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17 August 2022, 8:10am
Media Release

National Science Week 2022: No ordinary days for an AFP forensic investigator

Editor’s note: Images of the AFP’s Forensic capability and of Joel Waszczuk are available via Hightail.

From re-tracing the path of a bullet to extracting vital digital evidence from a destroyed mobile phone, AFP forensic experts never know what situation they will face when they are called to a crime scene.

To mark National Science Week 2022, the AFP is highlighting the breadth of its forensic capabilities and the incredible work of the scientists who piece together clues that help solve major crimes.

The AFP’s state-of-the-art Forensics Facility in Canberra is complemented by specialist forensic laboratories located in each of the organisation’s five regional commands across the country.

These facilities allow AFP forensic specialists to use science and technology as a front-line crime fighting tool by performing tasks such as collecting and analysing glass fragments found at crimes scenes, extracting data from digital devices that criminals have tried to hide or deriving intelligence from illicit drug seizures.

Behind the facility and the specialised equipment, is the team of AFP forensics specialists with forensic expertise in traditional and emerging forensic fields such as biological and chemical criminalistics, electronic evidence, crime scene investigation, document science, firearms and ballistics, fingerprint examination, post-blast analysis and disaster victim identification and Forensic Intelligence.

AFP Forensic Firearm and Toolmark Examiner Joel Waszczuk developed an interest in forensic science from watching popular television crime shows such as Crime Scene Investigation, Law and Order and NCIS.

As an avid online gamer, he also developed an interest in the mechanics of firearms leading to his job as a forensic firearm examiner.

Mr Waszczuk said that even with his background in science and forensics, he was surprised at the depth of knowledge required to perform his regular duties.

“Examiners need to have knowledge of chemistry, biology, mathematics, metallurgy and physics, as well as keep up to date with the vast numbers of different calibres, firearm manufacturers and models and their development,” Mr Waszczuk said.

“The role primarily involves the examination of firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, ammunition components, toolmarks, firearm discharge residues and prohibited weapons. It also involves the examination and interpretation of shooting incident scenes and firearm related wounds inflicted on persons.”

An average day on the job for Mr Waszczuk involves responding to technical assistance within the AFP and its partners, examinations of exhibits, and the production of statements and expert reports for court.

“We are a small field, but nationally there is a shortage of qualified examiners,” Mr Waszczuk said.

“I urge anyone who is interested in forensic science and firearms to take up any opportunity they can to increase their exposure to the field.”

Michael Kropff joined the AFP as a Mechatronics Technician after starting his career in the Netherlands.

A Mechatronics Technician is a specialist advanced trade technician with individual or combined skillsets in mechanical, electrical, telecommunications, and software and computer technologies.

“The work I do is pretty broad but mostly I handle exhibits which are badly damaged, non-responsive or the standard digital forensics tools are having trouble extracting the data from the device,” Mr Kropff said.

“Some of these devices are damaged accidently and some intentionally. At first, I was surprised to what length some people go to destroy or damage their device to make it harder for us to do the examination, however now I see it as a challenge of my skills.”

Mr Kropff said an average day at work sees him in one of the national capabilities laboratories, working on exhibits seized from crime scenes.

“I could be replacing or cleaning mobile devices, or replacing broken USB connectors using a soldering iron and heat gun,” Mr Kropff said.

“I also repair other parts of mobile phones located on the printed circuit board and sometimes pieces as small as a speck of dust have to be replaced and it requires a steady hand and a good microscope.

“There have been multiple highlights throughout my career so far but getting to solve the last piece of the puzzle in a murder case and getting data out of devices using unconventional ways to help solve a crime is always rewarding.”

Those interested in a career in AFP Forensics are encouraged to keep an eye out on the careers website.

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