Introduction
What is Forensic Science?
Forensic Science is the application of science to law/ crime solving
Why is important to keep the chain of custody when dealing with evidence?
It prevents tampering with evidence, or contamination, and ensures the evidence is usable in court.
What are the three main types of fingerprint patterns?
Which forensic scientist studies skeletal remains?
Forensic Anthropologist
What is the most common type of fingerprint?
Loops
This person established bullet comparisons and was the first to link a bullet to a murder weapon.
Henry Goddard
What are three types of documentation?
Notes, Sketches, and Photographs
What is the term for "scientific study of fingerprints?"
Dactylography
Which career uses insect larvae to estimate time of death?
Forensic Entomologist
What field studies poisons and their effects?
Toxicology
What was Francis Galton’s contribution to forensic science?
First definitive study of fingerprints/classification system
What is a chain of custody?
Chain of Custody is a written record of who collected, handled, transferred, and stored the evidence.
What do investigators look at when looking at fingerprints?
Investigators don't just look at overall patterns- they analyze precise points (tiny ridge features) for matches.
Which career identifies people through teeth and bite marks?
Forensic Odontologist
Where does forensic science begin?
Crime Scene
Edmond Locard is known for what principle? What is it?
Locard’s Exchange Principle – every contact leaves a trace
What is contamination?
Contamination is accidental or unwanted mixing of outside material with genuine evidence which makes the evidence unreliable.
What are the three types of fingerprints that can be found at a crime scnee?
Patent, Latent, and Plastic
Which career studies digital devices and online activity?
Cybercrime Investigator
Who discovered different blood types?
Karl Landsteiner
Who developed anthropometry (body measurements for identification)?
Alphonse Bertillon
What are the steps to secure a crime scene?
1. ensure the area is safe for 1st responders
2. separate any witnesses/suspects to prevent story sharing
3. use tape to control access
4. record names, times, locations, conditions, etc.
5. only allow essential personnel to enter the scene
What fingerprint is most often dealt with in Forensic Science?
Latent Prints
Which forensic career creates behavioral profiles of criminals?
Forensic Psychiatrist
Who developed DNA fingerprinting?
Sir Alec Jeffrey