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Forensics Blog

Investigate it: Forensics at BCIT

BCIT News – Exposing Human Trafficking in Canada

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Reposted from BCIT News

Exposing human trafficking in Canada: How this BCIT alumna is mobilizing the healthcare sector to help victims

September 25, 2018 by

Several years ago, Tara Wilkie, a BCIT Nursing alumna, travelled to northern Thailand to help establish a medical clinic for tribal children who were victims of sex trafficking. The number of victims and children at risk shocked her.

“I remember feeling an extreme sense of relief when I landed [back in Canada],” says Tara, a Registered Nurse with the Fraser Health Authority. After returning home from Thailand, she enrolled in the then-called Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program at BCIT to learn more.

“It was through the program as well as my employment at the Fraser Health Authority, that I began to realize that trafficking was a huge problem here. I just hadn’t seen it,” says Tara. “I actually had in my mind that trafficking was just a problem that happened in a third world.”

Hiding in plain sight

According to Statistics Canada, between 2009 and 2014, there were 396 victims of human trafficking. Experts believe that number is significantly higher.

“What we know is 88 per cent of trafficked persons are accessing healthcare at some point in time when they are in the trafficking process, and they’re not being recognized as such,” says Tara. “And so they’re being returned back into the hands of their trafficker.”

This puts healthcare providers at a crucial intervention point.

Putting trafficking in focus

“We might be the only healthcare provider or the only person outside of the trafficking process that a trafficked person comes into contact with. We need to know how to intervene and we need to know how to respond appropriately.”

That’s why Tara, trained as a Forensic Nurse Examiner, and two of her colleagues joined forces. Their goal: To train healthcare professionals and the general public and help them respond to human trafficking. Together, they designed and implemented a ground-breaking online training module. Its purpose is to improve the identification and response to human trafficking for the Fraser Health Authority. It is now available globally.

“As healthcare providers, we deal with health consequences but we can also help with judicial outcomes,” says Tara. “We need to start bridging the gaps between healthcare, law enforcement, and the judicial system. We can collect forensic evidence, which we can give to the police, and we can testify as expert witnesses.”

Tara’s work has helped raise awareness and understanding of human trafficking among health professionals. With training, they are able to better identify potential victims and help those in need.

“People are struggling and they need our help,” says Tara. “If we change our thought process [from] ‘why are they doing that’ to ‘how can we help you’, we will be much more successful in prevention and intervention.”

BCIT is proud to present Tara, who is also a part-time instructor for BCIT Forensic Science and Technology, with the 2018 BCIT Faculty and Staff Association Distinguished Alumni Award.

Cybersecurity Talent Gap – Industry Crisis

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In a recent Forbes article, Brian NeSmith examines the cybersecurity job market.

As hackers ramp up attacks with increasingly sophisticated methods and tools that are readily available for purchase on the dark web, the “white hats” need all the help they can get. According to recent estimates, there will be as many as 3.5 million unfilled positions in the industry by 2021.

See the full article here.

Fall Courses – Crime Analysis & Questioned Documents

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Forensic Investigation Courses at BCIT

Our Fall term is starting soon and space is still available in a few courses.

See the full schedule on our website.

Interested in taking a course for professional development?

Contact BCIT_Forensics@bcit.ca for more information on approval to register.

 

FSCT 8433 – Crime Analysis

This course focuses on the application of crime analysis tools, techniques and methods to support crime reduction initiatives, criminal investigations, and effective deployment of police resources. Students will learn how to prepare crime statistics and crime maps, identify crime patterns, develop concise and effective written products, and attain a thorough understanding of the current state of the Crime Analysis field in Canada.

Class Meeting Times:  Saturdays, September 8 – October 13 from 08:00 – 17:00 at the BCIT Downtown Vancouver Campus.

 

FSCT 8310 – Questioned Document Examination

This course provides a broad overview of forensic document examination. It is intended for anyone who may have a need to interact with forensic document examiners, e.g. investigators, lawyers, corporate compliance officers, police and crime scene officers. The course will include the requirements needed to enable forensic document examiners to conduct examinations of signatures, handwriting, office printers, printing and other physical evidence relating to documents. NOTE: This course will not train students to become forensic document examiners.

