History of Crime Scene Investigation

By HollieK

  • First recorded use of questioned document analysis.

  • Period: to

    Major Events from 1800s- 2000s

  • The development of tests for the presence of blood in a forensic context.

  • A bullet comparison used to catch a murderer.

    A bullet comparison used to catch a murderer.

  • The first use of toxicology (arsenic detection) in a jury trial.

  • The development of the first crystal test for hemoglobin using hemin crystals.

  • The development of a presumputive test for blood.

  • The first use of photography for the identification of criminals and documentation of evidence and crime scenes.

  • The first recorded use of fingerprints to solve a crime.

  • The development of the first microscope with a comparison bridge.

    The development of the first microscope with a comparison bridge.

  • Forensic science was applied when doctors in London were allowed to examine the victims of Jack the Ripper for wound patterns.

  • Establishment of practice using the comparison microscope for bullet comparison.

  • Development of the absorption-inhibation ABO blood typing technique.

  • Invention of the first interference contrast microscope by physicists Frits Zernike.

  • Development of the chemiluminescent reagent luminol as a presumptive test for blood.

  • Study of voice print identification.

  • Invention of the Breathalyzer for field sobriety tests.

    Invention of the Breathalyzer for field sobriety tests.

  • Use of the heated headspace sampling technique for collecting arson evidence.

  • Development of the scanning electron microscope with electron dispersive X-ray technology.

  • Identification of the polymorphic nature of red cells.

  • Enactment of the Federal Rules of Evidence.

  • Use of DNA to solve a crime and exonerate and innocent suspect.

    Use of DNA to solve a crime and exonerate and innocent suspect.

  • DNA databank legislation was enacted.