Crime Scene Investigation

The process of collecting, documenting, and analyzing evidence from a crime scene
Involves:
- Securing the scene to prevent contamination
- Documenting the scene through photography, videography, and notes
- Collecting physical evidence (e.g. hair, fibers, fingerprints, DNA)
- Identifying and preserving potential evidence
Crime scene investigators use various tools and techniques, including:
- Forensic lighting (e.g. UV, infrared) to enhance evidence visibility
- Casting and molding to preserve footprints and tire tracks
- Chemical enhancement to develop latent prints

The study of the effects of poisons and toxins on the human body
Involves:
- Analyzing biological samples (e.g. blood, urine, tissue) for toxic substances
- Identifying the type and amount of substance present
- Determining the source and route of exposure
Toxicologists use various techniques, including:
- Chromatography (e.g. GC, HPLC) to separate and identify compounds
- Spectroscopy (e.g. IR, MS) to analyze molecular structure
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect specific substances

The process of examining DNA samples to identify individuals or determine relationships
Involves:
- Extracting DNA from biological samples (e.g. blood, saliva, tissue)
- Amplifying DNA using PCR (polymerase chain reaction)
- Analyzing DNA profiles using STR (short tandem repeat) analysis
DNA analysis can be used for:
- Identifying suspects or victims
- Determining paternity or maternity
- Linking crimes through DNA evidence

The study of unique patterns found on an individual's fingers
Involves:
- Collecting and enhancing fingerprint evidence from crime scenes
- Comparing collected prints to known prints in databases
- Identifying individual characteristics (e.g. loops, whorls, arches)
Fingerprint analysis uses various techniques, including:
- Dusting and lifting to develop latent prints
- Chemical enhancement to develop latent prints
- Digital enhancement to improve print quality

The application of anthropological principles to aid in the identification of human remains
Involves:
- Analyzing skeletal remains to determine age, sex, ancestry, and stature
- Examining dental structures to determine age and identity
- Reconstructing facial features and appearance
Forensic anthropologists use various techniques, including:
- Osteology (the study of bones) to analyze skeletal remains
- Forensic odontology (the study of teeth) to analyze dental structures
- Craniofacial reconstruction to recreate facial features

Analyzing biological samples, such as blood, urine, and tissue, helps identify toxic substances
Toxicologists determine the type and amount of substance present and the source of exposure
Chromatography and spectroscopy are used to separate and identify compounds
ELISA is used to detect specific substances in biological samples

DNA is extracted from biological samples, such as blood, saliva, and tissue
PCR is used to amplify DNA, and STR analysis is used to examine DNA profiles
DNA analysis can identify individuals, determine relationships, and link crimes
DNA evidence can be used to identify suspects or victims and determine paternity or maternity

Fingerprint analysis involves collecting and enhancing fingerprint evidence from crime scenes
Comparing collected prints to known prints in databases helps identify individuals
Fingerprint analysis involves identifying individual characteristics, such as loops, whorls, and arches
Dusting, lifting, and chemical enhancement are used to develop latent prints

Analyzing skeletal remains determines age, sex, ancestry, and stature
Examining dental structures determines age and identity
Reconstructing facial features and appearance helps identify individuals
Osteology, forensic odontology, and craniofacial reconstruction are techniques used in forensic anthropology