Behind the Crime Scene

Toolmark Identification: Breechface and Extractor Signatures in Firearm Forensics

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 11 2026

Breechface and extractor signatures are microscopic marks left on cartridge cases by firearms during firing. These unique toolmarks allow forensic examiners to link spent casings to specific guns, playing a critical role in criminal investigations. With advances in 3D scanning and digital analysis, this method remains one of the most reliable tools in forensic ballistics.

Metadata and Audit Trails in Electronic Reports for Forensic Accountability

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 11 2026

Metadata and audit trails are essential for proving data integrity in forensic reporting. They track who changed what, when, and why-turning electronic reports into court-admissible evidence.

Deposition Preparation: How to Align Expert Testimony with Written Reports

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 11 2026

Learn how to align expert testimony with written forensic reports to avoid impeachment, preserve credibility, and strengthen your case in depositions. Essential for legal teams handling expert witnesses.

Specimen Adulteration: How Drug Tests Detect Fake Urine and What Works

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 11 2026

Specimen adulteration in urine drug tests is a growing challenge. Learn how labs detect fake urine, what markers they use, why synthetic urine is hard to catch, and what actually works to stop it.

Legal Responsibility: Who Must Pay for Crime Scene Cleanup

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 11 2026

Who pays for crime scene cleanup? The property owner usually does. Homeowners insurance may help, but coverage is often limited. Learn how victim compensation, restitution, and state laws affect who foots the bill - and how to avoid costly mistakes.

Custody in Multi-Scene Cases: Item Linking and Traceability in Digital Forensics

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 11 2026

In multi-scene investigations, traditional chain of custody isn't enough. Traceability links digital and physical evidence across locations, proving how events connect. Learn how modern forensics uses mapping, tagging, and AI to turn isolated items into a clear story.

Children’s Fingerprints: How They Form and Why They’re Hard to Use

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 11 2026

Children's fingerprints form in the womb and stay permanent, but they're too faint for scanners until age 12+ months. Learn why infant biometrics fail and how new tech is catching up.

Photography Before Evidence Markers: The Critical Sequence in Forensic Documentation

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 11 2026

Photography before evidence markers is a non-negotiable forensic protocol that ensures legal admissibility. Failing to document evidence in its original state before placing scales or labels can lead to evidence exclusion in court, with studies showing over 23% of cases compromised by this error.

Photography Before Evidence Markers: The Critical Sequence for Forensic Documentation

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 11 2026

Photography before evidence markers is a non-negotiable forensic protocol that ensures evidence integrity by documenting crime scene items in their original state before adding scales or labels. This sequence is critical for courtroom admissibility and has been validated across global standards.

Fingerprint Comparisons in Court: What Experts Can and Can't Say

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 11 2026

Fingerprint evidence in court is no longer treated as infallible. Experts must now avoid claims of absolute certainty, and courts are demanding transparency about methodology and error rates. This is how the science of fingerprinting is adapting to modern legal standards.

How DNA Evidence Is Collected at Crime Scenes

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 11 2026

DNA evidence collection at crime scenes follows strict forensic protocols to prevent contamination and ensure accurate identification. From swabbing surfaces to packaging in paper envelopes, every step matters in solving crimes.

Motive Analysis: Understanding Why Crimes Occur

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Feb 8 2026

Motive analysis decodes the psychological reasons behind crimes, helping investigators understand why offenders act. Used by the FBI and forensic psychologists, it improves case resolution by focusing on anger, profit, attention, or mental illness as drivers of criminal behavior.