The prevalence of television shows such as “Law and Order” and “CSI” has put a great deal of pressure on forensic scientists to solve crimes more effectively and efficiently.
Recent technological advancements have made meeting these high expectations more possible than ever. Those who pursue a career in forensic science can look forward to continuous improvements in crime scene analysis technology.
The following five technological advances are changing the face of forensic science in a positive way:
Odor Recognition System
Locating a missing person’s remains is an important first step when it comes to solving many crimes.
Until recently, the only method available for locating human remains was having cadaver dogs identify bodies using their keen sense of smell. Decomposing bodies emit chemicals that cadaver dogs can detect; however, these dogs have their limitations.
This is why the Oak Ridge National Laboratory has created the Lightweight Analyzer for Buried Remains and Decomposition Odor Recognition (LABRADOR). This device can more accurately pinpoint the exact location of human remains better than cadaver dogs.
Groundwater often moves chemicals over a half-mile away from remains, causing dogs to sniff out chemicals away from the body. The LABRADOR measures the amount of chemicals in a given location, allowing for more precise identification.
Additionally, this device assists in determining when the victim was killed, which can play a vital role in identifying a perpetrator.
Video Spectral Comparison
Many criminal cases involve documents that have been damaged or altered, and scientists must work to identify hidden writing that has been compromised.
The video spectral comparator, (VSC) 2000, is a valuable technological advancement. This machine allows scientists to view hidden messages in documents, including those that have been severely damaged by water or fire. By exposing documents to light of various wavelengths, this machine can reveal words that are not visible to the naked eye. It analyzes inks, identifies altered handwriting and uncovers indented words.
Recently, video spectral comparison has also been used to estimate the age of unidentified victims via dental remains.
According to a 2010 study, the VSC 5000 can accurately determine the dental and chronological age of victims, which greatly assists forensic scientists in victim identification.
Xbox Forensics
New technology has given criminals new options for where to hide illicit data. Many have turned to the Xbox as a place to store illegal materials with the assumption that law enforcement will not turn to a gaming console for evidence.
Forensic scientists as well as the U.S. government have responded by creating the Xbox forensics toolkit. The digital surveillance for Xbox (XFT device) mounts images used by the Xbox system, allowing analysts to open files and view documents.
Additionally, this system can record real-time investigations, which provides evidence for prosecutors in court.
CNN reports the U.S. government has also used the Xbox game console to spy on potential terrorists. While this has come with a bit of controversy, the XFT device has succeeded in identifying hundreds of criminals across the country.
Pedo-Biometrics
When it comes to identifying criminals, fingerprinting may soon be old news.
New research reveals identification through footprints addresses the many shortcomings of other methods, such as fingerprinting and retina scanning. Pedo-biometrics measures a person’s foot as well as behavioral traits, such as how a person walks.
This helps to prevent both identity theft and criminal impersonation. Pedo-biometrics uses a foot insert called the “Bio_Sole” to record a person’s foot characteristics and gait.
3-D Ballistics Identification Technology
Ballistics analysis has been used for years to identify pieces of evidence surrounding gun crimes.
3-D ballistic imagery is a recent technological advancement that allows forensic scientists to compare bullets and cartridge cases in a way never possible before. 3-D ballistic imaging provides specific mathematical data that can be shared nationally and internationally, quickly reducing the pool of potential suspects.
Unlike 2-D photographs, which match visual characteristics, 3-D technology scans the bullet or cartridge, quickly and accurately determining the ballistic data’s origin.
This is an exciting time for those who are eager to begin a career in forensic science.
With these advances, you can use your career as a forensic scientist to help bring justice to countless victims and their families.
Photo By U.S. Army RDECOM via StockPholio.com
Photo by West Midland Police via Flickr
