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.