ABSTRACT
The organisational and operational free-for-all that currently exists when it comes to the provision of forensic science in the UK deserves an entire chapter of its own. However, this is not the aim of this chapter. Whilst there is some minor scene setting that examines the history and current structure and organisation of forensic science provision in the UK, the majority of this chapter is devoted to the key ideas, concepts and theories relevant to understanding the application of forensic science in criminal investigations. As previously defined, forensic science is any science that is used in the service of criminal justice (Jackson and Jackson, 2008:1); or, alternatively, it is the study and practice of the application of science to the purposes of law (Nickell and Fischer, 1999:1). This chapter examines these methods and practices. It begins with a discussion of the difference between the roles of the forensic scientist and police technician, introduces the case assessment model and explores the structures of analysis, which include the scientific method and a forensic science developmental framework. A brief review of the core ideas behind scientific analysis and detection methods precedes a more in-depth look at the techniques of visual examination (what is called pattern matching), absorption and emission rates and chemical reactions. Finally, a discussion of the core concepts of identification and individualisation as well as a much-needed critical review of the epistemological basis and problems with these concepts rounds off the chapter.
