FORENSIC SCIENCE

PSUPT JAIME RODRIGO L LEAL, MD

A View on Evidence
Evidence
Direct Circumstantial
Physical
Biological
Common Types of Physical Evidence
Drug and toxic
substance
Resins, plastics Fingerprints
Paints Explosive residues Hair
Gun shot residues
(GSR)
Serial numbers Tissues
Firearms and
ammunition
Documents Pollen
Impressions Fibers Wood material
Petroleum products Soil Feathers
Alcohols (esp. ethanol) Glass Bones
Rubber material Blood and other
body fluids
Tool marks
Wherever he steps, whatever he touches,
whatever he leaves even unconsciously, will
serve as a silent witness against him. Not only
his fingerprints or footprints, but his hair,
fibers from his clothes, the glass he breaks,
the tool marks he leaves, the paint he
scratches, the blood or semen he deposits or
collects all of these and more bear mute
witness against him.
- Dr. Edmond Locard
TRACE EVIDENCE:
LOCARDS TRANSFERENCE
PRINCIPLE
When any two objects come
in contact there is always a
transfer of material from
each object on to the other.
TRACE EVIDENCE:
LOCARDS TRANSFERENCE
PRINCIPLE
Any person committing a crime
leaves something at the crime
scene that was not there before
and carries away traces that were
associated with him when he or
she arrived.
Transference Theory
EVERY CONTACT LEAVES A TRACE.

- Dr. Edmond Locard
What is Forensic
Science?
Definition
Forensic science
- often shortened to forensics
- the application of a broad spectrum of
sciences to answer questions of interest to
a legal system.
- the word forensic comes from the
Latin adjective forensis, meaning "of or
before the forum.
Forensic Science Defined
Forensic Science is any science used for
the purposes of the law, and therefore
provides impartial scientific evidence for
use in the courts of law.

Forensic Science is a multidisciplinary
subject, drawing principally from chemistry
and biology, but also physics, geology,
psychology, social science, etc.
What is Forensic
Investigation?
Forensic Investigation
Defined
Forensic Investigation is a
combination of forensic
science, law and criminal
investigation and can be
described as a problem-solving
activity.
Interest of Forensic
Investigation
Observe physical evidence

Determine identity

Determine origin
Philosophy of Forensics
The key to criminalistics is the ability
to think clearly when faced with the
daunting confusion of the average
crime scene.

One must rely on experience, intuition
and abductive reasoning (testing a
likely scenario against the facts)
History
The dawn of forensic science took place in the
civilization of ancient China (Tang Dynasty).
Ti Jen-Chieh used both logic and forensic
evidence to solve crimes in 7
th
century AD. He
utilized a team of investigators, studied the crime
scene, examined evidence, and interviewed
witnesses and suspects.
Forensic science owes much to the age of
scientific discovery in the 16
th
, 17
th
, and 18
th

centuries.
Jansen Microscope in 1950
Schultze Photographic film in 1724
Niepce and Daguerre First photograph in 1826

People Behind Forensics
St. Thomas, the Doubter
The Patron Saint of Forensic Science
Sir Conan Doyle
Sci-fi author in late 1800s and has popularized
scientific crime-detection methods through his
fictional character Sherlock Holmes
Matheiu Orfila (1787-1853)
The father of Toxicology and wrote about the
detection of poisons and their effects on animals
People Behind Forensics
Alphonse Bertillon (1853-1914)
The father of Anthropometry and developed the
system to distinguish one individual person from
another based on certain body measurements

Francis Galton (1822-1911)
The father of Fingerprinting and has developed
fingerprinting as a way to uniquely identify individuals

Leone Lattes (1887-1954)
The father of Bloodstain Identification and developed a
procedure for determining the blood type (A, B, AB or O)
of a dried blood stain
People Behind Forensics
Albert Osborne (1858-1946)
The father of Document Examination where his work led
to the acceptance of documents as scientific evidence by
the courts
J. Edgar Hoover
The father of the FBI during the 1930s where he
organized a national laboratory to offer forensic services
to all law enforcement agencies in the United States
Edmond Locard (1877-1966)
The father of Crime Lab where he started the 1
st
crime lab
in an attic of a police station. He founded the Institute of
Criminalistics in France and developed the Locards
Exchange Principle
Scientific Methods in
Forensics
Observe problem or questioned evidence and collected
data

Make hypothesis or possible solution to the problem
based on the observations, given a directed work plan

Examine, test and analyze to support or refute hypothesis

Use deductive reasoning to make a determination as to
the significance of the evidence

Evaluate and verify all evidence and determine a
conclusion
Forensic Science Field in
Investigation
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
DNA Analysis
Firearms Identification / Ballistics
Toxicology
Document Examination and Analysis
Photography
Dactyloscopy
Medicine / Pathology
Dentistry
Crime Scene Investigation
Anthropology
Entomology
Computer Forensics
Forensic Specialties
Crime Scene Investigation deals with the
techniques and procedures used for approaching
and protecting the crime scene.
Polygraphy deals with the specific detection of
deception in relation to criminal investigation.
Forensic toxicology is the study of the effect of
drugs and poisons on/in the human body.
Forensic pathology is a field in which the principles
of medicine and pathology are applied to determine
a cause of death or injury in the context of a legal
inquiry.
Forensic dactyloscopy deals with the study of
fingerprint principles in criminal investigation.





