Behind the Crime Scene

How Firearm Trace and eTrace Help Solve Homicide Cases

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Jan 29 2026

Firearm trace and eTrace are vital tools for solving homicide cases by tracking the history of guns used in crimes. Learn how the system works, its real-world impact, and why it’s one of law enforcement’s most reliable leads.

Multi-Jurisdiction Coordination: Finding Missing Persons

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Jan 27 2026

Finding missing persons requires coordination across police departments, tribes, and federal agencies. NamUs is the only national system that connects cases across jurisdictions, helping solve cases that would otherwise go cold.

Impact Spatter: Understanding High-Velocity Blood Evidence in Forensic Investigations

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Jan 26 2026

Impact spatter reveals the force and direction of violent events through microscopic blood patterns. High-velocity spatter, often from gunshots, provides critical forensic evidence to reconstruct crime scenes with precision.

Protective Orders: How Sensitive Forensic Data Is Legally Restricted in Court

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Jan 25 2026

Protective orders legally restrict access to sensitive forensic data in court cases, requiring encryption, strict access controls, breach reporting, and vendor compliance. Learn how these orders work-and why vague language isn't enough.

Quality Assurance Review: Checking Reports for Accuracy in Forensic Contexts

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Jan 23 2026

A quality assurance review ensures forensic reports are factually accurate, methodologically sound, and properly documented. Without it, even small errors can lead to legal disasters. Learn how QA catches mistakes before they become evidence.

How to Explain Forensics to Non-Experts: Clear, Honest, and Simple

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Jan 16 2026

Forensics can be confusing in court. This article explains how to turn complex science into clear, honest, and understandable language for jurors, lawyers, and the public-without losing accuracy.

Latent Fingerprints vs. Patent Prints: What Forensic Experts Actually See at Crime Scenes

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Jan 12 2026

Latent and patent fingerprints are two distinct types of evidence in forensic science. Latent prints are invisible and require development, while patent prints are visible right away. Learn how they differ in formation, collection, and courtroom value.

Fentanyl Detection: Challenges in Controlled Substance Testing

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Jan 12 2026

Fentanyl detection saves lives, but current testing methods have serious limitations. Test strips are accurate but miss analogs; portable devices struggle with trace amounts; and legal barriers block access. Detection alone can't solve the overdose crisis.

Victimology: How Lifestyle, Routine Activity, and Risk Shape Crime Patterns

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Jan 4 2026

Victimology reveals how daily routines, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors shape crime risk. Learn how lifestyle theory and routine activity theory explain who gets targeted - and how to reduce risk without blaming victims.

Lab Safety: Hazardous Chemical Handling - Essential Protocols for Drug Analysis

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Dec 28 2025

Essential lab safety protocols for handling hazardous chemicals in drug analysis, covering OSHA requirements, PPE, fume hoods, storage, waste, and training. Based on 2026 standards.

Trauma Scene Reconstruction for Cleanup Planning: A Step-by-Step Guide for Biohazard Remediation

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Dec 27 2025

Trauma scene reconstruction is the essential, science-backed process that ensures safe, complete biohazard cleanup after traumatic events. Learn how certified professionals map contamination, prevent exposure, and restore safety - and why skipping it puts lives at risk.

Evidence Photo Captions: Clarity and Legal Sufficiency

By : Ian Brophy
Date : Dec 27 2025

Evidence photo captions aren't just notes-they're legal requirements. Learn what details must be included to keep photos admissible in court and avoid evidence being thrown out.