence and perspective to best advise your practice [1,2,3].

Directing my own training with requisite travel, I firstly focused on criminalistics, specifically bloodstain pattern analysis. As a scientist, interacting with police detectives was an unlikely combination (even showing them trigonometry), but mostly they taught me. Analyzing bloodstain patterns entails sequencing events and interpreting the crime scene. While serology can identify ‘who’, bloodstain pattern analysis tells us ‘how’. Since then, I have learned various techniques, earning graduate credits and various certificates along the way.

Concurrently, researching criminology, I published an article about the forensic neurobiology underlying violent criminal behavior. The brain, after all, is the cardinal transgressor during the commission of a crime and the true determinant of intentionality, mens rea.

So how to put all this together? Forensic behavioral analysis identifies behavioral profiles contextualized by the physical evidence and victimology to refine, coordinate and direct investigative efforts and/or inform legal casework. My current research project investigates geographic profiling. Stated succinctly, profiling is described as the ‘what’ plus the ‘how’ equals ‘who’. Based on finding from my study, ‘where’ emerges as the other critical missing factor.

Adjunct to profiling, I also earned a Reid Technique certificate in advanced investigative interviewing and interrogative techniques. Forensic behavioral analysis has emerged to be my primary service.

Courtroom presentation and documentation played a part in all of the various graduate courses, workshops, conferences and lectures that I have participated in. As a researcher, my formal presentation and organizational skills are key.

Professional Affiliations

Research Culture in Forensic Science

The scientific method involves iteratively testing hypotheses using various techniques and this systematic approach applies to forensic disciplines without exception. Corroborating experts recognize the need to commit to a culture of research to fortify how cogent forensic science is conducted [1,2,3].

While having basic scientific knowledge is necessary for a forensic scientist, it is not sufficient to ensure empirical rigor. My tacit knowledge as an experienced researcher uniquely contributes to my own forensic consultancy.

Before you go, do check out my blogs (articles, reports, etc.) on this site. And connect with me on LinkedIn. Your questions are welcome – please feel free to contact me.

References

1.Mnookin J., Cole S., Dror I., Fisher B., Houck M. et al. 2011. The need for a research culture in the forensic sciences. 58 UCLA L Rev 725.

2.Rule 702. Testimony by Expert Witness, Daubert. https://www.law.cornell.edu/rules/fre/rule_702

3.Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward, 2009. National Research Council. National Academies Press.

LOCARD’S EXCHANGE PRINCIPLE. “Wherever he steps, whatever he touches, whatever he leaves, even unconsciously, will serve as a silent witness against him. Not only his fingerprints or his footprints, but his hair, the fibers from his clothes, the glass he breaks, the tool mark he leaves, the paint he scratches, the blood or semen he deposits or collects. All of these and more, bear mute witness against him. This is evidence that does not forget. It is not confused by the excitement of the moment. It is not absent because human witnesses are. It is factual evidence. Physical evidence cannot be wrong, it cannot perjure itself, it cannot be wholly absent. Only human failure to find it, study and understand it, can diminish its value.” – Dr Edmond Locard (1877 – 1966), Forensic scientist

“Forensic science is the art of observation governed by the rules of science.” – Unknown

CONTACT ME:

Dr Amy Du Beau
Anchorage, Alaska
ph. 907-644-2929
c. 907-312-8687
dubeau@matanuskaforensicscience.com