Essential Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation Science
Modern forensic science plays a pivotal role in the criminal justice system, providing scientifically based information through the analysis of evidence. This multidisciplinary field encompasses various branches and techniques that work together to solve contemporary crimes.
One of the key branches in modern forensic science is DNA Analysis, which uses DNA sequencing to identify suspects with high accuracy. National and international databases like CODIS support this process, making it an invaluable tool in criminal investigations.
Fingerprint Analysis is another essential branch, employing automated systems such as AFIS for rapid and precise matching of latent fingerprints to suspects.
Ballistics Analysis involves matching bullets and cartridge cases to firearms using systems like IBIS, enhanced by the use of comparison microscopes. This branch helps solve cases involving firearms.
Forensic Toxicology analyzes the presence and effects of toxic substances and chemicals in biological samples to understand cause of death or impairment.
Forensic Imaging and Visualization utilizes digital photography, drones, and 3D laser scanning to document and analyze crime scenes thoroughly.
Cyber/Digital Forensics recovers and examines digital evidence from computers, mobile devices, and networks, incorporating AI and data analytics to detect patterns and suspects.
Trace Evidence Analysis examines small physical evidence such as fibers, paint, soils, glass fragments, and explosive residues, often using spectroscopy and chromatography techniques for substance identification.
Biological Forensics studies biological materials (blood, hair, bones, insects) to identify individuals, estimate time of death, and reconstruct crime scenes through bloodstain pattern analysis and forensic entomology.
Forensic Engineering applies engineering principles to investigate structural or product failures, employing methods like failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and fault tree analysis.
Forensic Accounting investigates financial records to detect fraud, money laundering, or other financial crimes.
Interview and Interrogation Techniques use psychological methods such as the cognitive interview and Reid Technique during investigations to gather reliable testimony.
Modern forensic science integrates advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain to enhance evidence processing, case linkage, and investigative efficiency.
Forensic Botany includes the examination and study of leaves, flowers, wood, fruits, seeds, pollen for criminal investigation.
Forensic Science requires observational skills to find and compare evidence, evidence collection and analysis, and a healthy scepticism towards witness accounts and assumptions.
Forensic Anthropology's main focus is on human skeletons, helping to identify individuals and determine the cause of death, age, sex, race, and physique from bones or bone fragments.
Forensic Pathology deals with the examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death, whether it is natural, criminal, or accidental, and the identification of the weapon that caused the wound.
When investigators attend a crime scene, they prioritize preserving life, detaining and removing suspects, and controlling the scene to keep it uncontaminated for evidence collection.
A forensic scientist's tool kit includes crime scene tape, camera and film, gauges, sketchpad and pens, disposable and protective clothing, torches and various light sources, magnifying glass, tweezers, cotton wool buds, evidence bags and tubes, fingerprint supplies, and casting kits.
During an investigation, evidence is collected at a crime scene, analyzed in a forensic laboratory, and then the results are presented in court. Forensic Scientists examine blood spatter patterns, analyze the composition and source of evidence such as drugs and trace materials, and determine the identity of an unknown suspect.
Forensic Toxicology is the study of the presence of poisonous substances and their effects on individuals. Forensic Entomology is the application and study of insects and other arthropods to determine the time of death and solve criminal cases. Forensic Ballistics involves the analysis of bullets, bullet marks, shell casings, gunpowder residue to aid in cases involving firearms.
DNA Analysis is a common branch of Forensic Science, and DNA evidence is highly valued as it is unique for every individual. Each crime scene is unique, and each case is different, presenting its own challenges.
Forensic Linguistics involves analyzing the written and spoken language of a suspect to know about their personality and other traits. Forensic Science is the application of sciences such as physics, chemistry, biology, and others to matters of law.
The first American forensic lab was created in Los Angeles by the police department in 1929. This marked the beginning of a new era in criminal investigation, where science would play a crucial role in solving crimes and bringing criminals to justice.
- Forensic Science, a multidisciplinary field, encompasses various branches like Forensic Anthropology, which focuses on human skeletons to identify individuals and determine cause of death.
- In addition to Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Pathology examines dead bodies to determine the cause of death and identify the weapon that caused the wound.
- Forensic Toxicology, another branch, studies the presence of toxic substances and their effects on individuals, while Forensic Entomology applies and studies insects to determine time of death and solve criminal cases.
- Forensic Ballistics involves analyzing bullets, bullet marks, shell casings, and gunpowder residue to aid in cases involving firearms.
- Trace Evidence Analysis examines small physical evidence like fibers, paint, soils, glass fragments, and explosive residues, often using spectroscopy and chromatography techniques for substance identification.
- Cyber/Digital Forensics recovers and examines digital evidence from computers, mobile devices, and networks, integrating AI and data analytics to detect patterns and suspects.
- Forensic Engineering applies engineering principles to investigate structural or product failures, employing methods like failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and fault tree analysis.
- Forensic Accounting investigates financial records to detect fraud, money laundering, or other financial crimes.
- Interview and Interrogation Techniques use psychological methods during investigations to gather reliable testimony, with examples including the cognitive interview and Reid Technique.
