Introduction to Medical Forensics

Unit 01

Why did you take this class?

What are you interests and goals concerning this class?

Vocabulary TermsForensic scienceMedical forensicsSerologymortalityPathologyPsychologyAnthropologyOdontologyToxicologyHemoglobinMass spectrometrySpectroscopy

DNASureteAFISVICAPNCAVCCODISDRUGFIREPhysical evidenceClass evidenceIndividual evidence

What is Medical Forensics?Definition of forensic science: the study of

applying science to legal questionsDefinition of Medical Forensics: the application of

medical science to legal questionsBrainstorm the differences. List at least 5

things which would be covered in forensic science but NOT in medical forensics.

This class deals with crime to a human body such as assault and death, how those crimes caused harm, and how to collect and verify evidence pertaining to the crime.

What is Medical ForensicsIn the area of medical forensics alone, there

are at least 36 specialties and sub disciplinesForensic medicine is the field of medicine

that interprets or establishes the facts pertaining to the unexplained or suspicious death of a human being or the suffering of grievous bodily harm, in civil or criminal law cases.

History of Medical ForensicsUsing the following historical information, answer

the crossword puzzle of the people/discoveries/events which lead to the development of medical forensics as we know it today.1642 – University of Leipzip offered a course in

forensic medicine for doctorsEarly 1800’s – Paris, Eugene Francois Vidoeq (an ex-

con), formed the “Surete,” the first detective forceInvented some forensic techniques: matching

bullets to guns, handwriting analysis & undercover investigations

History Continued During the 1800’s toxicology made dramatic

progress, Mathieu Orfila is considered to be the modern father of toxicology, having given the subject its first formal treatment in 1813

Mid-1800’s a crystal test was developed to test for hemoglobin (Ludwig Teichmann)

1859 – field of spectroscopy was started (Gustov Kirchoff & Robert Blinsen). This led to mass spectrometry much later which is used for trace evidence.

1883 – Alphonse Bertillon (France) developed a measurement system to help identify repeat offenders (14 measurements). Used in Europe & the US until the early 1900’s. Called “Bertillonage” or anthropometry

Sherlock Holmes books fueled the interest in Forensics

History Continued1880 – Henry Faulds (Scotland)used fingerprints to

eliminate a suspect and convict the correct one. 1892 Francis Galton published the first scientific study on the uniqueness of fingerprints. In 1892 in Argentina, the first court case with fingerprints as evidence occurred.

Late 1800’s to early 1900’s brought many changes – police schools, investigative squads, preserving crime scenes, handling evidence, blood test to distinguish primate blood, move from the measurement ID system to fingerprint classification (Scotland Yard), fiber analysis, trace evidence, use of microscopes, gun cataloging, tool marks (most from 1902-1909).

History ContinuedThe Italian scientist Leone Lattes devised the first

workable procedure for typing dried bloodstains, 1915.The application of science to criminal investigation was

advocated by the Austrian magistrate Hans Gross.The first functioning crime lab was in Lyons, France, in

1910 by Edmond Locard, extremely important person, coined the phrase/idea that something is always left behind

The first Crime Lab in the U.S. was in Los Angeles in 1923

1916 – Berkeley, CA – school to educate investigators (August Vollmer), precursor to the polygraph, Edward O. Heinrich – pioneer in many areas

History Continued1930’s-1937- luminal was invented by Walter

Specht, arson researchAfter WWII, the area saw very rapid growth, the

development of computers, the discovery and use of DNA, etc.

The DNA profiling technique was first reported in 1984 by Sir Alec Jeffreys at the University of Leicester in England, and is now the basis of several national DNA databases. Dr. Jeffreys's genetic fingerprinting was made commercially available in 1987, when a chemical company, ICI, started a blood-testing center in England.

History ContinuedThe first murder conviction using DNA evidence came in

1988 when baker Colin Pitchfork was found guilty of the separate murders of two schoolgirls - Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, both 15 - in Narborough, Leicestershire.

