Archive for the ‘Crime Scenes’ Category

Newer Entries »
 

a complaint about the VUKA! ad

Wed, May 19th, 2010

I received a letter from ASA (Advertising Standards Authority of SA) yesterday enclosing a complaint from one viewer who had watched the VUKA! ad last month….

Some of you may know that The DNA Project was the recipient of a VUKA! Commercial entitled ‘Leaving Something Behind’ – which was produced and donated to The DNA PROJECT by the media industry in Cape Town last year. It gives little warning to the audience of what they were about to see, suffice to say it is a very powerful piece. For those who have seen the commercial on their computer screen, the impact is a thousand fold when seen on a big screen. You can literally sense people draw breath as the opening scene begins, and when the minute segment has ended you can tell that people are visibly moved by this hard hitting production which highlights what we live with in SA and how we need to be reminded every now and again that crime is not OK. The VUKA Commercial won a place in the top 30% category and is being flighted by DSTV free of charge on its various channels for the duration of 2010. [ the VUKA! Awards (“Wake Up” in Nguni) were introduced in 1999 as a platform to reward and nurture South Africa’s filmmaking talent while providing vital exposure to social causes and charities via Public Service Announcements (PSAs) as the competition genre. M-Net and the DSTV platform flights an average of 60 free charity commercials every year, with the top 30% of VUKA! Awards PSA entries being broadcast on M-Net and selected DStv channels. The on-going exposure of critical social issues via the M-net and selected DSTV platform has resulted in resources being directed towards needy causes whose messages are broadcast into over one million homes in South Africa, the African continent and Indian Ocean Islands.]

The complainants objections to the ad were that it was too explicit and graphic to be shown during family time [it is always shown after 8pm]. She went on to say that the advert is absolutely disgusting and in bad taste and too vulgar to show at any time of the day.

I have been asked to respond so that ASA may adjudicate on the objection and determine whether in fact the ad is appropriate for public viewing.

Interestingly, this is the first complaint and only the second negative response I have received about the advert. Every other response has been positive – yes, it has disturbed people, it has made them go ‘cold’ on viewing, but the conclusion has always been that unfortunately it is necessary, as this IS what we live with in this country and the ad shows that there IS something we can do about it.

I have no objection to people expressing their opinions and I believe that I too have the right to express mine – we obviously will not always agree with one another. However, I think the complainant has missed the point of the ad – it is not designed to disgust people, it is designed to snap people out of their complacency and acceptance of our crime riddled society. And I think it does just that. But I do think the message in the end is powerful – in our favour. It states that ‘no matter what they (the criminals) take, they always leave something behind’, and it is for that reason that we feel we have the upper hand at the end of the one minute ad.

The VUKA! ads are all based on emotive and hard hitting issues that effect our society, and it is pointless to wrap them in tissue paper and pretend they don’t exist. I know how it feels to have a family member brutally murdered, and there are too many others out there who have suffered at the hands of crime, whether by being a victim of rape, assault, hijacking or having lost a loved one at the hands of a criminal in SA. And this ad is NOTHING compared to how that feels. This is easy to watch compared to watching people suffering day in and day out due to crime.

I ask that you now watch the ad, and please, add your comment below as to what you think about it and whether you think it ought to be pulled or whether it ought to stay. Your input is valuable and I am interested to know whether I stand alone in how I feel, or perhaps whether I may have missed the point too?

Click here to view the ad: ‘Leaving Something Behind’ –

with thanks
Vanessa

Posted in Crime Scenes, DNA Project, Events, Latest News, Press, Uncategorized | 10 Comments »

Ask me about ‘DNA CSI’…

Tue, May 4th, 2010

Why DNA CSI?

In order to make people aware of the value of DNA evidence left at a crime scene, we thought that the use of a basic yet catchy acronym would go a long way towards helping people remember what to do or rather what NOT to do, when they come across or are involved in a crime scene. By following the six simple steps contained in the acronym DNA CSI, we believe that we can help educate the SA public and key sectors of the community in being able to assist the police in containing vital DNA evidence left behind after a crime has been committed.

