In 1890 the novel, A Study in Scarlet, written by Arthur Conan Doyle introduced the character of Detective Sherlock Holmes. Doyle would go on to write 60 stories about Sherlock Holmes. The Sherlock Holmes stories have long been credited as an influence on forensic science thanks to his character’s use of investigative methods such as matching fingerprints, serology, ciphers, trace evidence, including footprints. 130 years later, this is old news, but a key component to investigations today. Until the 1850’s, it was the duty of the victim to identify and catch suspects, bring them to the local constable to hold them until they were seen by the magistrate. Then the Magistrate would decide based on the victim's testimony in addition to any circumstantial
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Investigating would take another leap with use forensic science. An unexplained plane accident was given to the FBI for analysis. The Bureau used its new laboratory to conduct tests on hundreds of airplane parts, furthermore going over the backgrounds of the 44 victims to determine the cause. Agents were able to discover evidence that a bomb was detonated in a piece of luggage as well as identify the perpetrator, later securing his confession and prosecution. In 1959 the FBI would confirm the existence of organized crime known today as mobsters. This would require a new type of investigating using accountants to track suspicious bank account activities. In the next 30 years the Bureau under Director J. Edgar Hoover, would prosecute every crime boss and bring an end to organized …show more content…
Forensic science thanks to the FBI has become the forefront in investigating. Procedures for collecting evidence has changed as well, officers need to follow many procedures to secure useful uncontaminated evidence. Today, many departments are involved in the completion of an investigation and realize the importance of collaboration. Law officials receive over a quarter of a million calls a year and must perform detailed procedures with accuracy, every time. First responders have the difficult task of being first on the scene after a call from dispatch. Dispatch will pass on all relevant information to responding officers. Once officers have arrived on the scene they need to make a quick evaluation and determine the extent of what to quarantine and any possible witnesses, this may include a restaurant nearby or housing, as well as bystanders in the area. Once the scene has been taped off for continuity and witness statements have been taken, officials can begin documenting the scene. Documenting the crime scene involves many procedures for sketching the area, making sure to include buildings, walls, cars, furniture; pretty, much everything. After or during the sketch process pictures and video
Investigating would take another leap with use forensic science. An unexplained plane accident was given to the FBI for analysis. The Bureau used its new laboratory to conduct tests on hundreds of airplane parts, furthermore going over the backgrounds of the 44 victims to determine the cause. Agents were able to discover evidence that a bomb was detonated in a piece of luggage as well as identify the perpetrator, later securing his confession and prosecution. In 1959 the FBI would confirm the existence of organized crime known today as mobsters. This would require a new type of investigating using accountants to track suspicious bank account activities. In the next 30 years the Bureau under Director J. Edgar Hoover, would prosecute every crime boss and bring an end to organized …show more content…
Forensic science thanks to the FBI has become the forefront in investigating. Procedures for collecting evidence has changed as well, officers need to follow many procedures to secure useful uncontaminated evidence. Today, many departments are involved in the completion of an investigation and realize the importance of collaboration. Law officials receive over a quarter of a million calls a year and must perform detailed procedures with accuracy, every time. First responders have the difficult task of being first on the scene after a call from dispatch. Dispatch will pass on all relevant information to responding officers. Once officers have arrived on the scene they need to make a quick evaluation and determine the extent of what to quarantine and any possible witnesses, this may include a restaurant nearby or housing, as well as bystanders in the area. Once the scene has been taped off for continuity and witness statements have been taken, officials can begin documenting the scene. Documenting the crime scene involves many procedures for sketching the area, making sure to include buildings, walls, cars, furniture; pretty, much everything. After or during the sketch process pictures and video