Role of Forensic and Scientific Methods in Criminal Investigation

Abstract

Purpose: The human race since its inception has been plagued by the crime and related activities. The advancement of time has resulted in the development of new techniques adopted by criminals to commit crimes. The criminals are quick to exploit and adapt to technology for their personal gains. On the other hand law enforcement agencies are lacking the sophisticated methods to detect and interrogate the crime. This gives way to the existence of forensic science. It is the most powerful tool in investigation of crime as it is believed to be accurate and precise. Through this paper, the aim is to understand the importance of modern and scientific techniques and explore its applicability on criminal investigation. The paper targets its work on role of forensic science in keeping law and order in society, and analyzes legislative and judicial development on the subject.

Design/Methodology/Approach: To help build a deep understanding of the different dimensions of forensic and scientific investigation techniques and its related developments we have conducted systematic and extensive literature review to analyze forensic tools, address attainments and challenges encountered by criminal investigation agencies.

Findings: The judicial and legislative developments are finding their way towards usage of scientific methods at all stages of crime investigation. The forensic evidence provides accurate information to interrogating and adjudicating authorities which makes it possible to solve the criminal and civil disputes. However, the parameters and guiding principles within legal system are required to create the robust system and amplify its reliability.

Originality/Value: The puzzle ofcriminal investigation is incomplete without the application of forensic science based evidences. This paper will benefit law enforcement agencies, detectives and other stakeholders to understand diverse pool of forensic tools applied to investigation, challenges involved and methods to overcome them.

Paper Type: View Point.