How Does Forensics Catch a Killer?
by When a Forensic Expert is called in to investigate a murder, how do they do this and what techniques do they use? Forensic Techniques are of the utmost importance. Some of the worst killers and rapists have been caught using such means as fingerprinting, DNA and ballistics. Forensic experts rely on the smallest bit of evidence left behind to solve these horrendous crimes.
Crime Scene Investigation
This is the first and most important. This is where the forensic experts gather all the evidence. This task may take hours to complete as they are looking for anything and everything no matter how small it may be. I’m sure you’ve all seen CSI on television, it is all about this process.
Every part of the scene is combed for any small pieces of evidence and gathered and recorded for later analysis at the lab. Information regarding the crime and body as well as time of death are also recorded as well as possible murder weapon in order to put together the pieces of the puzzle. Then the body is removed .
Fingerprint Evidence.
Being one of the best means of physical evidence, forensic experts know that a lot of murderers are caught by means of fingerprints. Everyone’s fingerprints are unique in that the “friction ridge patterns” or the circular skin on the tips of the fingers will never change and no two people are identical.
There are databases in many parts of the world, that contain figure prints that make it easier for experts to find a match when criminals fingerprints are entered into the database.
What is DNA?
We have all heard of it, everyone has it and is totally unique to any one person except identical twins, they do carry the same DNA . DNA is also known as Deoxyribonucleic Acid it is a chemical found in the body. Half from each parent and carried down through the genes from each generation.
By using DNA samples, either taken through the blood, saliva, semen or even a strand of hair forensic experts can easily pinpoint the exact criminal only in cases of identical twins could this pose a problem.
Ballistics
Ballistics deals with bullets, obviously. It comes from the Greek word ‘ba’llein’ which means to throw.
So if someone was shot then ballistic experts would put together a profile to determine what kind of gun was used and at what range depending on the information regarding such things as the impact on the body, gases in the gun, air particles and even temperature.
One debate that still goes on today is that of the assignation of John F. Kennedy in 1963. Ballistics say that there was more than one gunman suggesting a conspiracy, while police maintain there was only one.
Learn More
There is more than on way to catch a killer, although forensic science plays a major role in the process as it uncovers clues that don’t lie and finds clues left behind by the guilty. More often than not crimes are solved using a series of elements ranging from psychological profiling, autopsies and eyewitness accounts as well as forensic science.
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