intro to forensic science 8.20.14. what is forensic science?
TRANSCRIPT
Intro to Forensic Science
8.20.14
What is Forensic Science?
What is Forensic Science?
• “The application of science to the criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system.”
• Few techniques of forensic science are unique to the field. Rather, it borrows from biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and anthropology for the above purpose.
Crime Investigations
• While Forensic Science may start at the scene of the crime, most work takes place in the crime lab.
Crime Laboratories
• First established in 1923 in LA.
• FBI established first federal crime lab in 1932
• Most cities now have their own crime labs…why???
Crime Lab Services
• Physical Science Unit: Applies principles of chemistry, physics, and geology to the identification and comparison of physical evidence from crime scene. Examples: Drugs, glass, paint, explosives, soil, fibers, etc.
Lab Services, cont.
• Biology Unit: Performs DNA analysis, identifies bloodstains and other bodily fluids, identifies and compares botanical materials, compares hairs and other natural fibers.
Lab Services, cont.
• Firearms Unit: Examines firearms, discharged bullets, cartridge cases, shotgun shells, and ammunition.
Lab Services, cont.
• Document Examination Unit: Analyzes handwriting, paper, checks, and printers of documents.
Lab Services, cont.
• Photography Unit: Examines and records physical evidence at the crime scene, suspect’s location, and within crime lab
Additional Specialized Units
• Toxicology Unit: Examines organs and fluids to determine presence and identification of drugs or poisons.
• Fingerprint Unit: Processes and examines latent fingerprints.
Additional Specialized Units
• Polygraph Unit: Lie detector tests
• Voiceprint Analysis Unit: Analyze telephone or other vocal messages for individual, location, etc.