NCJ Number
89364
Journal
Revue internationale de criminologie et de police technique Volume: 35 Issue: 2 Dated: (April-June 1982) Pages: 193-208
Date Published
1982
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article argues for continuous attention to state-of-the art technological developments in the forensic sciences and the training that prepares officers to recognize, collect, and preserve the many forms of physical evidence now capable of being analyzed to constitute proof.
Abstract
With reference to a hypothetical burglary, it describes aspects of an offender's behavior likely to leave evidential traces, indicating the skills and attitudes needed by investigators to uncover these traces. It also addresses the theoretical concept of evidence that constitutes proof. Complexities of forensic specialization and the relationship of criminalistics and the applied sciences are also discussed. Among the recent techniques and equipment described are microspectrophotometry, the electrostatic detection apparatus, chromatography, and the video spectral comparator. The capabilities of each are delineated in terms of particular types of trace evidence that can be analyzed with each technique. Photographs and an 18-item bibliography are provided.