Blindspot: An Introduction to Forensic Science and Expert Witness Testimony
60 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsMy forensic philosophy is that authentication and clarification of audio/video media combines art as well as science. The methods that I use require attention to detail and scientific principles, complemented by an appreciation for clarity and aesthetics. My techniques are derived from both a formal education and the application of skills gained by working in many forensics situations.
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Episodes
Use Scientific Methodology to Authenticate Ring Video in Court
October 27, 2023 20:32Suppose you use the same discovery method to authenticate digital video evidence stored in the cloud as you would with video stored on a device. In that case, you may incorrectly target the machine that produced the video, spend the client’s money on unnecessary device acquisition methodology, and waste the court’s time on evidentiary issues […]
The Importance of a Rebuttal Video Expert Witness
September 01, 2023 16:31Use Site Inspections and Testing to Challenge Video Expert Opinion Attorneys frequently offer audio, video, and digital images as evidence in civil and criminal litigation, where the interpretation of the evidence becomes a matter of expert opinion. Is the expert qualified to interpret the video evidence and make determinations, and are their statements based on […]
How to Challenge a Video Forensic Expert’s Qualifications
July 25, 2023 18:49Evidence in civil and criminal trials includes audio, video, and digital images, where the interpretation of the evidence often becomes a matter of expert opinion. When opposing counsel discloses or otherwise presents expert testimony or reports on video evidence, inquire into the expert’s qualifications and get the help of a video forensic expert to determine […]
Video Forensic Expert in Real Estate – Commercial Litigation
May 01, 2023 18:13Introduction Video surveillance systems are a critical element for business and residential customers. They secure specific areas and help deter crime simply by their presence. Surveillance systems commonly record crimes such as fighting, shooting, fire, theft, and vandalism. Video forensic expert in commercial litigation can assist with disputes like real estate development litigation. Casinos, County Jails, […]
Forensic Video Recovery in Commercial Litigation
May 01, 2023 18:13Introduction Video surveillance systems are a critical element for business and residential customers. They secure specific areas and help deter crime simply by their presence. Surveillance systems commonly record crimes such as fighting, shooting, fire, theft, and vandalism. Forensic video recovery services in commercial litigation casework can assist with the acquisition of video evidence in order […]
How is Video Evidence being used in Civil Litigation?
January 17, 2023 01:43Introduction Case Study Request Video Evaluation Process Pre-Trial Assistance Trial Assistance Conclusion Introduction Video surveillance systems are a critical component for business and residential customers. They secure designated areas and help deter crime simply by their presence. Incidents or crimes commonly recorded by surveillance systems include but are not limited to fighting, shooting, fire, theft, […]
Michael Primeau featured on HISTORY’s The Proof is Out There, Ancient Sounds and Moon Mounds
February 12, 2021 13:40A brand new episode of HISTORY Channel’s television series, The Proof is Out There: Ancient Sounds and Moon Mounds is now available to stream on the platform’s website. In case you missed our introduction to the series, HISTORY’s The Proof is Out There investigates some of the world’s most mysterious videos, photos, and audio recordings. […]
Blindspot Episode 25: A Look Back at 2020 and the COVID-19 Pandemic
February 10, 2021 15:16 - 36 minutes - 49.8 MBPrimeau Forensics’ 2020 Year in Review In this special episode of Blindspot, we sit down with Ed Primeau and Michael Primeau. The father and son team have been working side-by-side since 2009 and are the owners and forensic experts behind Primeau Forensics. With 2020 in the rearview mirror, Ed and Michael give us a look […]
