Forensic History and Careers: HOSA Forensic Medicine

Sir Francis Galton

Developed the first classification system for fingerprints in 1892

- published book of fingerprints that described the loop arch and whorl of fingerprint patterns

- stated that the odds of 2 individual fingerprints being the same were 1 in 64 billion

Juan Vucetich

Began the first fingerprint files in 1891

Gilbert Thompson

Completed the first official use of the fingerprint in the United States in 1882

Dr. Henry Faulds

Was the first to devise a method of classification based on fingerprints in 1880

Sir William Hershel

Was the first to use fingerprinting identification as a method of identification on a large scale in 1856

Calvin Goddard

He established the study of firearms evidence in the US (1891 - 1955)

- was an internationally renowned pioneer in forensic ballistics

- established a variety of police labs in the US

- invented the comparison scope ( a device used to analyze two specimens side by side at the same time)

Edmond Locard

Established the Locard Exchange Principle and focused on trace evidence (1877 - 1966)

- established forensic lab in Lyons France in 1910

Alphonse Bertillon

Developed anthropometry (1853 - 1914)

- was the first to solve a case using fingerprints

Victor Bathazard

Paris medical examiner who advanced fingerprint, firearm, and hair analysis (1852 - 1950)

- showed fingerprints are unique to the 10^60

- used photography to help identify bullets

Hans Gross

Father of criminalistics ( 1842 - 1915)

- helped to establish the science of forensics, especially in terms of a cross-transfer of evidence, such as dirt, fingerprints, carpet fibers, or hair, from the criminal to the victim

- published first forensic science textbook in 1893 (named Criminal Investigations)

Mathieu Orfila

Founder of forensic toxicology and studied poisons (1787 - 1853)

- worked on Marie Lafarge poisoning case

Karl Landsteiner

Discovered ABO blood typing

- received nobel prize in medicine for his work in 1930

Alec Jeffreys

Geneticist who developed DNA testing

Colin Pitchfork

First criminal convicted by DNA evidence in 1986

AFIS

Automated Fingerprint Identification System

- a system that reports if two fingerprints are a likely match for the same finger

- a forensic technique that uses digital computers

- automated fingerprint search, latent print searching capability, electric image storage, electronic exchange of fingerprints and responses 24/7

CPIN

Commonwealth Photo Imaging Network

- computer network that extends PA and is used to record and store digital photos of crime suspects

Henry Classification System

The classification system used for fingerprinting in all English speaking countries

- assigns each finger a number according to the order in which it is located in the hand, beginning with the right thumb as number 1 and ending with the left pinky as number 10

Forensic Pathology

Focuses on determining the cause of death by examining a corpse

- particularly used in the investigation of sudden, unnatural, unexplained or violent death

Forensic Anthropolgy

Primarily concerned with the identification and examination of human skeletal remains

- can be used to reveal the sex, approximate age, race, and the presence of skeletal injury of a subject

Forensic Odontology

The study of teeth and bite marks to identify a body or to tie a suspect to a crime

Arson Investigator

Uses in depth knowledge of fire chemistry and mechanics to investigate possible arson causes

- gather evidence and eyewitness accounts, talk with insurance companies, and provide expert testimony in court proceedings

Computer Forensics Examiner

Study of how technology is used to commit crimes

DNA Analyst

Takes human tissue samples (blood, hair, or semen) and finds genetic code that will identify victims and perpetrators of violent crimes

Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)

Spend time at the crime scene in order to collect evidence necessary in order to recreate a crime

Forensic Accountant

Uses basic accounting and investigative skills to find defects in financial statement that can be an indicative of criminal activity

Forensic Anthropologist

Analyze and apply scientific techniques in order to diagnose posthumous depth by violence force or trauma

- skin tissue, bone observation, and demographics are key areas of study

Forensic Autopsy Tech

Jobs range from helping prep materials to moving bodies to assisting pathologists

Forensic Nurse

Identifies and treats victims of violent acts (abuse, rape, etc.) and learns how to gather and present evidence of these actions in a court case

Forensic Psychologist

Specializes in how criminals and their victims behave and how it affects them emotionally and mentally

- often asked to present findings in court especially in cases where mental illness could be a cause of violent acts

Forensic Scientist

The general study of how science court be used for legal purposes

Medical Examiner

Government employee that investigates human bodies that have died under unusual or unnatural circumstances

- Able to perform autopsies and post-mortem, but may more often perform administrative duties

Coroner

An official who investigates violent, sudden, or suspicious deaths

Forensic Science

The study of medicine as it relates to the application of the law