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A substance that is used to create and sometimes direct the spread of a fire. The most commonly used liquid accelerants include gasoline, lighter fluid, kerosene, and turpentine. See Gas Chromatography for information on how accelerants are identified.

The use of physical evidence to build a theoretical model of a given crime or accident scene.

Any of several alternative forms of a gene located at the same point on a particular pair of chromosomes. For example, the genes determining blood types A and B are alleles.

The science of the origin, culture, and development of humans. This can come into play when identifying skeletal remains, certain foodstuffs or items of clothing.

A substance, usually a protein, that stimulates the body to produce antibodies against it.

The crime of intentionally setting fire to buildings and other property.

The internal examination of a body after death; performed to confirm or determine the cause of death.

Common term for “Autoradiograph,” the final product in a DNA analysis. Autorads, which look very much like bar-codes, are formed by the reaction of electricity with genetic material (DNA). This reaction is unique to each sample of genetic material, providing an invaluable tool for identification. The reaction takes place on a nylon membrane which is photographed against x-ray film.

The impact of spilled blood on surfaces. The pattern of the impact can provide vital information about the source of the blood. Blood spatter can help determine the size and type of wounds, the direction and speed with which the perpetrator or victim was moving, and the type of weapons used to create the blood spill.

A test designed to show the quantity of blood shed in a particular area. Also designed to show how much blood was shed to create a given stain or blood spatter pattern, and the amount of time needed to create that stain.

The scientific study of plants. Plant matter found at crime scenes is organic material and, like bodily fluids, has unique DNA sequences.

The path of a bullet or projectile as it passes through matter, such as a body or a wall.

Blood that travels from a source due to the movement of that source. A bleeding person will cast-off blood, as will a weapon or other item that is in movement.

The patterns that are created by cast-off blood.

Any injury or disease that results in physical trauma to the body, leading to death. Medical Examiners and/or Coroners will make the determination of cause, either at the scene or during a subsequent autopsy.

Atlanta-based US government institution whose mission is to study and prevent disease in human and animal populations.

The application of clinical nursing practice to trauma survivors or to crime victims, involving the identification of the unrecognized, unidentified injuries, and the proper processing of forensic evidence

A sketch of a suspect produced from eyewitness-descriptions of one or more persons.

The attempt by a perpetrator or accomplice to alter a crime scene in order to reduce its evidentiary value.

A tool used to aid investigators by providing information about the type of individual committing a specific crime. Information taken from the crime scene is integrated with known psychological theory and the history and background of the victim to draw up a biographical sketch of the perpetrator.

A microscopic, single-cell form of marine or fresh-water algae, having siliceous cell walls. A body of water may contain many specifies of diatoms, but not all species of diatoms live in every body of water. Through painstaking examination, forensic scientists are able to identify the body of water wherein a given specifies of diatom lives.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid. Constructed of a double helix, DNA is the genetic material contained in cells. All organic matter has a specific DNA sequence; these sequences act like a genetic fingerprint and are currently the best method for identifying organic evidence like blood and other bodily fluids.

The process of testing to identify DNA patterns or types. In forensic science this testing is used to indicate parentage or to exclude or include individuals as possible sources of bodily fluid stains (blood, saliva, semen) and other biological evidence (bones, hair, teeth.)

A technique by which DNA fragments are placed in a gel and charged with electricity. The process separates the fragments by size, as part of the process of creating a genetic profile.

The scientific study of insects. The type of insects and their state of development, in combination with weather data and the condition of a decomposing body, can provide forensic investigators with accurate indicators of time of death.

The study of the occurrence, distribution, and causes of disease in human and animal populations.

Anything that has been used, left, removed, altered, or contaminated during the commission of a crime.

The unique patterns created by skin ridges found on the palm sides of fingers and thumbs.

The use of video technology to recreate crime scenes. Forensic animations are sometimes entered into evidence so jurors can view a sequence of events that otherwise could only be described by opposing attorneys. Some courts will not admit forensic animation into trial..

The forensic analysis of language such as letters, confessions, threats, and recorded speech.