Michael Primeau Featured on HISTORY’s The Proof is Out There, Mystery Hum and Mayans on Mars
January 27, 2021 19:45The latest episode of HISTORY Channel’s newest television series, The Proof is Out There: Mystery Hum and Mayans on Mars, aired earlier this week. In case you missed our introduction to the series, HISTORY’s The Proof is Out There investigates some of the world’s most mysterious videos, photos, and audio recordings. Each episode employs leading […]
Drawbacks of Video Conference Depositions: What You Need to Know
January 27, 2021 15:44Depositions by Video Due to COVID-19 With health and safety precautions in place due to COVID-19, courts across the country have started to resume business face-to-face. Cases are starting to go to trial as huge sheets of plastic separate jury boxes, lawyer tables, judges, and stenographers. Testimony in deposition form, however, continues to be scheduled […]
Michael Primeau featured on HISTORY’s The Proof is Out There, Deep Sea Sounds and Phantom Ships & Weeping Mary and the Montana Alien
January 22, 2021 14:46Two new episodes of HISTORY Channel’s television series, The Proof is Out There: Deep Sea Sounds and Phantom Ships and Weeping Mary and the Montana Alien aired earlier this week. In case you missed our introduction to the series, HISTORY’s The Proof is Out There investigates some of the world’s most mysterious videos, photos, and […]
Michael Primeau featured on HISTORY’s The Proof is Out There, Alien Orbs and Lightning Balls
January 15, 2021 13:50The second episode of HISTORY Channel’s newest television series, The Proof is Out There: Alien Orbs and Lightning Balls, aired earlier this week. In case you missed last week’s introduction to the series, HISTORY’s The Proof is Out There investigates some of the world’s most mysterious videos, photos, and audio recordings. Each episode employs leading […]
Michael Primeau featured on HISTORY’Michael Primeau featured, Escape fr’s The Proof is Out There, Escape from Monkey Island
January 15, 2021 13:50The second episode of HISTORY Channel’s newest television series, The Proof is Out There: Alien Orbs and Lightning Balls, aired earlier this week. In case you missed last week’s introduction to the series, HISTORY’s The Proof is Out There investigates some of the world’s most mysterious videos, photos, and audio recordings. Each episode employs leading […]
Michael Primeau featured on HISTORY’Michael Primeau featured, Escape fr’s The Proof is Out There, Escape from Monkey Islan
January 07, 2021 22:32Earlier this week, the HISTORY Channel debuted a new television series, The Proof is Out There. This new series, which airs every Tuesday at 10P EST, investigates some of the world’s most mysterious videos, photos, and audio recordings. Each episode, including this week’s Escape from Monkey Island, employs leading experts and technology to analyze seemingly […]
Michael Primeau featured on HISTORY’s The Proof is Out There, Escape from Monkey Island
January 07, 2021 22:32Earlier this week, the HISTORY Channel debuted a new television series, The Proof is Out There. This new series, which airs every Tuesday at 10P EST, investigates some of the world’s most mysterious videos, photos, and audio recordings. Each episode, including this week’s Escape from Monkey Island, employs leading experts and technology to analyze seemingly […]
3 Reasons Why Video Evidence is Being Analyzed Inaccurately
June 16, 2020 13:19 - 163 KB application/pdf; charset=UTF-8How is video evidence used as a weapon? Video evidence is a digital representation of encoded light signals captured by a video camera. Captured and stored data is video evidence later presented in the courtroom. On the other hand, humans process video evidence quite differently. We gather light data without encoding it. We choose our […]
Video Evidence as a Weapon
June 16, 2020 13:19HOW DO WE SEE VIDEO EVIDENCE AS A WEAPON? Video evidence is a digital representation of encoded light signals captured by a video camera. Captured and stored data is video evidence later presented in the courtroom. On the other hand, humans process video evidence quite differently. We gather light data without encoding it. We choose […]