Class Meeting Times:  ONLINE September 16 – December 2 with two in-class sessions on Saturday December 1 and Sunday December 2 from 09:00 – 16:00 at the BCIT Burnaby Campus.

 

Interested in learning more about Forensics at BCIT?  Join as at our next Info Session on September 17 starting at 6pm at the BCIT Downtown Vancouver Campus.  Register here to attend.

 

Cybersecurity Risk and Compliance Analyst at BC Hydro

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BC Hydro is looking for two full-time Cybersecurity and Risk Compliance Analysts.

See the full job posting and how to apply here.

Closing Date:  September 9, 2018

Duties include:

  • Coordinate with committees of BC Hydro internal teams and stakeholders to identify potential Cybersecurity risks
  • Conduct security threat and risk assessments of IT and OT, providing guidance and recommendations for technical security controls
  • Identify and track the remediation of security risks and vulnerabilities in software and systems; confirming the impact, mitigation and remediation options
  • Analyze security test results with applicability to target environments
  • Develop technical expertise to assist operational roles when critical systems experience breaches, outages, errors, or unexpected activities
  • Coordinate with the Project Managers to ensure the projects are implemented under compliance and cybersecurity best practice

Qualifications include:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security or equivalent
  • It is desirable to have a CISSP certification or one of these certifications (e.g. GSEC, GCIA, GCWN, CISA, CISM, CCNA, GPEN)
  • Ability to obtain a security clearance for a Security Sensitive Position classification
  • A minimum of 7 years of experience in Information Technology, with at least 5 years in cybersecurity
  • Experience in several of: Active Directory, Intrusion Prevention/Detection (Network, Host, Wireless), Security Information Event Management (SIEM), log management, VPN, Firewalls, NGFWs, Wireless Intrusion Prevention (WIDS), Web Content Filtering, Internet Policy Enforcement, Strong Authentication, Web Application Firewall (WAF), Database Activity Monitoring (DAM), Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions, Encryption

Talent Day: Find your Dream Tech Job

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BC’s top tech companies are looking for developers, QAs, data analysts, UX/UI designers, IT and DevOps engineers, and project managers!

If you are a tech professional in one of these roles who is looking for your next dream job or looking to connect with awesome local tech employers, join us at the next Talent Day! Hosted by BCjobs.ca in partnership with the BC Tech Association, Talent Day is an opportunity for you to network and connect with top notch tech companies in a casual setting.

Don’t miss out on this chance to meet recruiters and technical reps from Vancouver’s best companies face-to-face, learn about new opportunities, and build a strong connection to continue the conversation later!

Date and Time:

Thu, 16 August 2018, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM PDT

Location:

BC Tech Innovation Hub – 887 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, BC V5T 4T5

Connect with companies like…

  • Arista Networks
  • Beanworks
  • Best Buy Canada
  • Careteam
  • Clio
  • Control
  • EasyMarkit
  • GroupHEALTH Benefit Solutions
  • Hyperwallet
  • IT Glue
  • Left
  • LoginRadius
  • Pagefreezer
  • PlentyOfFish
  • Samsung
  • SUCCESS
  • Talemetry
  • Traction on Demand
  • WorkSafeBC
  • …and more!

Learn more and register for the event here.

IT Graduates Recruitment

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The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is looking for IT Graduates to join their organization.

Closing Date:  2018-09-26                                  Reference Number:  18- 968-07-081

Job Category:  Entry Level                                  Who Can Apply:  Canadian Citizens

Location:  Ottawa, Ontario                                 Salary Range:  $61,380 – $74,670

Job Summary:

We are seeking upcoming and recent graduates from Information Technology Programs who are interested in joining an organization that offers opportunities to work in a stimulating and challenging environment, where technology plays a crucial and strategic role.

