Brazilian Journal of Criminalistics

Do vestígio ao condenado: técnicas biomoleculares de identificação humana e a importância dos bancos de perfis genéticos

Emerson Dyonathan Santos Santana — 2025-11-06

The use of biomolecular techniques has revolutionized Forensic Science and significantly contributed to the Rede Integrada de Bancos de Perfis Genéticos (RIBPG). Techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), Electrophoresis, and Southern Blotting are used together for DNA analysis in the human identification process. For the study of these techniques and the importance of genetic profile banks, a bibliographic survey was carried out, which, after analysis, shows the effectiveness of biomolecular techniques in several criminal cases, as well as the relevance of the growth of the National Bank of Genetic Profiles and the integration of state databases. Therefore, the need for further studies and improvement of biomolecular techniques and genetic profile banks in all Brazilian federative units is highlighted.

Fingerprint Research in Brazil (2020–2024): A Systematic Review of Trends, Technologies, and Institutional Collaborations

MARCO ANTONIO DE SOUZA — 2025-11-04

This article presents a systematic review of Brazilian scientific output on fingerprint identification between 2020 and 2024. The objective is to analyze the thematic, methodological, and institutional evolution of national research, while situating it within global scientific trends. The search was conducted through the Web of Science database, following PRISMA guidelines, and resulted in the selection of 62 studies affiliated with Brazilian institutions. Data were thematically coded and graphically analyzed using Python tools. The findings reveal a strong concentration of studies on the development of chemical reagents for latent fingerprint visualization, particularly involving fluorescent materials, nanoparticles, and environmentally friendly compounds. While research involving artificial intelligence, spectrometry, and postmortem identification is emerging, most techniques remain at early validation stages. The Federal University of Pelotas, the University of Brasília, and the Brazilian Federal Police are the leading institutions in this field, reflecting the consolidation of interdisciplinary research networks. However, the majority of Brazilian studies are still in the initial phases of forensic research, according to IFRG standards. The review concludes that Brazil has a growing and thematically aligned research landscape, but further efforts are needed in statistical validation, real-world testing, and integration with automated biometric systems.

Comportamento de fluxo hídrico interno no solo: distinção entre nascentes e erosão subsuperficial

Jefferson Alves Lopes — 2025-11-04

According to the principles of criminalistics, environmental forensic expertise aims to support the judicial proceedings in cases involving potential ecological damage, identifying the nature and responsibility of the offending agent under investigation. The interdisciplinarity of environmental issues often necessitates a broad skill set for professionals assessing such cases. For instance, special attention is required to evaluate soil constitution for water flow or channels in pedological features. These elements may indicate the natural outcrop of the water table and, consequently, the presence of a spring or waterhole, which designates a Permanent Preservation Area (PPA), as legally defined. Conversely, misinterpretation of these natural features can lead to improper classification in judicial settings, which may mistakenly attribute legal significance to areas not characterized as a spring or waterhole under current regulations. Such features could instead be classified as subsurface tunnels or soil piping formed by mineral dissolution and transport due to erosive processes. This article aims to contribute to the technical-scientific debate in the forensic sciences and to support other professionals in the field, thus facilitating environmental forensic examinations that are consistent with both legal and scientific standards.

Application of the Monte Carlo Method and Complex Cross-Ratio in Traffic Accident Reconstruction

Carlo Ralph De Musis — 2025-11-04

This study presents an approach to estimate speeds in forensic traffic accident analyses, combining the Monte Carlo method with photogrammetric estimates based on complex cross-ratio. For practical application, a new software was developed in the R programming language using the Shiny library, providing an interactive web interface. The methodology was tested in a case study involving a scaled-down vehicle, where the estimated speeds were compared to those obtained with the Amped Five software, a market reference that uses two-dimensional photogrammetry. Statistical analysis, conducted with the Wilcoxon test, did not detect significant differences between the methods (p > 5%), thereby suggesting the methodology as a viable alternative for forensic investigations.

