Abstract
This paper investigates the forensic science of criminal profiling. It gives a brief introduction of its history and first use, then explores how effective it has been in solving crimes. Arguments against its use are presented, and a conclusion on how to enhance its usefulness is also included.

From the Paper
"When it comes to solving crimes, law enforcement agencies use numerous tools, resources, and people to aid them in their search for answers. One rather new resource comes from the field of forensic science, and more precisely from the field of forensic psychology. Law enforcement agencies use forensic psychologists to construct certain characteristics about a criminal who commits a certain crime; the characteristics are then formed into a criminal profile (offender profile in the United Kingdom). The law enforcement agencies then use these profiles to help identify, apprehend, and prosecute the criminals. This paper will examine criminal profiling to see whether or not it is an accurate and truly useful resource in the ever-evolving fight against crime."

Tags:offender, police, detective, convict, fbi, science, arrest, justice

Abstract
This paper discusses how hairs and fibers are used in forensic research. The author explains the properties of hair, and how knowing the many varieties can help in solving a crime. Similarly, the author provides charts of various fibers and explains how a scientist can utilize this information.

From the Paper
"You brush up against countless people and surfaces over the course of a day. Each one leaves remnants of the contact- including fibers and hair. You pick hairs off of your clothing, clean a hairbrush, or cut loose threads from a garment; all these tiny items can be identifiable in virtually any situation. In the cases of violence or struggle, large transfers of both take place; an attacker pulls a victim's hair out, a victim grabs at an attacker's shirt and rips it, getting fibers under his or her nails, etc. Each piece of this minute evidence provides a means of identification and the ability to solve a crime."

Tags:crime, fibers, hairs, forensics

Abstract
This paper discusses the importance of forensic science to policing and criminal investigations, court processes, and security efforts. It then explains the accuracy of the media representation of forensic science and how the media influence popular opinion in justice-related issues.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Importance of Forensic to Policing

From the Paper
"Forensic science is a science made use of for the intentions of the law, and offers unbiased scientific evidence for use in the in a criminal investigation, courts of law, and a trial. Forensic science is a range of topics, illustrating mainly from chemistry and biology, but also psychology, social science, geology, and physics. Forensic science examples are the use of gas chromatography to categorize detained drugs, odontology practitioners to provide information to help identify a victim's remains that is unrecognizable, and DNA profiling to help classify a murder suspect from a bloodstain or hair obtained at the crime scene (Standfordshire, 2007)."

Tags:dna, media, criminal, investigation, court

Abstract
The paper discusses how the contribution of a positivist methodology to criminology cannot be underestimated and how the very name criminology did not become common until the 1890?s and the rise of positivism. It looks at how the work of Cesare Lombroso established a new method of conducting criminal inquiry even though the work of Guerry and Quetelet on French crime statistics and social data had already introduced a positivistic approach into the study of crime especially with regard to the social links with criminal behaviour. It also explores how the work of the Italian School of Criminology (scula positiva) with people like Enrico Ferri used the methodology that Cesare Lombroso introduced but applied them to different areas of inquiry. It shows how this multi-factor scientific approach allowed the science of crime to develop and become an internationally recognised academic field and encouraged people all over the world to try and search for causal links between crime and various factors like poverty and education levels.

From the Paper
"The work of Lombroso was new and radical but what is more important to the development of positivism and its subsequent influence on modern criminology were the methods that he employed in his study. The scientific methods he used revolutionised the study of crime, his new model of approach sought to identify, categorise and measure differences between criminals. Lombroso published his findings in 1876 in L?Umo Delinquente (The Delinquent Mind) and his work and methods gave rise to a new international movement. The Italian School of Criminology (scula positiva) emerged and took the methodology of Lombroso and expanded upon them. The work of people such as Enrico Ferri according to David Garland, "showed a considerable diversity and eclecticism." The "French School" focused mainly upon the sociological and environmental determinants of crime and the "German School" included the study criminalistics and the development of new forensic techniques."

Tags:durkheim, lombroso, poverty, education

Abstract
This paper lays out how DNA has become a vital tool is criminal investigations. Areas that are discussed are how even with the smallest drop of blood it can link a suspect to a crime. The paper shows how the use of DNA database evidence also assists in solving old crimes by linking a suspect. As the technology continues to change DNA will be extracted from many other areas such as even fingerprint oils. DNA testing has accomplished a great deal in opening up new sources of forensic evidence, its full potential to identify perpetrators and exonerate people falsely convicted has yet to be realized.

From the Paper
"First developed in England in 1985, DNA testing takes advantage of the fact that, with the exception of identical twins, the genetic material of each person is unique. DNA is the chemical deoxyribonucleic acid, which carries the genetic code of each human's body, the genetic blueprint we inherit from our parents. DNA, while not actually a part of saliva, urine, perspiration or tears, is found in one place, the nucleus of cells. Since these cells are found in all bodily fluids, tissue and hair, DNA is an omnipresent residue that trails us wherever we go. These physical properties of DNA have made it an important tool in fighting crime."

Tags:biological, crime, criminal, evidence, fbi, forensics, investigations, justice, police, victims

Abstract
Law enforcement uses a wide range of tactics to expose and apprehend those involved in organized crime. This paper examines how surveillance is widely used to detect terrorist and paramilitary plots, drug and human trafficking activities, identity and information theft, money laundering, among other activities. Specifically, the paper explores the history of surveillance as an investigative tool, current surveillance trends, and controversies related to privacy rights.

