INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC

NURSING AND INDIAN LAWS

UNIT 1 – FORENSIC SCIENCE

Ms Vaishnavi Ulhas Prabhu

Research Assistant
Manipal College of Nursing
MAHE- Manipal
 FORENSIC SCIENCE
LABORATORY
• Crime laboratory, also called forensic laboratory, facility where analyses are performed
on evidence generated by crimes or, sometimes, civil infractions.

• Crime laboratories can investigate physical, chemical, biological, or digital evidence and
often employ specialists in a variety of disciplines, including behavioral forensic
science, forensic pathology, forensic anthropology, crime-scene investigation, and ballistics.

• Multi - disciplinary scientific organization that includes highly organized, trained

professionals and well equipped examination facilities.
 FORENSIC SCIENCE
LABORATORY
• There are seven central forensic laboratories in India, at Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chandigarh,
New Delhi, Guwahati, Bhopal and Pune.
• There are 31 State Forensic Science Laboratories devoted to serving different Indian States.
• These FSLs are located in the cities of Agra, Allahabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Chandigarh,
Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jabalpur, Jaipur, Jammu, Kanpur, Kolkata, Lucknow,
Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, Pune, Raipur, Ranchi, Shimla, Thiruvananthapuram, and Varanasi.
 BIOLOGICAL DIVISION
• The Forensic Biology discipline performs serological and DNA analyses of bodily fluids for
the purpose of identification and individualization.
• The type of material typically examined includes, but is not limited to blood, semen, and
saliva collected at crime scenes or from articles of physical evidence.
• These types of bodily fluids are frequently generated during the commission of violent
crimes such as homicides, rapes, assaults, and hit and run fatalities.
• The ultimate goal is to identify what type of material is present and then, through the use of
DNA analysis, link that material to a specific person.
 BIOLOGICAL DIVISION
Biology and Serology Unit
• The examination of biological fluids, skeletal remnants, diatoms, hair, seeds, maggots, vegetable
fibers, wood, hair samples, origin of species etc. are undertaken by this division.
• Besides, it also helps out the investigating agencies in crime cases involving rapes and murders on
the spot.
• Further serological examinations such as grouping of blood/semen/saliva and DNA typing in
criminal and paternity dispute cases.
• The common biological and serological fluids that a forensic science lab examines include, blood,
semen, saliva, urine vaginal secretions etc.
DNA unit
• Extraction, amplification and fragment analysis of DNA for personal identification and paternity
testing.
 CHEMICAL DIVISION
• Facilities for carrying out the chemical analysis of viscera, NDPS(Narcotic drugs and Psychotropic
substances), remnants of accelerants in arson cases, etc. with help of sophisticate instruments like
LCMS, HPLC, HPTLC, GC, UV & IR Spectro-photometers exist in this division.
• Examination of trap cases & other miscellaneous cases are also carried out in this division.
• Examination of alcoholic contents (ethylalcohal) in liquor samples,
• Determination of inflammable material and their residues in arson case,
• Identification of various fuels such as petrol, diesel, kerosene oil,
• Examination of corrosive chemicals in acid throwing cases, Reconstruction and evaluation of arson
sites.
 CHEMICAL DIVISION
Narcotics Division
• Deals with the analysis and identification of the following substance and to establish whether it
comes under purview of NDPS Act-
• Ganja, bhang, charas, hashish and other cannabis products
• Opium and opiates
• Cocaine and coca products
• Amphetamines, tranquilizers, diazopienes and sedatives
TOXICOLOGY DIVISION
 CHEMICAL DIVISION
Explosives Division
• The analysis of explosives involves the examination and
opinion on explosives (Civil, Military and IEDs) and
explosive devices used in crime, riots, police firing,
encounters etc.,
• This division also helps the investigating agencies in the
re-construction of scene of crime/ explosion etc.,
• This Division is equipped with sophisticated
instruments for conducting the analysis.
 PHYSICS DIVISION
• This division was traditionally involved in the measurement of density of the materials and
in soil and glass examination.
• Now the division has extended to the use of many more evidences with the help of latest
technologies.
 PHYSICS DIVISION
• Any material exhibit found in the crime scene are sent to this section for the analysis.
• Determination of forced engines or chassis marks or restoration marks of an erased number
upon metallic dates are also determined in this division.
• Analysis of paint and glass articles, stamp impressions can be also be examined .
• Examination of foot/footwear/tyre marks
• Examination of tool marks and examination of voice for speaker identification.
• Examination of analog/digital images.
• Examination of audio and video recording media for authentication
 BALLISTICS DIVISION
• This division provides facilities for the examination of a variety of firearms and cartridges to
ascertain their make, model, working condition, caliber and to establish a possible link to the firearm
and crime, explosive cases and re-construction of scene of crime in important cases in order to help
the investigating agencies.
• Barrel Wash Examination, Examination of Firearm(s) or part(s) thereof/manufacturing tool(s),
Examination of serviceability/working condition of firearms, Examination of firearms, prone to