Our IT professionals are involved in creating or maintaining solutions, systems, platforms and tools, or skillfully integrating existing commercially off the shelf products, with the overall objective of protecting Canada and its citizens against terrorism, espionage and other threats to national security.

Status:  Indeterminate (permanent) or Term – 1 year

Education:

Candidates applying must be a graduate or within one (1) year of obtaining a university bachelor’s degree or technologist designation in the field of Information Technology.

The educational program must be from an accredited learning institution recognized in Canada.

Language Requirement:  Various linguistic requirements

Experience:

Upcoming and recent Information Technology graduates will be considered for one of following technology streams:

IT Software Solutions:

  • Develop complex software applications to meet demanding architectural standards
  • Liaise closely with business analysts and end users
  • Develop solutions that enable our partners to deliver on their activities
  • Support the full software delivery cycle
  • Build on your knowledge of development methodologies and techniques

IT Services

  • Work on IT projects and innovation initiatives to support the IT services provided to our internal clients and partners
  • Troubleshoot technical problems, deploy new systems, or implement business changes
  • Engage in a broad range of opportunities, ranging from networking and infrastructure technologies, client services delivery and change management
  • Develop exposure to how IT supports and strengthens the organization’s capabilities in fulfilling its mandate

You will be employed on an underfill basis until you acquire the required experience to reach the full working level of the position, which will normally range between 12 to 24 months.

Competencies:

  • Adaptability
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Organizational Skills / Multitasking
  • Problem Solving
  • Analytical Skills

Conditions of Employment:

Some positions have a 24/7 shift requirement

Notes:

Various language requirements:

  • English Essential (EE/AE)
  • Bilingual Imperative (BBB/BBB)
  • Bilingual Non-Imperative (BBB/BBB)

For bilingual imperative positions, offers will be made to qualified candidates who meet the linguistic requirements. For bilingual non-imperative positions, offers will be conditional upon meeting the linguistic requirements within two (2) years of appointment.

This position is designated CS; therefore, the employee may be eligible for a terminable allowance of 4% of the annual salary.

Some relocation expenses may be reimbursed.

Reference Links:

Security Requirements:

You must be eligible for an Enhanced Top Secret security clearance. The process involves a security interview and a polygraph. There is also a background investigation that includes credit and financial checks. Using illegal drugs is a crime. Drug use is an important factor in your reliability and suitability assessment. This is part of the selection process. So do not use drugs starting from when you submit your application.

See the full posting and how to apply here.

BCIT News: A bare bones look at crime scene investigation

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Post by Maegan Matthews on BCIT News:

A team of 23 Criminal Justice undergrads from California State University spent the afternoon at BCIT Burnaby Campus combing through an extensive crime scene, collecting evidence, and searching for the missing pieces to solve the crime.

The scene consisted of a crashed vehicle, dead body, and skeletal remains which may have looked real, but the faux crime-scene was all a part of the kick-off to the third annual, two-week field school, hosted by the Forensic Science and Technology department.

“The students come up here to get a Canadian perspective on forensic science,” comments Dean Hildebrand, Associate Dean of Forensic Science and Technology. “We take them through a mock-crime scene where they search for and collect evidence, then they process the evidence in the lab, and we finish the two-weeks with them on the stand at a mock trial to present their evidence.”

The scene takes on elements that they might find on the job, and for these students this is the first time they are in the field suited up and playing the part.

“The field school follows the applied-learning model at BCIT, the students receive the hands on learning while exploring all areas of the field including cyber crime, crime scene analysis, and forensic biology/chemistry,” comments Dean.

“We have to learn something beyond our borders, we have to have a global perspective and prepare our students to have a comparative understanding of different processing techniques at the crime scene and forensic analysis methods in the lab,” says Professor John Wang, California States Long Beach, who has taken his students to BCIT for the third year now to take part in the field school.

Learn more about the various areas to study within Forensic Science at BCIT.

