Forensic Odontology , India

Forensic Odontology
Forensic dentistry or forensic odontology is the proper handling, examination and evaluation of dental evidence, which will be then presented in the interest of justice.

Background

Forensic odontology is the study of dental applications in legal proceedings. The subject covers a wide variety of topics including individual identification, mass identification, and bite mark analysis. The study of odontology in a legal case can be a piece of incriminating evidence or an aspect of wide controversy. There have been many cases throughout history which have made use of bite marks as evidence. Bite marks are usually seen in cases involving sexual assault, murder, and child abuse and can be a major factor in leading to a conviction.

College of Dental Surgery, India
Department of Forensic Odontology
The department of Forensic Odontology was established in May 2002. While the first year (2002-03) saw the setting up of a separate department, over the past academic year the department has been involved in revising, improving and updating the syllabus in the same. An integrated approach to teach Forensic Dentistry with Forensic Medicine was undertaken. All resources are currently being mobilized to set up an exclusive laboratory in forensic dentistry

http://dental.bpkihs.edu/fo.php


Forensic Dental Books
http://www.forensicdentistryonline.org/new_asfo/books.htm

Forensic Experts India

What do Forensic Experts do?
Forensic scientists perform two roles in their work. One is to analyze physical evidence found either on a victim, at the scene of a crime, or both and to compare it to evidence found on the suspect. The other is to provide expert testimony in a court of law. This article describes what forensic scientists do, where they work, what they earn, and how they train. It also provides sources of additional information.

Forensic science draws on, and brings together, many scientific disciplines. Chemical tests, identification of hair, blood, dirt, cloth fibres - DNA testing, microscopy, spectroscopic analysis, forensic psychology and forensic medicine - all contribute to integrated analysis of a crime and the physical evidence left at a crime scene. While forensic science has been a feature of many schools’ senior multi-strand science, it can also be a real-life context for learning in the other senior sciences - and it can certainly be a stimulating and life-like context for learning science in all the years of schooling.

A forensic scientist may perform the following tasks:

identify illicit drugs
analyse drugs and poisons in human tissue and body fluids including blood alcohol results
examine and compare materials such as fibres, paints, cosmetics, oils, petrol, plastics, glass, metals, soils and gunshot residues
examine items of human and animal biological material to be compared with victims and suspects using DNA profiling
conduct botanical identification of plant materials at trace levels, and whole-plant identification such as cannabis
conduct document examinations, both physical (e.g. handwriting, typewriting) and chemical (e.g. analysis of inks and papers)
examine crime scenes
identify firearms and ammunition (forensic ballistics)
detect, enhance, recover and identify latent fingerprints, footprints, tool marks, shoe marks, tyre marks and tracks
examine fire and explosion scenes to establish the origin and cause
enhance and analyse audio recordings
produce reports, appear in court and present scientific and/or opinion testimony accurately and in a manner which is readily understood by the court
make presentations to a wide variety of audiences on the work of forensic scientists
liaise with, and provide advice to, police investigators, scientists and pathologists across a broad range of disciplines.

For more Information on Forensic Experts In India

Visit:
http://ifo.ifsr.in/
http://ifsr.in/press/
http://ifsr.in/

Cyber Forensics India

Cyber forensics can be defined as the process of extracting information and data from computer storage media and guaranteeing its accuracy and reliability. The challenge of course is actually finding this data, collecting it, preserving it, and presenting it in a manner acceptable in a court of law.

Status In India
According to Praveen Dalal*, the Leading Techno-Legal ICT, Cyber Law, Cyber Security and Cyber Forensics Specialist of India, “Computer Forensics or Cyber Forensics in India has started gaining importance out of the necessity to deal with modern cyber crimes. Though India has taken some steps in the direction of enacting Information and Communication Technology (ICT) related law in the form of Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act, 2000), yet by and large it failed to provide a sound and secure law in this crucial direction. The result is too obvious. India has to depend upon foreign experts and institutions/universities even for the task of tracing an offender sending an offensive e-mail”.