Advancements in DNA technology led to Pitchfork's conviction

Both of the cases - one in 1983 and one in 1986 - involved sexual assaults, and semen samples were taken from both bodies. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5405470.stm

Demand for drug analysis is primarily responsible for the expansion of crime laboratories

http://www.forensicdna.com/Timeline020702.pdf

FBI HistoryFBI – 1908 began with a small group to investigate and

enforce interstate law enforcement (actual FBI name came in 1935). The crime lab started in 1935. 1975 AFIS (Automated Fingerprint Identification System)was developed, profiling, in the mid 1980’s VICAP (Violent Criminal Apprehension Program)was developed for homicides, NCAVC (National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime), CODIS (Combined DNA Index System), Drugfire system (guns & bullets).

Currently at the federal level there are four agencies which offer forensic service: FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and US Postal Service

History assignmentCreate a Medical Forensics Timeline. You may

reference the following site: http://www.forensicdna.com/Timeline020702.pdf

ONLY use what applies to MEDICAL forensics.

It must be at least two feet in length and no longer than three feet in length

It must be legible, but not grossly enlarged

The Crime LaboratoryThe organization of a crime lab depends on

the specific function of that particular lab. Not all labs test all types of evidence. Most are specialized. For example, fingerprints, DNA & mortality are very different. All lab requirements and general organization will be addressed in each specific unit studied in this class.

The Crime LaboratoryFingerprints: The newest police booking systems no longer

use ink and cards which would then have to be scanned into the computer. They now use “inkless” printing where the fingerprints are scanned directly into the computer and loaded into AFIS. This would require the computer and scanning device and system. It would require an office type of area and climate, as well as access to only those in law enforcement trained to use the system. In a crime laboratory, a technician would also require a computer system used to analyze prints and access to AFIS, as well as equipment to “lift” a print off of evidence. The area where the evidence is analyzed would require sterility of other prints so as to not contaminate the evidence. A fume hood, dusting powder, computer scanners & programs could all be used to find prints on evidence.

The Crime LaboratoryDNA: DNA labs require sterile work

environments to eliminate the possibility of contaminating samples. Technicians trained in this area with the right certification would be required to wear face masks, gowns and gloves. Multiple pieces of equipment are required, such as a centrifuge, fume hood, micropipets, water baths, gel electrophoresis cells, computers with programming for analysis, etc. The lab would need a stringent system for cataloging the samples and keeping them from contact with other samples. The area would need to be locked to allow access only to those qualified to work in the lab.

The Crime LaboratoryMortality: Most states have medical examiners

who analyze and collect evidence from dead bodies. This is usually done in a lab, sometimes referred to as the morgue. The instruments used to perform an autopsy must be sterilized between each use. The lab needs tables for the bodies, large sinks and water sprays, cameras to record visible evidence, medical equipment to take samples of fluids and tissue, microscopes, etc. The examiner is typically a medically trained doctor with specialties in many areas, such as pathology and toxicology, etc.

Crime LabsThe Denver Crime Lab is comprised of nine units,

including the Crime Scene Investigations Unit, the Forensic Chemistry Unit, the Trace Evidence Unit, the Firearms/Toolmarks Unit, the Latent Print Unit, and the Photography Lab, the Forensic Biology/DNA Section, the Quality Assurance Unit, and the Crime Scene Volunteer Unit.

The Forensic Chemistry Unit (physical evidence unit) is staffed by forensic scientists.   Their primary role is the analysis of controlled or suspected controlled substances.

Crime LabsThe Forensic Biology and DNA Unit is staffed by forensic DNA

analysts and forensic biologists.  These forensic scientists examine items of crime scene evidence such as sexual assault kits, clothing, weapons and other items, in order to identify biological fluids and stains including blood, semen, saliva or other cellular material.  

The Firearms/Toolmark Unit is staffed by forensic scientists. The Firearms Unit was the first operational unit in the Denver Police Department’s crime laboratory. 

The Latent Print Unit is staffed by both sworn police detectives and forensic scientists. Commonly known as the first forensic science, the use of latent prints (fingerprints, palm prints, etc.) has been upheld in the United States court system for over 100 years. It is the first, and still primary, source for identifying individuals.

Crime LabsThe Forensic Imaging Unit is staffed by civilian photographers. 

The unit handles the digital and video evidence produced by the Crime Lab and Crime Scene Investigators.

