The Science of judicial inquiries

by: Andrew Green

The science of forensic investigation has been around for hundreds of years. Over the past hundred years however, Forensic investigation has developed and the progress that has been made is astounding. The art of forensic investigation is used every day on crime scenes throughout the world. A judicial inquiry refers to the investigation of a crime scene. An investigator from the crime scene recreates the crime scene, analyzing evidence and carefully documenting each of their conclusions. If one piece of evidence is documented incorrectly, it could put all the criminal case in jeopardy, perhaps setting a criminal free to run the streets.

The crime scene investigators are specially trained members of the police. They are the first on the scene of a crime, and only they can release the property or information once the investigation is completed. There are different types of forensics that fall into the category of forensic investigation. The simplest type of forensics is fingerprint. At this moment a crime scene investigator gathers finger print evidence at a crime scene and analyzes it for a match of fingerprints.

Perhaps the most recognized form of forensic investigation of DNA testing. This test is done by testing physical evidence such as secretions or blood from a crime scene and tests to determine if it belongs to the victim. It does the sample show some genetic markers, including blood type of person unknown. In such cases of assault, robbery, rape and murder, an experienced investigator crime scene is crucial. They are trained in what to look for and how to test the evidence. Even the smallest piece of dust or hair can provide a wealth of information to a trained interviewer. A single hair found at the crime scene can literally tell the investigator if they are looking for a male or female, or if the hair belongs to an animal.

An investigator from the medico-legal can take a half eaten apple and use the bite marks as identification, the sort of finger prints as well catch a criminal who believes he or they are left with a criminal act. A forensic investigator not only investigates the murder scenes, their services are also used to detect forgeries by handwriting analysis, and analysis of water purity.

Performing a forensic investigation is a long and complicated process. Every inch of a crime scene needs to be processed, starting with the collection of evidence of fingerprints of every inch of the crime scene. Once the fingerprinting is done, the more difficult task of collecting every bit of dirt, dust, paper, clothing, fluid samples and all that is on the scene. Often it takes weeks to process an entire crime scene.

AC Forensics explores the world of forensics and criminal investigations.

About the author

AC Forensics explores the world of forensics and criminal investigations.