Forensics is the application of science to investigations for the collection, preservation, and analysis of evidence. It has a broad focus: DNA analysis, fingerprint analysis, bloodstain pattern analysis, firearms examination and ballistics, toolmark analysis, serology, toxicology, hair and fiber analysis, footwear and tire tread analysis, drug chemistry, paint and glass analysis, linguistics, digital audio, video, and photographic analysis, etc.
In addition to linking a suspect's identity to an action, forensics is often used to link individual actions together.
Forensic scientists often testify as “expert witnesses” at trials.
Used in tactics: Incrimination
Sub-techniques
| Name | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Forensics | ||
| Arson | Arson forensics (also known as fire investigation) is the application of science to the investigation of arson. Arson forensics has two distinct phases: fire scene investigation, which focuses on evidence at the scene of the fire, and fire debris analysis, which focuses on evidence removed from the scene and analyzed in a laboratory. | |
| Ballistics | Ballistic forensics (also known as firearm examination) is the application of science to the investigation of firearms and bullets. When a bullet is fired from a gun, the gun leaves microscopic marks on the bullet and cartridge case. These marks are like ballistic fingerprints. | |
| DNA | DNA forensics (also known as DNA analysis) is the collection, storage, and analysis of DNA traces for the purpose of matching DNA traces to individuals. | |
| Digital | Digital forensics is the retrieval, storage, and analysis of electronic data that can be useful in criminal investigations. This includes information from computers, hard drives, phones, and other data storage devices. | |
| Facial recognition | Facial recognition is the analysis of the features of human faces for the purpose of matching one face to another. | |
| Fingerprints | Fingerprint forensics is the collection, storage and analysis of the impressions left by the ridges of human fingers. | |
| Gait recognition | Gait recognition is the analysis of the walking style and pace of individuals, for the purpose of matching one walking style and pace to another. | |
| Handwriting analysis | Handwriting analysis is the analysis of handwriting samples, typically for the purpose of matching one sample to another. | |
| Linguistics | Forensic linguistics is the application of linguistic knowledge to identify the author of a text or the person behind a voice. Author identification (also called stylometry) is based on the analysis of certain patterns of language use: vocabulary, collocations, spelling, grammar, etc. Voice identification is based on speech sounds (phonetics) and the acoustic qualities of the voice. | |
| Trace evidence | Trace evidence is the tiny fragments of physical evidence that can be transferred between objects, or between objects and the environment. This transfer can occur when two objects touch, or when small particles are dispersed by an action or movement. Trace evidence can be analyzed to establish links between people, objects, and places. | |