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Marsh Test
In 1836, James Marsh developed the Marsh Test to detect arsenic in body tissues, which became the first toxicology test used in a criminal trial. -
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Alphonse Bertillon
Developed the Bertillon system (Anthropometry) for personal identification in the late 19th century, the first scientific method used by police to identify criminals. -
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Frances Glessner Lee
Created the Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death in the 1940s and 1950s, detailed miniature crime scene dioramas used to train homicide investigators. -
Fingerprint Discovery
Henry Faulds and William James Herschel published a paper on fingerprint use for identification in Nature on October 28, 1880, laying the groundwork for future fingerprint classification systems. -
Locard's Exchange Principle
In 1910, Edmond Locard introduced the Exchange Principle stating that "every contact leaves a trace," a fundamental concept in forensic science. -
FBI Crime Lab Established
The FBI Crime Laboratory was established on November 24, 1932, becoming a pioneer in forensic analysis and crime scene investigation. -
Luminol for Blood Detection
In 1937, Luminol was discovered to react with hemoglobin, allowing forensic scientists to detect trace amounts of blood through chemiluminescence. -
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Dr. Henry Lee
Renowned forensic scientist who contributed to many high-profile cases, including the O.J. Simpson trial and the JonBenét Ramsey investigation. -
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Sir Alec Jeffreys
Discovered DNA fingerprinting on September 10, 1984, transforming forensic science by providing a reliable method to identify individuals through their unique genetic material. -
Gunshot Residue (GSR) Analysis with SEM
In 1974, the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was first applied in forensic science to detect and analyze gunshot residue particles, aiding in linking suspects to crime scenes. -
DNA Profiling
On September 10, 1984, Sir Alec Jeffreys discovered DNA profiling at the University of Leicester in England, revolutionizing forensic identification methods. -
Colin Pitchfork Case (UK)
The Colin Pitchfork case became the first criminal case solved using DNA profiling. Pitchfork was arrested on September 19, 1986, after DNA evidence linked him to two murders. This case established DNA technology as a critical tool in criminal investigations. -
Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)
In 2000, the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) was widely implemented, providing an electronic means of storing, searching, and matching fingerprint records. -
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology was introduced in 2007, allowing for comprehensive DNA analysis, including from degraded samples, and helping solve numerous cold cases. -
Forensic Facial Reconstruction Software
In 2010, advanced forensic facial reconstruction software was developed, enabling forensic artists to recreate the appearances of unidentified victims from skeletal remains, aiding in identification efforts.