Forensic Analyst Position at MNP

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MNP is seeking an Analyst for their growing Forensics team. Protecting businesses’ best interests, MNP is a leading national accounting, tax and business consulting firm in Canada. Their recognized Forensics team combines accounting and investigative expertise to resolve fraud emergencies. Their professionals conduct assessments that gauge an organization’s vulnerability to fraud and help implement anti-fraud controls to reduce exposure to criminal and civil wrongdoing.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Performance Expectations

  • Assist in the execution of client engagements primarily on the matters of fraud investigations, fraud risk assessments, forensic accounting and litigation support
  • Assist in the execution of investigative plans on sensitive litigious matters and objectively analyze complex financial matters including:
    • Collaborate with client engagement team prior to commencement of client work
    • Analyze financial data, examine documents, conduct in-depth research and assist with Forensic engagements such as contract disputes, asset misappropriation and conflicts of interest
    • Engage in forensic analysis of financial and related data through specific engagements regarding the calculation and analytics of economic loss claims, loss quantification, dispute resolution and risk management
    • Conduct research, document examination and constructing financial models with a view to articulating findings
  • Support the design, development, formatting and proof reading of high quality professional reports, memoranda, proposals and correspondence
  • Support the delivery of high quality client service to ensure client needs are responded to in a timely, accurate and professional manner, including:
    • Monitoring project timelines against targets, adjust where necessary; advise clients of project status and seek clarification on discrepancies where applicable
  • Participate in forensic team meetings on a regular basis
  • Develop a thorough understanding of MNP’s services, businesses and industry
  • Network with local professional, business, and community while raising awareness of MNP and looking for new business development opportunities
  • Promote MNP advisory services through the assistance with the team delivery of presentations, writing articles, facilitating workshops or participating in community activities
  • Contribute to the development of new ideas and approaches to improve work processes
  • Participate in regular attendance, balanced lifestyle and high standard of team wellness
  • Attend internal MNP courses to further develop knowledge around performance improvement
  • This is an ideal position for someone looking for a long-term career as an Analyst and enjoys project based, detailed and independent work

Credentials

  • Possess a Business Intelligence, Information Technology or Criminology Degree or Diploma
  • Advanced Excel data analysis skills
  • Experience with data or intelligence analysis software such as IDEA, ACL, ArcGIS, I2 Analyst Notebook, Visio or other similar software program
  • Open Source Intelligence research skills
  • Familiarity with financial statements, accounting reports and accounting software
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify, obtain, analyze and consolidate information from various sources
  • Knowledge or interest in fraud, white collar crime, business loss, litigation and loss recovery
  • Ability to work in high conflict scenarios
  • Ability to achieve Enhanced Reliability Level Government of Canada security screening
  • Strong computer literacy including effective working skills of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Visio
  • Previous experience in data analytics, legal or litigation support, police or regulatory body is an asset
  • Understanding of bookkeeping and record keeping practices is an asset
  • Experience with investigations is an asset
  • Some travel may be required

See the full job posting and how to apply here.

Learn more about our Forensics Programs by visiting our website.

NEW Communication Course for Forensics

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We collaborated with BCIT’s Communication Department to create a new course designed specifically for students in the Forensics Bachelor of Technology programs.

COMM 7200 – Report Writing and Workplace Communication for Forensic Investigation

This course provides practice in written and oral communication skills used in forensic science and investigation careers. The emphasis is on explaining technical material in plain language and communicating investigation results in reports and presentations. The course also includes techniques for e-mails, letters, reports, and for making oral presentations. Students prepare a professional job application and LinkedIn profile and examine strategies for maintaining their online reputation as professionals.

Upon successful compleltion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Set communication objectives and identify the needs of the audience in a given situation.
  • Design documents for reader access.
  • Write clear, correct, and concise sentences and paragraphs in plain language.
  • Prepare and deliver effective oral presentations.
  • Design and use appropriate visual aids in oral presentation and reports.
  • Organize and write effective investigation reports for the workplace.
  • Write effective workplace messages in e-mail, letters, and memos.
  • Prepare a persuasive letter of application, a professional CV, and LinkedIn profile.
  • Edit your work to meet professional standards in the use of English in technical writing.

Registration is available for the Fall term offering!