The Quality Assurance Unit is staffed by administrative personnel.  The unit maintains the laboratory’s International Organization of Standards (ISO) requirements in partnership with Forensic Quality Services.  In accordance with the forensic standards established by the laboratory, the QA unit assures the excellence of the science completed by each forensic unit according to national and international standards.  Additionally, the unit maintains all records relating to the crime laboratory.

Crime LabsThe Trace Evidence Unit (or physical

evidence unit)is staffed by forensic scientists, including a forensic anthropologist. Their role is the comparative analysis of inorganic substances that include hair shafts, fibers, soils, paint, glass, explosive residue, and gun shot residue. They also examine metals, tape, rope, cloth, buttons, thread, botanicals & wood, fibers, pollen, soil, and unknown materials (i.e., chemicals). Additionally, the unit can conduct physical matches on items, such as a bottle broken at a crime scene.

Crime LabsThe Crime Scene Investigations Section is

comprised of Detectives and Sergeants, working two separate shifts. They handle evidence identification and collection on all major crime scenes, including officer involved shootings. The unit also handles a variety of evidence collection and documentation responsibilities in an assortment of property crimes.

Other examples of crime labsLouisiana: DNA, Evidence Handling Unit,

Drug Analysis , Unit ,Physical Evidence Unit ,Toxicology Unit ,Blood ,Alcohol Testing ,Crime Lab Survey

In Utah: The Utah Bureau of Forensic Services is the ASCLD/ISO accredited state laboratory system that specializes in forensic science.   We offer all of our services free of charge to the police agencies of Utah. 

Utah Crime LabOur areas of expertise are: Forensic Biology:  Serology, DNA, CODIS Forensic Chemistry: Controlled Substances (all labs), Fire

Debris, Paint, FibersImpressions: Fingerprints (Southern Lab as well), AFIS,

Footwear, Tires Firearms/Tool marks: Serial Number Restoration,

Reconstruction, Physical Matches (all Northern Lab only) Video EnhancementComputer Forensics: Regional Computer Forensics Lab

(RCFL) Crime Scenes: assisting agencies with crime scenes All services are performed at the Central Lab only unless

stated otherwise

Utah Crime LabWe currently have 3 satellite labs throughout the

state of Utah.  These labs are in Salt Lake City (Central), Ogden (Northern), and Cedar City (Southern).  Along with the 3 satellite labs, we have 3 partner labs (Murray City Police, Cottonwood Heights Police, and the RCFL)

Physical EvidenceImportance of Physical Evidence

Value in investigating a crimeEye witnesses can be unreliable. Their story

needs to be corroborated with the evidence. There isn’t always an eye witness to a crime.

Physical evidence can lead to suspects, verification of explanations (such as self-defense, suicide, etc), it can remake a crime scene, and it is used to convince a jury of guilt.

Physical evidence has become virtually required in order to convict.

Individual vs Class EvidenceIndividual Evidence Class Evidence Individual evidence is physical

evidence which can be traced or linked back to one individual or event where only 1 person could have been present during the crime. Examples include DNA, blood spatter, wear patterns on shoes or tires, fingerprints, etc.

IE: Nike running shoes, men’s, size 9, unique wear and cuts in sole of shoe

Class evidence is physical evidence which could belong to more than one person but still narrows the field of suspects. Examples include brand and style of shoes, type of tires, etc.

IE: Nike running shoes, men’s, size 9

Book Assignment“Forensic Science” TextbookRead the case studies on pg 24 (2)Complete the activity on pages 30-32Read the case study on page 33

ReviewKnow all of the vocabulary termsBe familiar with the order of events in the

medical forensic timeline, know what events took place, know the people!

Know the vocab!http://

www.toolsforeducators.com/wordsearch/wordsearchq.php?hint=text

Unit 1 Test Help Terms

DNAAnthropolog

ySerologyGaltonOrfilaBerkleyPhysical

evidenceTrace

evidenceBertillon

Class evidence

Individual evidence

FingerprintExpertToxicology JefferysChemistryForensicsFBI

VollmerVideoqSureteLocardLattesGrossHeinrichFirearmsDRUGFIRESherlock

HolmesDrug

DEACrime SceneUnited

States Postal Service

BiologyEntomologyBureau of

Alcohol, Tobacco & firearms (ATF)