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field

sciences

A major part of forensic investigation is the collection and analysis of evidence from crime scenes, which frequently plays a crucial role in convicting felons. Field science mainly focuses on what happened, putting the criminals responsible for the crime aside as they gather evidence such as:

  • finger or handprints

  • any videos or photos

  • shoe prints

  • bloodstains

  • clothing

  • weapons

  • photographs taken by forensic investigators of the scene

  • any other items significant to the crime, eg. objects, household items, vehicles, money, etc.

 

This aspect of forensic science is one of the oldest as many of the techniques used were invented hundreds of years ago. Fingerprinting especially has been around for many years, with the modern fingerprint classification system originating in 1823 when Johannes Evangelista Purkinje, a professor of anatomy and physiology, was the first person to classify fingerprints. He identified the 3 main categories, arches, loops and whorls, as well as identifying what he called tents, which are included within other categories today. Purkinje also proved that fingerprints were unique to every individual person and established the basis of modern fingerprinting techniques and classification.

 

Weapon analysis, especially firearm examination, is an example of a more recent form of field science, as forensic scientists use microscopes to identify the specific marks made on bullets and cartridges by certain guns to determine which weapon was fired. It also includes investigation of the position from which a bullet was fired, which requires the use of high-technology simulations, laser beams and observation of blood spatters and impact marks in order to determine the exact location of the firearm when the trigger was pulled.

laboratory

sciences

The analysis and identification of various biological and chemical evidence is almost all encompassed within laboratory science. This form of forensic science is much newer than the practices employed in field science, as forensic chemists and biologists utilise sophisticated technologies to:

  • differentiate between individuals based on their DNA (DNA profiling) through evidence gathered such as:

    • bodily fluids

    • skin samples

    • hair

  • analyse the presence, levels and effects of illicit and pharmaceutical drugs, alcohol and poisons in a victim or perpetrator’s body

  • scrutinise documents and handwriting samples

  • identify marks or indentations left at a crime scene

 

DNA profiling is a very recent technology that has had a massive impact on criminal prosecution, with many cold cases from the past being solved through the rapidly developing software which enables scientists to identify and convict individuals based on something as small as a hair left at a crime scene. Similarly to fingerprints, DNA is also unique to every individual and can be discovered through the smallest evidence, making it an essential tool for forensic scientists and criminal prosecutors in the future.

 

The presence of drugs, alcohol and/or poisons in the system of any party involved in a crime can have a large impact on criminal activity. Drugs and alcohol can impede the decisions and brain functions of individuals, which can cause them to either behave in a dangerous or unsafe way or to become easier targets for potential criminals. Poison is also a very negative substance as it can cause serious damage or death if put in the system of any person. Substances are checked and detected through various chemical tests such as microscopic evaluation, reactions to other chemicals and through indications given by certain reactants and are crucial in the conviction of any criminals who committed crimes relating to substance use.

forensic

medicine

The practice of forensic medicine is another very broad, more recent aspect of forensic science, encompassing numerous aspects of an investigation, such as:

  • pathology

    • involves post-mortem examinations which help to determine the cause of death

  • psychiatry and psychology

    • determines whether an individual has any mental illnesses and whether they are fit to stand trial or to be held accountable for their actions

  • odontology

    • analysis of dental matters, which assists in the identification of remains

  • anthropology

    • provides some information on injuries and gives an idea of what a victim would have looked like, as well as determining what kind of animal certain remains came from

  • entomology

    • study of insects found in bodies in order to discover the time and location/s of a body

 

Forensic medicine is a particularly big section of forensic investigation, as it includes many different aspects which help to determine the events of a crime. Psychiatry and psychology are two of the main aspects of forensic medicine which play a large part in determining if a criminal is in a mentally fit state to stand trial, as well as identifying whether they have any other mental illnesses or disabilities which may have affected their criminal history. This can have a large impact on the conviction of criminals as it can affect their sentence and whether they are convicted at all.

 

All of the other aspects of forensic medicine help to create a better picture of the events and setting of the crime, as pathology analyses the cause of death, odontology and anthropology assist in identifying victims and entomology helps determine approximately when a victim was killed and where their body may have been. This allows investigators to determine approximately where, when and how an individual was murdered, which is invaluable evidence in an investigation.

digital

evidence

The most recent and fastest-growing area of forensic science is digital forensics, as new technologies are being developed and introduced online every day. The evidence that is collected in this area includes:

  • audio and videotapes

  • voice and facial recognition

  • extraction of data from phones, computers, etc.

  • identification and eradication of hackers or harmful programs

  • location information on the area where certain messages or commands are coming from

 

Digital evidence is changing and growing every day and as computers and phones are becoming more complex, cybercriminals are also becoming smarter. The analysis of audio, video, voice and faces is essential in the prosecution of the new age of criminals in order to identify any criminals who may have exploited others online for personal gain and profit. This can allow for persecutors to be identified through any kind of photo or video that they have sent and allow for them to be shut down and held accountable.

 

Location tracking using IP addresses and other factors is another important aspect of digital forensics as hackers are also able to use this technology in order to steal confidential information from unsuspecting individuals. Officials use any information they can gain from cybercriminals in order to identify their location to detain them and prevent further crimes.

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