History of Crime Scene Investigation

  • 250

    Finger prints

    A Greek Physician created the first lie detector test.
  • Jan 28, 700

    Chinese records

    Chinese began to record thumb prints on clay sculpture and documents despite having no formal classification system was in place.
  • Jan 28, 1100

    Blood

    A Roman attorney proved that blood-covered palm prints were left at a crime scene to frame a blind man for the murder of his mother.
  • Jan 28, 1248

    Documentation

    First documentation of medical knowledge aimed at solving crimes was recorded in the book "Hsi Duan Yu" (the Washing Away of Wrong). It detailed the process of distinguishing drowning from strangulation.
  • Mathieu Bonaventure Orfila

    Considered the father of modern toxicology, published "Traite des Poisons," and in the mid-1800s, investigators at Scotland Yard began to conduct bullet comparisons. Following these advancements, investigators developed successful tissue tests that identified arsenic as a means of murder.
  • Mid-1800s to1900

    Forensic science expanded to include technologies like body temperature to determine time of death and the systematic use of fingerprinting for identification.
  • Polygraphs

    The portable polygraph machine appeared
  • 1930s Discoveries

    Other critical discoveries of this time include voiceprint identification technologies, development of an acid phosphatase test for semen detection and early DNA analysis
  • Gun shot

    Tests to detect gunshot residue
  • Stab wounds

    A doctor found out that out of 23 stab wounds only one was fatal.
  • Late 1900s Early 2000s

    Using the solid foundation developed over thousands of years of forensic investigation, modern forensics built upon these technologies and expanded their application to include computer forensics, DNA forensics, entomological forensics and enhanced biological studies. Crime scene investigation continues to experience rapid technological advancements