Introduction to Forensic Science Chapter 1 Introduction to Forensic Science

What is Forensic Science? Crash Course- The Real Science

Why Forensic Science Many want to solve problems/puzzles – detective Science has proven to be an important tool Increase among high school and college students in the study of forensic science Criminology: the scientific study of crime and criminals. Forensics: scientific tests or techniques used in connection with the detection of crime.

Forensic Science Forensic Science: is the application of science to those criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system.

History and Development Mitchell and Webb Look

- Sherlock Holmes Sherlock Holmes: is a famous fictional detective of the late 19th century, created by British author and physician Arthur Conan Doyle. Applied the principles of serology the scientific study or examination of blood serum- bloodily fluids Fingerprinting Fire-arm identification Questioned-document examination

History: AD 66: Nero (Roman Emperor) murders his wife and presents her head on a dish to his mistress. She identifies the head as Nero’s wife by two discolored front teeth. 1149: King Richard I of England creates the job of coroner to investigate questionable deaths. Coroner: an official who investigates violent, sudden, or suspicious deaths.

Society- Criminology Crash Course- Sociology

Basic Services Physical Science Department: Applies the principles and techniques of: Chemistry Physics Geology Identify and compare crime-scene evidence Drugs Glass Paint Explosives Soil

Biology Unit: Biologists and biochemists Identification and DNA profiling of dried bloodstains and other bodily fluids Comparison of hairs and fibers Identification and comparison of botanical materials Wood Plants

Firearms Unit: Examination of firearms, discharged bullets, cartridge cases, shotgun shells, and ammunition of all types. Also exam garments and other items To detect firearm discharge residue Approximate the distance from a target at which a weapon was fired The basic principles of firearm examination are also applied to the comparison of marks made by tools

Document Examination Unit: Handwriting Typewriting Analysis of paper and ink Examination of indented writings Obliterations Erasures Burned or charred documents

Other Units Photography Unit: Examine and record physical evidence Aids in the preparation of photographic exhibits for the courtroom presentations

Optional Services : Full-Service Crime Lab Toxicology Unit: Examine body fluids and organs Determine presence or absence of drugs or poison Training of operators of the Intoxilyzer (determines the alcoholic consumption of an individual) Latent Fingerprint Unit Polygraph Unit

Optional Services : Full-Service Crime Lab Voiceprint Analysis Unit: Cases involving telephone threats or tape-recorded messages Use of a sound spectrograph: an instrument that transforms speech into visual graphic display (voiceprint) Evidence-Collection Unit: Special trained personnel (civilian and/or police) that collect and preserve physical evidence from the crime scene

In addition: Forensic pathology Forensic anthropology Toxicology Odontology DNA Forensic botany Forensic Engineering Computer Forensics Impressions specialist Soil Analyst Forensic Entomologist Document Analysis Hair/Fiber/Paint Analysis Ballistics Serology Trace Evidence Specialist Arson/Explosives Expert Fingerprints Forensic Vet