IT IS INTERESTING TO KNOW. «Forensic science» is the term used to describe the special me­thods for investigating crimes

«Forensic science» is the term used to describe the special me­thods for investigating crimes. These are some of the most common ways the police use.

1. Fingerprinting. In 1898, Sir Edward Henry, an eminent scientist discovered that there were three distinct patterns in fingerprints-arches, whorls and loops. As no two people on earth have the same fingerprints (not even identical twins), fingerprint soon became a vital method of identifying criminals. Fingerprints left on objects at the scene of a crime can be matched to those of a suspect and used as evidence in court.

2. Footprints. Footprints found in soil, dust, sand or on shiny surfaces can give vital clues to a person’s build, weight and how they walked.

3. Blood. Scientists can tell a person’s blood group by examining even the tiniest drop of blood or stain left at the scene of a crime.

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IS THAT A FACT?

* Your fingerprints are formed during the fourth and fifth months of life in the womb.

* Fingerprints of all convicted criminals (about 3 million in Britain) are recorded on police computer files.

* The first time fingerprinting was used in a murder trial was ini 1905, when Alfred and Albert Stratton were found guilty of killing Mr. and Mrs. Farrow at their shop in Deptford.

* For a fingerprint to be used as evidence in court, there must be at least 16 similarities between the fingerprints found at the scene of the crime and those of the suspect.

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