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Forensic science labs apply various sciences, with some more commonly used than others. Evidence types and disciplines are divided into four subject areas: life sciences, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and model tests. Forensic labs have multiple divisions, including life sciences, breath testing, document analysis, drug chemistry, firearms, forensic identification, forensic imaging, photography, toxicology, and evidence trails. These divisions provide various services beyond crime scene data analysis, such as DNA identification, breath testing, document analysis, drug identification, firearms analysis, fingerprint identification, forensic imaging, photography, toxicology, and trace testing.
Since legal proceeding can involve any form of science, any type of science can be applied in a forensic context. However, there are some sciences that are applied more regularly in preparation for court cases than others. Many of these require laboratory investigations in the course of their application and these form the core work of the forensic science laboratory.
A crime scene, the place that generates a lot of forensic evidence, can reveal evidence including bodily fluids, hair, fibers, soil, as well as fingerprints, footprints, computers, etc. As a result, there are several types of evidence and disciplines that are commonly covered in a forensic science laboratory. One way to divide them is into four subject areas: life sciences: biology and biochemistry; Chemistry: Trace and chemical evidence analysis; Pharmaceutical: drug analysis and toxicology; and model tests.
A forensic science lab, however, can have multiple divisions. At the New York State Division of Forensic Sciences, for example, there are ten laboratory sections with different scientific focuses. These sections are life sciences, breath testing, document analysis. drug chemistry, firearms, forensic identification, including fingerprinting, forensic imaging, photography, toxicology, and evidence trails. Other divisions handle evidence-taking and case reviews. In the case of New York State, the forensic science laboratory also provides many other services beyond crime scene data analysis.
The Biosciences Division manages forensic DNA identification technology, tissue and body fluid analysis, and enters DNA pattern data into the National Combined DNA Index System, also known as CODIS. The breath testing unit prepares all solutions used by the NYPD in breath testing instruments and maintains the Alcotest using infrared and electrochemical analysis on each breath sample.
The document unit analyzes various elements of documents, including handwriting, paper, ink, and document production technology, such as typewriters, copiers, etc. They also provide quality control for the New York State lottery. The drug chemistry unit uses chromatography, spectrophotometry, and mass spectroscopy to determine whether trials are or contain illegal or controlled substances.
The Firearms Identification Unit, also called the Ballistics Unit, analyzes bullets, shell casings, gun residue, and tests firearms and other weapons. They also reset serial numbers. The Forensic Identification Unit reviews fingerprints and maintains the statewide Automated Fingerprint Identification System, also called SAFIS. They develop latent prints using powder, chemicals, different light sources and digital enhancements.
The forensic imaging unit performs age progressions, makes drawings from interviews, performs skull reconstructions, clarifies unclear photographs, and prepares crime scene models. The photography unit specializes in cinematic work including enhancing detail, preparing court presentations and taking aerial photography.
The toxicology unit analyzes biological samples with gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, polarization, immunoassay and other methods to determine the presence or absence of drugs including alcohol. The trace test unit helps in cases where there are glass residues, residues after a fire and accident cases.
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