Section 2 Introduction
Targets
At the end of this Unit you should be able to answer the following questions
2. How can evidence be linked to its possible source?
2.1 How can impression evidence such as shoe prints and tire prints provide information?
2.2 How do handwriting and ink evidence help us make inferences?
2.3 How do fibre and soil evidence help us make inferences?
2.4 How can you classify fingerprint evidence collected from various surfaces?
Forensic investigators make observations and inferences as they collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes. They use science to help solve crimes. The most important part of their job is to make careful observations about all the details in the evidence they collect. They never know what might be the important key to solving a crime.
Video
Watch the Forensics Investigator video from the Wonderville website to see what kinds of evidence forensic investigators gather and analyze. (You will need a free Wonderville account. Log in, if you already have created this, or if you have not, ask your parent/guardian to help you do this.)
Career Connection
Forensics refers to the large field of careers that are involved in using science to solve problems in the legal system. Usually we think of this in terms of investigating and solving crimes, but many other jobs might not be as well known as those you see on television. Do you know what a forensic accountant does? Or what about a forensic psychologist? To find out more about careers in forensic science, check out So You Want to be a Forensic Scientist!