Forensics

Forensics for Beginners: Understanding the Basics of Pathology and Evidence Collection

Mya VanIsle

Welcome, I am Master Myra VanIsle, and I specialize in Pathology, Mending, and Communing. I have also been made Lore Keeper Emeritus specializing in Astronomy, Archeology, Linguistics, History, and Biology. I will be your instructor for forensics today. This class will cover Anthropology, Chemistry, Spectroscopy, Serology, Toxico, and Evidence Collection. Each of these disciplines is essential in uncovering the truth behind a crime. As a Pathologist, I have been called upon to provide expertise in these matters. Forensics is an essential part of any investigation and requires a unique set of skills to collect, preserve and analyze evidence properly. Pathology is a complex discipline that studies bodily fluids, tissues and cells. To help you better understand this subject, I will start with a specific topic, so please take notes as we go along. For instance, evidence collection is a process of gathering, documenting and preserving evidence related to a crime scene. There are many different methods of conducting investigations in the forensic field. Anthropology, Chemistry, Pathology, Serology, and Toxicology are all used to understand better evidence found at a crime scene. For example, Anthropology is used to assess the physical characteristics of any skeletal remains found, while Chemistry is used to analyze substances and substances found at the crime scene. Pathology is used to determine the bodily fluids or tissues of victims or suspects, while Serology is used to identify blood types. Toxicology is used to identify substances in a victim's body, such as drugs, poisons, and other toxins.

Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of remains, specifically those that are beyond regular recognition. Through the analysis of skeletal remains, anthropologists can estimate an individual's age, stature, and species. While anthropology cannot determine the cause of death, it can be used to determine any trauma the original specimen may have experienced. Additionally, anthropology is used to differentiate between human and non-human remains, which is vital in any criminal investigation. I use three terms when discussing Anthropology: Ante-Mortem, Perimortem, and Postmortem.

Ante-Mortem

Ante-Mortem refers to remains found before death, and these subjects may show signs of healing or regeneration. This is beneficial in determining the cause of death and any illnesses or diseases that the individual may have had before their demise. Additionally, AnteMortem remains can be used to determine a timeframe for when the individual may have died, as well as ascertain the individual's general health before death. Post-mortem remains, on the other hand, are those found after death and do not always provide as much information as anteMortem remains.

Perimortem

Perimortem fractures are fractures that occur at or around the time of death. These fractures can be distinguished from ante or post-mortem fractures by their colour. Perimortem fractures show a break with a darker colour on the end of the fracture, while ante and post-mortem fractures have a lighter colour on the back. Additionally, perimortem fractures are often sharp and jagged, while other fractures may be smoother.

Post-Mortem

Post-Mortem is the study of remains found after death, indicating the types of trauma inflicted on the specimen. Post-mortem fractures can help investigators determine the force used and if the fracture occurred before or after death. Additionally, post-mortem signs can help identify which structures are healthy and damaged due to decomposition. By recognizing these signs, a forensic pathologist can gain valuable insights into a deceased individual's life.

Forensic Anthropology

When human remains or a suspected burial are discovered, forensic anthropologists are often consulted to assess the situation. Utilizing their expertise in analyzing hard tissues such as bones, forensic anthropologists can ascertain who died, how they died and how long ago they died. In some cases, anthropologists are also consulted to assist in identifying the deceased. Forensic anthropologists can use the bones to estimate age and stature and examine any trauma that may have been inflicted before death. Forensic anthropologists are highly trained individuals who work with law enforcement to identify and analyze any skeletal remains found at a crime scene. They are also skilled in cleaning and preserving bones to be adequately examined. Through their research, they can provide a detailed analysis of the remains, establishing the biological profile of the deceased. These experts also assist in locating and recovering skeletal remains from being further analyzed. Forensic anthropologists must have a comprehensive knowledge of anatomy, osteology, and archaeology to identify human remains correctly. When examining skeletal remains, forensic anthropologists look for evidence of trauma, such as perimortem fractures, and any signs of healing, such as antemortem fractures. Additionally, they look for signs of disease or pathology that may indicate the cause of death. By utilizing their expertise in these fields, forensic anthropologists can provide valuable insights into any investigation.

Chemistry

Chemistry is an essential part of any investigation as it can be used to identify unknown substances, explosives, and accelerants. Forensic scientists utilize chemical techniques to analyze and identify suspicious materials which may have been used or left behind at a crime scene. Chemistry is also used to identify toxic chemicals, drugs, and poisons that may have been used in the commission of a crime. In addition, forensic chemists are also tasked with analyzing paint samples, glass fragments, and soil residues which can provide essential clues to investigators. Chemistry relies on many different instruments and tools to identify unknown substances found at a scene. The Handheld Scanner issued to every forensic investigator is one such tool. This device detects and analyzes the chemical composition of any sense it scans. It can identify accelerants, drugs, poisons, and explosives. Two main techniques used in the identification of substances are spectroscopy and chromatography.

Spectroscopy

Spectroscopy is a valuable tool for forensic investigators as it can provide insight into the chemical composition of any unknown substances. This technique can also be used to identify well-known substances, such as drugs and poisons, quickly and to preserve the sample for further analysis. Additionally, spectroscopy has been used to identify explosives, accelerants, and other suspicious materials.