Use of 3D printed platform for GSR quantification using digital image analysis and smartphone

Alessandro Storck Figueira — 2025-11-04

For the determination of gunshot residue (GSR) is commonly used adhesive plaster as base to apply the sodium rhodizonate colorimetric test by the police. In this context, this work aims to quantify the GSR deposited in shooter's hand through a 3D printed platform using digital image analysis and smartphone. The methodology is based on the colorimetric test by the formation of the colored Pb-rhodizonate complex, buffered with tartrate solution at pH 2.40 and the quantification is given by the analysis of its digital image in the ImageJ software, which generates histograms containing data relating to the color intensity of each sample. Analytical curves were constructed correlating the analytical signal with GSR in terms of Pb mass. The method was applied in shot tests and proved to be effective after successive cumulative additions of Pb in shooter's hand, which corresponds to 7 consecutive shots of pistol. GSR samples of shots of pistol Caliber .380 showed Pb masses of 2.42μg. Moreover, GSR samples of anti-aircraft howitzer shots showed Pb masses from 1.38μg to 1.49μg. It is expected that the use of the methodology can help in the elucidation of criminal events through a quick and low-cost method.

Mortalidade por acidente de trânsito registradas no Instituto Médico Legal de Guarapuava

Kamili Rafaeli Gomes — 2025-11-04

Introduction: Traffic accidents represent a significant global public health concern, standing out as the leading cause of death among young people. These unexpected events involve vehicles intended for transportation. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that analyzes deaths from external causes based on autopsy reports, ballistics, toxicology and DO data, registered at the Legal Medical Institute of Guarapuava-PR, in 2020. Results: Of the 380 reports presented, it was found that 151 of them were related to external causes due to traffic accidents (39.7%). Of these, those who were men (80.1%), aged between 20 and 59 years (68.2%) prevailed. Most accidents occurred in the 3rd quarter (24.6%) and in the 4th quarter (31.8%), and farmers stood out among the victims' professions (16.6%). Guarapuava was responsible for 43% of deaths in the IML region, with the majority occurring in non-rural areas (63.6%) and on highways (57.6%). Collisions were the main cause of accidents (50.3%). The vast majority of victims suffered more than 2 injuries (96.0%), and 36.4% had TBI. In addition, 64.2% of victims underwent toxicology tests for alcohol, of which 45.4% showed the presence of the substance in the blood, with the majority with levels below 0.6 g/l. Discussion: When analyzing the variables, we observed disparity in traffic accidents, including sociodemographic characteristics, autopsy results, place of occurrence and toxicology analyses. Conclusion: The study analyzed deaths due to traffic accidents and found a higher prevalence in males. Most accidents occurred on highways and were linked to speeding and alcohol consumption.

Indicadores de desempenho em laboratórios de genética forense no Brasil

Laryssa Silva de Andrade Bezerra — 2025-11-04

Performance indicators are essential tools for monitoring, evaluating, and improving organizational processes, providing objective data for decision-making and continuous improvement. This study aimed to investigate the application of these metrics in the forensic genetics laboratories of the Integrated Network of Genetic Profile Databases (RIBPG). The research was conducted through a questionnaire sent to the quality managers of the laboratories via the Steering Committee. Of the 28 questionnaires analyzed, 68% reported using indicators to monitor their management systems, with a focus on proficiency tests (89%) and contamination control (89%), highlighting attention to technical quality and regulatory compliance. However, 32% still do not adopt these tools, indicating challenges in implementing structured management systems. Metrics related to customer satisfaction (17%), risk analysis effectiveness (17%), and collaborative exercises (11%) were the least used, revealing gaps in strategic management and interinstitutional collaboration. The low adherence to risk analysis reflects the need for training and specific tools to integrate this practice into laboratory processes. The high frequency of rework due to non-compliant work (83%) highlights the effort to correct errors. Thus, the comparative analysis of indicator usage reveals both the progress of many RIBPG laboratories and the need to encourage and support those that have not yet adopted these practices, aiming for greater uniformity and improvement of the management system throughout the forensic network.

Efficacy of Cyclic Voltammetry and Square-Wave Voltammetry for the Detection of Amphetamine and Its Derivatives

Júllia de Oliveira Siqueira — 2025-11-04

Amphetamine (ATS) and its derivatives have become widely used worldwide, being consumed by approximately 36 million individuals, according to UNODC (2023). For this reason, it is essential that analytical methods possess scientific robustness, speed, low cost, and accuracy. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square-wave voltammetry (SWV) in the electrochemical response of amphetamine and its derivatives. Thus, a rigorous systematic review was conducted using the PICO strategy and appropriate search descriptors, resulting in the inclusion of seven articles. Finally, the analyzed studies not only confirm the maturity of voltammetric techniques for the determination of amphetamines but also establish robust parameters for their use in various analytical contexts, from clinical monitoring to forensic applications, always with the necessary scientific rigor for this type of determination, making them a promising alternative for forensic daily practice.

