HomeWHICHWhich Best Describes The Difference Between Forensic Science And Criminalistics

Which Best Describes The Difference Between Forensic Science And Criminalistics

WHAT ARE SOME TYPES OF CRIMINALISTICS?

Firearms and Toolmarks

Firearm and toolmark examiners provide information to investigators about the caliber and type of firearm used in a crime. Individual marks, or striations, are left on bullets by the barrel of a firearm. Once a firearm is recovered, the individual marks on the test-fires are compared to the individual marks on the evidence. This comparison can identify a bullet or cartridge case as being fired by a particular firearm. Similarly, tools used in crimes can leave striations and other marks on surfaces. These marks can be compared to the tool believed to have made them. If the comparison is a positive match, a tool may be identified as having made the mark. A national computer database (NIBIN) of marks on cartridge cases and bullets has been developed to link a particular firearm to previously unrelated crimes.

Trace Evidence

Trace evidence, frequently overlooked because of its microscopic size, applies microanalysis to fibers, hair, soil, paint, glass, pollen, explosives, gunshot residue, food, plastic bags, and virtually anything involved in a crime. No training exists that will prepare the trace evidence analyst for every kind of case that will cross their workbench, as each case is fascinatingly unique. By having a thorough knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of microscopic, spectroscopic, and chromatographic methods, the trace evidence examiner can meet the analytical challenge of each case.

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DNA and Serology

In the mid 1980s, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis techniques began to be applied to forensic cases. Tissue and fluids from the body carrying the genetic code of DNA may be used to compare to a known standard. This can possibly allow blood and other biological material to be associated with an individual. Databases of DNA profiles (CODIS) have been compiled to aid in identifying criminals and have been used to solve cases many years old, where samples were properly preserved and re-analyzed. In some cases, innocent persons have even been released from prison based on the re-analysis of DNA evidence.

Drugs, Alcohol and Toxicology

The criminalist uses a battery of analytical tools and their knowledge of chemistry to identify controlled substances in powders, pills, liquids, and body fluids. A criminalist may be called to a clandestine laboratory by investigators, where illegal drugs are produced. Criminalists are frequently responsible for maintaining breath alcohol analysis instruments and training laboratory technicians and police officers who run the tests on drivers suspected of DUI. Sometimes, no controlled substance is present and sometimes more than one kind of drug can be detected in a sample.

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