INVESTIGATION

Investigation



Investigation

Introduction

Investigation is the process through which the professionals conduct in-depth analysis in order to collect significant evidences in order to solve criminal cases. There are several forms of investigation; however, the contemporary form of investigation aimed to deteriorate crime rate is forensic investigation. Forensic investigation is a process through which the investigators analyze the crime scene and assist the regulatory and lawful authorities for maintaining law and order situation. Forensic investigation plays a vital role in criminal investigations. As new technology developments are created for forensic investigation, law enforcement agents are given the tools to solve crimes that may not have been solved years ago. According to the Division of State Police, “The science of forensics is now recognized as a critical ingredient in law enforcement and the solution of crimes. Protecting a crime scene from contamination and gathering and interpreting evidence accurately have become some of the most critical ingredients in crime-solving”.

Forensic investigation has evolved into a necessity for the criminal justice world. Before the development of forensic investigation, many of the cases heavily relied upon confessions and testimonies of the witnesses. Forensic investigation has given police officers the ability to efficiently and effectively collect, analyze, and process evidence. Without forensic investigation, criminals would be committing the same crimes repeatedly. While criminals get more creative, the criminal justice system and forensic investigation specialists have to update the techniques and tools that are used while obtaining evidence for the new crimes. Furthermore, medicine and technology are vital tools for the forensic investigation department to use to help explain the actions of the criminal. Using the results of the crimes is essential for law enforcement agents because they are given the power to help convict an individual as well as the prevention of future crimes.

Importance of Forensic Investigation

Criminal investigations and forensic science correlate because the many elements of an investigation. The elements consist of trace, evidence, toxicology, documentation, photography, drug chemistry, ballistics and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) identification. Depending on the type of evidence and the process involved, evidence will speak for itself during testimonies of a trial. In addition, every individual has their own DNA which makes investigations easier to conclude (Dror, Charlton, Peron, 2006).

The collection of DNA is widely used for catastrophic incidents such as earthquakes, tsunamis, bombings and other natural or manmade disasters. Regardless if the body is not physically identifiable, forensic investigators can identify an individual based on the DNA. In addition, evidence is collected and analyzed to assist attorneys in the validity of testimonies. If the testimonies do not match with the evidence, that may disqualify the witness or expert (Dror, Charlton, Peron, 2006). Disqualifying an expert or witness means their views are not credible and the attorney may have to find alternatives.

All individuals involved in the investigation correlate to the evidence in one way. When the evidence is undergoing the transportation process, human error can be detrimental to the validity of the evidence. The chain-of-custody is an important process for evidence ...