Why society needs Cyber Forensics pros
Cyber Forensics is a new and developing field, which can be described as the study of digital evidence resulting from an incidence of crime. The science involves the investigation and a computer to determine the potential of legal evidence. It helps create preventive intelligence and threat monitoring besides post incident investigations.


Live v. Dead Forensics
Cyber Forensics may be live or dead. Traditionally, Cyber Forensics was performed after pulling the plug and then subsequently imaging the media under investigation. The contemporary practice is to perform live analysis to get useful volatile data that is lost the moment a computer is turned off or after the pulling of the plug.

Careers in Cyber Forensics
For those of you, excited by the prospect of investigating cyber crime, tracking criminals, hackers and the like, Cyber Forensics would be the right choice. However, the knowledge areas to be mastered by a trained professional include computer security, crime prevention techniques and understanding the emerging trends in technology abuse in virtual space. This article guides you on the intriguing domain of Cyber Forensics and career options on offer.

Opportunities in Cyber Forensics
A Cyber Forensics professional is required to gather electronic evidence of misuse of computer networks and provide evidence in a court of law to bring the culprits to justice. A Cyber Forensics pro is sought by both public as well as private sector. In the public sector, people are mostly absorbed in law enforcement agencies like cyber crime cells, state forensics departments and central agencies like the CBI. In the private sector, it's the information that is of paramount importance for the enterprises, and so they require professionals to safeguard their data from being stolen and misused and also preserve them from hackers. Additionally, there are specialist companies that work on ethical hacking, Cyber Forensics and IT security. A budding Cyber Forensics expert can start his career as a cyber analyst or engineer for an enterprise after gaining experience and domain knowledge can proceed to niche areas in Cyber Forensics. Also, professionals can divert to freelancing and become independent security consultants.

Forensic Pathology, India

Forensic pathology is a branch of pathology concerned with determining the cause of death by examination of a corpse. The autopsy is performed by the pathologist at the request of a coroner or medical examiner usually during the investigation of criminal law cases and civil law cases in some jurisdictions. Forensic pathologists are also frequently asked to confirm the identity of a corpse

The forensic investigation of death is a multi-disciplinary activity, involving the collaboration between pathologists, crime scene investigators (CSIs), forensic scientists, and other specialists, such as anthropologists, entomologists, odontologists (dentists) and many other experts.

Autopsy findings are combined with the results of other investigations, including the microscopic examination of organs and tissues removed at autopsy, toxicological analyses (of blood and urine, for example), and correlated with the available clinical or medical history of the deceased, as well as the circumstances of their death, in order to answer questions relating to their death.

The issues raised by a death may include:
identification of the deceased,
the medical cause of death,
the interpretation of injuries, and
the manner of death (in some jurisdictions), i.e. accident, suicide or homicide

Forensic Psychology, India

Forensic psychology is one of the fastest growing areas of psychology as suggested both by an increase in the practice of clinical psychology within our legal system and the increasing interest expressed by undergraduate and graduate students.
Forensic Psychology is one of the blooming subjects in the field of forensic science.

AREAS covered by a forensic psychologist:
- Eye witness testimony
- How to improve interrogation method
- Child custody evaluation
- Child abuse and evaluation
- Evaluation of adoption readiness
- Mediation of parental conflicts
- Parent – child family counseling
- parenting skill training
- Anger management
- divorce adjustment counseling for adults and kids
- Personal injury evaluation
- assessing the emotional factors in sexual harassment and discrimination
- can help in designing connectional facilities and prisons
- Treatment of mentally ill offenders
- consulting with attorney in analyzing criminal intent
- Evaluation of juvenile accused of crime
- Pre sentencing evaluation of adult or juvenile
- providing counseling for victims of crimes
- Counseling for individuals awaiting trial
- Counseling for those who violate law and order, juvenile delinquents, etc
- dealing Clinical issues such as – Anxiety, Phobia, Anger management, adjustment, desensitization, chronic pain, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, etc

Best Places to pursue:

* University of Delhi
* University of Karnataka

Institutions Offering Forensic Psychology:
NIMHANS Bangalore (India)
National Institute of Criminology and Forensic science
Amity, a private University in New Delhi
Dr Harising Gour University
Karnataka University
Bundel khand University
National Institute of criminology and Forensic Science, Delhi
Dharwad, Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology

Forensic DNA Analysis

Forensic DNA analysis is used to identify individuals using genetic samples. Basically, the system uses a set of identifying numbers to match two different samples. The concept was first designed by Sir Alec Jeffreys at the University of Leicester in 1985. Today, it is a standard practice in conducting investigations for crimes such as murder and rape.

Some Examples of DNA Uses for Forensic Identification

Identify potential suspects whose DNA may match evidence left at crime scenes
Exonerate persons wrongly accused of crimes
Identify crime and catastrophe victims
Establish paternity and other family relationships
Identify endangered and protected species as an aid to wildlife officials (could be used for prosecuting poachers)
Detect bacteria and other organisms that may pollute air, water, soil, and food
Match organ donors with recipients in transplant programs
Determine pedigree for seed or livestock breeds
Authenticate consumables such as caviar and wine

History of Forensic DNA Analysis
DNA typing, since it was introduced in the mid-1980s, has revolutionized forensic science and the ability of law enforcement to match perpetrators with crime scenes. Thousands of cases have been closed and innocent suspects freed with guilty ones punished because of the power of a silent biological witness at the crime scene.

'DNA fingerprinting' or DNA typing (profiling) as it is now known, was first described in 1985 by an English geneticist named Alec Jeffreys. Dr. Jeffreys found that certain regions of DNA contained DNA sequences that were repeated over and over again next to each other. He also discovered that the number of repeated sections present in a sample could differ from individual to individual. By developing a technique to examine the length variation of these DNA repeat sequences, Dr. Jeffreys created the ability to perform human identity tests.

How DNA Profiling Helps to Solve Crimes
DNA profiling or fingerprinting was developed in 1984 by British geneticist Sir Alec Jeffreys and first used in forensic science to convict Colin Pitchfork in the 1988 Enderby murders case.

A DNA fingerprint is the same for every cell, tissue and organ of a person. This DNA fingerprint cannot be altered by any known treatment.

It makes sense that DNA evidence has become such a powerful crime solving tool because no person's DNA fingerprint is the same except for identical twins. This means that DNA collected from a crime scene can either link a suspect to the evidence or eliminate them which is why accurate DNA fingerprinting is critical as a crime solving tool.



Collecting DNA Evidence at a Crime Scene
DNA evidence can be collected from virtually anywhere at a crime scene. DNA has helped solve many cases when imaginative investigators collected evidence from non-traditional sources:

A masked rapist was convicted of forced oral copulation when his victim's DNA fingerprint matched DNA evidence swabbed from him.
Many cases have been solved by DNA analysis of saliva on cigarette butts, postage stamps, rims of cups and glasses.
DNA analysis of a single hair found deep in the victim's throat provided a critical piece of evidence to solve the crime and apprehened the criminal.

DNA Forensics Databases

National DNA Databank: CODIS

The COmbined DNA Index System, CODIS, blends computer and DNA technologies into a tool for fighting violent crime. The current version of CODIS uses two indexes to generate investigative leads in crimes where biological evidence is recovered from the crime scene. The Convicted Offender Index contains DNA profiles of individuals convicted of felony sex offenses (and other violent crimes). The Forensic Index contains DNA profiles developed from crime scene evidence. All DNA profiles stored in CODIS are generated using STR (short tandem repeat) analysis.

Some Interesting Uses of DNA Forensic Identification

Identifying September 11th Victims
Identifying the victims of the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center attack presented a unique forensic challenge because the number and identity of the victims were unknown and many victims were represented only by bone and tissue fragments. At the time of the attack, no systems were in place for rapidly identifying victims in disasters with more than 500 fatalities. The National Institutes of Justice assembled a panel of experts from the National Institutes of Health and other institutions to develop processes to identify victims using DNA collected at the site. Panel members produced forms and kits needed to enable the medical examiner’s office to collect reference DNA from victims’ previously stored medical specimens. These specimens were collected and entered into a database. The medical examiner's office also received about 20,000 pieces of human remains from the World Trade Center site, and a database of the victims’ DNA profiles was created.