Forensic Specialties
Forensic accounting is the study and interpretation of
accounting evidence.
Forensic anthropology is the application of physical
anthropology in a legal setting, usually for the
recovery and identification of skeletonized human
remains.
Forensic archaeology is the application of a
combination of archaeological techniques and forensic
science, typically in law enforcement.
Forensic astronomy uses methods from astronomy to
determine past celestial constellations for forensic
purposes.
Forensic botany is the study of plant life in order to
gain information regarding possible crimes.

Forensic Specialties
Forensic chemistry is the study of detection and identification
of illicit drugs, accelerants used in arson cases, explosive and
gunshot residue.
Computational forensics concerns the development of
algorithms and software to assist forensic examination.
Criminalistics is the application of various sciences to answer
questions relating to examination and comparison of biological
evidence, trace evidence, impression evidence (such as
fingerprints, footwear impressions, and tire tracks), controlled
substances, ballistics, firearm and toolmark examination, and
other evidence in criminal investigations. In typical
circumstances, evidence is processed in a crime lab.
Digital forensics is the application of proven scientific methods
and techniques in order to recover data from electronic /
digital media. Digital Forensic specialists work in the field as
well as in the lab.

Forensic Specialties
Forensic document examination or
questioned document examination answers
questions about a disputed document using
a variety of scientific processes and
methods. Many examinations involve a
comparison of the questioned document, or
components of the document, to a set of
known standards. The most common type
of examination involves handwriting
wherein the examiner tries to address
concerns about potential authorship.
Forensic DNA analysis takes advantage of
the uniqueness of an individual's DNA to
answer forensic questions such as
paternity/maternity testing or placing a
suspect at a crime scene, e.g., in a rape
investigation.





Forensic Specialties
Forensic engineering is
the scientific examination
and analysis of structures
and products relating to
their failure or cause of
damage.
Forensic entomology
deals with the
examination of insects in,
on, and around human
remains to assist in
determination of time or
location of death. It is also
possible to determine if
the body was moved after
death.


Forensic Specialties
Forensic geology deals
with trace evidence in
the form of soils,
minerals and petroleum.
Forensic limnology is the
analysis of evidence
collected from crime
scenes in or around
fresh water sources.
Examination of biological
organisms, in particular,
diatoms, can be useful in
connecting suspects with
victims.



Forensic Specialties
Forensic linguistics deals with issues in the legal
system that requires linguistic expertise.
Forensic meteorology is a site specific analysis of past
weather conditions for a point of loss.
Forensic odontology is the study of the uniqueness of
dentition better known as the study of teeth.
Forensic optometry is the study of glasses and other
eye wear relating to crime scenes and criminal
investigations
Forensic psychology is the study of the mind of an
individual, using forensic methods. Usually it
determines the circumstances behind a criminal's
behavior.
Forensic seismology is the study of techniques to
distinguish the seismic signals generated by
underground nuclear explosions from those generated
by earthquakes.
Forensic serology is the study of the body fluids.
Main Sources of Physical
Evidence
A. The Crime Scene
B. The Victim
C. The Suspect and His Environment
What will Evidence Collected
at a Scene Do for
Investigation?
Importance of Evidence Collection in
Investigation
May prove that a crime has been committed
Establish key elements of a crime
Link a suspect with a crime scene or a victim
Establish the identity of a victim or suspect
Corroborate the verbal witness testimony
Exonerate the innocent
Give investigators and detectives leads to work
with
in the case
The relationship of Forensic
Science and Criminal
Investigation begins at the
scene of the crime when
investigators start processing
the crime scene.
Physical evidence can
establish that a crime has been
committed or it can provide a
link between a crime and its
victim or between a crime and
its perpetrator
Did you Know?
According to The Innocence Project (2008)
"Eyewitness misidentification is the single
greatest cause of wrongful convictions
nationwide, playing a role in more than 75%
of convictions overturned through DNA
testing."

Still, the criminal justice system profoundly
relies on eyewitness identification and
testimony for investigating and prosecuting
crimes (Wells & Olson, 2003).
Medico-Legal
CONDUCT EXAMINATION ON PERSONS
INVOLVED IN PHYSICAL INJURY CASES AND
SEXUAL OFFENSES.
CONDUCT AUTOPSY, EXHUMATION, SKELETAL
AND ODONTOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS TO
DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF DEATH AND
IDENTITY OF PERSONS.
CONDUCT HISTOPATHOLOGICAL AND
SEROLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS TO DETERMINE
EXACT CAUSE OF DEATH AS WELL AS THE
PRESENCE AND TYPE OF HUMAN BLOOD.
CONDUCT DNA ANALYSIS FOR PERSON
IDENTIFICATION.
CONDUCT LECTURES TO DIFFERENT POLICE/
MILITARY INSTITUTIONS, GOVERNMENT
AGENCIES AND PRIVATE / PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
ORIENT AND TRAIN NEW PERSONNEL AND OJT
ON THE FUNCTIONS AND CAPABILITIES ON THE
DIVISION.

