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In 1836, James Marsh developed the Marsh Test to detect arsenic in body tissues, which became the first toxicology test used in a criminal trial. -
Developed the Bertillon system (Anthropometry) for personal identification in the late 19th century, the first scientific method used by police to identify criminals.
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Created the Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death in the 1940s and 1950s, detailed miniature crime scene dioramas used to train homicide investigators.
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Henry Faulds and William James Herschel published a paper on fingerprint use for identification in Nature on October 28, 1880, laying the groundwork for future fingerprint classification systems. -
In 1910, Edmond Locard introduced the Exchange Principle stating that "every contact leaves a trace," a fundamental concept in forensic science. -
The FBI Crime Laboratory was established on November 24, 1932, becoming a pioneer in forensic analysis and crime scene investigation. -
In 1937, Luminol was discovered to react with hemoglobin, allowing forensic scientists to detect trace amounts of blood through chemiluminescence. -
Renowned forensic scientist who contributed to many high-profile cases, including the O.J. Simpson trial and the JonBenét Ramsey investigation.
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Discovered DNA fingerprinting on September 10, 1984, transforming forensic science by providing a reliable method to identify individuals through their unique genetic material.
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In 1974, the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was first applied in forensic science to detect and analyze gunshot residue particles, aiding in linking suspects to crime scenes. -
On September 10, 1984, Sir Alec Jeffreys discovered DNA profiling at the University of Leicester in England, revolutionizing forensic identification methods. -
The Colin Pitchfork case became the first criminal case solved using DNA profiling. Pitchfork was arrested on September 19, 1986, after DNA evidence linked him to two murders. This case established DNA technology as a critical tool in criminal investigations. -
In 2000, the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) was widely implemented, providing an electronic means of storing, searching, and matching fingerprint records. -
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology was introduced in 2007, allowing for comprehensive DNA analysis, including from degraded samples, and helping solve numerous cold cases. -
In 2010, advanced forensic facial reconstruction software was developed, enabling forensic artists to recreate the appearances of unidentified victims from skeletal remains, aiding in identification efforts.