What the suspect doesn't know is that Customs still has a card up its sleeve, and he's about to get trumped. The agent brings the tape to the local Customs Laboratories and Scientific Services (LSS) office. The LSS forensic scientist eliminates the engine noise from the tape and raises the audible level of the voices. The agent plays the enhanced tape back to the suspect who is now forced to concede he was part of the conversation. Technology has transformed the suspect into a cooperative informant in a major drug case.

This case is a good example of the way forensic evidence can help Customs investigators solve a number of cases. Unfortunately, some SAIC and RAIC offices in the field do not have ready access to a crime scene investigation unit. The good news is that LSS forensic scientists are on the job, ready and available to recognize, collect, and analyze physical evidence for SAIC and RAIC agents-and other Customs officers.

"As we move into the 21st century, OI agents are being challenged with more and more complex matters in all case categories, including anti-terrorism. We are excited about LSS's move to enhance their forensics capabilities and recognize that this will provide an important tool in solving crimes and preventing terrorist acts," says Acting Assistant Commissioner Richard J. Hoglund.

LSS capabilities
Physical evidence has the potential to play a critical role in the overall investigation and resolution of a suspected criminal act. With an understanding of the following LSS capabilities, Customs officers can rely on LSS forensic scientists to assist in many investigations:

Crime scene investigation
LSS has a team of certified forensic scientists who are highly trained in the identification, collection, and preservation of evidence at crime scenes. These scientists are prepared to respond at the scene to ensure that critical evidence is identified, gathered, and documented for forensic analysis.

Fingerprints
LSS is a critical player when it's necessary to analyze evidence for the presence of latent fingerprints. LSS scientists can lift and develop fingerprints found at the scene, and then digitize and process them rapidly through national fingerprint databases.

Sham and pseudo narcotics
LSS can prepare sham and pseudo narcotics to assist in investigative activities. These products can be made into brick and tablet forms and stamped with specific logos.

Audio and video enhancement
LSS can enhance and duplicate audio and videotapes. LSS can filter background interference on audiotapes, and they can filter videotapes to result in a clearer picture.

Trace evidence
LSS scientists can match footprints or paint chips, evaluate marks, and identify fibers.

Dr. Eric Hahn from Customs New Orleans Laboratory demonstrates their new SPEX forensic system for the documentation, preservation, and comparison of fingerprints and palm prints. The system has successfully interfaced with the FBI's IAFIS (International Automated Fingerprint Identification System) and correctly identified two individuals whose fingerprints were already on the IAFIS file database.

Photography
LSS scientists can take color, black and white, and digital photos. Photos can be enhanced or enlarged for court presentations.

DNA
LSS has the resources to collect and analyze DNA evidence for investigative activities.

Fuel analysis
LSS has the expertise to determine the origin of gasoline and diesel fuels. This information can be used to determine the country of origin of a vessel or aircraft.

Questioned documents
LSS has the resources to collect and analyze questioned documents for signature and handwriting analysis.

The scene of a crime often contains sufficient evidence to convict the offender. However, the way in which the evidence is recognized, collected, and preserved is key to finding the suspects and convicting them.

Customs RAIC and SAIC officers are invited to contact LSS (Tel. 202.927.1060) for more information about using the services of a forensic scientist.

DNA analysis links 3 personal items to suspect By Robert Zimmerman, U.S. Customs Lab, New Orleans In late June 2002, a special agent from the RAIC Presidio called the New Orleans Customs Laboratory to ask if we would help him in getting DNA analysis performed on a suspect's personal items. The items, which included a baseball cap, toothbrush, and hairbrush, were found in a vehicle used by the suspect to smuggle cocaine and heroin from Mexico. Photo Credit: James Tourtellotte While the laboratory does not currently possess this capability, we did locate a laboratory that specialized in DNA work. The personal effects as well as samples of the suspect's hair and saliva were submitted for the DNA analysis. The results of the analysis confirmed that no less than three of the personal items belonged to the suspect. The information strengthened the Customs case to the point that when presented with the test results, the suspect pleaded guilty to smuggling charges.