The Multidisciplinary Evolution of Crime Scene Investigation: Integrating Scientific Rigor, Technological Innovation, and Empirical Outcomes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/jfmt.2026.43.02.23Keywords:
Crime Scene Investigation; Forensic Science; Crime Scene Documentation; Evidence Collection; Forensic TechnologyAbstract
A key element of contemporary forensic science, crime scene investigation (CSI) is the main conduit between criminal incidents and the legal system. This analysis looks at CSI's expanding position in modern criminal investigations as well as its guiding concepts, methods, and technical developments. It emphasizes the methodical processes that go into protecting crime scenes, recording them, and gathering, storing, and analyzing evidence to guarantee its accuracy and acceptability in court. The significance of trace evidence in reconstructing events and connecting suspects to crime sites is highlighted by fundamental scientific concepts like Locard's Exchange Principle. Major investigation methods are included in the overview, such as latent fingerprint development, DNA profiling, biological evidence collecting, forensic photography, bloodstain pattern analysis, and trace evidence testing. Artificial intelligence, photogrammetry, 3D laser scanning, and forensic databases are examples of recent technical developments that have greatly enhanced the documentation, reconstruction, and interpretation of crime scenes. The influence of crime scene evidence on investigative effectiveness, arrest choices, and court outcomes is illustrated through empirical studies and case studies. Notwithstanding these developments, issues including contamination, poor documentation, insufficient training, and a lack of standardization still have an impact on reliability. The review indicates that in order to guarantee dependable and evidence-based justice outcomes, effective CSI necessitates a multidisciplinary, scientifically proven strategy backed by technology integration, ongoing training, and interagency cooperation.
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