Simply put:

The Background behind DNA CSI

During the course of 2009, The DNA Project funded the production of what it calls the “DNA Awareness Training DVD”, which it aims to utilise to provide critical crime scene awareness training throughout certain sectors of the community as well as the general public in South Africa. The training DVD contains basic information about DNA profiling and the value of DNA evidence, how to contain a crime scene as well as information about the National DNA Database and current legislation which seeks to regulate this area of the law. This information will be of benefit to all first responding crime scene officers and trainees, paramedics, CPF’s and the like, regardless of their role or rank. It will also be useful to the general public as it will enable all these sectors of the community to ensure that any DNA evidence left at the crime scene, is properly contained and preserved for collection by the Crime Scene Examiners, who in turn will be able to use that DNA evidence to provide intelligence and corroborative evidence in crime investigation.

DNA CSI DVD

The DNA Project’s core aim for 2010 is to disseminate this information throughout SA as widely as possibly in an effort to create critical DNA Awareness. The rationale behind this objective is that without the proper preservation and collection of valuable DNA evidence left at a crime scene, the opportunity to link the perpetrator to with the crime committed, will be lost.

In summary, the DVD:

  • Provides a simple summary of DNA, the techniques of DNA profiling and the benefits of a National DNA Criminal Intelligence Database in crime investigation.
  • Identifies the responsibilities of the “First Officer Attending” the crime scene with potential DNA evidence.
  • Identifies the potential sources, locations and limitations of DNA evidence.
  • Highlights the importance of the correct handling and packaging of samples from crime scenes, suspects and complainants.
  • Provides information relating to the legislation that regulates the use of DNA as an evidential tool.

The DNA Project has convened a ‘DNA CSI’ Project Team Drafting and we have busy with:

  • drafting documentation to send out to potential recipients of training together with information about the DNA Awareness training being offered.
  • Creating feedback forms, post- and pre-assessment forms and other documentation which will be used during the course of each training session.
  • Developing a Trainers Protocol which sets out precisely what each Trainer must present at each workshop in order to ensure consistency throughout the program.
  • Finding and appointing appropriate trainers in the Western cape, KZN, Gauteng, Freee State and Mpumulanga
  • Co-ordinating a Trainers Workshop on 2 June 2010 where all the Trainers will meet and discuss in detail the Trainers Protocol which has been developed by The DNA Project in order to ensure consistency in workshops.
  • Developing the Information Booklet which will be given out at each training session to recipients of training.
  • Creating a spreadsheet which contains all the potential recipients of training such as province, location, sector, number of branches per sector, contact person and contact details per sector.
  • Co-ordinating training schedules and training workshops with the recipients and trainers.

The information contained on the DVD is going to be available free of charge as will the information booklets and a DVD’s per session. Each organisation/group receiving training would be required to arrange a venue for the training presentation and the trainer would provide the projector, laptop and other training materials. Each workshop will be approximately 1 and a half hours. A minimum of ten and maximum of twenty five people per session is recommended and no more than 4 workshops in any one day are to be given per venue/trainer.

Do you want to get involved?

If you or your community/group/workforce are interested in receiving training or know of any group who would benefit from this information, please contact us via kusha@dnaproject.co.za and she will send you the necessary information.

with thanks

Vanessa

Posted in Crime Scenes, DNA Detective, DNA Project, Latest News | 5 Comments »

If you come upon a crime scene…

Fri, Apr 30th, 2010

We have been extremely busy putting together training protocols, workshop schedules, DNA awareness booklets and information in preparation for the launch of our ‘DNA CSI’ Awareness Campaign through which we are hoping to help educate the South African public and key sectors of the  community (security guards, CPF’s, paramedics etc) on how to preserve valuable DNA evidence on a crime scene in order to ensure that it is not damaged or destroyed before the Forensic Experts arrive.

But more of that next week…..

