Forensic science: the truth is out there

Lynne D. Herold

doi:10.1117/12.469866

11 June 2002 Forensic science: the truth is out there

Lynne D. Herold

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 4702, Smart Nondestructive Evaluation for Health Monitoring of Structural and Biological Systems; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.469866
Event: NDE For Health Monitoring and Diagnostics, 2002, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Criminalistics, one of the many sub-divisions of forensic science, is an applied science in which items of evidence are analyzed to provide investigative information and scientific evidence to be used in courts of law. Laboratories associated with governmental public agencies are typically involved in criminal cases as opposed to civil cases, and those types of cases that fall within the jurisdiction of the particular agency. Common analytical divisions within criminalistics laboratories include blood alcohol testing, toxicology, narcotics, questioned documents, biology, firearms, latent fingerprints, physical and trace evidence sections. Specialized field investigative services may be provided in the areas of clandestine drug laboratories and major crimes (firearms, biology, trace, arson/explosives). Forensic science best practice requires the use of non-destructive testing whenever reasonably possible. Several technically difficult situations (bodies and evidence encased in cement and metal) are presented as a challenge to audience.

Citation Download Citation

Lynne D. Herold "Forensic science: the truth is out there", Proc. SPIE 4702, Smart Nondestructive Evaluation for Health Monitoring of Structural and Biological Systems, (11 June 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.469866

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