Forensic Biotechnology

BIOT-3123

Introduction to Forensic
Science
Forensic Science and Crime Scene
Basics
What is Forensic Science?

An introduction to Forensic Science defines it as “The

application of science to those criminal and civil laws that
are enforced by the police agencies in a criminal justice
system”. Forensic Science deals with the application of the
knowledge and methodology of various disciplines of science to
legal matters.

It involves the use of multiple disciplines such as physics,

chemistry, biology, computer science and engineering for
evidence analysis. For instance, physics is used to understand
the pattern of a blood spatter, biology to establish the source of
an unidentified suspect and chemistry to determine the
composition of drugs. Thus, the role of forensic science in
criminal justice and the legal system is highly critical but is often
underrated.
Forensic Biology/DNA:
Apart from fingerprint analysis, DNA profiling is the other commonly
used forensic technique in criminal investigations. DNA being as unique
to an individual as fingerprints, help forensic professionals identify or
confirm an unidentified person, or to eliminate suspects from a list of
accused. The biological evidence most commonly used for DNA
profiling include blood, saliva, semen, skin, urine, and hair. However,
DNA fingerprints are usually never used as the single piece of evidence
in the court of law.
Forensic Odontology:

Forensic odontology helps in the identification of victims when the body is

left in an unrecognizable state.

This is achieved through an examination of their teeth, the alignment, and

overall structure of the mouth.

Forensic dentists or odontologists aid in the comparative identification of a

person by examining the development and anatomy of the teeth including
any restorative dental corrections such as filling.

It is often applied to criminal investigations for bite mark analysis.

Controlled Substances:

that are legally recognized as having the potential for abuse

are called controlled substances.

This includes “street drugs” such as ecstasy or heroin and

prescription drugs such as oxycodone.

The ability to detect and identify such controlled substances

plays a crucial role in aiding law enforcement agencies in
their fight against drug abuse and drug-based violence.
Forensic Toxicology:

Forensic Toxicology involves analysis of biological samples to check for the

presence of toxins and drugs. This branch of forensic science is of prime
importance in road accidents, poisoning, sexual violence etc.

The toxicology reports furnish key information about the nature of

substances present in an individual pertaining to an incidence. It also
determines whether the quantity of substances are normal as per a
therapeutic dosage or exceed the permissible level.

Since newer variants of drugs are developed each day, this branch of
forensic science is ever-evolving and demands up-to-date approach.
Forensic Anthropology:

This deals with the examination of compromised human

remains or skeletons to help determine the age, height,
gender, and ancestry.

It also helps establish the time since death by identifying and

examining injuries, if any.

These analyses give valuable leads to investigators on

identifying victims, especially in cases where the bodies are
beyond recognition
Forensic Pathology and Medicolegal
Forensic pathology is a branch of pathology that helps determine the cause
of death by examining a corpse.

Forensic medicine thus involves the collection and analysis of medical

samples to deduce facts admissible in the court of law.

For instance, identification of wound patterns can help determine the

weapon used to inflict the wound.

Additionally, forensic pathologists can examine exit and entry wounds in

deaths pertaining to the use of firearms or other projectiles.

A forensic pathologist can, therefore, draw crucial inferences on whether the

death is natural, criminal or accidental.

Impression and Pattern Evidence:
Impression evidence is the evidence created when two
objects come in contact with enough force to create an
“impression”.

This could involve a two-dimensional impression such as a

fingerprint or three-dimensional one such as the marks on a
bullet.

Pattern evidence analysis involves identification and analysis

of additional information within an impression. Impression and
pattern evidence when used in conjunction can help establish
vital links between a suspect/tool to a crime scene.
Trace Evidence:

Evidence such as fibers, soil, hair, gunshot residue, wood,

and pollen are some of the many examples of trace evidence.

It derives its name from its tendency to be easily transferrable

between objects, people or the environment during a crime.
Trace evidence often plays a pivotal role in establishing a
prime link between a suspect and the victim.

For instance, a soil sample obtained from the shoes of a

victim can give critical clues on the location of the crime and
thus help in tracing the perpetrator.
Cyber Forensics:

Cyber Forensics involves the analysis of evidence found in

computers and digital storage media like pen drives, hard
disks etc.

Its major objective is identifying, preserving, recovering,

analyzing, and presenting facts and opinions about the digital
information.

Although it is mostly used for the investigation of cyber crimes,

it also widely used in civil proceedings.
Ballistics:

Ballistics is a specialized forensic science that deals with the motion,

behavior, dynamics, angular movement and effects of projectiles,
such as bullets, rockets, missiles, bombs etc.

