Crime and crime scene investigations are the main factors that contribute to the significance of forensic science. But have you ever been curious to know what is forensic science, how did it begin, when did forensic methods get their start, what is the role of forensic science, etc.
When you hear the term "forensic investigator," what immediately springs to mind? Doesn't your brain instantly picture wearing latex gloves and aviators?
Immediately, images of sophisticated computers, UV lights, and upscale equipment-equipped criminal laboratories come to mind. Well, we see such scenes and images in the modern day crimes shows.
Interested to know what is forensic science, its historical development and its evolutions over the ages? We have the answers right here.
Forensic Science: Meaning
The application of scientific techniques or knowledge to criminal investigations or the analysis of evidence that may be offered in court is known as forensic science. From anthropology and animal forensics to fingerprint and DNA analysis, forensic science encompasses a wide range of fields. Despite representing a variety of fields, forensic scientists all deal with the same problems. How can you be confident that forensic techniques yield accurate findings? How can you accurately and comprehensibly convey results to a jury or other non-experts? How can you stay current with emerging technologies without letting casework suffer? To guarantee that forensic science continues to be a potent force in favor of justice and public safety, it is imperative that these and other issues be addressed.
Key Milestones in the Development of Forensic Science
In India, the use of science and technology for crime detection, investigation, and justice administration is not new. In some manner, scientific procedures appear to have been used in the investigation of crimes, even if our forefathers were unaware of forensic science in its current form. About 2300 years ago, Kautilya wrote a book called "Arthashastra," which has a thorough reference to it. Thousands of years ago, Indians observed different patterns of the papillary lines. They utilized fingerprints as signatures and are said to have been aware of their uniqueness and persistence.
Finger Print Bureau
The English scientist Sir Francis Galton studied fingerprints in great detail in the 1890s. He came to the conclusion that every fingerprint is permanent and distinct. Because of his efforts, fingerprints were generally acknowledged as a trustworthy means of identification and were often used in criminal investigations by the early 20th century. This development improved the precision with which law enforcement could connect suspects to crime sites.
Footprint Section of Criminal Investigation Department
In order to assist police authorities in identifying perpetrators by analyzing footprints taken from the crime site, the CID, Government of Bengal, formed a Footprint Section in 1915. In his book "Bombay City Police," SM Edwardes documented the following example of how footmarks are used in police operations. Indian constables have made a name for themselves on several occasions by displaying professional acumen and fearlessness. A Hindu constable's action, noticing on a piece of furniture the marks of a foot with particular peculiarities that he recalled seeing in the foot of an ex-offender, was the only reason for the discovery of a burglary in the showroom of an English company.
Ballistics Laboratory
In order to handle the testing of weapons, the Calcutta Police established a tiny ballistic laboratory and hired an Arms Expert in 1930. Other State CIDs also set up tiny ballistics labs to aid in criminal investigations as the threat posed by weapons increased.
DNA Profiling: A Breakthrough in Identification
In the 1980s, the discovery of DNA profiling was one of the most important advances in contemporary forensic research. DNA profiling and analysis, which was created by Dr. Alec Jeffreys, uses genetic material to identify people remarkably accurately. Since its initial use in a criminal case in 1986, it has developed into one of the most potent instruments for forensic investigations, cold case resolution, innocent person exoneration, and identity verification.
Digital Forensics: Solving Crimes in the Digital Age
The demand for digital forensic techniques to look into cybercrimes has increased along with technological advancements. Data recovery, analysis, and interpretation from electronic devices, including computers, cell phones, networks, and other digital devices, are all part of digital forensics. It is useful in situations involving identity theft, fraud, and cyber attacks. As social media and the internet grow in popularity, digital forensics is developing quickly to meet new demands in the handling of digital evidence.
Advances in Forensic Imaging and Virtual Autopsies
When traditional autopsy methods are not practical, forensic imaging technologies like CT scans and MRIs have also become useful tools. Virtual autopsies perform examine bodies non-invasively using these imaging techniques and provide detailed views of internal injuries and conditions. This advancement is especially helpful in preserving evidence and providing additional insights.
Certain Forensic Science Technology Used in Modern World
More than 22,000 scholarly articles describing significant developments in forensic science have been published since 2020. These include new forensic science technology and techniques for evaluating evidence in well-established fields as well as innovative technology. Because of these advancements, it is becoming more difficult for criminals to evade forensic experts' discovery. The list is as follows:
| Technology | Description |
|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | Digital forensics, crime scene analysis, fingerprint comparison, and photo analysis are just a few of the forensic fields where artificial intelligence is becoming more and more prevalent. Recent developments in AI technology guarantee that the analysis satisfies the exacting requirements that courts demand. |
| Automated Firearm Identification | Within a network, weapon and tool marks may be easily shared, compared, and automatically identified thanks to Forensic Technology's Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS). IBIS offers useful data for forensic investigation by utilizing cutting-edge 3D imaging and comparison techniques. |
| Blood Pattern Analysis Software | In forensic science, new software is being used to analyze bloodstains in order to recreate crime scenes. Although more investigation and verification are required to satisfy court admissibility requirements, this program approximates the Area(s) of Origin (AO) of bloodletting incidents. |
| Carbon Dot Powders | Fingerprints are treated with fluorescent powder, which makes them glow when exposed to UV light, making analysis simpler. By raising the contrast, this method makes fingerprints more visible, which improves recognition and detection. |
| Foldscope | Cheap paper microscopes are used in forensic research to make on-the-spot analyses of forensic materials including dirt, hair, and blood. These paper microscopes provide first findings that support law enforcement inquiries and lessen backlogs in forensic labs. |
Role of Forensic Science in Modern Investigations
By examining and locating everything at the crime scene, forensics can assist in investing crime. Numerous pieces of evidence, both big and little, are produced by this impact trail and can be quite helpful in an investigation.
