Crime Lab Analysis
Crime labs are neither as sexy nor moodily lit as they appear in popular television programming. Nonetheless, crime lab analysis (also known as "forensic science") is a critical component of law enforcement, one that is instrumental in solving difficult cases--some of which have been "cold" for decades. Crime lab analysis consists of two major parts: scientific analysis of evidence, and presentation of that evidence in court.
-
Analysis
-
Most crime labs employ a number of specialists, each of which focuses on a different element of the crime.
Toxicology--A toxicologist will test the victim's blood (and any other blood found at the crime scene) for traces of drugs, alcohol and poison. Toxicologists may also be called upon to examine unidentified substances left at a crime scene.
Biology--Biology specialists obtain skin, hair and fluid samples for DNA analysis.
Chemistry--Chemists examine physical evidence such as bloodstain patterns.
Document Examination--These analysts examine everything from suspect handwriting samples to the authenticity of contracts.
Firearm and Tool Identification--Technicians use high-powered imaging equipment and databases to match weapons and other evidence to those indexed in law enforcement databases.
Fingerprinting--These technicians record, analyze and match fingerprints found at crime scenes.
Work Environment
-
Crime lab analysis takes place in laboratories that are generally well-equipped with the latest equipment. The larger the lab (the more populated the county or city it serves), the better its equipment will be. Most analysts and technicians work long hours, sometimes remaining at work long into the night if working on a pressing case. In addition, analysts are often called away to testify as expert witnesses in court.
Analyst Training and Qualifications
-
Crime scene lab technicians require proficiency in both science and mathematics. Generally, they begin their careers after completing a bachelor's degree in a field such as chemistry, biology or forensic anthropology. The lab that hires them supplements this education with extensive training. Many technicians do ultimately complete PhD's in highly specialized subjects in order to advance their careers and assume positions of greater responsibility in the lab environment.
Reliability
-
Crime labs generally do an excellent job of analyzing evidence and presenting their findings. However, there are always some labs that do struggle with outdated equipment and poor funding. In order to help resolve these issues, the Crime Lab Project was started to help promote additional funding and government support at both the state and federal level (see Resources Section below).
Backlogs
-
In spite of their records (or perhaps because of them) there is presently an enormous backlog of cold cases facing labs across the country. These cases are years, sometimes even decades old, yet may still be solved through careful analysis. Backlogs continue to grow as forensic technology improves. According to the Crime Lab Project, at present the total backlog has grown to well over 500,000 cases nationwide, including more than 10,000 cases involving unidentified human remains. Activists in the forensic community insist that better funding, training and increased recruiting efforts are necessary to combat the enormous backlog.
-
Related Searches
References
Resources
- Photo Credit pastaboy at Creativecommons.org
