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INTERVIEW Wllh FORENSIC LOCKSMITH EXPERT, DATAGRAM
How did you get into tbe field of forensic locksmithing? How does someone get into this field?
I've been involved in physical security for a long time. Many years ago I wondered about the forensics of various attacks, so I sat down with a microscope and a pile of locks. Each lock I attacked differently and studied the types of tool marks left behind. Since I was already knowledgeable about locking systems, I learned more about forensic inspection, particularly tool mark identification and proper photography techniques. I tried to find resources online or in books about forensic locksmithing, but at the time information was extremely sparse, particularly online. I made my Web site to help others that might be looking for the same information.
Getting into this field requires extensive knowledge of physical security, locking systems, crime scene investigation, and forensic inspection. Most people do not know how the lock on their front door works, let alone the methods by which it can be opened! Some people come into the field knowing one side of the equation: either locksmithing or investigative work. Being competent in both is required to be a good forensic locksmith. I would recommend reading and learning as much as you can. Do your own experiments to see what happens when locks and keys are attacked in various ways. If there are locksmithing or security conferences in your area, go to them! Most of these events have lectures and workshops that cover at least one aspect of forensic locksmithing, not to mention all the people you will meet.
At what point is a forensic key specialist called in to investigate a case? Do police know what to look for if it isn't an obvious break-in?
Forensic locksmiths are only called in specific cases where the understanding of a lock or key system and how it may have been compromised is important. The value of a forensic locksmith is in identifying specific facts, which in turn help investigators answer the "who, why, when, and what" questions of a case. Consider cases with...