Description
Forensic sciences refer to the application of scientific knowledge and methodology by law enforcement agencies to criminal investigations. The term “forensic sciences” encompasses a variety of disciplines ranging from biology (used in the analysis of DNA) to anthropology that helps to identify the human remains. Forensic sciences are no longer limited to natural sciences, increasingly ‘softer sciences’ such forensic psychiatry and psychology contribute to understanding the mental state of perpetrators and identify patterns of criminal activity. Modern forensic sciences originated in the nineteenth century when early forms of fingerprint analysis were used to identify criminals. Over the last three decades, with advances in DNA analysis, forensic sciences have become a fundamental part of law enforcement.
Forensic sciences enhance the ability of police services to detect and solve crimes by using scientific techniques to collect, analyse and interpret critical evidence on when, where, how and by whom a crime was committed. They are an essential part of the investigative capacity of law enforcement agencies and can help identify perpetrators or exonerate the innocent.