Blindspot Episode 24: Hollywood and Forensic Science
May 29, 2020 11:47 - 25 minutes - 34.6 MBA Closer Look at the Relationship between Hollywood and Forensic Science I sit down with Barry Levy in this podcast episode of Blindspot. Barry is a screenwriter and producer known for his work in popular films, such as Vantage Point, Paranoia, and Wolves of Wall Street. You can explore his filmography further by following this […]
Solutions to COVID19 Surveillance and Subject Identification
May 21, 2020 17:28In today’s culture, reducing the spread of COVID19 has become a priority in both public and professional spaces. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that the general population wear face masks while outside of their homes. This precautionary step mitigates the risk of viral spread between people. The requirement of a face mask, however, […]
The Impact of COVID-19 and Masks on Video Surveillance Evidence
May 21, 2020 17:28In today’s culture, reducing the spread of COVID-19 has become a priority in both public and professional spaces. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the general population wear face masks while outside of their homes. This precautionary step mitigates the risk of viral spread between people. The requirement of a face […]
Digital Image Authentication of Screenshot Evidence in Criminal Defense
April 23, 2020 16:20 - 678 KB application/pdfScreenshots captured on mobile devices are commonly used as evidence in today’s culture. However, these screenshots are often misinterpreted as original digital evidence. Primeau Forensics’ image expert, Michael Primeau, along with the computer and mobile experts at Garrett Discovery, performed digital image authentication of screenshots used as evidence in the criminal case detailed here. An […]
Blindspot Ep 23: Tips from a Chicago Trial Lawyer Veteran, Nenye Uche
April 13, 2020 02:56 - 45.4 MBSettling Into Remote Work During COVID-19 On Friday, March 23, Primeau Forensics began prepping its team for remote work amid the growing COVID-19 pandemic. Three weeks later, I am sitting in my dining room with a beautiful view of the backyard. Exactly how the company started years ago! I have become fluent in several technological tools to boost efficiency during my time away from the office. […]
Home Video Surveillance Recommendations for COVID-19 Grocery Theft
April 02, 2020 16:03Online Grocery Delivery with COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic has swept the globe in whirlwind fashion. Guidelines put in place by our state and national governments are affecting many of our e-commerce businesses and how consumers shop. As a direct result, we have seen an upsurge in the grocery delivery service. It’s the perfect solution for […]
3 Ways Forensic Image Comparison Solved a Mistaken Identity Case
March 26, 2020 17:21Mistaken identity is a defense in criminal law which claims the actual innocence of the criminal defendant, and attempts to undermine the evidence of guilt by asserting that any eyewitness to the crime incorrectly thought that they saw the defendant, when in fact the person seen by the witness was someone else. Primeau Forensics has […]
Body Camera Videos as an Eyewitness for Criminal Defense Cases
March 10, 2020 16:52It’s after midnight and you’re fast asleep in the back of your truck after a long day of driving. Federal regulations prohibiting truckers from driving over a certain number of hours each day forced you to pull over for the night with little planning as to where. An abrupt knock on the door jolts you […]
Forensic Video Enhancement
December 27, 2018 17:15As a video forensic expert, we have been trained on the various tools or software programs used for successful forensic video enhancement. At Primeau Forensics, we have a team of video experts that forensically enhanced hundreds of videos. Video recordings that we have enhanced include CCTV Surveillance video recordings, smart phone, body camera and police dash […] The post Forensic Video Enhancement appeared first on Primeau Forensics.
Can CCTV Systems Help Crisis Management in Mass Shootings?
