Crime Scene Investigation

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

Toxicology

• 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

DNA Analysis

• 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

Fingerprints

• 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

Forensic Anthropology

• 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

Crime Scene Investigation

• Securing the crime scene is crucial to prevent contamination of evidence
• Documenting the crime scene involves photography, videography, and notes
• Physical evidence collected includes hair, fibers, fingerprints, and DNA
• Identifying and preserving potential evidence is a critical step in the process

Toxicology

• 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 Analysis

• 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

Fingerprints

• 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

Forensic Anthropology

• 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