Crime Scene Investigation

Crime scene processing: The systematic and methodical process of documenting, collecting, and preserving physical evidence at a crime scene.

Forensic photography: The use of specialized photographic techniques to document crime scenes, including macro and microphotography, ultraviolet and infrared imaging, and 360-degree imaging technology.

Bloodstain pattern analysis: The examination of the size, shape, and distribution of bloodstains to determine how they were created and infer the activities that took place at a crime scene.

Ballistics: The study of firearms, including their design, function, and operation, as well as the investigation of gunshot wounds and the identification of fired bullets and cartridges.

Serology: The analysis of bodily fluids, including blood, semen, and saliva, to identify and/or exclude potential suspects and to provide evidence for or against a particular scenario.

Forensic anthropology: The study of human skeletal remains to determine the age, sex, stature, ancestry, and cause of death of an individual.

Entomology: The study of insects and their life cycles, used to determine the time of death and/or the location of a corpse.

DNA analysis: The examination of DNA samples, used to match or exclude potential suspects, identify victims, and determine familial relationships.

Forensic odontology: The use of dental records and teeth to identify human remains and assist with investigations.

Legal procedures and ethical considerations: The laws, regulations, and protocols that govern the collection, processing, and use of forensic evidence, as well as the ethical dilemmas and considerations that arise in the field of crime scene investigation.

Skeletal Analysis: This involves the analysis and examination of skeletal remains in order to determine the identity, age, sex, race, stature, and cause and manner of death.

Trauma Analysis: This involves the analysis of injuries on a skeleton, which can help determine the cause of death, including whether the person was the victim of violence.

Identification: This involves using skeletal remains to identify individuals, often through comparing dental or medical records to the remains.

Mass Disaster Recovery and Identification: Forensic anthropologists are often called upon to assist in mass disaster scenarios, such as plane crashes, earthquakes, or terrorist attacks. They will work to recover remains, identify missing individuals, and provide information to assist with the investigation.

Forensic Taphonomy: This field of study concerns how a body decomposes and interacts with the immediate environment. Taphonomic factors can help explain how long a body has been dead, how it got to its current location, and whether it has been moved after death.

Facial Reconstruction: Forensic anthropologists can create 3D facial reconstructions based on skeletal remains in order to identify unknown individuals.

Human Rights and War Crimes: Forensic anthropologists may be involved in investigating allegations of torture, genocide, or other human rights abuses.

Cultural Anthropology: Forensic anthropologists may assist in archaeological digs to uncover prehistoric human remains, or participate in research on how different cultures view death and dying.