The increased use of drugs has led to a higher demand for forensic analysis and testing in crime labs in the US. This has resulted in an expansion of resources, technology, and staff in these labs to keep up with the caseload. However, it has also created challenges such as backlogs and delays in processing evidence.
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Forensic labs have many purposes, the general use is to analyse gathered evidence and clarify facts. biological samples can be analysed to get a "DNA fingerprint". mobile phones and electrical equipment such as computers are also analysed. there are many more purposes these are just a few
At police stations and police/government labs.
The rapid growth of crime labs in the US since the late 1960s can be attributed to advancements in forensic science, increased demand for forensic evidence in court cases, the influence of popular media showcasing forensic investigations, and the rising awareness of the importance of evidence-based criminal investigations. Additionally, government funding and support have played a significant role in expanding crime lab capabilities and resources.
There are a few underlying reasons for the rapid growth of crime labs in the US. Firstly, advances in technology have increased the demand for forensic analysis, pushing the need for more labs. Secondly, the recognition of the importance of forensic evidence in criminal investigations has led to increased funding and support for crime labs. Lastly, there has been a rise in the number of criminal cases being processed, necessitating the expansion of crime lab facilities to meet the growing workload.
Most if not all states have a chief medical examiner who works in a forensics lab. The labs may be associated with the state dept of justice or public health. University medical centers may have forensic labs also.
Forensic crime labs were built to provide scientific analysis of evidence collected at crime scenes. They help law enforcement agencies to solve crimes by examining trace evidence, DNA, firearms, drugs, and other materials. The labs assist in the investigation process and help to establish the facts in criminal cases.
Forensic labs use infrared spectrophotometers because they can analyze the chemical composition of evidence samples by measuring the absorption of infrared radiation. This allows forensic scientists to identify and compare substances such as drugs, fibers, and paints in criminal investigations.
Forensic science involves the collection and analysis of physical evidence to solve crimes, while forensic psychology focuses on understanding the behavior and motivations of individuals involved in criminal activities. Forensic scientists typically work in labs, while forensic psychologists often provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.
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Nearly 400 public crime labs operate in the United States in various level of the government. (federal, state, county and municipal)