The study of weather patterns and how they relate to the investigation of crimes.

The study of how and why people die; a sub-specialty of pathology.

The application of science to law and the investigation of criminal activity.

The attempt by a sculptor to create a likeness of a given individual using his or her skull.

A unit of inheritance located on a chromosome.

See DNA. The use of DNA technology to identify given individuals.

A red blood cell protein responsible for transporting oxygen in the bloodstream. Also provides the red coloring of blood.

Any explosive with a velocity of detonation greater than 1000 meters per second. Dynamite is a high explosive.

A chemical compound not based on carbon.

Stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A device that produces a coherent beam of optical radiation by stimulating electronic, ionic, or molecular transitions in order to create energy.

Also known as a “Polygraph.” A machine that charts how respiration and other bodily functions change as questions are asked of the person being tested. An attempt to knowingly provide false answers can cause changes in bodily functions. Lie detector tests are not admissible in court.

The study of fresh waters (lakes and ponds — both natural and manmade) is including their biological, physical, and chemical aspects.

An explosive with a velocity of detonation less than 100 meters per second. Gunpowder is a low explosive.

A chemical that is capable of detecting bloodstains diluted up to 10,000 times. Luminol is used to identify blood that has been removed from a given area. It is an invaluable tool for investigators at altered crime scenes.

An explanation of the way in which death is caused. Medicolegal manners of death are: homicide, suicide, accidental, natural, and undetermined.

A medical doctor who determines causes of death, performs autopsies, and acts as an expert witness in criminal and civil trials where cause and/or manner of death are relevant.

A short sequence found outside of the cell nucleus in cells. Called mitochondria, this material is used in the absence of quality genetic material like blood, semen or saliva. It is passed only from mother to child; siblings share maternal mitochondria. Hairs and fingernails are good sources of mitochondria.

Light having a single wavelength or frequency.

The study of the anatomy, growth, and diseases of the teeth. In the absence of other factors, ondontolgy can be used to identify human remains.

A chemical solution that will determine whether a given stain contains blood.

The study of pollens.

The study of the essential nature of diseases and especially of the structural and functional changes produced by them.

Small, pin-like hemorrhages that occur beneath the skin. Usually observed on the lining of the inner surface of the eyelids. This is a common result of death by asphyxiation or strangulation.

A specialist who breaks down photographic images to identify suspects and to measure items and people within those images.

When comparing a known object to one that needs to be identified, analysts will break down photos of each into small quadrants, and compare the respective similarities within those quadrants.

Scientists often refer to PCR as “photocopying DNA,” since it allows them to rapidly replicate DNA molecules. The technique usually is employed when a given sample of DNA is too small for forensic testing.

A person whose behavior is largely amoral and asocial, and who is characterized by perverse or impulsive behavior, and a lack of remorse for the consequences of this behavior.

A person whose behavior is largely amoral and asocial, and who is characterized by perverse or impulsive behavior, and a lack of remorse for the consequences of this behavior.

Any object that contains handwritten or typewritten markings whose source or authenticity are not known, but which is still relevant to the outcome of a legal proceeding.

Biological material collected from a rape victim after the fact, to obtain genetic material of the suspected perpetrator.

A method by which a person’s blood can be identified by comparing the DNA profiles of individuals believed to be that person’s parents. Individual DNA makeup is a combination of parental DNA. Siblings will share these patterns while retaining unique DNA markers.

Ridge endings, bifurcations, enclosures, and other ridge details, which must match in two fingerprints for their common origin to be established.

A technology dealing with the properties and actions of serums in blood; also known as “blood analysis.” This was the preferred method of typing blood before the advent of DNA.

The liquid that separates from the blood when a clot is formed.

A physical change from a solid directly into a gaseous state.

Techniques used to develop latent fingerprints on non-porous surfaces. A chemical in the glue reacts with and adheres to the finger oils, and then expose latent prints.

Material deposited at a crime scene that can only be detected through a deliberate processing procedure. An individual enteringany environment will deposit traces of his or her presence, and this material can be used as evidence. Common sources of traceevidence are hairs and fibers.