In Preparing these slides

In Preparing these slides I made a few assumptions: • You have an interest in forensic science • You are a fan of forensic shows on TV • You follow criminal cases on TV, newspaper, or radio • You are considering a career in the legal, judicial, or forensics field • You love reading mystery stories • You are simply curious by nature • And finally…you chose this class because you thought it was cool…

The Evolution of Criminal Investigation Understanding the history of forensics

Forensic Science • The word itself stems from the Latin word forum, which simply means “law” • Forensic Science is simply the application of scientific principles to law • However, forensics has not been accepted for very long

1750 • Henry Fielding – established the “Bow Street Runners” • Fielding’s runners literally ran to a crime scene to informally investigate the scene • The gathered information (much of it useless) and reported it to anyone who cared • The gained the reputation and acknowledgement as the first modern detective force

1829 • British Parliament passed the Metropolitan Police Act and created one of the first legally organized police forces • This force was stationed at the world renowned Scotland Yard (the location of the modern London Police Department) • The Scotland Yard was established and the force was selected by Sir Robert Peel • This accomplishment has earned Sir Peel as the father of modern policing.

Scotland Yard • The department was headed by Sir Peel, but two commissioners were chosen: Sir Charles Rowan and Sir Richard Mayne • The department made up of several officers, office staff, and the administration occupied 4 Whitehall Place which opened up to the famous Scotland Yard

1857 • The New York Police Department organized a picture gallery of known criminals – Rogues Gallery • Photos lined the walls like an art gallery so the public would know criminals identities • Pictures were arranged first by height, and then by criminal specialty

1883 • Alphonse Bertillon – established a method of identifying criminals • Taking various body measurements to establish a profile of a criminal • This system was very inaccurate and was abandoned at the advent of dactylography (the study of fingerprints)

1900 • Francis Galton – wrote the book Fingerprints after extensive research finding solitary identity in a fingerprint • In 1900, the Henry System was accepted and used as a system of criminal investigation

Homework Assignment • Do some research and write a ½ page summary of the Henry System used in fingerprinting • Be sure to explain why the system is no longer used

1908 • The United States Congress passed a bill enacting an investigative entity • The Federal Bureau of Investigation was established under its original name of Bureau of Investigation (name changed in 1924)

1987 • The discovery and mapping of DNA was a huge milestone for Forensics • You all know the individuality and importance of DNA • DNA profiling was first used in a case in 1988, but was still considered new and controversial

Becoming a Professional Careers in Forensic Science

What does it take? • Most, but not all require at least a bachelor's degree • Recommended majors: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or Criminal Justice…unless specialized • A lot of “on-call” time…you never know when a criminal might strike

Forensic Toxicologist • Must hold at least a master’s degree in forensic toxicology • Ph.D. preferred • Detect toxic substances in the bodies being investigated • Seek employment in: • Crime laboratories • Medical Examiners Offices • Police departments • Criminal defense and prosecution attorneys • Hospital and Clinical Chemistry Laboratories • Pharmaceutical Industry • High school science teachers

Crime Scene Investigator • Minimal 2 year associates degree but bachelor’s degree preferred • On-site training • Tasks vary from drug identification to footprint examination to chemical identification • Seek employment in: • Crime lab • Police/Sheriff departments • State/Federal Investigation Offices

Forensic Nurse • Licensed Nurse or Registered Nurse (LPN or RN) • Specialized graduate degree or on-site training • Examine rape victims, testify on behalf of medical examiner • Seek employment in: • Hospital Emergency Rooms • State Medical Examiner’s Office • FBI

Forensic Odontologist • Doctor of Dentistry required with specialization in forensic science • Examine bite marks and dental molds to identify victims and suspects • Seek Employment in : • Crime labs • State Offices • FBI • Medical Examiner’s Office

Document Examiner • Bachelors Degree required • On-site training • Investigate forgery, document originality, handwriting comparisons • Seek Employment in: • Crime labs • Local law enforcement offices • State/Federal Investigations

Forensic Pathologist • Also known as medical examiner • MD required, highly specialized training and years of medical experience • Perform autopsies and examine bodies involved in unexpected and violent deaths • Seek employment with: • State Offices • Federal Bureau of Investigation

Forensic Psychologist • Must have doctorate in counseling or forensic psychologist and complete fellowship/internship in forensic psychology • Determine the ability of a suspect or victim to mentally be able to withstand trial • Seek employment in: • State and local agencies • Private practice

Forensic Anthropologist • Ph.D. required • Usually work in a college or university • Identify bones and bone structures

Forensic Chemist • Bachelor’s degree or higher degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Toxicology, or Pharmacology • Identify unknown substances, drug residue • Work in crime labs or private labs

Forensic Entomologist • Ph.D. Required • Work in college or university • Identify time of death based on presence of insects and other organisms

Dactylographer • 2 year associates degree or higher • On-site training • Identify suspects based on latent prints • Work in: • Private labs • Crime labs • Local departments/offices

Serologist • Bachelor’s degree with coursework in biochemistry, statistics, genetics, & molecular biology • Identify and examine body fluids • Work in: • Crime labs • Private labs

In Preparing these slides