How Technological Advancements in Forensic Technologies are Shaping Future of Crime Investigations - eForensics (2024)

Increase in the incidences of crime across the globe hasposed concerns across the globe. In the statistics presented by world population review 2023, Venezuela, a country from South America, stands atthe first position in the list of highest crime rates. This aside, incidencesof robbery, homicide, murder, and rape have increased notably across the globefrom the past few years. The crime rate in the United States is 47.70. Thesestatistics highlight the need for focusing on the development and utilizationof advanced forensic technologies in order to resolve crime cases.

With rise in thenumber of crimes across the globe, government authorities and privateorganizations from developed and developing countries are taking initiatives inorder to support researches focused of forensic technologies. This factor presentssignificant growth opportunities for the forensic technologies industry. Areport by Transparency Market Research projects the global forensictechnologies marketto advance at a CAGR of 13.2% between 2021 and 2028. The industry isanticipated to reach US$ 87.4 Bn by the end of 2028.

What is Forensic Science?

Forensic science refersto usage of scientific expertise or techniques in order to performinvestigation on crimes incidences or study evidence, which could be presentedin a court. Forensic scientists utilize various sciences, such as physics,chemistry, biology, and others, in order to resolve crimes cases. Forensic reportsplay important role in deciding the road map of crime investigation.

Generally,forensic investigations are performed using blood samples, tissues, fingerprints,and teeth, bones, hair, and skin samples collected from the crime scene. Someof the key equipment and procedures utilized in the crime investigation includedata examination & charting tools, DNA confirmation equipment, recordmanagement systems (RMS), closed circuit televisions (CCTV), and license platerecognition (LPR) systems.

Contamination inany evidence or sample collected from the site of crime can impact overallinvestigation. Laboratory settings are known for effective and efficienthandling of samples received for investigation purposes. Hence, outcomes of thetests performed at laboratory settings are of high level of precision.Enterprises engaged in the forensic technologies industry are focusing onadoption of technological developments, such as laboratory informationmanagement software (LIMS), in order to carry out numerous tasks at a time inlaboratory settings. Such initiatives shows potential growth of this industryat rapid pace.

What are Different Technologies Used inForensic Science?

In forensic science,various technologies are utilized by scientists while performing criminalinvestigations. Let’s discuss some of the prominent technologies in use at present.

1. DNA Profiling and Fingerprint Analysis

Deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA) of each individual is distinctive, similar to fingerprints. Hence, DNA profiling can assist forensicprofessionals in identification of an individual or elimination of suspectsfrom the accused list. Some of the key biological evidence utilized for DNAprofiling include skin, blood, saliva, urine, hair, and sem*n of the crimesuspect. Generally, DNA fingerprints cannot be utilized as a sole piece ofevidence in the court. On the other hand, usage of DNA profiling has increasedin the past few years as a key forensic technique in criminal investigations.

2. Carbon Dot Powders

Fingerprints recordedat crime scenes can play key part in overall investigation of crime. However,finding fingerprints can be a difficult tasks due to several factors, such as lowcontrast, high toxicity, or low sensitivity. In such cases, scientists canutilize a fluorescent carbon dot powder that can make fingerprints fluorescentunder UV light, making them easy to examine. Usage of carbon dot powder makes glowfingerprints in different colors, such as yellow, orange, or red, making themvisually clear.

3. Nanotechnology

With significant developmentsin forensic science during the period of past few years, utilization of nanotechnology hasincreased in various forensic investigations across the globe. In-depth studyof forensic materials can provide scientists important insights, which were notvisible prior to the application of nanotechnology. Nanosensors are used orderto inspect the presence or absence of explosive materials, biological agents,and illegal drugs on molecular level. Adoption of nanotechnology has increasedin the past few years, as the outcomes of the study performed are free fromhuman biases. Moreover, usage of this form of forensic technology canaccelerate the process of investigation, while maintaining the highest level ofprecision in it.

4.Proteomes

Earlier, DNA wasconsidered most dependable source of information when it came to determining avictim or suspect. Advancements in technologies focused on the detection andidentification of protein have turned proteomes into a crucial forensic sciencetool. Proteomes can be defined as an inclusive set of proteins developed by anorganism. Proteomes can be detected in bones, blood, and other biologicalmaterials. They can be effectively utilized to find answers for severalcritical questions in crime investigations. One of the key advantages of proteomesis that they experience change with time, a trait that can be helpful for scientistsin gaining important insights into age or other environmental aspects of a victimat the time of their death. Such insights are otherwise difficult to discoverusing other techniques.

5. ArtificialIntelligence

Usage ofartificial intelligence (AI) is somewhat new in the field of forensic science ascompared to several other fields. One of the key reasons for this being allevidences and analysis have to stand up in the court. With rapid technologicaladvancements, AI is being successfully utilized in forensic components ofcriminal cases. AI finds application in various aspects, such as comparing fingerprintdata, analyzing crime scene, and finalizing conclusions from photographcomparisons.

6. Foldscope

Foldscope refersto a disposable, small, cost-effective paper microscope, application of which hasincreased in the forensic science from the past few years. While the tool hasgained immense popularity and adoption in the field of forensic technology owingto its portable nature, the conclusion made utilizing this technique are consideredpreliminary, and need further investigations supporting the same. Foldscope canbe utilized in the field in order to make fast determinations about various forensicsamples, such as hair, soil, and blood.

Rapid Adoption of Forensic Technologies inDeveloped Countries

Usage of variedadvanced forensic technologies is higher in developed countries as opposed to otherregions of the globe. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2022) estimates 11%rise in requirement for forensic science technicians in the U.S. during theperiod of 2021 to 2031. The country has also increased its R&D initiatives inorder to develop and apply advanced scientific approaches and technologies in thecrime investigation.

Scientists and techniciansworking in crime laboratories of the U.S. are focusing on the development oftechnologies that can prevent imprisonment of innocent and take criminals tojustice. Such initiatives are creating significant opportunities for theexpansion of the forensic technologies industry. Law enforcement agencies from NorthAmerica have shown more positive approach when it comes to the acceptance of forensicstechniques. Moreover, adoption of this technique is significantly high indeveloped countries across private organizations from varied industryverticals, such as healthcare.

The competitionlandscape of the global forensic technologies industry is quite fierce, due tothe presence of many well-entrenched companies, such as Eurofins MedigenomixGmbH, AB Sciex (Danaher Corporation), Forensic Pathways, GE Healthcare Lifescience,and Forensics Consulting Solutions.

Leading providersof forensic technologies are investing heavily in R&D activities in orderto develop and launch next-generation products. Moreover, they are adoptingstrategies, such as merger, acquisition, partnership in order to stay ahead ofthe competition. These factors are likely to help in the overall industrygrowth in the next few years.

About the Author

Trupti Dhere. Apart from being a professional content writer, Trupti has keen interest in keeping track of technological advancements in the healthcare industry. She believes in presenting complex information from the healthcare industry in layman’s language. With total 6+ years of content writing/editing experience, she is associated withTMR--one of the leading market research companies in India-- from the past 3 years. When she is not writing, she loves trekking, cooking, and spending time with her family.