Forensic science is the use of scientific knowledge and technology applied to criminal investigations. The forensic scientist of investigator is half scientists and half detective. He or she collects, examines and reports on evidence from criminal activity. The field of forensic science is broad and complex. Forensic investigation encompasses a variety of disciplines among law enforcement, judicial system, and government authorities. Forensic science is used most typically in criminal investigations, ranging from ink analysis in cases of alleged forgery to sophisticated DNA analysis in homicide cases. As reported in The Kansas City Star, homicide investigators liken forensic investigation to the techniques of Sherlock Holmes, “In the era of Sherlock Holmes, those ‘elementary’ interviews were the key to solving a case. Since then, investigators have developed crime-solving techniques ranging from criminal psychological profiles to analysis of tiny specks of DNA to solve decades-old murders.” Many city police departments have a separate criminal investigation division which carries out forensic investigations. This research will explore the criminal investigation forensics department in Kansas City, Missouri, and also the statewide Crime Laboratory system that operates throughout Georgia. A conclusion will address the significance of forensic investigation in future, in light of rapidly advancing technology and an increasing number of successfully conducted investigations.
In Kansas City, Missouri, the Kansas City Crime Scene Technicians Unit houses the forensic lab and scientists. The technicians determine what is considered evidence and how to collect it. At the North Kansas City Police Department, there are three divisions. However, forensic investigations are performed by the Investigations Division Commander which “has oversight responsibility for criminal investigations and the operation of the municipal ...