Chromatography

Chromatography is an analytical technique used to identify and separate mixtures of compounds. It is useful when the sample is pure or very uncommon, as it can break apart unknown substances and identify each individually, which would destroy the piece. By combining this technique with other analytical methods, such as spectroscopy, forensic scientists can accurately identify suspicious substances and gain valuable insights into any criminal investigation. Chromatography is a powerful tool and can be used to identify even trace amounts of substances, making it invaluable to any forensic analysis.

Pathology

Pathology is the medical branch that specializes in determining the cause of death or injury. It focuses on examining corpses through autopsies, which provide detailed insight into the cause of death. Pathologists also analyze organs and tissues to determine whether disease or injury is present and uncover any signs of infection or toxins. Furthermore, pathologists can use their knowledge of medical history and their familiarity with the physiological effects of the disease to help determine the cause of death.

Autopsy

Autopsies can provide pathologists with a wealth of information regarding the cause and manner of death and any medical conditions the deceased may have suffered from. By carefully examining the organs and tissues, pathologists can determine if the end was due to natural causes, suicide, homicide, or an accident. Furthermore, autopsies can also provide clues as to how long ago the person died, allowing investigators to accurately piece together the timeline of events leading up to the death. The information gleaned from an autopsy can be invaluable in criminal investigations and is often used as evidence in court proceedings.

Serology

Serology is the scientific study of serum and other body fluids. In practice, it refers to identifying antibodies in the serum, usually produced in response to an infection or foreign proteins. As such, it is a valuable tool for forensic investigators, as it can detect the presence of specific infectious agents or toxins. This technique is instrumental in identifying individuals, as each person's antibodies are unique and can be used to identify suspects and victims. In addition to the biological sciences, forensic investigators rely on physical evidence such as fingerprints, shoe prints, and tool marks. Fingerprints are often the most important form of physical evidence, as they are unique to each individual and are impossible to replicate. By utilizing fingerprint analysis, investigators can identify suspects and victims, as well as link them to the scene of a crime. Similarly, shoe prints and tool marks can link suspects to the scene of a crime and provide further insight into how a crime was committed.

Toxicology

Toxicology is an essential component of forensic investigations, as it uses analytical chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical chemistry to conduct medical investigations of deaths, poisonings, and drug use. Toxicologists can determine the type and quantity of drugs or toxins in the body, allowing them to ascertain whether the death resulted from a drug overdose or poisoning. In addition, toxicologists can also analyze the environment around a suspicious death scene to identify potential sources of contamination. In many cases, toxicology is a critical tool for forensic investigators and is used to determine the cause of death accurately.

Evidence Collection

Evidence collection is a critical part of any medical investigation as it allows forensic investigators to accurately identify the chemicals in the body and determine their effects. Knowing the dose and type of chemicals present can be the key to determining how they affect the victim. For example, suppose a victim is found to have a lethal dose of a particular poison in their system. In that case, investigators can look for evidence that suggests the poison was administered deliberately. Similarly, evidence collection can help identify unknown substances and provide clues about their origin. Evidence collection is the most critical lesson from pathology and forensic science. Careful and thorough location and logging of evidence are essential to any investigation, and any object that may appear helpful should be noted and returned to the lab for examination. An investigator must remember that every item collected at a crime scene holds the potential for valuable information, and it is up to them to gather all pertinent evidence. Collecting and documenting evidence is a crucial part of any successful investigation, as this evidence can be used to provide concrete proof of a suspect's involvement in a crime.

Ingested Substances

Ingested substances often quickly metabolize or dilute, making it difficult to determine their original state. Other evidence must be used in these cases to identify the substance and its dosage. This can include analyzing the victim's stomach contents or other bodily fluids or tissues, as these may still contain traces of the ingested substance. Additionally, environmental evidence, such as food wrappers, drink containers, and other objects may provide further clues as to the composition of the essence.

Evidence Kit

Jedi Pathologists carry an Evidence Kit with them, containing items such as forceps, sterile gloves, plastic bags, vials, a Forensics Datapad, a Bio-Scanner, and a surgical mask. Using these tools, they can collect and preserve evidence at crime scenes to provide accurate and reliable information to investigators. The Evidence Kit also helps to provide added protection for Jedi Pathologists and team members, as it allows them to collect samples efficiently and limit their exposure time when dealing with hazardous substances. Additionally, the Bio-Scanner and Forensics Datapad help to document evidence and enable the analysis to be conducted quickly and reliably. For example, forensic scientists can use the Bio-Scanner to identify biological components such as hair and fibres. They can then use the Forensics Datapad to analyze the evidence, allowing them to pinpoint more precisely the origin of the substances detected. Jedi Pathologists can quickly and accurately collect and analyze evidence using this technology, saving time and providing more reliable results. Ultimately, this combination of evidence collection and analysis is invaluable in investigating any crime scene, allowing investigators to make sense of otherwise confusing and complex clues.

Summary

Forensic pathology and forensic science are invaluable tools for forensic investigators, allowing them to accurately and quickly collect evidence, identify substances, and link suspects to a crime scene. By combining the sciences of pathology, serology, toxicology, and evidence collection, forensic investigators can accurately determine the cause of death and identify suspects. In addition, advanced technologies such as the Evidence Kit, the Bio-Scanner, and the Forensics Datapad help make evidence collection more efficient and reliable. Ultimately, these tools help ensure justice is served and the guilty are brought to justice.

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