CHEMISTRY DIVISION
Conduct Qualitative and Quantitative Examination of
Dangerous Drugs under RA 9165 as well as volatile
substances under PD 1619.
Conduct examination of explosives and/or explosive
ingredients. (PD 1866)
Conduct examination of Firearms and Paraffin casts
for the presence of Gunpowder Nitrates.
Conduct Chemico-Toxicological examination of
human internal organs, gastric contents, blood water
and food sample and other substances.
Conduct examination of fake products in case of
unfair trade competition.

CHEMISTRY DIVISION
Conduct blood alcohol determination.
Examine urine and other body fluids for the
presence of dangerous drugs.
Conduct researches and training related to the
cases being examined.
Give lectures on Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology
to various schools, universities, police training
centers and other investigative units.
Testify and give expert opinion in court.
Respond to queries of all investigative units and
render expert opinion regarding matters related to
the application of chemical principles for the
purpose of assisting investigators in developing
investigative leads.
Conduct Field laboratory work and clandestine
laboratory investigation.


Conduct examination of evidence firearms, fired
bullets/cartridge cases, shotgun shells, wads, pellets
and related specimens recovered from the crime.
Conduct test firing of evidence firearms of different
caliber;
Conduct scene of crime operations and field laboratory
works;
Determines the classification of firearms as to power,
pursuant to RA 8294;
Conduct lectures, briefings and seminars on firearm
identification;
Appear in Court as Expert Witness; and
Perform such other functions as may be directed by
the Director, Crime Laboratory.
FIREARMS IDENTIFICATION DIVISION
Responsible to the Dir, CL for the examination of all
fingerprint evidence of criminal nature.
Supervise the technical training of the division personnel
with regards to dactylosycopy so as to improve their
knowledge and techniques of examination and analysis.
Provide lectures on the science of Dactyloscopy to PNP
School and other units of the AFP.
Provide fingerprint expert witnesses in civil and military
courts for the purpose of interpretation of dactyloscopic
reports on the scientific examination performed.
Develop, lift and preserve latent print gathered at the crime
scenes subsequently takes fingerprint of suspects and
criminal.
FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION DIVISION

FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION
DIVISION

Examine, compare and determine the
identity or non-identity of all questioned
finger, palm and footprints.
Assist in establishing identities of
deceased persons whose cadavers and
beyond recognition.
Classify, verify, and file all Fingerprint
cards based on Henry System with FBI
Modification and Extension.
Maintain index (3x5) card of cross-
reference of persons by name whose
fingerprint cards are on the Master File.


Examination of Questioned Signatures
Handwriting Examination
Examination of Document suspected to have been
Altered/Erased.
Decipherment of Secret Writings
Examination of Sequence of Entry
Paper and Ink Comparison
Typewriting Identification
Examination of Counterfeit Bills
Conduct lectures to PNP, AFP and other government agencies.
Conduct Field Laboratory Works
Attend court Duties.
QUESTIONED DOCUMENT EXAMINATION
DIVISION

Criminal Investigation
Domestic Issues
Employees Theft/Fraud
Unfair Dismissal
Pilferage
Insurance investigation
False and Malicious Allegations
Sexual Harassment
Pre-employment/periodic screening

POLYGRAPH DIVISION

Conduct analysis and comparison of specimen to determine its
nature, composition, quality or source such as hair, fibers, debris,
metals, paints, woods, restoration of serial numbers of motor
vehicles and firearms, ultraviolet examination in entrapment and
buy-bust operations, bullet trajectory in shooting incidents and
casting and molding of different types of impressions and tool marks
examination.

Assist investigators in the proper collection, handling and
preservation of physical evidence.

Conduct researches before their adaptation, give lectures,
technical opinion and testimony in both civil and criminal courts.
PHYSICAL IDENTIFICATION
DIVISION
PHOTOGRAPHY DIVISION
Photograph suspects and crime victims for personal identification;
Photograph evidence submitted to this laboratory before
examination;
Conduct crime scene photography;
Conduct comparative examination and analysis of questioned
photograph;
Conduct lectures to different police/military training institutions, govt
agencies and public/private schools upon request;
Process black & white film and print to reduce and enlarge
photographs;
Reproduce photographs and other printed matters;
Sketch facial features of suspects based on actual description by
the witnesses or victims for identification;
Attend court duties; and
Maintain Crime Laboratory Rogues Gallery