Forensics is the application of scientific methods and techniques to the investigation of crime. The word “forensics” comes from the Latin word forensis, meaning “of or before the forum,” where legal cases were tried in ancient Rome.
The modern science of forensics has its roots in 19th-century police work, when investigators began using biology and other sciences to catch criminals. In 1835, for example, French police officer Eugène François Vidocq used ballistics to identify a murderer. And in 1856, English doctor Sir Bernard Spilsbury helped solve a murder by determining that a victim had been poisoned.
Today, forensics is an interdisciplinary field that uses knowledge from many different sciences to solve crimes. Forensic scientists use their skills to answer questions about how a crime was committed and who committed it. They may be asked to examine evidence such as fingerprints, hair samples, bloodstains, clothing fibers, or bite marks.
In addition to traditional forensic sciences such as anthropology and pathology, modern investigators also use psychology, sociology, computer science, engineering, and even linguistics to help them crack cases. For example:
· Psychologists may study criminals’ behavior patterns in order to develop profiles of unknown offenders.
· Sociologists may analyze data on groups known to commit certain types of crimes in order to help predict where and when those crimes will occur.
· Computer scientists may develop new ways to search for evidence or track down suspects using the Internet or other digital tools.
· Engineers may design new devices or software programs that can be used in forensic investigations