accidental discharge. Identification of firearm for type, make and model, Examination of firearm,
whether its part(s) tempered with, ammunition or parts thereof/manufacturing tools
 BALLISTICS DIVISION
• Identification of ammunition/parts thereof for type, make and caliber, Identification of bullet/slug/parts thereof,
Identification of shots and pellets , wad/wad pieces, propellant charge
• Linkage of fired/misfired cartridge with firearm, fired bullet/bullet fragments with unrifled firearm,
Bullet/pellets/wads whether fired or not
• Examination of target(s) involved in shooting, Chemical tests for ammunition and firearm discharge residue, test
firing, test specimen.
 PHOTOGRAPHIC DIVISION
• Identification of camera from film negatives -Establishment of the
identity of the camera with which some incriminating film negatives
were exposed.
• Identification of Source camera - Comparisons of questioned
digital photograph with digital photographs obtained from
questioned camera.
• Preparation of photographs - Preparing photographic evidences for
further comparisons and documenting them for Court Presentation.
• Crime Scene Photography - Covering the scene of crime for
reconstruction by documenting important physical evidences and its
vicinity.
• Post Mortem Photography/Videography - Recording of Post
Mortem Examination/Autopsy both in still photographs and video in
case of custodial death and encounter deaths.
 QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS
• A questioned document is any document that
may be disputed or queried on the basis of
source, origin, or authenticity.
• This can be any document that contains
linguistic and/or numerical markings that have
been placed on a surface or object using
handwriting, typing, printing, copying, or other
means.
• There are many different types of documents
that are considered questioned documents.
 QUESTIONED DOCUMENTS
• Sometimes, questioned documents are subpoenaed or examined in order to determine if a
crime was committed and to help solve the crime.
• A questioned document examination refers to the scientific examination of questioned
documents or suspicious documents.
• Forensic document examiners play a critical role in investigations that involve document
evidence and may be helpful to solve crimes and can even gain evidence from shredded
documents or graffiti on a wall, which can also be considered questioned documents if it is
relevant to an investigation of a crime.
 FINGER PRINT SECTION
• Maintaining fingerprint record slips of specified categories of criminals: Convicted Criminals and Arrested
persons
• Conducting Fingerprint search relating to unidentified, arrested and suspected persons.
• Undertaking examination of Questioned Fingerprint impression on documents like Revenue Stamps, Bank
withdrawal forms, Money order receipt, Property transactions cases etc. for identification purposes.
• Examining and comparing the chance prints with available data bank in Automated Fingerprint Identification
System (AFIS) to know the results.
• Examining and comparing fingerprints used by illiterate people as signatures and help the Judiciary in
civil/criminal suits.
• Visiting Scene of Crime to assist IO's in developing latent prints on objects handled by the Criminals.
• Examining unidentified dead body in establishing identity with available fingerprints on record.
 FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY
• Forensic Psychology is the interface between psychology and law. It is the application of
psychological principles and knowledge to various legal activities involving crimes listed
under the Indian Penal Code.
• Currently the Forensic Psychology Division, undertakes polygraph examination, that is
based on the principle of psychosomatic interaction within an individual who is under
investigation of various criminal and felony charges like Rape, Murder, Economic Offences,
Cyber Crimes etc.
• Facilities for verifying the veracity of statements of suspects, complainants and witnesses
exist in this division.
 CYBER FORENSIC DIVISION
CFD is undertaking Imaging of various storage devices, Retrieval of Data/Deleted Data from
storage devices like Hard Disc, Pen Drive, Memory Card, CD/DVD etc.,
• Extraction of Data, Deleted Data from Mobile Phones and SIM Cards.
The area of expertise of the Documents Division is stated as under:
• Forensic imaging of various storage media
• To retrieve data / deleted data from various storage media(Hard Disk, Pen Drive, Memory
Card, CD / DVD) and many other storage media.
• To extract data from mobile phones and SIM cards.
 SCENE OF CRIME INVESTIGATION
DEPARTMENT
• Forensic experts are deputed by Director FSL to visit Scene of Crime and coordinate with
the investigating authority on receiving request for the inspection for the scene of crime in
some of the disputed and complicated situations.
STAFFING AND DUTIES OF FSL
 DIRECTOR
• Undertakes overall development of the forensic science as necessitated for the causes of
investigation & justice delivery system and executes the financial and administrative powers as
vested
• Offers guidance to the Divisional heads while examining clue materials, comparison, evaluation &
issuance of scientific reports.
• Renders Forensic science services before the law courts, commissions and committees constituted
by the Government.
• Conducts Supervisions and offer suggestion and advices about the management of crime scenes and
various other technical and professional inputs required in the field in select cases of importance.
• Undertakes research in Forensic science & related fields. Guide the subordinate officers in their
respective fields of research.
• Organization of training programmes in Forensic science for various user.