To avoid contamination of evidence that may contain DNA, always take the
following precautions:
Wear gloves. Change them often.
Use disposable instruments or clean
them thoroughly before and after handling
each sample.
Avoid touching the area where you believe
DNA may exist.
Avoid talking, sneezing, and coughing
over evidence.
Avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth
when collecting and packaging evidence.
Air-dry evidence thoroughly before
packaging.
Put evidence into new paper bags or
envelopes, not into plastic bags. Do not
use staples.

Forensic Anthropology, India

What is Forensic Anthropology?
Forensic anthropology is the application of the science of physical anthropology and human osteology (the study of the human skeleton) in a legal setting, most often in criminal cases where the victim's remains are in the advanced stages of decomposition

Forensic Anthropology is Used:
Forensic anthropology is normally used when evidentiary remains are found that indicate a crime did or may have occurred. Sometimes, when old buildings are torn down or when old sections of a town are converted for whatever purpose remains will be found among the ruins. Forensic anthropologists are brought in to thoroughly investigate the scene. With the use of forensic anthropology, they can often determine whether or not a crime was committed, and if there was in fact a crime, forensic anthropology can then be used to solve it. While much of what is commonly seen on television is as much fantasy as it is reality, many aspects of forensic anthropology are growing exponentially.


Course Requirements:
A Science background at the +2 level is preferred for a B.Sc. programme in Anthropology. One must have a M.Sc. degree in order to get an entry level job in the field.Almost all established universities in India offer B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Anthropology. These include the Universities of Delhi, Allahabad, Garhwal, Kolkata, Vishwabharti, Vidyasagar, Utkal, Sambalpur, Manipur, Dibrugarh, etc.

Nature of Work:
Basically, Anthropologists are academics who are usually employed by universities to research in their areas of specialisation. Most of the work involves writing, editing, fieldwork, teaching, consulting other professionals and presenting papers. To become an expert on a particular region or culture, you have to spend years of hardwork in study in often remote locations.

List of Institutions offering B.A/B.Sc./M.A./M.Sc in Anthropology in India
Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam - 530 003
Bangalore University, Bangalore - 560 056
Berhampur University, Bhanja Bihar, Berhampur, Distt, Ganjam, Orissa - 760 007
Dibrugharh University, Dibrugarh, Assam
Dr.Hari Singh Gour Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gour Nagar, Sagar, MP
Guwahati University, PO, Gopinath Bordili Nagar, Guwahati, Assam
Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar, Garhwal, Uttar Pradesh
Karnataka University, Pavate Nagar, Dharwad, Karnataka
Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana
Manipur University, Canchipur, Imphal, Manipur
Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar - 522 510
North Eastern Hill University, Shillong - 793 002
North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon - 425 002
Pt.Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur-492 010
Pune University, Pune - 411 007
Punjab University, Paliala - 147 002
Punjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh, Punjab
Ranchi University, Ranchi, Ranchi - 834 001
Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar, Burla, Orissa
Siddhu Kanhu University, Dumka - 814 101
Sri Venkateshwara University, Tirupati, Chittor District, AP
University of Allahabad, Allahabad - 211 002
University of Calcutta, Senate House, 87, College Street, Calcutta, West Bengal
University of Delhi, Delhi - 110 007
University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad - 500 046
University of Mumbai, Mumbai - 400 001
University of Mysore, Mysore - 570 005
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur - 302 004
Utkal University, PO Vani Vihar, Bhubaneshwar Orissa-4
Vidya Sagar University, PO Midnapore, West Bengal
Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribagh - 825 301
Visva-Bharati, PO Santiniketan-731 235

Salary: The basic Salary of Forensic Anthropology starts at about Rs6000pm.