Reconstrução de Colisões Veiculares

Nortthon Didyk — 2025-11-04

Publicada em 2024, esta obra é resultado do trabalho técnico científico e de pesquisa desenvolvido pelos autores Dr. Wilson Toresan Jr. e Nortthon Didyk / ACTAR, ambos especialistas em reconstrução de acidentes de trânsito, reconhecidos nacional e internacionalmente pela atuação na área pericial.

A obra atende às necessidades de peritos criminais, peritos particulares, engenheiros, advogados e demais profissionais envolvidos na investigação e análise de colisões veiculares, reunindo fundamentos físicos e metodológicos necessários à reconstrução de sinistros de trânsito.

A estrutura do livro está dividida em seis capítulos principais e quatro apêndices complementares, permitindo ao leitor uma progressão gradual do conhecimento, desde os fundamentos físicos de colisões até técnicas avançadas de reconstrução e análise de evidências materiais.

Os capítulos estão divididos em:

Colisões Veiculares;
Desacelerações Veiculares;
Conservação de Momentum Linear;
Análise de Danos e Momentum;
Impulso e Momentum;
Evitabilidade de Colisões.

Os apêndices abordam:

Determinando o Centro de gravidade de um Veículo;
Conceitos Fundamentais de Trigonometria;
Escalares e Vetores;
Determinação do Momento de Inércia de Guinada de um Veículo.

Com linguagem técnica moderna e acessível, o livro traz ilustrações, diagramas em escala, deduções matemáticas, estudos de casos reais, de casos simulados e de crash tests, além de referências bibliográficas, promovendo uma formação sólida e atualizada.

Fundamentos de Estatística Aplicados na Reconstrução de Acidentes de Trânsito

Nortthon Didyk — 2025-11-04

A obra, agora em sua segunda edição publicada em 2025, apresenta-se como uma contribuição inédita e indispensável à literatura técnico-científica nacional voltada à análise das incertezas nas variáveis empregadas na reconstrução de acidentes de trânsito. Elaborado pelos peritos Dr. Wilson Toresan Jr. e Nortthon Didyk / ACTAR, o livro preenche uma lacuna histórica ao abordar, de maneira didática e tecnicamente precisa, o uso da estatística na quantificação de incertezas, modelagem de dados e interpretação de variáveis forenses.

O conteúdo, direcionado a peritos criminais e particulares, organiza-se em dez capítulos, estruturados em duas partes complementares. A primeira parte contempla os fundamentos da estatística; a segunda, suas aplicações práticas no contexto pericial de trânsito:

Conceitos Básicos de Estatística;
Estatística Descritiva;
Estatística Inferencial;
Distribuições de Probabilidade;
Testes de Hipóteses;
Regressão Linear.
Análise das Incertezas das Variáveis;
Sensibilidade dos Resultados dos Cálculos;
Aplicações Adicionais dos Conceitos;
Apresentação de Resultados no Laudo Pericial.

A principal virtude da obra reside na articulação entre teoria estatística e os desafios enfrentados pelos peritos na prática. O leitor é conduzido à compreensão de como conceitos estatísticos — muitas vezes tidos como abstratos — são essenciais na análise de incertezas, interpretação de dados experimentais e comunicação técnica em laudos periciais.

A obra ainda contempla aspectos computacionais aplicados, com orientações claras sobre o uso de planilhas eletrônicas, especificamente no software Microsoft Excel 365®, oferecendo ferramentas acessíveis e práticas ao cotidiano pericial.

Trata-se de leitura obrigatória para profissionais da criminalística, pesquisadores, engenheiros e estudantes da área, consolidando-se como referência nacional no ensino e aplicação da estatística forense no contexto da reconstrução de acidentes de trânsito.

Tecnologias emergentes aplicadas à perícia

Rafael Rodrigues Cunha — 2025-11-04