The Importance of Forensic Science
and its' role in solving crimes
What is Forensic Science?
Criminalistics is the application the knowledge and technology of science to civil and criminal law
Basics of Forensic Science:
- Crime laboratories are increasing because of new or changed laws, new weapons, and new and reliable techniques. Currently, there are approximately 350 public crime laboratories in the United States.
- Forensic Scientists must be skilled in applying the scientific method, able to provide a formal written testimony or spoken statement in court of law, train law enforcement personnel, and act as an expert witness.
- Archiving forensic record have been made easier through use of databases such as: AFIS - Automated Fingerprint Identification system, CODIS - COmbined DNA Index System, and IBIS - Integrated Ballistics Identification
Crime Scene and Physical Evidence
Common Types of Physical Evidence
Common types of physical evidence are Glass, Ballistics, Fingerprints, and Impression evidence.
Examination of Physical Evidence
Glass is analyzed to determine its color, surface characteristics, tint, thickness and density. Chemical tests can reveal gunshot residue (GSR), rifling reveal individual characteristics. Fingerprints can be run through AFIS for a match. Impressions such as tire tracks reveal class characteristics of a tire manufacturer.
Recording a Crime Scene
Photography, sketches and notes are the three methods for crime scene recording. The crime scene must be photographed in an unaltered condition, a rough sketch and a finished sketched must be made, and nots should document time, how, and who discovered the crime scene.
Role of the FBI and CSI
The FBI provide technical support, expert witness testimony, and advanced training to Bureau personnel. The FBI gets involved in more serious cases such as domestic and international terrorism, major offenders and public corruption. Crime scene investigators are responsible for identifying, collecting, preserving, and packaging physical evidence.
A Forensic Science Technician
- They asisit in the collection of evidence, conduct anaylsis and help investigate crime scenes.
A Bloodstain Patter Analyst
- through examination of spatters and staines, they determine the type of weapon used, if there was a struggle andthe direction of travel.
Forensic Ballistics Expert
- Identify the type of firearm used and help trace a bullet back to the gun.
"Real Life" Forensics
As it is shown in tv shows such as NCSI or Bones, the process of collecting evidence and solving a crime is thorough and systematic. Every expert has one specific job that they must carry out. In contrast, TV shows show the process of solving a crime as quick while in reality a single case can take up to months.
Interesting Facts about Forensics!
- Autopsies can be carried out without surgery!
- Forensic entomology is actually very important! It gives time of death and area where the body was dumped.
- Forensics can be dated back to 13th century China.
- Forensic psychologist anaylze the personality traits of a perpetrator to aid to the discovery of their whereabouts.