Consider the following statement: “Good Scientific evaluation of evidence can always overcome the results of a poorly conducted crime scene investigation.” Is this true or false? Turn and talk with your table partner and discuss why you think it is true or false

Forensic Science Laboratories

Forensic Science Laboratories The science of forensics is recognized as a critical ingredient in law enforcement and the solution of crimes. Protecting a crime scene from contamination and gathering and interpreting evidence accurately have become some of the most critical ingredients in crime-solving

Basic Forensic Services: There is a great diversity and quality of services among crime laboratories Most forensic laboratories offer the following basic services Physical Science Unit (Trace evidence) Biology Unit (Serology/DNA) Firearms Unit (Ballistic) Document Examination Unit Photography Unit Basic Forensic Services:

So what kind of job might a forensic scientist do?

Evidence Collection Unit “Bag it and Tag it” Specially trained personnel that collects and preserves crime scene evidence Evidence Collection Unit

Photography Unit Records the crime scene and physical evidence Prepares courtroom presentations Photography Unit

Photographing physical evidence High speed photograph of simulated blood droplet Photographing physical evidence

Evidence Storage Essential to Maintain the “Chain of Custody”

Think Pair-Share (1 minute) (1 minute) Think-Pair-Share What kind of qualities do people need to have if they worked in those units? Pair-Share (1 minute) Turn to your table partner and share your thoughts

Tool for the criminal investigator Lie Detector Test Tool for the criminal investigator Frye Principle determined this evidence not admissible in court Polygraph Unit

A case discussing the admissibility of polygraph test as evidence. The Court in Frye held that expert testimony must be based on scientific methods that are sufficiently established and accepted Frye v. United States

Used in telephoned threats or tape recorded messages Voiceprint Analysis

Evaluating an individual's competency to stand trial, defenses based on mental diseases or defects (e.g., the "insanity" defense) Sentencing recommendations Consultation and training to law enforcement, criminal justice and correctional systems Forensic Psychiatry

Forensic Engineering investigate materials, products, structures or components that fail or do not operate/function as intended, causing personal injury

Applies principles and techniques of Chemistry, Physics and Geology Physical Sciences Applies principles and techniques of Chemistry, Physics and Geology Firearms /Ballistics Trace Evidence Drug Testing/Identification Document Examination Fingerprint Arson

Forensic Chemistry/ Drug Testing and Identification One of the busiest units in a forensic science laboratory Using various chemical techniques chemists identify drugs accurately and rapidly for law enforcement agencies

Drug Testing/Identification

Deals with the analysis of both microscopic and macroscopic traces of physical evidence. Include hairs, fibers, paint, soil, polymers, glass, and impressions Trace Evidence

A forensic scientist examining sheets for trace evidence.

Examines: Firearms /Ballistics Firearms Bullets Cartridge cases Shotgun shells Ammunition Garments for residues

Firearms /Ballistics Comparison Microscope http://science.howst uffworks.com/revolve r2.htm

Think Pair-Share (1 minute) (1 minute) Think-Pair-Share What kind of qualities do people need to have if they worked in those units? Pair-Share (1 minute) Turn to your table partner and share your thoughts

Document Examination Studies the authenticity of documents

Fingerprint Analysis Processes and examines evidence for fingerprints Prints are developed and/or enhanced using various powders, chemical, and illumination techniques. These prints are then visually compared to known inked fingerprints of a suspect or victim, or entered into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System, (AFIS).

Performs fire debris analyses Attempt to determine whether or not a flammable liquid was employed as an accelerant at a fire scene. (i.e., gasoline, charcoal lighter fluid, kerosene, etc.). Arson

On the back of the Do Now: Of the labs we learned today, which one do you think is the most interesting and why?

Biological Science Medical Examiners/Forensic Pathology Serology/DNA Toxicology Forensic Anthropology Forensic Entomology Forensic Odontology Biological Science

Medical Examiners/ Forensic Pathology Conduct autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death

Scientist apply their knowledge of identification of DNA to profiling: Dried Blood samples Various body fluids Serology/DNA

Toxicology is the Science of Poisons Perform toxicology testing on: Autopsy Cases DWI Drug Facilitated Rape Toxicology

Forensic Anthropology The application of the science of physical anthropology and human skeleton. Most often in criminal cases where the victim's remains are more or less skeletonized. A forensic anthropologist assist in the identification of deceased individuals whose remains are decomposed, burned, mutilated or otherwise unrecognizable. Forensic Anthropology

Forensic Entomology is the use of the insects, and their arthropod relatives that inhabit decomposing remains to aid legal investigations http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/crimescene/cri mescene.html Forensic Entomology

Forensic dentistry or forensic odontology examination and evaluation of dental evidence May determine the age and identification of the person to whom the teeth belong using dental records or ante-mortem photographs. Bite marks, left on either the victim (by the attacker), the perpetrator (from the victim of an attack), or on an object found at the crime scene. Bite marks are often found on children who are abused. Forensic Odontology