Forensic Investigation

Abstract

This chapter examines the role that forensic investigation plays in policing. It also highlights the role of police officers in assisting the Crime Scene Investigator (CSI), such as ‘bagging and tagging’ evidence and collecting evidence from suspects. Forensic investigation is a tripartite arrangement which involves forensic science, the investigator, and the criminal justice system (CJS) that can support criminal and civil investigations. Forensic evidence can be classified in a number of different ways, such as trace evidence, impressions, DNA evidence, finger marks, and documents. The chapter cites the importance of taking samples from suspects, victims, and crime scenes in an effort to establish a connection between them.