NCJ Number
190957
Date Published
June 2001
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This paper examines how the investigation of homicide in Australia has been enhanced by new technologies and considers whether "new responses" to this traditional crime have emerged.
Abstract
Although the "fact finding" purpose of any homicide investigation may not have changed over the years, what has changed is the methods for such "fact finding." Computer systems and computer software have made the task of storing, organizing, accessing, and analyzing information and evidence for a homicide case more efficient and effective. By keeping track of information on various homicides within and across jurisdictions, computerized systems enable investigators to compare the characteristics of various homicides and determine whether there are links. Technological advances in forensic science have given it a much larger role in homicide investigations. Forensic science contributes to investigations in four main areas: establishing the elements of a criminal offense, linking suspects to a crime scene through physical materials and biological trace substances or fingerprints, excluding a suspect, and in reconstructing a crime or crime scene. One of the most significant developments in forensic science since the emergence of fingerprinting technology is DNA analysis and Australia's National Criminal Investigation DNA Database in CrimeTrac. Australian homicide investigation case studies are provided in this paper to illustrate how DNA analysis has been used successfully. 31 references and 2 figures