Behind the Crime Scene

Alternate Light Sources: Finding Fingerprints with ALS in Forensic Investigations

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 28 2026

Alternate Light Sources (ALS) reveal invisible fingerprints and trace evidence using specific wavelengths of light. Used in forensics, ALS finds prints on plastic, metal, and porous surfaces where powder fails - transforming how crime scenes are processed.

Silencer Forensics: How Baffles and Wipe Evidence Reveal Suppressed Firearm Use

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 28 2026

Silencer forensics reveals how suppressors alter gunshot residue patterns, leaving behind unique traces like iron swarf and compressed lead distributions. Modern tools like XRF are helping investigators detect suppressed firearms with new accuracy.

Benzodiazepine Detection: How Long-Acting and Short-Acting Types Affect Drug Testing Results

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 28 2026

Benzodiazepine detection varies widely between long-acting and short-acting drugs. Understanding half-lives, metabolites, and testing methods is critical for accurate forensic and clinical results.

Electronic LIMS: Data Integrity and Audit Trails for Regulated Labs

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 27 2026

Electronic LIMS ensures data integrity and audit trails in regulated labs by enforcing ALCOA principles, automating compliance with GLP and ISO 17025, and preventing tampering through immutable logs. Essential for forensic and clinical labs.

Proper Evidence Collection Techniques: Complete Guide for Law Enforcement

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 27 2026

Learn the essential techniques for collecting, documenting, and preserving evidence at crime scenes. From chain of custody to proper packaging, this guide covers what law enforcement officers must do to ensure evidence is admissible in court.

Cloud Computing Challenges: Examining Data Storage Services in Digital Forensics

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 26 2026

Cloud storage holds over half the world’s digital evidence, but forensic investigations face mounting challenges from misconfigurations, identity risks, compliance gaps, and automated data deletion. Here’s how 2026’s cloud realities are reshaping digital forensics.

DNA Analysis Timeline: How Long Does Forensic Testing Take?

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 26 2026

Forensic DNA testing timelines range from 3 days for urgent cases to over 6 weeks for complex or backlogged samples. Understanding the seven-stage process helps explain why results take time-and how to avoid delays.

Internship Opportunities in Forensic Science: How to Get Started in 2026

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 26 2026

Discover how to land a forensic science internship in 2026, from unpaid government labs to intensive fee-based programs. Learn where to apply, what they look for, and how to stand out in this competitive field.

Alteration by Cleaning: How Forensic Science Detects Washed Blood Evidence

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 25 2026

Bloodstains don't vanish with cleaning-forensic tools like Bluestar and luminol reveal hidden traces even after bleach or soap. Learn how investigators detect washed blood and why cleaning often makes evidence stronger.

Custody for Biological Samples: Temperature and Timing Protocols Explained

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 25 2026

Proper custody of biological samples depends on strict temperature control and timing. Learn how different storage temperatures affect DNA, RNA, and tissue integrity-and why freeze-thaw cycles can ruin samples.

Dissolution Testing for Pharmaceutical Evidence: How It Ensures Drug Safety and Effectiveness

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 24 2026

Dissolution testing ensures drugs dissolve properly in the body, guaranteeing effectiveness and consistency. It’s required for regulatory approval, supports bioequivalence claims, and can eliminate the need for costly human trials.

Low-Copy Number DNA: Challenges and Solutions in Forensic Science

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 24 2026

Low-copy number DNA analysis helps detect trace genetic material at crime scenes, but it comes with serious risks like allele drop-out and contamination. Learn how replicate testing and next-gen kits are changing forensic science.