What does 'forensics' involve in criminal investigations?

Forensics plays a crucial role in criminal investigations by utilizing scientific methods and techniques to analyze evidence. This discipline encompasses various areas such as biology, chemistry, physics, and various specialized fields like toxicology, ballistics, and digital forensics, among others. By applying these scientific principles, forensic experts can help reconstruct events, identify victims, and establish links between suspects and crime scenes based on physical evidence, such as fingerprints, blood samples, or digital data.

While examining witness statements, reviewing security camera footage, and assessing physical locations all contribute valuable information to an investigation, they do not encapsulate the comprehensive and scientific nature of forensic analysis. Forensics specifically focuses on transforming physical evidence into actionable insights, making it essential for solving crimes and ensuring justice.