Whilst looking through some research material on crime scene preservation this morning, I came across an old letter that was given to me shortly after I started the DNA Project. An elderly gentleman, who had fought in the war, had heard about what I was doing, contacted me and asked to meet for coffee as he said that he had valuable material on crime scene management that he would like to give me. He was very persistent, and eventually I agreed to meet him at a public coffee shop. He turned out to be a delightful old man and I am glad I took the time to meet him albeit his crime scene management was a tad outdated!

The following letter is a transcript of what he handed to me at our meeting, in all seriousness, which I have kept to this day.  I share this with you because every now and again we need a bit of light relief,  and some days we need it more than ever: when I read it again this morning, I laughed out loud and hard, as it really is the most unique “Crime Scene Management Advice” that I have ever come across! It goes as follows, and I am typing it out verbatim,  the emphasis and CAPS, copied out as they appeared in the letter:
“IF you come upon a Crime Scene…..


STOP

LOOK

LISTEN

DO NOT blunder around like a herd of buffaloes – if you do you may, easily, destroy vital evidence and the crook will go unpunished.

STOP – freeze and LOOK carefully all around you:- is anything familiar out-of-place? Is there a footprint? Is there blood spattered about? is there a whiff of dagga about? is there a lump of human sh#% in the middle of the lounge carpet? (if so put it in a clean plastic bag eg. the one from Pick n Pay or Checkers). It could provide a vital clue.

LOOK – see above.

LISTEN – is anyone moving about? Have you got a pepper spray? (EVERYONE should have one) .

If you hear any sounds prepare to use the spray ABSOLUTELY RUTHLESSLY.

ALWAYS go for his eyes or his balls – the kneecaps can easily be broken too.”
Vanessa 🙂

Posted in Crime Scenes, DNA Detective, DNA Project, Latest News | Comments Off on If you come upon a crime scene…

valuable commentary on a DNA Database as a crime fighting tool

Tue, Jan 26th, 2010

I have been doing a lot of reading over these last two weeks. It is my way of keeping up to date with the rapid advances in DNA technology which are taking place throughout the world – reading about these exciting developments instills me with hope, that one day, some day, soon, we too in South Africa will be able to publish our DNA ‘journey of advancement’ for other developing countries to read, admire and follow. There is so much information out there and so many exciting advances happening in this arena, all whilst we patiently wait for our Parliamentarians to review and deliberate our own DNA legislation… I have to bite down on my lip  in an effort not to scream out that we should be careful not to wait too long to pass this much needed law, or else we may be risking getting left a little too far behind… And in a country which boasts one of the highest crime rates and lowest conviction rates in the world, this seems a rather in-congruent state of affairs!Picture 5

But, there is a glimmer of hope – I have heard this week via the DNA helix (as opposed to the grapevine!), that the Portfolio Committee for Police, who were tasked with reviewing the DNA Bill, have been in Pretoria this week on a site visit to the Forensic Lab and that they may be taking a tour overseas some time soon to review and visit other Forensic DNA Labs. The secretary for the PC mentioned that the PC may reconvene on the legislation by the end of February, and it is hoped that the reviewing and touring of the other Labs would be complete by that time, so that they are able to get on with the important task at hand. After all, we are not reinventing the wheel here – DNA Databases and their use as a criminal investigative tool has become the international gold standard for investigating crime, and in a country where crime is one of our biggest problems, it makes sense to cement the legislative framework around which we can make this technology work for us in the most effective manner. (more…)

Posted in Crime Scenes, DNA Project, Latest News, Legislation, Newsletter | 2 Comments »

SHOOTING OUR DNA AWARENESS DVD

Tue, Sep 22nd, 2009

Last week was dedicated to the shooting of our DNA Awareness DVD. It was the first time that I have been part of a real ‘live’ shoot and having survived  to tell the tale, I must admit that I have a new respect for all those people involved in productions. The producer/director, cast and crew were phenomenal, and despite the long and grueling hours it required, I never heard a single complaint nor did I witness any flux in their commitment or professionalism. It was a fascinating process and quite amazing to see how many ‘takes’ it literally takes to produce only a few seconds of viewing on a DVD. The most I could do to help, was provide an ongoing stream of food  and drink to the hungry cast and crew! As we were on such a tight budget, I decided to do all the catering myself and laughed out loud when one of the actors sat back after lunch, complimented the meal and turned to me and asked if I was the caterer – Yes, I replied, and the client too! He nearly choked on his last morsel of food, as I do not  think many clients’ wait on their cast and crew when filming a production!

