Some of the evidence a criminalist finds often cannot be seen by the naked eye

The dictionary definition of forensics is "the application of scientific practices within the legal process". Essentially, this involves highly specialised investigators – or criminalists – locating evidence that only provides conclusive proof when tested under laboratory conditions. 

Some of the evidence they find cannot be seen by the naked eye. Forensic science now routinely uses DNA in complex serious offences – solving murder with the building blocks of life.

As criminals have developed ever more ingenious ways of breaking the law, our police forces have had to figure out more effective ways of bringing the crooks to justice. Even though a criminal may seem like they are gone without a trace, detectives realised long ago that this simply isn’t true. 

For every contact we make with a place, an object, or even another person, a physical presence is left behind. 

We all know that fingerprints and bullet casings can catch a crook – but did you know that fibres, stray hairs, and even the dirt on your shoes can implicate you in a criminal investigation. In fact, almost anything found at the scene of a crime can be tested and used as evidence to prove or disprove a suspect’s presence.