Download A crime scene often is rich in information that reveals the nature of

A crime scene often is rich in information that reveals the nature of the criminal activity
and the identities of those persons involved. Perpetrators and victims may leave behind
blood, saliva, skin cells, hair, fingerprints, footprints, tire prints, clothing fibers, digital
and photographic images, audio data, handwriting, and the residual effects and debris
of arson, gunshots, and unlawful entry. Some crimes transcend borders, such as those
involving homeland securities, for which forensic evidence can be gathered.
The term “forensic science” encompasses a broad range of forensic disciplines, each
with its own set of technologies and practices. Some of the forensic science disciplines
are laboratory based (e.g., nuclear and mitochondrial DNA analysis, toxicology and drug
analysis); others are based on expert interpretation of observed patterns (e.g.,
fingerprints, writing samples, toolmarks, bite marks, and specimens such as hair).
The extensive use of biological evidence to identify victims and offenders has had a
significant bearing, in recent years, on the course of law enforcement investigations,
criminal court proceedings, and victim service provider issues. DNA evidence arguably
has become the most well-known type of forensic evidence, probably because it can be
uniquely identifying and because it is the genetic blueprint of the human body. For these
reasons, DNA evidence has become a highly influential piece of the crime puzzle
.Although DNA cannot determine a motive for a crime, it can be an important part of any
law enforcement investigation, particularly one in search of an all-important lead. For
example, DNA evidence may place a particular individual at a crime scene.
Forensic scientists also use DNA evidence to identify human remains, determine
paternity, and study human populations and medical diseases.
Technological advances that have made it more reliable and efficient have increased
the popularity of DNA evidence. For example, "the time needed to determine a sample's
DNA profile has dropped from between 6 and 8 weeks to between 1 and 2 days." Future
advancements may decrease this time to as little as a few hours or even a few minutes.
Property crime offenders have high recidivism rates, their crime and violence can
escalate, and property crime cases often go unsolved. It has been estimated that each
burglar in the top 10 percent of burglars commits more than 232 burglaries per year.
Several police departments in the United States are finding that they may be able to
change these trends. When they analyze DNA from a burglary, they get evidence that
often solves several other cases as well. And they are finding that biological evidence
collected from property crime scenes can prevent future property crimes and more
serious offenses.
There has also been an increased acceptance and use of DNA information in the
courtroom. DNA evidence can help to convict the guilty, acquit the innocent, or
exonerate those wrongly accused or convicted. This does not necessarily mean that
DNA evidence alone can determine a verdict. DNA evidence is used often to
corroborate eyewitness testimony or other evidence.
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The increased use of DNA evidence also has made it important for victim service
providers to become familiar with DNA terminology and DNA evidence collection,
examination, and preservation procedures.
For decades, the forensic science disciplines have produced valuable evidence that has
contributed to the successful prosecution and conviction of criminals as well as to the
exoneration of innocent people. Further advances in the forensic science disciplines will
serve three important purposes: assist law enforcement officials in the course of their
investigations to identify perpetrators with higher reliability; reduce the occurrence of
wrongful convictions, which reduces the risk that true offenders continue to commit
crimes while innocent persons inappropriately serve time; and enhance the Nation’s
ability to address the needs of homeland security. To address the reach of forensic
science across the entire justice system, NCJRS—on behalf of the U.S. Department of
Justice's Office of Justice Programs—has compiled a list of resources to help provide a
basic foundation of knowledge in forensic science. (655 words – Sight translation)
http://www.ncjrs.gov/spotlight/forensic/Summary.html
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