DNA Analysis
Although DNA analysis is the newest of these three forensic techniques, most people likely think of it first because of television programs like "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." The first step toward identifying specific individuals based on their genetic makeup was the complete sequencing of DNA, which was only accomplished in 1977. This ultimately resulted in the groundbreaking use of DNA in a successful criminal conviction in the United States in 1987.
Fingerprint Matching
Our fingerprints have long been known to be distinctive. Even the use of fingerprints to sign clay tablets in ancient Mesopotamia has been documented. Francisca Rojas of Buenos Aries is thought to have been the first person convicted of a crime based on fingerprint evidence in 1892. The natural oils on our skin leave fingerprints on flat surfaces, and forensics professionals still utilize a 19th-century process called "dusting" using fine powder to collect fingerprints.
Forensic Psychology
Forensic psychologists examine the intangible hints that a person may have had about a crime and attempt to provide a solution to the age-old puzzle of why individuals behave in certain ways. By often testifying as expert witnesses in court, forensic psychologists help to close the gap between mental health and legal processes. They conduct interviews with victims, defendants, and witnesses in order to evaluate mental health, analyze behavior, and offer insights that help guide choices about treatment and sentence.
Forensic document examination
The forensic science field of forensic document examination, also referred to as "questioned document examination," uses scientific methods and procedures to examine documents in order to ascertain their legitimacy, provenance, authorship, or any modifications. Finding a document's author, assessing its legitimacy, and spotting any changes or forgeries are the main objectives of FDE. Contracts, wills, cheques, handwritten and typed letters, and even digital files are all included in the broad category of FDE papers. Among the many methods and tools used by forensic document examiners are handwriting, ink, and paper analysis, as well as the inspection of writing devices and printing procedures.
Forensic Education and Career Pathways
A bachelor's degree in forensic science, criminology, or a similar discipline may be the first step toward a career in forensics. A master's degree or certification in digital forensics or DNA analysis may be the next step.
Education and Training:
- Undergraduate: A Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Forensic Science or a related field is a good way to start.
- Graduate: To improve your employment possibilities and acquire specialized expertise, get a Master's degree in forensic science or a similar discipline.
Specialization:
Specializations include forensic pathology, toxicology, digital forensics, and DNA analysis.
- Forensic Certificate Courses: Pursue forensic certificate courses from the Indian Council of Forensic Science (ICFS), forensic DNA analysis, the certificates in forensic toxicology, and forensic pathology.
- Practical Experience: Participate in seminars or internships to obtain real-world experience.
Career Paths:
- Forensic Scientist
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Forensic Lab Analyst
- Digital Forensic Analyst
- Forensic Pathologist
- Forensic Psychologist
- Forensic Accountant
- Forensic Structural Engineer
- Forensic Nurse
- Forensic Document Examination
- Forensic Autopsy Technique
- Private Forensic & Investigation
The popularity of crime-solving television series has attracted a lot of students to this fascinating area. Thankfully, students may explore the world of crime laboratories and courtroom testimony with the aid of a range of forensic certificate programs.
Myths and Misconceptions about Forensic Science
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions regarding forensic science, despite its significance. Let's examine a few of the most prevalent ones:
Every forensic scientist is works in law enforcement
The idea that all forensic scientists are employed by law enforcement is among the most widespread fallacies regarding the field. In actuality, only 15% of forensic scientists are employed by government organizations like the FBI or police departments. Most forensic scientists are employed in private labs, where they may carry out a range of duties include evaluating questioned papers, testing for toxins, or analyzing evidence from crime scenes.
The goal of forensic science is to solve crimes
Although it's frequently linked to criminal investigation, forensic science has other applications. In actuality, forensic science may be used to a number of tasks, including document authentication, identifying human remains, and figuring out the cause of death. Forensic science has many applications, but solving crimes is undoubtedly one of them.
Forensic Scientists Solve Cases
The idea that forensic scientists can always solve crimes is another widespread misunderstanding about the field. The truth is that forensic science is not flawless, and in certain situations, there just isn't enough evidence to draw a firm decision. The most a forensic scientist can do in these situations is to offer investigators information that could be helpful.
The Accuracy of Forensic Science Remains Constant
As previously stated, the accuracy of forensic science is not always perfect. This is due to the fact that a large number of forensic science techniques rely more on interpretation and judgment than on concrete facts.
Forensic experts, for instance, would consider variables like body temperature and rigor mortis when determining the time of death, although these are only approximations. Furthermore, there is always a margin of error when examining fingerprints.
Conclusion
From archaic techniques like fingerprint recognition in ancient India to the sophisticated digital and DNA-based investigations of the current day, forensic science has seen a remarkable evolution. Its history—from the pages of Kautilya's Arthashastra to modern tools like cyber forensics and virtual autopsies—emphasizes its ever growing significance in the fight for justice. Every significant development, from the creation of ballistics and fingerprint labs to the advent of psychological profiling and questioned document analysis, has improved the precision, dependability, and legitimacy of criminal investigations.
The methods and strategies used to combat crime must also change as it does. For people who are motivated by curiosity, reason, and a desire to change the world, forensic science continues to be at the nexus of science and law, providing a bright and significant professional path. Forensic science provides access to a world where the truth always leaves a trace and facts speak louder than conjecture, regardless of whether you're motivated by a passion for science and justice or by crime dramas.