From the Paper
"Detecting and monitoring criminal, political, and social patterns has a long history. Thousands of years ago, Ancient Egyptians kept massive records on its citizens' military involvement and immigration patterns. In the year 1086, the Normal administration began collecting data related to land holdings as a means of establishing military domains. Later, in 1831, the invention of the telegraph drew tremendous interest from law enforcement agencies that commenced a permanent dependent relationship between law enforcement surveillance capabilities and technological advancements. For instance, wiretapping surveillance followed soon after the invention of the telephone in 1876 (Hunter, 2007). Advances in electronics and computer technology have given law enforcement tremendous investigative tools however these developments have benefited organized crime at an even faster rate. Thus the vast challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in detecting criminal activities are overwhelming. "

Tags:privacy, rights, Internet, biometrics

Abstract
This paper explains that the introduction of DNA evidence has become the cornerstone of many forms of criminal investigations especially for sexual assault and murder. Nonetheless, DNA evidence still has its drawbacks. The author provides a basic understanding of DNA and the ways DNA is used as evidence at crime scenes. The paper points out the issue of privacy, the need for collaboration even when DNA associated with the accused is found, and the difficulty of explaining the complicated DNA procedures to a jury. The paper stresses that the use of DNA is most significant in the area of exonerating previously convicted individuals who were sentenced based on inaccurate eyewitness testimony or other faults of the investigation process.

From the Paper
"One of the controversial advancements that has come along with the use of DNA evidence is the development of DNA databases, which store the DNA of convicted criminals from previous cases. It is very similar to the fingerprint databases that exist, only these databases store the electronic print out of a person's DNA. The controversy occurs over the desire of some political groups to include all humans in these databases and not simply criminals. Additionally, some even object to the database at all, regardless of who's DNA it contains, as they believe it is an invasion of privacy."

Tags:unique, databases, privacy, regions, exoneration

Abstract
This paper discusses the roles of hair and fibers as physical evidence in forensic science. It concentrates on the physical composition, identification methods, recovery techniques and implications as evidence. This forensic science research paper also provides an analytical discussion of the implications that the various methods have in the field of criminology.

From the Paper
"Hair and fibers are superficially similar. They may frequently be found together as trace evidence, and the methods of studying them are often similar. In fact, hair and fibers are quite different: Hair as an appendage of human or animal skin, growing out of an organ known as the hair follicle; fibers are strands of natural or manufactured material. Some animal-hair coverings such as wool and mohair are classified as natural fibers, but such issues of terminology are just that and do not affect the process of identification. Although hair is discovered as evidence at many crime scenes and often appears on the bodies of victims of violence, it represents class or general evidence, rather than individual evidence. One person's hair cannot yet be individualized to the exclusion of anyone else, although DNA research, which involves testing the root of the hair, may make near individualization possible. Hair is valuable evidence and much can be learned from a few strands. It also resists chemical decomposition and retains its structural features for a long time. In contrast to hair, fibers and cloth fragments offer much greater evidential value because they incorporate numerous variables. These include the number of fibers in each strand, the diameter of strands and fibers, the direction and number of twists, the type of weave, the dye content, as well as the presence of any foreign material that may be adherent to fibers or embedded among them."

Tags:clothing, crime, dna, follicles, investigation

Abstract
This paper contrasts the various fingerprint recovery techniques, including physical, laser and chemical development and examines their advantages and disadvantages. The paper provides a detailed discussion of the fundamental principles of fingerprint analysis as used in forensic science. The importance of fingerprint analysis and its relevance and value as evidence are also main topics presented in the paper.

From the Paper
"Surface conditions, color and texture all play a role in the determination that the technician makes as to which method of analysis would be most suitable. Fingerprints are of three varieties: visible, plastic and latent. Visible fingerprints are those in which the fingers are covered, for example with blood or paint touch a wall, door frame, or similar surface. Plastic fingerprints are those left in soft substances such as soap or putty. The most common are latent (invisible) prints, which can be detected by using powders, chemicals or lasers. (Conklin, Gardner, and Shortelle 2002: 112) There are numerous ways to retrieve fingerprints and depending on the situation, one method may be more successful than another."

Tags:crime, evidence, identification, laser, physical

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the field of forensic odontology deals with the study of teeth and uses scientific research and analysis for application to the legal system. The writer points out that forensic odontologists use the unique pattern of bite marks, to retrieve and if possible cast a 3D impression, ultimately matching them to the suspect's teeth having the highest probability. The writer discusses that forensic odontologists play crucially important roles in identification of victims and suspects. Bite marks are being used more often as a means of recognition, but it must be done with restraint as our knowledge in this field is still far from complete. The writer concludes that as time moves forward, it is imminent that new technologies will narrow down the gap between bite mark analysis, and the more established methods such as fingerprints that have been predominating much of forensics.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Human Teeth in Forensic Odontology
A Brief History
Bite marks and Forensics
Dental Records
Bite mark Analysis
Application in Forensics
Bite mark Processing
Advantages and New Developments
Limitations
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The first time that teeth were used to identify bodies dates back to 1849, after a fire at the opera in Vienna. By the 1890s, there was a recorded case of a woman who was murdered close to the city of Paris. It was apparent that the woman had been strangled, knowing that strangulation victims sometimes manage to bite their attacker, the autopsy surgeon decoded to make impression casts of the victim's teeth. Approximately a week later a Frenchman was arrested and when the police noticed bitemarks on one of his hands, they decided the marks to the victim's dental cast, it was a perfect match.
"In a more amusing case, in 1903 Cumberland, a burglar broke into a home and during his looting he decided to help himself to a piece of cheese, he was later caught and convicted based on his teeth mark in the cheese."

Tags:teeth, mouth, identification, dentists