Aftermath Reviews Why Forensic Technicians are Critical to Justice System

While technology may have changed drastically in the past decades, forensic analysis has been around for some time. These methods have allowed medical professionals and law enforcement a greater insight into what happens after death, which is essential for solving crimes and tracking down criminals.

The following is a brief history of forensic science, as well as the impact these methods have on the field today. Without the assistance of innovative thinkers, investigating crimes and bringing guilty parties to justice would be an extremely difficult undertaking.

Fingerprinting Was the First Step

Using fingerprints for identification purposes is an exceedingly old practice. For instance, in ancient China business documents were identified using the fingerprints of those involved in transactions. However, it wasn’t until the 1800s that a specific system for tracking fingerprints was developed.

Sir Edward Henry, then Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police of London, was one of the first to make use of the unique characteristics evident in all fingerprints. Using identifiers like pattern, flow, and even direction of prints, Henry was able to create a classification system that became the standard method at the time. In the US today, the FBI runs the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System, a national fingerprint and criminal history system that responds to requests 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, helping police and other officials prevent and solve crime all across the country and throughout the world.

New Techniques Proved Highly Useful

As new techniques were introduced to the forensic world, to process of investigating crime scenes became more efficient. During the mid-1900s, testing was developed that allowed technicians to analyze bodily fluids to help narrow down possible suspects. This pursuit was aided by the classification of human blood types developed by Noble Prize-winning scientist Karl Landsteiner.

As more innovations were made available, the need for investigative teams became all the more evident. As a result, Edmond Locard initiated the first crime scene laboratory in France. Soon after American investigators followed suit with the development of the Los Angeles police lab in 1924.

DNA testing became central to investigative procedures in just the past two decades. This form of testing was officially invented in the mid-80s, swiftly emerging as the most reliable means of examining the physical evidence left at a scene. By analyzing organic matter such as hair, blood, bones or skin, forensic scientists can gather genetic data, in many cases enabling them to identify or verify those involved in the crime. In the early years, juries and other officials were hesitant to trust this newest technology, but following several pivotal cases like the OJ Simpson trial in 1995, law enforcement has become increasingly dependent on this form of investigation.

We Can Make Your Home Livable Again

Science has advanced in leaps and bounds, allowing officials to solve more cases at a faster rate. At the same time, crime scene cleaning has also evolved beyond the basic mop and bucket. Professional biohazard cleaners like Aftermath employ advanced methods of trauma cleaning to ensure your home is safe and sanitary following almost any situation. They also utilize sophisticated testing procedures like ATP testing to achieve a high standard of cleanliness. When the first responders leave, call in the best second responders. Contact Aftermath 24/7 at 877-872-4339.