May 22, 2018 19:12As school and mass shootings become more prevalent in today’s society, the question is do CCTV systems help with mass shootings? While gun control is the first topic people tend to address when discussing these acts of terror, there is another side to the story that may aid in minimizing the total lives lost in […]
The Importance of Establishing a Chain of Custody for Audio and Video Evidence
February 19, 2016 19:19Establishing a chain of custody for audio and video evidence is the first step in any forensic investigation. This includes audio enhancement, video enhancement, audio authentication, and video authentication. Throughout these investigations, we ask ourselves a few common questions. Where did the evidence come from? And who created the recording entered into evidence? What […]
The Importance of Establishing a Chain of Custody for Audio/Video Evidence
February 19, 2016 19:19Establishing a chain of custody for audio/video evidence is the first step in any audio or video forensic investigation. This includes audio/video forensic enhancement and audio/video authentication. Where did the evidence come from? Who created the recording that is being entered into evidence? What is a Chain of Custody? A chain of custody is the […]
Ronald Johnson and Laquan McDonald – WGN9 Chicago Interview
December 08, 2015 20:01On November 24, 2015, police dash-cam video that captured the shooting of Laquan McDonald in Chicago, Illinois was released to the public. It had taken almost thirteen months to see the footage after the shooting took place. This is because Chicago Police Internal Affairs had to perform an Internal Investigation. This investigation was completed, most […]
Forensic Audio Enhancement -Equalization
July 01, 2015 20:24Forensic audio enhancement is a scientific process. Remove the unwanted sound and increase the wanted sound. In many cases, based on our 34 years of experience, the wanted sound is most always dialogue. The Use of Equalizers for Forensic Audio Enhancement An equalizer is one of the most important filters or tools for audio enhancement. […]
Blindspot Episode 22: Equalization for Dialogue Enhancement
July 01, 2015 20:24Above all, the goal of forensic enhancement is to better hear dialogue by removing unwanted noise. This scientific process of improving the quality of dialogue is also known as speech enhancement or dialogue enhancement. Forensic audio enhancement services are the scientific process of clarifying audio recordings using non-destructive techniques to preserve speech quality. This is […]
21: Audio Enhancement – Compression
May 28, 2015 18:57As an Audio Forensic Expert, knowing what tools are available for audio enhancement and how they work is extremely important. While compressors are often thought of as tools for music production, they serve many functions in the Audio Forensic world. Like with most audio signal processors, it takes training and experience to operate compressors properly […]
Blindspot Episode 21: Audio Enhancement – Compression
May 28, 2015 18:57As an Audio Forensic Expert, knowing what tools are available for audio enhancement and how they work is extremely important. While compressors are often thought of as tools for music production, they serve many functions in the Audio Forensic world. Like with most audio signal processors, it takes training and experience to operate compressors properly […]
Blindspot Episode 20: Body-worn Cameras with Sgt. Bill Tilson
April 27, 2015 18:03Sgt. Bill Tilson is a police officer with the Coeur d’Alene Police Department in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He has been working in the department since September 2002 and began working with body-worn cameras in 2012 when the department began issuing them to officers. He received a Bachelors’s degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections from Lewis-Clark […]
20: Body-worn Cameras with Sgt. Bill Tilson
April 27, 2015 18:03Sgt. Bill Tilson is a police officer with the Coeur d’Alene Police Department in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He has been working in the department since September 2002 and began working with body-worn cameras in 2012 when the department began issuing them to officers. He received a Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections from Lewis-Clark […]
Audio Enhancement – Noise Reduction
April 03, 2015 20:24Most recordings that I come across as an Audio Forensic Expert require audio enhancement. This is because they are made in poor conditions and have an abundance of noise. Though there are many ways to reduce the noise floor in a recording, there is no guaranteed method. The noise floor can be defined as a sum of […]
Blindspot Episode 19: Audio Enhancement – Noise Reduction
April 03, 2015 20:24Most recordings that I come across as an Audio Forensic Expert require audio enhancement. This is because they are made in poor conditions and have an abundance of noise. Though there are many ways to reduce the noise floor in a recording, there is no guaranteed method. The noise floor can be defined as a sum of […]
The Importance of Forensic Transcription
March 02, 2015 18:07Forensic transcription begins with forensic audio enhancement. This is the process of using various software programs and expert filtering to remove the unwanted sounds and increase the volume and intelligibility of the wanted sounds which are usually conversations. Background noise includes noisy furnaces, air conditioners, buzzes and hums, traffic and wind. Once the recording has […]
18: Creating Video Work Product as an Audio Video Forensic Expert
February 27, 2015 19:24Video work product is a way to document forensic investigations, like evidence recovery, for reference at a later date. Processes and procedures are documented using a video camera by a forensic expert during a forensic investigation for future use. I have referred back to my video work product many times during the course of a […]
17: How to Make Digital Audio Evidence
February 12, 2015 19:34Digital Audio Evidence can often be one of the most important pieces of evidence for a case, so it should always be given a great deal of attention. I’m going to cover some tips on how to create the best audio recording possible, whether it’s a police interview, a concealed recording or anything in between. […]
16: VIEVU Body Cameras with Steve Ward
January 22, 2015 16:13Body worn cameras, a police officers tool for safety. We believe if there was more statistics available, it would help law enforcement officers decide to implement the use of body-worn cameras in their departments. We met with Steve Ward is the CEO and founder of VIEVU. Vievu has since merged with Axon, one of the countries […] The post 16: VIEVU Body Cameras with Steve Ward appeared first on Primeau Forensics.
