Introduction to Forensic Sciences
The implementation of scientific tools and procedures in criminal investigations is known as forensic science.
it requires gathering, preserving, analyzing and presenting evidence in a legal setting.
A wide range of scientific fields, as:
- biology
- chemistry
- physics
- toxicology
They are re used by forensic scientists to analyze evidence and give expert testimony.
instruments and techniques such as:
- DNA analysis
- Fingerprint Identification
- Ballistics
- Toxicology
-> Forensic scientists need to guarantee that evidence is gathered, stored and examined in a way that aligns with ethical standards and take precautions against any potential biases that can affect their workd and be conscious of them
Evidence rely on scientific principles:
- Biology (bloodstain pattern, DNA )
- Chemistry (toxicology, drug, trace)
- Physic (physical, accident reconstruction, ballistics)
- Toxicology (lethal or harmful chemicals)
- Geology (GPS, soil)
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Aspects of organization security.
* IT Security:
1- Application Security
2- Computing Security
3- Data Security
4- Information Security
* Physical Security:
1- Facilities Security
2- Human Security
3- Border Security
4- Biometric Security
* Financial Security:
1- Security from frauds
2- Phishing attacks
3- Botnets
4- Threat from cyber criminals
5- Credit card fraud
* legal security
1- National Security
2- Public Security
3- Defamation
4- Copyright information
5- Sexual harassment
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its application:
1- Scientific application: in order to evaluat the evidence, forensic science uses scientific procedures and methods.
2- Crime investigation: aiding in the investigation of crimes is its main objective.
3- Evidence analysis: is the process of gathering, preserving and examining different kinds of evidence.
4- Criminal justice: The criminal justice system heavily relies on forensic sciences.
5- Biological evidence: Blood, semen, saliva, hair, and other body fluids.
6- Physical evidence: fibers, tire tracks, footprints, fingerprints and other tangible items.
7- Trace evidence: Tiny fragments of materials like paint, glass, gunshot residue.
8- Digital evidence or EE(Electronic Evidence): is information kept on computers, smartphones, hard drives and otther electronic devices.
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History of Forensic Science
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Google the following that includes historical figures in forensic science.
- Chinese fingerprints
- Song Ci
- Nicolo Fortunato
- Ambroise Paré
- Mathieu Orfila
- Andreas Vesalius
- James Marsh
- Alphonse Bertillon
- Sir Edward Henry
- Pathologist Karl Landsteiner
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Additional to:
-> DNA Analysis methods were developed in the 1970s, and this had a significant influence on forensic science.
-> Forensic evidence analysis using computers, including DNA and fingerprint analysis began in 1980s.
->21st century new methods of assessing digital evidence are being develiped, and artificial intelligence (AI) is being employed in forensic investigations.
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Branches of Forensic Science
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- Forensic Anthropology: the study of human remains, including identification, cause and time of death.
example scenario: Based on the skeletal traits of the victim, forensic anthropologists were able to ascertain the victim's age, sex, and approximate height from the remains that were discovered at the murder scene
- Forensic Biology: The study of biological evidence (DNA,blood,semen...etc)
example scenario: Using a sample of semen recovered from the crime scene, forensic biologists were able to identify the suspect's DNA in the rape and murder of a young woman.
- Forensic serology: the analysis of biological fluids including blood and semen.
example scenario: from a sample of blood obtained at the crime scene, forensic serologists were able to determine the blood type of culprint in the case of a sexual assault.
- Forensic Chemistry: the study of chemicals such as explosives, poisons, and medicines.
example scenario: forensic chemists were able to identify the poison used and establish the deadly dose in a suspected poisoning.
- Forensic dentistry: the process of identifying people from their dental records
example scenario: forensic dentists were able to identify multiple victims in an aircraft accident case where many bodies were discovered by matching dental data to tooth pictures.
- Forensic pathology: the examination of deceased people to ascertain their cause of death.
example scenario: using the victim s injuries as a guide, forensic pathologists were able to establish the cause of death in a case of suspected homicide.
- Forensic toxicology: the study of poisons and other chemical in the body
example scenario: forensic toxicologists were able to identify the chemical that caused the death and establish the lethal dose in the event of a suspected overdose.
- Digital forensics: is a specialized field that focuses on digital evidence. known as DFIR
~ identification
~ gathering
~ inspection
~ analysis
=> OF data while upholding the rigorous chain of custody for those prospective data sources and protecting the integrity of the information.
DFIR:
DF(Digital Forensics): locate and analyze electronic data for use in investigations | locate protect evaluate summarise info on digital evidence that are discovered during a legal probe.
IR(Incident Response): handling and reacting to cyberthreats or security occurrences in order to limit damage and cut down on expenses and recovery time.
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Importance of forensic science in criminal investigations
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The evidence provided by forensic science is vital to the criminal justice system because it can be used to
1. Identify suspects
2. Convict guilt
3. Discharge innocent people
4. Prevent crimes
Note: Forensic scientists need to be mindful of several ethical considerations.
such as:
1. Objective
2. Competent
3. Professionalism
4. Integrity
5. Confidentiality
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