Crime Crime LaboratoriesLaboratoriesForensic Science ServicesForensic Science Services

ObjectivesObjectives

List and describe the functions of the various units found in a modern all-purpose crime lab. ( DOK 1)

Crime Labs in the U.S.Crime Labs in the U.S.

Wide Variation in services offered, for Wide Variation in services offered, for reasons including:reasons including: Local lawsLocal laws Functions of the organization to which the Functions of the organization to which the

lab is attachedlab is attached Budgetary and staffing limitationsBudgetary and staffing limitations

Crime Labs in the U.S.Crime Labs in the U.S. Crime Labs can include:Crime Labs can include:

Physical Science UnitPhysical Science Unit Biology UnitBiology Unit Firearms UnitFirearms Unit Document Examination UnitDocument Examination Unit Photography UnitPhotography Unit Toxicology UnitToxicology Unit Latent Fingerprint UnitLatent Fingerprint Unit Voice Analysis UnitVoice Analysis Unit Crime Scene Investigation UnitCrime Scene Investigation Unit

Crime Labs in the U.S.Crime Labs in the U.S.

Other Forensic Science Services:Other Forensic Science Services: Forensic PathologyForensic Pathology Forensic AnthropologyForensic Anthropology Forensic EntomologyForensic Entomology Forensic PsychiatryForensic Psychiatry Forensic OdontologyForensic Odontology Forensic EngineeringForensic Engineering Forensic Computer and Digital AnalysisForensic Computer and Digital Analysis

Physical Science UnitPhysical Science Unit

Applies techniques of chemistry, physics, Applies techniques of chemistry, physics, and geology to crime scene examinationand geology to crime scene examination GlassGlass PaintPaint ExplosivesExplosives SoilSoil

Biology UnitBiology Unit

DNA profilingDNA profiling Blood stains and body fluidsBlood stains and body fluids

Hair and fiber analysisHair and fiber analysis Compare botanical materials such as Compare botanical materials such as

wood and plantswood and plants

Firearms UnitFirearms Unit

FirearmsFirearms Discharged bulletsDischarged bullets Cartridge casesCartridge cases Shotgun shellsShotgun shells Other ammunitionOther ammunition

Garments: examined for firearm Garments: examined for firearm discharge residuesdischarge residues

Tool marksTool marks

Document Examination UnitDocument Examination Unit

Examining handwriting and typewritingExamining handwriting and typewriting Paper and ink analysisPaper and ink analysis Indented writings, erasuresIndented writings, erasures Burned or charred documentsBurned or charred documents

Photography UnitPhotography Unit

Examines and records physical evidenceExamines and records physical evidence This may include digital, infrared, UV, and X-This may include digital, infrared, UV, and X-

ray imagingray imaging

Prepares photographic exhibits for Prepares photographic exhibits for courtroom presentationcourtroom presentation

Toxicology UnitToxicology Unit

Examines body fluids and organs for Examines body fluids and organs for presence or absence of drugs and presence or absence of drugs and poisonspoisons

Often such functions are in a separate Often such functions are in a separate lab under the direction of the medical lab under the direction of the medical examiner or coroner’s officeexaminer or coroner’s office

Fingerprint UnitFingerprint Unit

Develop latent fingerprintsDevelop latent fingerprints May take fingerprints of suspects, May take fingerprints of suspects,

persons of interestpersons of interest Analyze fingerprint ridge characteristicsAnalyze fingerprint ridge characteristics

Other ServicesOther Services

PolygraphPolygraph A tool of the criminal investigator rather than A tool of the criminal investigator rather than

the forensic scientistthe forensic scientist

Voiceprint AnalysisVoiceprint Analysis Telephoned threats, tape-recorded Telephoned threats, tape-recorded

messages, etc.messages, etc. Not always considered a valid means of Not always considered a valid means of

identification. identification.

Crime-scene Crime-scene Investigation UnitInvestigation Unit

This is often under the jurisdiction This is often under the jurisdiction of the law enforcement agency.of the law enforcement agency.

This unit dispatches specially This unit dispatches specially trained personnel (police and/or trained personnel (police and/or civilian) to the crime scene to civilian) to the crime scene to collect and preserve physical collect and preserve physical evidence for later lab analysis. evidence for later lab analysis.

Working Together…Working Together…