Processing the Evidence with Forensic Science Tools

The comparison microscope is just one of the numerous tools used in forensic science. From the mundane to the sophisticated to the truly advanced, materials and equipment used in the pursuit of the evidence alternately fascinates and thrills. Certain tools also offer technological advances that allow investigators to shorten the amount of time they need to identify and analyze evidence. Without these tools, sifting through the available evidence will prove extremely difficult for forensic detectives.

There are several branches of forensic science. Depending on the requirements, the types of tools used can vary. The choice of tools is also essential for the success of any investigation, particularly because most pieces of evidence are unique. Once destroyed, they might make it impossible for forensic investigation to continue.

Tools used in Forensic Science
There is a variety of tools used in forensic science, depending on the specialization. Here are just a few of them:

Collection tools
One of the very first steps that forensic investigators have to do is to collect evidence. Collection tools used in forensic science include:

Tweezers
Although most forensic investigators will probably collect evidence using their hands, most will prefer to use a pair of tweezers in order to obtain fragments of glass, plastic, fiber, hair and other materials from the crime scene. Tweezers are also more efficient in obtaining tiny pieces, especially those found in areas that are difficult to reach.

Bags and envelopes
To ensure that evidence is uncorrupted or uncompromised, forensic science experts keep them in sealed bags and envelopes. This will protect the evidence from stains or contamination until they are processed in the laboratory.

Dusting powder
Dusting powder aids in the collection of fingerprint evidence. Investigators use this special powder to enhance any prints that may be left on the scene. These prints are later lifted off the surface using clear tape. The image of the prints are later taken and checked with a computer database or examined under the microscope for comparison.

Vacuum
A vacuum collector can help collect tiny evidence that may have escaped the naked eye of the investigators. Materials such as dust, crumbs, tiny fragments and small pieces are much more efficiently collected with a vacuum.

Measuring tools
Forensic science relies on accurate data, which means it's important that investigators obtain exact measurements as evidence. Some of the measuring tools used in forensic science include rulers, measuring tapes, thermometers and barometers. In some cases, evidence involving the location itself will need to be recorded, such as room temperature, size of the room or objects within, distance, etc.

Microscopy
There are numerous microscopy techniques used as tools in forensic science. They are used for identification, comparison and analysis of collected evidence. These microscopes include:

Compound microscopes – used for basic magnification to examine pieces of evidence, mainly to check for color, grain, contamination, stains, scratches, marks, etc. Higher magnification microscopes are also used to check for the presence of bacteria, often after live culturing.

Stereo Dissecting microscopes – used for viewing large pieces of evidence, especially those that are heavier and bulkier. If dissecting certain pieces of evidence is required, such as in the case of biological evidence. This type of microscopy features high magnification, offering better image detail and enough room to manipulate the specimen.

Comparison microscopes – comparison microscopes allow observers to view two different specimens on two separate stages. This equipment is excellent for comparing two pieces of evidence against each other. Comparing bullet cartridges, for example, is best done using this type of microscopy. Comparing fingerprints may also be performed using this type of microscopy, in the absence of a computer software or database that contains other prints.

Digital microscopes – digital microscopes are highly favored by forensic investigators for their imaging capability. These instruments can provide very sharp, highly detailed images of samples. Digital microscopes also offer the convenience of connectivity, allowing users to connect them to monitors and computers where they can be stored, edited and forwarded.

Petrographic microscopes – these are microscopes used mainly for examining rock and mineral samples. Generally, petrographic microscopes are used when larger pieces of materials are used for identification and analysis.

Scanning electron microscopes – this type of microscopy offers excellent depth of field. They are also capable of providing extremely high magnification, increasing the size of the image to up to several thousand times its original.

Chemicals
Chemicals are very essential tools for use in forensic science. In obtaining fingerprint evidence, for example, a chemical that produces fumes is often used. This is done for latent prints that are either difficult to obtain or are found on materials that cannot be processed with dusting powder.

Chemicals are also important as tools for forensic science investigations involving unknown fluids, powders and substances. These chemicals react with the evidence and are very important when investigators wish to check or confirm the presence of certain materials. Article link