MODULE III-TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE

  • Module III: Tools and Techniques in Forensic Science

    • Importance of forensic science in crime detection

    • Global perspectives: INTERPOL and FBI

    • Problems related to evidence in forensic science

FORENSIC SCIENCE IN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES

  • Definition: Scientific analysis of physical evidence to detect crimes.

  • Necessity of forensic laboratories in every country

  • The role of forensic science in revealing hidden truths through evidence.

ADVANCEMENT IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

  • New technologies emerging rapidly in forensic science.

  • Forensic techniques used in notable criminal cases:

    • Marie Lafarge: Convicted for arsenic poisoning.

    • Tandoor murder case: Identification through DNA analysis.

  • Forensic science combines various sciences: biology, chemistry, physics.

TECHNIQUES IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

  1. LA-ICP-MS: Matches small glass fragments in investigations.

  2. DNA Sequencing: Identifies suspects even with degraded samples.

  3. 3D Facial Reconstruction: Used for identifying victims.

  4. GC-MS: Used for analyzing chemical compounds in evidence.

  5. Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA): Analyzes indented writing.

  6. AFIS: Automated system for fingerprint identification.

CONDITION OF FORENSIC SCIENCE IN INDIA

  • Developmental status: Starting stage compared to international standards.

  • Job prospects primarily in government sectors (police, intelligence agencies).

  • Growth in educational interest and opportunities abroad.

IMPORTANCE OF FORENSIC SCIENCE

  • Crucial for the criminal justice system.

  • Uses scientific knowledge to analyze crime scenes and provide evidence in court.

  • Ensures reliability and accuracy of evidence through advanced methodologies.

FUTURE ASPECTS OF FORENSIC SCIENCE

  • Focus on emerging technologies: Cyber forensics, forensic phenotyping, etc.

  • Teaching and research growing in importance in forensic sciences.

INTERPOL

  • Definition: International organization for police cooperation, 190 member countries.

  • NCB: National Central Bureau in each country for INTERPOL communication.

  • Effective against transnational crimes like trafficking, terrorism.

HISTORY OF INTERPOL

  • Established in 1914, evolved through various significant milestones.

  • Developed communication systems for police collaboration.

STRUCTURE OF INTERPOL

  1. General Assembly: Supreme governing body.

  2. Executive Committee: Sets organizational policies.

  3. General Secretariat: Operational headquarters.

  4. National Central Bureaus (NCBs): Local law force connection.

FUNCTIONS OF INTERPOL

  • Provides training and capacity building for police.

  • Facilitates secure data exchange for criminal intelligence.

  • Issues Notices for international cooperation, showcasing critical information.

FBI INTRODUCTION

  • Functions as both a domestic intelligence and federal law enforcement agency.

  • Historical background since 1908.

FBI MISSION & PARTNERSHIPS

  • Protects from terrorism and crime, maintains civil rights.

  • Collaborates with various organizations for intelligence sharing.

PROBLEMS OF PROOF IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

  • Issues include misleading testimony, faulty evidence, biased information, and lack of uniform standards.

GOVERNMENT EXAMINERS OF QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS (GEQD)

  • Role in document authenticity analysis.

  • Functions include forgery detection, handwriting comparison, and examination of alterations.

FINGERPRINT BUREAUS

  • Essential for personal and latent print identification.

  • Historical background: First bureau established in Calcutta, 1897.

NATIONAL CRIME RECORDS BUREAU (NCRB)

  • Established in 1986; focuses on crime data management, training of police personnel.

POLICE & DETECTIVE TRAINING SCHOOLS

  • Aim: Prepare personnel to uphold law and order effectively.

  • Key components include training, retraining, and advancement in investigative practices.

BUREAU OF POLICE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (BPR&D)

  • Aids police by researching crime and coordination of training.

MEDICO LEGAL EXPERT OFFICERS

  • Role in bridging medicine and law, significant in legal proceedings.

  • Areas of expertise include personal injuries, criminal investigations, and medical malpractice lawsuits.

CORPUS DELICTI

  • Definition: 'Body of the crime'; proof fundamental to criminal conviction.

  • Components: Actus reus, mens rea, concurrence.

MODUS OPERANDI

  • Definition: 'Method of operation'; behavior pattern of the criminal.

  • Function: Helps police identify and connect cases based on criminal behavior.