 DEPUTY DIRECTOR
• Deputy Director assist the Director in administration as well as scientific work.
• Conducts overall supervision and control with respect to both technical and administrative matters.
The Deputy Director establishes rapport with the local investigating agencies & takes all the steps for
promoting Forensic Science services.
• Undertakes examination, evaluation, comparison of clue materials and issue scientific reports.
• Undertakes to testify or give evidence before the law courts and other authorities as & when required.
• Visits & examines the scenes of crime and give necessary technical assistance to the investigating
officers.
• Undertakes research, teaching & training for Forensic science personnel, MOs, judicial and
prosecuting officers etc in related fields.
• Renders all assistance to the Director, FSL in monitoring, discharging of forensic service, introducing
newer technologies in the field of Forensic science and other administrative supports.
 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
• The Assistant Director is in charge of a division/section.
• The Assistant Director is the custodian of the case records, exhibits referred to the division/section;
maintenance and up keeping of all the instruments attached to the division.
• Ensures efficient working of the division and expeditious disposal of the work/cases.
• Undertakes research work in related fields & ensure the adoption of latest developments in Forensic
science.
• Scrutinizes the cases received in his division and determine the nature of examination to be
conducted in each case and assign the work among the subordinate staff in the respective division.
• Issue reports independently in some cases & makes appropriate evaluation of the reports generated
by the subordinates.
• Submits the periodical reports to the Deputy Director/Director regarding the work turned out in the
division.
 SCIENTIFIC OFFICERS
• The Scientific Officer works under the guidance and supervision of concerned Assistant Director/Deputy
Director/Director.
• The Scientific Officer is the reporting Officer, he/she undertakes the routine analytical work of case exhibits,
issues reports and depose evidence before courts whenever summoned.
• Guide the scientific assistants in carrying out the routine analysis work.
• Track the latest developments in the field of Forensic science & promote their adoption while examining case
exhibits.
• Co-ordinate with the Assistant Director for proper maintenance of equipments and take steps to keep them in
working condition.
• Visit the scene of offence and provide expert assistance while collecting the clue materials from the scene of
crime.
• Submit the performance reports to the Assistant Director, Deputy Director of the division.
• Co-ordinate with the Assistant Director in proper maintenance of files and registers of the division.
 SCIENTIFIC ASSISTANT
• Assist the Scientific Officer/Assistant Director in the analytical tasks.
• Assist in preparative, presumptive, chemical, physical & instrumental analysis and documentation
while analyzing case exhibits.
• Submit the performance reports and assist the Division heads in preparing the periodical reports.
• Undertakes independent analysis of case exhibits under the supervision of Scientific
Officer/Assistant Director.
• Assist the Scientific Officers in their field work during the visit to the scene of crime whenever
called for.
• Assist in maintaining the files pertaining to the cases & also any other registers required.
• Examines the cases under the supervision of the respective division heads/ and Scientific Officers.
 LABORATORY ASSISTANT
• To assist SA/SO/AD/DD and Director in examination evaluation and comparison of clue
material especially for systematic arranging of exhibits and reagents.
• To maintain register of the division concerned for making entries of the exhibits/cases
received in the division.
• He/she also has to maintain all the records of chemical, glassware and equipment and to
prepare data whenever required.
• To perform other duties as assigned by senior officers.
 ATTENDANT/LAB
BEARER/PACKER
• Carrying out exhibits/parcels/articles/documents/type matter/files/papers etc from one place
to another within and outside the laboratory in the interest of public service.
• To attend various activities in the laboratory such as examination/exhibition and other
official work by scientific personnel and official staff.
• Opening and packing of parcels and helping the supervising officers.
• Packing and sealing of exhibits and other documents, keeping them in proper places and
unpacking the covers, parcels etc., to perform other relevant duties as assigned to him/her by
the supervising officer in the interest of public service.
• To perform any other duties assigned by senior officers for the cleanliness of the laboratory
as a whole and for carrying materials and other items for the functioning of the laboratory.
 MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT
• Receive the exhibits/parcels/documents of new cases.
• Find out the location of exhibits, loading of exhibits in stores, return of exhibits, transfer of
examined exhibits (Viscera/SS/Parcels), cleaning of examination chambers, apparatus,
examination tables.
• Intra/inter section transfer of exhibits/documents/dockets/register.
• Cutting of viscera, labeling, opening of new exhibits, cleaning of glass apparatus/basins etc.,
processing for extraction, processing for visceral tests.
• During office hours opening and closing of doors/windows of the laboratories/ sections.
• To assist the officers and scientific staff in examination of exhibits, if required.
THANK YOU