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Forensic science covers a wide range of disciplines, but its main function is to provide impartial, scientific evidence for use in courts of law. This is usually as a result of a police enquiry, where scientific evidence is needed to help the police with their investigations. Scientists work closely with the police and are sometimes required to go to a crime scene. They specialise in various areas of work and frequently give evidence in court, and since their evidence is impartial, it can support either the case for the prosecution or defence.
Some of the procedures covered:
- Identification of blood, semen and other body fluids; the blood grouping of dried stains and the use of DNA profiling to compare samples.
- Identification and comparison of textile fibres.
- Identification and comparison of plant and animal materials - including hairs.
- Analysis of blood and urine samples for their drugs or alcohol content in driving offences.
- Analysis of body fluids and organs in cases of suspected poisoning.
- Identification of illegal drugs, such as amphetamine, heroin and cannabis. The purity of these drugs is often determined and samples can be compared.
- Comparison of materials used to package drugs.
- Examination of paint and glass fragments using microscopy, physical and chemical methods.
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