Forensic Science and Technology Advancement - DRX Deepak Jatav / Aayushi Namdev
Forensic Science and Technology Advancement - DRX Deepak Jatav / Aayushi Namdev
Forensic Science and Technology Advancement - DRX Deepak Jatav / Aayushi Namdev
20th Century: Forensic science gained widespread 21st Century: The 21st century brought further
acceptance and specialization during the 20th century. advancements, especially in the realm of technology. DNA
Advances in areas such as ballistics, toxicology, and analysis continued to evolve, and digital forensics became
serology marked this period. DNA profiling, a integral to investigations involving electronic devices.
groundbreaking development, emerged in the 1980s and Forensic science expanded to address emerging challenges in
revolutionized forensic identification. cybercrime and terrorism.
Milestones in the development of
Forensic Techniques
Introduction of Autopsy (13th Century): The practice of conducting post-mortem
examinations, or autopsies, began to gain acceptance in the 13th century. This laid the groundwork for
understanding the causes of death and gathering evidence from the deceased.
Introduction of Ballistics (Late 19th Century): The study of ballistics, which involves the analysis of
firearms, bullets, and cartridge cases, became an essential forensic technique. Experts could match bullets to specific
firearms, aiding in the identification of weapons used in crimes.
Milestones in the development of
Forensic Techniques
Development of DNA Profiling (1980s): The advent of DNA profiling, also known as DNA fingerprinting,
revolutionized forensic science. Sir Alec Jeffreys developed the technique in the 1980s, allowing for highly accurate
identification and individualization of biological evidence.
Advancements in Digital Forensics (Late 20th Century–Present): With the rise of digital technology,
digital forensics became crucial in investigating crimes involving computers and electronic devices. Analysis of digital
evidence, including computer files, emails, and network activity, plays a significant role in modern forensic
investigations.
Forensic Anthropology and Odontology (20th Century): Forensic anthropology, the study of human
remains, and forensic odontology, the examination of dental evidence, became specialized fields within forensic science,
contributing to the identification of individuals in various contexts.
Traditional Forensic
Methods
Traditional forensic methods refer to the established and
widely practiced techniques that have been used for many
years in the field of forensic science. These methods have
evolved over time, and while newer technologies have been
introduced, traditional methods remain fundamental to
forensic investigations.
Overview of Conventional
Method
Fingerprint Analysis:
•Overview: The examination and comparison of ridge patterns, minutiae points, and other features in fingerprints.
•Purpose: Identification of individuals based on unique fingerprint patterns.
Ballistics Analysis:
•Overview: Examination of firearms, bullets, and cartridge cases to determine the type of weapon used and match bullets to specific
firearms.
•Purpose: Linking firearms to crime scenes and identifying the source of fired projectiles.
Forensic Toxicology:
•Overview: Analysis of bodily fluids and tissues to detect the presence of drugs, poisons, or toxins.
•Purpose: Determining the role of substances in a person's death or impairment
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis:
•Overview: Study of the size, shape, distribution, and pattern of bloodstains to reconstruct events at a crime scene.
•Purpose: Providing insights into the dynamics of an incident, including the direction and force of an impact.
Overview of Conventional
Method
DNA Analysis:
•Overview: Examination of DNA profiles to identify individuals or establish biological relationships.
•Purpose: Establishing the identity of individuals, linking them to crime scenes, and identifying familial relationships.
Crime Deterrence:
•Awareness of DNA Analysis: The knowledge that DNA analysis can link individuals to crimes acts as a deterrent,
potentially reducing criminal activity.
Digital Forensic
Digital forensics, also known as computer forensics, is a branch
of forensic science that involves the collection, analysis, and
preservation of digital evidence to investigate and prevent
cybercrimes. It encompasses a wide range of activities related
to the examination of digital devices, networks, and electronic
data for legal purposes. Digital forensics is crucial in solving
cybercrimes, identifying security breaches, and providing
evidence in legal proceedings.
Explanation of Digital Forensics
and it’s Role
Investigating Cybercrimes:
•Role: Digital forensics plays a critical role in investigating various cybercrimes, including hacking, malware attacks, identity theft,
and online fraud.
•Importance: It helps law enforcement and cybersecurity professionals trace the origin of cyber threats, identify perpetrators, and
gather evidence for prosecution.
Criminal Investigations:
•Drug-Facilitated Crimes: Identifying substances used in
criminal activities, such as sexual assaults or robberies, where drugs are
employed to incapacitate victims.
Traffic Accidents:
•Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Analyzing blood or
urine samples to determine the influence of drugs or alcohol in cases of
impaired driving.
Forensic Anthropology
Forensic anthropology is a specialized field within forensic science that
involves the application of biological and anthropological principles to
the identification and analysis of human remains. Forensic
anthropologists use their expertise in skeletal analysis to provide
information about the deceased individual, including their age, sex,
ancestry, stature, and potential signs of trauma or pathology.
Role of Forensic Anthropology in
crime scene Analysis
Recovery of Skeletal Remains:
•Forensic anthropologists are often involved in the initial stages of a
crime scene investigation to assist in the proper recovery of skeletal
remains. They provide guidance on excavation techniques, ensuring the
preservation of evidence and minimizing the risk of contamination.
Biological Profile Estimation:
•Forensic anthropologists analyze the skeletal elements to estimate a
biological profile of the individual, including age, sex, ancestry, and
stature. This information helps narrow down potential matches with
missing persons or aids in victim identification.
2 Growth of Knowledge
During this time, the understanding of anatomy and bodily functions evolved,
leading to advancements in forensic medicine and the ability to determine causes
of death more accurately.
3 Legal Applications
These early practices laid the foundation for modern forensic science techniques
and played a pivotal role in the development of legal systems and investigative
procedures.
Forensic Odontology
Biometric Analysis
Digital Forensics