The use of ballistics in forensics is mainly in criminal investigations. For

instance, the examination of the bullet found at a crime scene can
reveal what type of gun was used to fire it and whether it is associated
with any other crime in the past.

In fact, ballistic details are documented in a large database that is

accessible by law enforcement agencies across the globe
 Crime Scene Vocabulary
CRIME SCENE: Any physical location in which a crime has occurred or is
suspected of having occurred.
 PRIMARY (preliminary) CRIME SCENE: The original
location of a crime or accident.
 SECONDARY CRIME SCENE: An alternate location
where additional evidence may be found.

SUSPECT: Person thought to be capable of committing a crime.

ACCOMPLICE: Person associated with someone suspected of committing

a crime.
ALIBI: Statement of where a suspect was at the time of a crime.

Source: http://www3.sc.maricopa.edu/ajs/crime_scene_technician.htm
 Types of Evidence
Testimonial (direct) evidence includes oral or written statements given
to police as well as court testimony by people who witnessed an event.

Physical evidence refers to any material items that would be present at

the crime scene, on the victims, or found in a suspect’s possession.

Trace evidence refers to physical evidence that is found in small but

measurable amounts, such as strands of hair, fibers, or skin cells.

What will evidence collected at a scene do for the investigation?

• May prove that a crime has been committed

• Establish key elements of a crime
• Link a suspect with a crime scene or a victim
• Establish the identity of a victim or suspect
• Corroborate verbal witness testimony
• Exonerate the innocent.
• Give detectives leads to work with in the case
Source: http://www3.sc.maricopa.edu/ajs/crime_scene_technician.htm
 Crime Scene Personnel
POLICE OFFICERS are typically the first to arrive at a crime scene.
They are responsible for securing the scene so no evidence is
destroyed and detaining persons of interest in the crime.

The CSI UNIT documents the crime scene in detail and collects any
physical evidence.

The DISTRICT ATTORNEY is often present to help determine if any

search warrants are required to proceed and obtains those warrants
from a judge.

The MEDICAL EXAMINER (if a homicide) may or may not be present

to determine a preliminary cause of death.

SPECIALISTS (forensic entomologists, anthropologists, or

psychologists) may be called in if the evidence requires expert analysis.

DETECTIVES interview witnesses and consult with the CSI unit. They
investigate the crime by following leads provided by witnesses and
physical evidence.
Source: http://science.howstuffworks.com/csi.htm
 Crime Scene Protocol
Step 1: Interview

The first step in investigating a crime scene is to interview the first officer at
the scene or the victim to determine what allegedly happened, what crime
took place, and how was the crime committed. This information may not be
factual information but it will give the investigators a place to start.

Step 2: Examine
The second step in the investigation of a crime scene, which will help identify
possible evidence, identify the point of entry and point of exit, and outline
the general layout of the crime scene.

Step 3: Document
The third step in the protocol involves creating a pictorial record of the scene
as well as a rough sketch to demonstrate the layout of the crime scene and
to identify the exact position of the deceased victim or other evidence
within the crime scene.

Step 4: Process
This is the last step in the protocol. The crime scene technician will process the
crime scene for evidence, both physical and testimonial evidence. It is the
crime scene technicians responsibility to identify, evaluate and collect
physical evidence from the crime scene for further analysis by a crime
laboratory.
Adapted from http://www.feinc.net/cs-proc.htm
 Forensic Science disciplines
Investigating the Evidence at
some State Police Crime
at the Crime Lab Labs

Drug Chemistry – Determines the presence of controlled

substances and the identification of marijuana
Trace Chemistry - Identification and comparison of
materials from fires, explosions, paints, and glass.
Microscopy – Microscopic identification and comparison of
evidence, such as hairs, fibers, woods, soils, building
materials, insulation and other materials.
Biology/DNA – Analysis of body fluids and dried stains
such as blood, semen, and saliva.
Toxicology – Tests body fluids and tissues to determine
the presence of drugs and poisons.
Source: http://www.isp.state.il.us/forensics/
 Investigating the Evidence at the
Crime Lab……

Latent Prints - Identification and comparison of fingerprints or other

hidden impressions from sources like feet, shoes, ears, lips or the
tread on vehicle tires.
Ballistics (Firearms) – Study of bullets and ammunition through the
comparison of fired bullets, cartridges, guns, and gunpowder patterns
on people and objects.
Toolmarks – Examines marks left by tools on objects at a crime scene
or on a victim, such as a hammer used to break a door or a
screwdriver used to pick a lock.
Questioned Documents - Examination of documents to compare
handwriting, ink, paper, writing instruments, printers, and other
characteristics that would help to identify its origin.
What evidence would you collect?
CSI = Crime scene investigators (CSIs) =evidence technician, crime scene
technician, forensic investigator, crime scene analyst, criminalistics officer
 o

