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Forensic Services

Crime scene examination has become one of the most significant aspects of criminal investigation and, in many instances, has been the crucial factor in solving a variety of crimes.

Crime scene examination involves a number of forensic disciplines including:

• Ballistics;
• Document examination;
• Fingerprinting;
• DNA; and
• Photography.

Crime Scene examiners work closely with a diverse range of external resources including personnel from Forensic Science Services Tasmania and the Government Forensic Pathologist. These organisations are able to provide expert advice and assistance on a variety of matters such as cause of death, blood splatter interpretation, trace evidence interpretation and analysis of blood and other biological matter.

Meticulous examination of a crime scene may result in the discovery of a myriad of evidence:

• Fingerprints of the offender on a variety of surfaces;
• Shoe impressions of which plaster casts can be made for footwear comparison;
• Blood, body fluids, hair or body tissue to enable DNA profiling or blood grouping;
• Tool marks left whilst gaining entry may indicate the type, shape and configuration of the tool used; and
• Blood splatters on surfaces can be used to explain a scene.

Through compliance with International Accreditation Guidelines, more sophisticated collection techniques and the availability of modern technology to interpret gathered evidence, Forensic Services are able to provide a professional and significant role in the fight against crime.