Sophia Dewberry of Straightshooting Productions reviewing the script.

Sophia Dewberry of Straightshooting Productions reviewing the script.

Sophia Dewberry of Straightshooting Productions was the genius behind the production. I have yet to see a more focused & talented person at work. When the first day of shooting was nowhere near halfway complete by 10pm, there was still no sign of her letting up. The cast and crew followed suit, and wrapped up the first day of shooting at 2am the following morning…. The performances of the actors and actresses were strong and convincing, and  I have no doubt that the final product will reflect this too.

The following day all cast and crew were up and at it, showing no signs of fatigue from the night before. I particularly loved the performance of the ‘corpse’ who had to play dead in the hijack/murder scene. He lay there, prostate, unmoving and looking very convincingly dead for hours on end, all under the glaring hot sun!

Applying make up to our 'hijack victim'

Applying make up to our 'hijack victim'

Fortunately, the second day wrapped up at the more reasonable hour of 6pm and we bade farewell to the acting cast , as they had completed their work.

The final day of shooting was left for interviewing the forensic expert, Peta Daviditsz, who gave of her time & expertise freely to the project; genetic scientist & co-director of the DNA Project, Dr Carolyn Hancock, who flew down to watch the action,  as well as myself. Being behind the camera has challenges of its own, but after many takes, I think we managed in the end!

As some of you may be aware, the reason we are producing this DNA Awareness Training DVD is to provide critical crime scene awareness training throughout certain sectors of the community as well as the general public. The training DVD, once complete,  will contain basic information about DNA profiling and the value of DNA evidence, how to contain a crime scene as well as information about the National DNA Database and current legislation which seeks to regulate this area of the law. This information will be of benefit to all first responding crime scene personnel, whatever their role or rank, paramedics, security guarding services and community police forums, as it will enable them to understand the importance of containing a crime scene so that the forensic experts may use DNA profiling to provide intelligence and corroborative evidence in crime investigation.

The cast and crew

The cast and crew

The DNA Awareness DVD has been made possible through the generous donations of the Hancock Family Trusts as well as the Open Society Foundation of SA. Moreover, the camera equipment supplied by Visual Impact, was given to the production at 90% discount, without which we would not have made the very tight budget within which we had to work. Every person who participated in the filming of this production has given of their time and services at either reduced rates, or at no cost at all, but all with unfailing commitment to the purpose of the project. Without this type of generosity, this DVD would not have been possible and we thank each and every person and company for their contribution, however big or small.

Forensic Scientist, Peta Davidtz illustrates how evidence is prepared for DNA processing

Forensic Scientist, Peta Davidtsz illustrates how evidence is prepared for DNA processing

The DVD is now in the process of being edited and we hope to have the final product complete by the end of October 2009. We then have the onerous task of ensuring that this information is disseminated as widely as possible to ensure that valuable DNA evidence being left at crime scenes, is properly contained and preserved for collection by the crime scene investigators. So, keep an eye on our website when we announce our roll out plan.

Until then, remember, your actions when arriving at a crime scene, do matter: ‘DNA CSI‘:

D – DON’T TOUCH

N – NOTE, RECORD, OBSERVE

A – ASSIST OTHER OFFICERS WHERE NECESSARY

C – COMFORT & AID THOSE IN NEED OF SUPPORT

S – SECURE THE SCENE

I – INSIST THAT NO-ONE INTERFERES WITH THE CRIME SCENE.

Vanessa.


Posted in Crime Scenes, DNA Project, Latest News | Comments Off on SHOOTING OUR DNA AWARENESS DVD

Newer Entries »