15: A Step-by-Step Approach to Forensic Audio Enhancement
January 19, 2015 22:02One of the most common jobs for an Audio Forensic Expert is enhancing a digital audio recording for intelligibility and clarification. Audio evidence is often recorded in less than optimal situations with poor quality equipment. This evidence can be vital to a case and when the content of the recording cannot be heard, the evidence […] The post 15: A Step-by-Step Approach to Forensic Audio Enhancement appeared first on Primeau Forensics.
14: Video Surveillance with David Spreadborough
December 11, 2014 19:30Video Surveillance expert David Spreadborough is a CCTV investigator and a police officer for the Cheshire Police Department in Cheshire, England. He has been a part of the police force for 23 years and began his video forensic career in 2003. David is a member of the Law Enforcement & Emergency Services Video Association International […] The post 14: Video Surveillance with David Spreadborough appeared first on Primeau Forensics.
13: Voice Identification with Maria do Carmo Gargaglione
December 04, 2014 17:27Maria do Carmo Gargaglione is the Director of the Division of Digital and Technological Forensic Evidence at the Public Ministry of Rio De Janeiro. She has been a speech-language pathologist for over thirty years. She is an expert in voice identification, facial identification and handwriting analysis. She began working in forensics in 2000 and began working […] The post 13: Voice Identification with Maria do Carmo Gargaglione appeared first on Primeau Forensics.
12: Video Forensics with Dorothy Stout
December 01, 2014 19:05Dorothy Stout is a Video Forensics Expert and owner of Resolution Video Inc. She has been analyzing video since 1998 and has testified in all levels of courts in the United States. Dorothy received her Bachelor degree in Psychology and her Masters in Forensic Science and began her career at the US Postal Inspection Service. […] The post 12: Video Forensics with Dorothy Stout appeared first on Primeau Forensics.
11: Talking Forensics with Audio & Video Forensic Expert Allen Combs
November 20, 2014 15:58Allen Combs is an Audio and Video Forensic Expert with over ten years of experience in multimedia work. He began working as an audio engineer in recording studios and continued working in music production until making the transition into digital media forensics. When he began his work as an audio & video forensic expert, Allen […] The post 11: Talking Forensics with Audio & Video Forensic Expert Allen Combs appeared first on Primeau Forensics.
10: How to Authenticate Digital Audio Evidence
November 14, 2014 20:45To authenticate digital audio evidence is an importance process to verify the integrity of a digital audio recording in court. Establishing a solid chain of custody is the first step in the authentication process but does not in and of itself authenticate a piece of evidence. We have seen audio evidence that was not authentic and was […] The post 10: How to Authenticate Digital Audio Evidence appeared first on Primeau Forensics.
9: How to Recover Digital Media Evidence
November 07, 2014 20:58I’d like to discuss evidence recovery, specifically digital media evidence recovery. Having a forensic expert retrieve the evidence maintains the quality of the evidence and can help ensure that the original evidence stays intact on the original system so it can later be retrieved by other parties. This is why it is extremely important that […] The post 9: How to Recover Digital Media Evidence appeared first on Primeau Forensics.
8: How to Give an Expert Deposition
October 30, 2014 15:14An Expert Deposition is one of the most important activities performed by forensic experts, second only to the final testimony. A deposition is the process where the opposing lawyers question the forensic expert, under oath, about what they are going to testify during trial. These questions are designed for the opposing lawyer to gain information […] The post 8: How to Give an Expert Deposition appeared first on Primeau Forensics.