Forensic Science Laboratory: Unveiling Expert Institutions in Crime Investigation

Unveiling Expert Institutions in Crime Investigation

Introduction:

While the Forensic Science Laboratory plays a crucial role in crime investigation, it's not the only institution assisting investigating officers. Several other expert institutions and teams lend their expertise to process evidence, conduct examinations, and provide valuable insights to crack complex cases. In this article, we'll delve into some of these remarkable institutions and the specialized roles they play in aiding law enforcement agencies.

CLUES Team: 

Mobilizing Expertise at Crime Scenes One of the essential expert institutions is the "CLUES" team – Mobile investigation units functioning across Commissionerates and District Headquarters. Comprising a Scientific Expert, Fingerprint Expert, Photographer, and Videographer, this team specializes in processing crime scene evidence, reconstructing events, and supporting investigating officers. While administratively linked to the Forensic Science Laboratory, their operational control lies with the district Superintendent of Police or the Commissioner of Police in cities. 

Medico-Legal Services: 

Unraveling the Truth from Living and Deceased Individuals Professors of Forensic Medicine from Medical Colleges take charge of providing Medico-legal services to investigating officers in their respective districts. Their expertise covers both the living and the deceased individuals. "Clinical Forensic Medicine" involves examining living persons for wounds, sexual offenses, age determination, poisoning, etc., while "Forensic Pathology" deals with autopsies, examination of mutilated remains, skeletal remains, exhumation, and more. 

Fingerprint Bureau: 

The Indispensable Identification Experts a crucial institution in crime investigation is the Fingerprint Bureau. Responsible for identifying, developing, lifting, collecting, and matching fingerprints with suspects in criminal cases, this bureau is instrumental in establishing crucial connections and leads. 

Explosives/Bomb Disposal Experts: 

Safeguarding against Deadly Threats In cases involving explosive substances, investigating officers collaborate with specialized agencies to handle, defuse, and dispose of these dangerous materials. Depending on the type of explosive, officers may seek assistance from agencies like the Deputy Chief Controller of Explosives, the Military Bomb Explosion Squad, or the Bomb Disposal Squad. 

Institute Of Preventive Medicine: 

Investigating Epidemic Diseases and Health-Related Cases The Director of the Institute of Preventive Medicine plays a pivotal role in investigating cases related to epidemic diseases, dog bites, waterborne diseases, and other health-related issues.

Chemical Examiner – Prohibition and Excise: 

Tackling Liquor and Substance-Related Cases the Government Chemical Examiner, Prohibition and Excise Department, and other regional laboratories come into the picture when dealing with cases involving adulterated toddy, illicit distilled liquor, spurious liquor, non-duty paid liquor, or any other unauthorized Indian liquor. 

Government Food Laboratories: 

Detecting Food Adulteration to address cases of adulterated edible oils, pulses, food grains, honey, and food items sold in various establishments, the Investigating Officer collaborates with the Director of Government Food Laboratories.

 Drug Control Laboratories:

Unearthing Drug-Related Violations In cases concerning the manufacturing and sale of spurious or substandard drugs, violations under the Drugs Price Control Order 1995, and the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act-1954, the Investigating Officer seeks assistance from the Inspector General of Drugs and Copyright, Drugs Control Administration, or their regional units. 

Conclusion:

Crime investigation is a complex and multifaceted process that requires the collaboration of various expert institutions. These institutions, along with the Forensic Science Laboratory, play indispensable roles in providing valuable insights, unraveling mysteries, and bringing criminals to justice. The seamless teamwork between these expert entities and the investigating officers ensures a comprehensive and effective approach to combating crime in society.