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 Disciples in Forensic Science and Technology

27. Forensic Psychology

1.Computational Forensics 28. Forensic Science- Latest Research, Technology
2.Crime and Law and Innovation
3.Criminology 2.. Forensic Serology
4.Cyber Security Forensics (CSF) 30. Forensic Services and Market Analysis
5.Developmental Growth of Forensic Sciences 31. Forensic Sociology
6.Digital Forensic 32. Forensic Accounting
7.Entrepreneurs Investment Meet 33. Forensic Age Estimation
8.Environmental Forensic Tools 34. Forensic Anthropology
9.Fingerprint Analysis 35. Interdisciplinary approach in Forensic Sciences
10.Forensic Chemistry 36. Mobile Device Forensics
11.Forensic Toxicology 37. Modern Developments in Forensic Science
12.Forensic Dactyloscopy 38. Nuclear Forensics
13.Forensic DNA Analysis 3.. Questioned Documents
14.Forensic Engineering 40. Role of Psychology in Forensic Science
15.Forensic Entomology 41. Trace Evidence and Explosives
16.Forensic Epidemiology 42. Vehicle Forensics
17.Forensic Equipment and Market Analysis 43. Victimology
18.Forensic Firearm 44. Wild Life Forensic Science
19.Forensic Genetics 45. Forensic Biotechnology
20.Forensic Geology and Geophysics 46. Forensic Medicine
21.Forensic Investigation 47. Drone Forensics
22.Forensic Nursing
23.Forensic Odontology
24.Forensic Pathology
25.Forensic Diagnosis
26.Forensic Psychiatry
 The Roles of BIOTECHNOLOGIST
in FORENCIC SCIENCE

 Forensic Biotechnology,
 Forensic Genetics,
 DNA fingerprinting / DNA Profiling / DNA Testing;
 History of DNA fingerprinting;
 Ethics, Rules and Procedures
Meaning of Forensic Biotechnology:

Forensic science is a vital instrument for the detection or

investigation of crime and the administration of justice by
providing crucial information about the evidence found at the
crime scene.

Forensic biotechnology is an area of medical science that

experiences constant breakthrough every now and then

Forensic analysis of biological evidence using biotechnology

methods is increasingly important in criminal investigations.

Analysis of proteins in blood (serology), other body fluids and

body tissues are some of the traditional methods in forensic
analysis..
DNA forensics is now revolutionizing many aspects of criminal
investigation which include DNA fingerprinting, DNA foot
printing, DNA profiling, etc. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
analysis of DNA samples allows precise identifications to be
made from very tiny bits of evidence collected at the crime
scene.
Scope of Forensic Biotechnology:

Biotechnology is root of any DNA Forensics (Identification) application. It

helps in follow-ing:

1) Identify potential suspects whose DNA may match

evidence left at crime scene
2) Identify exonerate persons wrongly accused of crimes
3) Identify crime and catastrophe victims
4) Establish paternity and other family relationships
5) Identify endangered and protected species as an aid to
wildlife officials (could be used for prosecuting poachers)
6) Detect bacteria and other organisms that may pollute air,
water, soil, and food
7) Match organ donors with recipients in transplant programs
8) Determine pedigree for seed or livestock breeds
9) Authenticate consumables such as caviar and wine
The following two techniques are commonly used in the area of
forensic medicine mostly in resolving legal issues:

(a) DNA Fingerprinting using Mini-Satellite DNA:

The DNA fingerprinting method was developed by Alec

Jeffreys and his colleagues in the year 1985-86. In this
tech-nique, DNA is isolated from the blood stains, semen or
hair roots and then sub-jected to southern blotting and DNA
hybridization with the help of specific DNA probes.

The probes correspond to hyper- variable mini-satellites in

DNA which in turn is made up of tandem repeats of short
sequences. This technique helps in the identification of
criminals, rapists and other accused individuals using the
blood stains, semen stains, etc. on the victim’s clothes or
body. It will also help in solving the parental issues in case of
doubtful par-entage.
(b) Autoantibody Fingerprinting using Dipsticks:

Autoantibodies are a class of antibodies that react with

cellular components in humans and other animal species.
These human autoantibodies increase in number from birth up
to the age of two years after which they remain constant for
decades, if not lifelong.

The complement of these antibodies present in an individual is

unique and for this reason they have been named Individual
Specific Autoantibodies. These autoantibodies when
physically separated comprise an antibody fingerprint that
serves to identify certain people of interest. For this purpose
body fluids such as blood, semen, tears, saliva and
perspiration can also be used.
 BIOTECHNOLOGY
IN