Centre of Forensic Sciences About the Centre

Electronics

Formerly a sub-unit of the Chemistry Section, Electronics has come of age and joined the longer-established functions of the Centre as a separate section. Within the Electronics Section there are two groups of staff, each having a distinctive role.

Since the Section is new, the scope of the work undertaken will evolve. For the most current information about the services provided, including help with submissions, contact the Centre of Forensic Sciences.

Digital Evidence Unit

Staff in this unit examine evidence that exists in digital form within such items as computers, cell phones, personal organizers and fax machines. For example:

• computer files that have been erased or hidden may be recovered;
• recovered e-mails and internet chat logs can help link individuals together;
• call logs and contact numbers stored in the cell phone of a deceased may help determine what he or she was doing in the period prior to death. This information can supplement that available from the cell phone service provider.

The Digital Evidence Unit staff also examine:

• gaming machines from unauthorized locations such as bars to determine their legality under the Criminal Code;
• stun guns and "tasers" to confirm their standing under the terms of the Criminal Code;
• poor quality audiotapes to enhance their audibility using digital signal processing technology.

Casino Unit

This group works with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to help ensure that slot machines played by the public at AGCO licensed facilities comply with Ontario legislation and meet AGCO standards.

For example, standards ensure a minimum payback for patrons and that the results generated cannot be manipulated and are truly random. Less obvious but also very important are tests to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the links that connect many individual machines on the casino floor to the popular "progressive jackpots".