Forensic science is the application of science to law. It entails the use of these scientific processes and methods in combating crimes. There are several branches of forensic science, such as entomology, pathology, odontology, criminalistics, psychology, geology, computing, anthropology, and chemistry. Forensic science comes out handy during the investigation of fires, trace evidence, toxicology, crime investigation and forensic biology among others. The society has become more reliant on the laws governing the activities of its members. This 123helpme paper writing will discuss the application of forensic science in crime scene investigation.
This branch of forensic science was selected due to the several advancements in the forensic sector, thus leading to significant changes in criminal and victim cases. Just before the 1950s, police reports and case files were mainly done on paper for evidence collection. However, after the 1950s, nearly 2500 computers were introduced in America that helped in the storage of data. Each computer is fitted with a digital fingerprint where officials can see everyone visiting a site and the time spent on it. This technology has been used extensively in tracking child predators who have been avoiding the arm of the law.
Quite often, investigation of any crime begins at the point at which the crime has been committed. This is because the investigators need to protect the crime scene by isolating and securing the area. According to Genge, there is a need to protect the “physical evidence” from any destruction since it will be vital in linking the crime and the victim. During the investigation of crimes, a crime scene technician should be present. This is because crime scene requires experts who will be able to analyze the physical evidence, which is later photographed before it is taken to a laboratory for examination purposes.
Forensic crime scene investigators are tasked with the responsibility of interviewing witnesses and gathering information from the police. They have also been trained on how to manage information that is released to the public. For instance, in cases of road accidents, murder or robbery with violence, forensic crime scene investigators are required to sieve information. According to Dutelle , this may help in avoiding issues that possibly will endanger the investigation process by leaking vital information to the perpetrators of crime. Furthermore, once all the necessary information has been collected and analyzed, forensic experts liaise with the prosecutor to ascertain whether the case can take a legal direction.
Another vital skill required of forensic experts is the ability to conduct DNA analysis that is used in the linking of evidence to an individual. Based on various circumstantial events, DNA analysis can be used to solve a technical case. For instance, the DNA analysis system can be applied in a case where a woman is reported missing, and further information reveals that she was last seen entering a car. The owner of the car then denies this fact. Forensic scientists will be forced to ransack the car for any fibers, hair or any other material that may be used to identify the woman. This would help in establishing whether the woman died in the car or not, since the presence of hair in the car points to some kind of struggle. The owner of the car would then be apprehended.
In spite of the numerous issues of forensic concern, crime scene investigation still remains a challenge to experts. Although the forensic sector has experienced radical changes, conducting crime scene investigations requires a lot of training and expertise due to the logistics involved. For instance, it is vital to get substantial information from all the parties concerned to ensure the success of prosecuting a case. However, the application of forensic science in crime investigation made it easy to conduct cases in the most professional way.