Forensics is the technical and scientific application of methods and techniques applied to the investigation of a crime and for the presentation of the findings in accordance with compliance with court mandated “rules of evidence.”
Forensic Inquiries
Rules change according to area of expertise. Areas of inquiry are:
• Forensic Tool Mark Analysis – this discipline compares tools and marks to link burglary devices and murder weapons with the victim and suspect. Ballistics is a misnomer coined and popularized by TV and the movies, and “who done it” novels and hard-boiled PI novels that were popular in the 1930’s through the 1960’s. Ballistics relates to the path of a fired projectile, not the engraved marks that tie a projectile, i.e. bullet, to a firearm. Tools and marks evidence can identify tools used for illicit entry or burglary. The field like most technical pursuits has its own vocabulary and methods. It not only includes metal on metal, but drag marks, in the soil, and other markings caused by abrasion, cutting or blunt impact and other contact artifacts. Not only comparison but interpretation of the findings is required of the tool and marks technician.
• Electronics Forensics – not only is there oodles of evidence found on computers but cell phones and PDA’s (gone with the arrival of the smartphone) record an electronic record with data of forensic interest. Homicide investigators collect the victim’s phone as well as any suspects. Internet abuse is rampant in business environment. Who knows the hours lost to porn and internet surfing? Internet and email do leave artifacts, tantalizing snippets of data that can provide evidence for the savvy expert to glean a list of activities and provide evidence. The difficulty with computers, particularly home computers available for any member to use, is putting the suspect at the keyboard when the criminal activity is evidenced from the data. Not always easy. Rules and procedures have firmed up over the last 15 years since the birth of electronic forensics or so on collection and presentation of electronic evidence. Child porn (restricted to law enforcement as child porn possession is illegal to have for anyone else and is restricted to investigator’s only) sex trafficking, black market, illegal betting, fraud and a plethora of criminal activities are recorded on electronic devices. As we move towards the paperless office electronic forensics becomes more pertinent in nearly every criminal pursuit.
• Forensic Accounting and Financial Investigations – are not restricted to IRS but are key to fraud, illicit misappropriation of funds, asset location and identification and labor-wage investigations. Accounting rules and procedures have been around for years, indeed the arrest and conviction of some of the most notorious organized crime figures have hinged around the application of forensic accountanting. Many of these criminals were convicted on tax evasion, not the heinous other crimes they were known for.
• Forensic Psychologists – are portrayed in media as the profiler popularized by the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, but mostly the forensic psychologist spends a considerable amount of determining the fitness of and individual to stand trial. But in cases of ‘alleged’ suicide a review of the victim’s life and perhaps medical records by a forensic psychologist can determine if an act was accidental, premeditated or if further investigation of possible foul play is warranted.
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Although when considering the term ‘forensic’ we usually connect it to criminal matters, forensics, including lab techs and other forensic specialties are just as critical to civil investigations as they are to criminal investigations. But the official state sponsored specialists are harried and buried under a mountain of requests and paperwork. In civil matters particularly, engaging the services of a private investigator with access to staff or contracted certified forensic experts will facilitate the prosecution or defense of litigatory actions.Advanced Private Investigator & Security of Miami FL offers forensic and other investigations. Contact us to learn more today.
