What Is Forensic Investigation?

Forensic scientists use forensics to perform experiments on evidence to solve their cases. “... [F]orensic scientists do invaluable work linking evidence from crime scenes- such as fingerprints, injuries, weapons, DNA, computer data, drugs and counterfeit goods- to criminals themselves” (“Introduction”). The DNA found at the scene is inspected to see if it pertains to the crime. An important part of a forensic scientist’s job is to separate out important, unimportant, and non-essential evidence (Woodford). However, it cannot be done alone, the forensic scientist is often assisted by other scientists such as forensic anthropologists, forensic entomologists, serologists, and forensic odontologists. Anthropologists study bones and help to find
Police officers first deal with emergency situations such as victims injured at the scene or a criminal with a gun (Nickell 23). They seal off the area of the crime to protect evidence from being tampered with, removed, or destroyed. As some police contain the scene, others look for possible suspects and witnesses to question (Nickell 24). As many statements as possible are taken from all spectators present so detectives can figure out what really happened at the scene. After the scene is calmed down, specialist forensic scientists show up and start their examination of the crime (“Introduction”). The important part of the investigation is “[e]stablishing the exact sequence of events immediately before and after the crime was committed...” (Woodford). This helps the investigators better understand how exactly the crime happened. The scene is documented with photography, all angles and all evidence are photographed in their original spots so the detectives can recreate the scene later. Everything collected at the scene is
This starts with an examination of the eyes and the eyelids. The eyes and face are thoroughly described and documented including distinguishing factors like scars and freckles. The eyes and eyelids are studied for signs of asphyxiation, such as blown blood vessels. The examination is continued with the opening of the skull. “… [A] single incision- arching from ear to ear over the top of the head- is made” (Genge 187). This is to fully examine the skull and brain. The skin cut in the incision is folded over the face to expose the skull. The skull is first examined for anything, such as breaks, that could have caused death. According to Brian Innes “[a] circular saw is used to cut round the skull, and the top is prised off. The pathologist should examine the brain and the inside of the skull closely for any injury…” (Innes 21). The condition of the brain is recorded and notes are taken. The brain is removed and inspected more closely, weighed and sectioned for microscopy. “This completes the autopsy after which he medical examiner synthesizes the findings and attempts to determine ‘cause of death’ along with any contributing factors. These results are presented as a formal ‘autopsy protocol,’ a legal report and file, typically a folder that includes photographs, x-rays, fingerprints, and toxicological test results” (Nickell 253). The autopsy should determine the cause of death and then the detectives can