subject: No Escape With Forensic Science [print this page] Despite various endeavors to commit the perfect crime, this notion normally does not garner much success as every perpetrator is bound to leave behind evidence of foul play. Since old dogs seldom learn new tricks, history is often repeated in acts of offences. Criminals are generally left off the hook due to skillful covering of presence, inapt investigative skills or lack of legal resources. It is thus the responsibility of forensic science experts to pick up where the criminal left off. An indication of negative results can often be misconstrued to indicate absence of crime when in fact, imply unexplained findings to date which require further probing.
Various methods of investigation have been in effect since the days of yore. These experts relied on their knowledge of science and interactions, utilizing potions and powders to test and confirm their suspicions. No different from a medicine man, they were often treated with disdain by their colleagues who preferred the fast and furious mode of barrels and bullets. As time progressed, so did knowledge on the capabilities of science. When fingerprinting techniques were initially introduced, they were probably thought of as improbable methods to tell one person from the other. In time, they became accepted in the legal community as hooks and whirls proved to differentiate all individuals including identical twins. DNA testing joined the bandwagon in recent decades to further strengthen the basis for forensic science.
Coupled with investigating the living, this discipline also delves with those who have drawn their last breath. As dead men tell no tales, close scrutiny into suspicious circumstances can draw an interesting picture. It is thus not surprising to read accounts of the dead coming back to haunt the living as evidence of foul play is uncovered. Property loss due to arson or other acts of vandalism are also put on the microscope. Intent to collect on insurance claims or otherwise are quickly doused with a dose of reality as these experts weed out presence of dubious elements.
