NCJ Number
95843
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 57 Issue: 4 Dated: (October-December 1984) Pages: 391-400
Date Published
1984
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Three general types of scientific applications exist in crime investigation: the use of machines and processes developed by scientists, the application of processes at the crime scene and in the laboratory which require the continued involvement of the scientist, and the application of the scientific attitude in the organization of the crime inquiry through the use and refinement of criminal investigation concepts.
Abstract
Machines and processes include the computer, fingerprint systems, and surveillance aids. Laboratory techniques include bloodstain analysis, the use of chemical information for intelligence purposes, and study of the strategy of analysis. Application of the scientific attitude in the investigation of crime itself can occur if recognition exists of the close similarities between the investigation of a difficult major crime and the experimental investigation of a difficult research problem in the laboratory. One way to ease the investigator's task is to define a numerical scale against which an investigator who has interrogated a witness may be able to measure a judgment of the interview. The Yorkshire Ripper case is presented to illustrate both the use and the need for the use of science in crime investigation.