1. Forensic Science The Search For Hidden Truths

2. Meet Inspector Beaudeaux… He would like to introduce you to the world of forensic science.

3. Follow me...

4. So, what’s a forensic scientist?

5. Forensic is a Latin word that means Public Discussion or Debate.

6. A forensic scientist studies and analyzes physical evidence used in criminal court cases.

7. Many accused criminals are found either innocent or guilty based on the strength of evidence that a forensic scientist provides. The goal is to determine facts and truth.

8. Forensic Scientists use multiple science specialties: Studying blood for presence of drugs, alcohol, or toxinsStudying blood for presence of drugs, alcohol, or toxins Performing DNA analysis on hair & body fluids (newest techniques)Performing DNA analysis on hair & body fluids (newest techniques) Doing an autopsy to determine why and how the person died (earliest technique)Doing an autopsy to determine why and how the person died (earliest technique)

9. Studying bones to determine victim’s age, gender, race, and heightStudying bones to determine victim’s age, gender, race, and height Studying teeth to determine identification of victim and ageStudying teeth to determine identification of victim and age Determining results of polygraph testsDetermining results of polygraph tests

10. What personal attributes are desirable in a good forensic scientist?

11. Detail-oriented & organizedDetail-oriented & organized (it may be that one small detail that leads to the accused being found either innocent or guilty) Patient & thoroughPatient & thorough (must perform variety of time-consuming / comprehensive tests on evidence) Proficient in science & mathProficient in science & math (these concepts are the backbone of forensic science)

12. Skilled at research & writingSkilled at research & writing (need to prepare reports based on findings) Excellent communicatorExcellent communicator (explain & are cross-examined about findings) Curious and creative-mindedCurious and creative-minded (looking at situation in different ways is necessary for solving crimes)

13. The inspector’s partner wants you to know some the job advantages of forensic scientists.

14. You have a high level of responsibilityYou have a high level of responsibility Every case is uniqueEvery case is unique You get to implement & validate new techniquesYou get to implement & validate new techniques You’re not confined to an office spaceYou’re not confined to an office space

15. There are also some disadvantages.

16. Some cases are gruesome and distressingSome cases are gruesome and distressing Number of cases varies, so its difficult to control work loadNumber of cases varies, so its difficult to control work load You have to go to court & spend time waiting to testifyYou have to go to court & spend time waiting to testify Journalists may call at your homeJournalists may call at your home

17. What are some of the forensic science specialties?

18. Forensic Pathologist A medical doctor who performs autopsies to determine cause of death.

19. Forensic Psychologist Evaluates and treats patients in context of legal issues.

20. Forensic Anthropologist Identifies and reconstructs bones; determines gender, age, & cause of death.

21. Criminalist Analyzes, compares, identifies, & interprets physical evidence at crime scenes.

22. Forensic Entomologist Uses insects that inhabit decomposing bodies to determine time of death.

23. Forensic Engineer Investigates & reports on accidents or structural failures that may have criminal implications.

24. Forensic Odontologist (Dentist) Helps identify bodies by looking at their teeth. Helps identify bodies by looking at their teeth.

25. Forensic Nurse Provides treatment for crime victims. They are especially needed in emergency rooms to gather and package criminal evidence.

26. Forensic Toxicologist Analyses alcohol, drugs, & poisons in body fluids for the benefit of the courts.

27. Wildlife Forensic Scientist Forensic scientists who track down criminals who harm wild animals.

28. Here are some forensic science photos--some are from actual crime scenes:

29. Defense Wounds #1 Defense wounds on the hand of a victim whose assailant was attacking with a knife.

30. Defense Wound #2 Here is a typical "defense wound" on the forearm of the victim of an assault with a sharp weapon, producing the laceration.

31. Defense Posture Scene illustrates mechanism for "defense wounds".

32. Clay Model Used to Demonstrate Knife Wounds double edge knife wound single edge knife wound

33. Stab Wound: Single Edge Blade Sharp edge of blade

34. Deadly blow to head that resulted in fractured skull and bleeding.

35. Fractured Liver: Blunt Force Injury

36. Natural Death: * Natural Death: * Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast

37. *Pathologist’s photo of embryo (ectopic pregnancy)

38. Forensic Pathologist’s Tools of the Trade

39. More autopsy tools…

40. Stryker Saw: good for cutting into skull

41. Digital Imagery Reconstruction: Use of computer superimposes photo of skull with outer skin.

42. Facial reconstruction technique used by forensic artists.

43. Some forensic scientists participate in high profile cases and become famous.

44. Meet Dr. Henry Lee--one of the world’s most renowned forensic pathologists.

45. The Inspector hopes you enjoyed learning about the world of forensic science.