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I hate to say it - but - winter is just around the corner and that means snow, ice and frozen evidence. Not surprisingly, searching through fire debris for parts smaller than .025" is already a difficult procedure, but when the components are buried in snow . . . well, it becomes darn near impossible. Wouldn't it be great if all the debris could simply be scooped up and returned for lab analysis? Yes, it would be, however, as I have stressed in many of the classes I have taught, the physical location of evidence is often crucial in determining the prior condition of lock cylinder components. To further complicate matters, fires debris is extremely fragile, consequently, anything other than the gentlest of touch may result in completely destroying it. Although there is nothing we can do about Winter, (except complain loudly), there is a partial answer. IAA Markham Nears Completion of New Building: In early summer of 2004, the IAA facility (Markham, IL) began construction of a new multi-vehicle service building for the use of Insurance Adjusters. As of October 2004, the project is complete except for the main utility attachments from Edison, etc. IAA has apparently spared no expense on its construction because it is truly a remarkable property. The building is large, entirely enclosed from the elements, well lighted, ventilated and most importantly, heated. While we do not wish to take advantage of the IAA organization, their cooperation with investigators has consistently been proven second to none. Inasmuch, I feel confident that given advance notice, IAA would schedule certain vehicles left within the building to allow for adequate thawing. In so doing, burned vehicles may be analyzed with a much greater degree of success. Please contact IAA for more details. Branch Manager Ron Hanzel may be reached at: Insurance Auto Auctions 16425 South Crawford Markham, IL 60426 Telephone: 708 333-5700 Fax:          708 333-5756

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