Mobile identification techniques will, in the near future, make it possible to rapidly analyze DNA and fingerprint traces during a crime scene investigation, compare them with reference samples, and use the results in the investigation. In this experimental study the influence of these rapid analysis results on the formation of hypotheses, and of database matches in these results on the interpretation of traces by Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs) in the Netherlands was studied. A group of CSIs (N=65) conducted a simulated crime scene investigation. The analysis results as well as the moment these were provided were manipulated. The results show that the analysis results influence the formation of hypotheses by CSIs, and that this influence is time-dependent. Judgments by CSIs regarding the importance of traces were shown not to be influenced by database matches.

The explosive growth of the Internet has led to countless new possibilities, and it opened the way for societal progress and an extensive globalization and digitization. However, the original ambition of the Internet as a free, open and neutral medium has also led to new possibilities in the field of crime. The current paper illustrates how governments dealt with the development of the Internet and it gives an explanation for why and how unintended side effects have manifested in society. Using the phenomenon of digital child abuse, this paper offers recommendations for an effective government response and for an effective detection of and fight against cybercrime.

In October 2010 squatting in the Netherlands was prohibited by law. This timing seems strange, because, in the 80s, the squatters’ movement had its heyday, with many very violent confrontations with police. Isn’t it strange that squatting is prohibited now the movement has shrunk and lost much of its significance? We investigate this criminalization of squatting by describing the rise and decline of the movement similar to the turning tide. Based on literature, media reports and our own research data, we demonstrate that the power of the parties in this process is reflected by frames, reasoning and the language they use, and by their position in the media.