Explore Foundations of Forensic ScienceFS.1

  • 1

    Examine the History of Forensic ScienceFS.1.1

    1. 1

      Define forensic scienceFS.1.1.1

    2. 2

      Identify the major disciplines it encompassesFS.1.1.2

    3. 3

      Construct a timeline of significant contributions in forensic scienceFS.1.1.3

    4. 4

      Research major contributors to the field of forensic scienceFS.1.1.4

    5. 5

      Recognize and implement Locard’s Exchange Principle  FS.1.1.5

  • 2

    Understand the Role of Forensic Science in the Criminal Justice SystemFS.1.2

    1. 1

      Differentiate between local , state, and federal agenciesFS.1.2.1

    2. 2

      Summarize roles of the law enforcement organizations FS.1.2.2

    3. 3

      Research duties and responsibilities of forensic science personnelFS.1.2.3

  • 3

    Examine Different Types of EvidenceFS.1.3

    1. 1

      Compare and contrast physical and testimonial evidenceFS.1.3.1

    2. 2

      Identify legal and proper evidence collection techniques FS.1.3.2

    3. 3

      Categorize physical evidenceFS.1.3.3

    4. 4

      Evaluate evidence for its probative value in criminal proceedingsFS.1.3.4

  • 4

    Explore Careers in Forensic ScienceFS.1.4

    1. 1

      Investigate the variety of careers in the forensic science fieldFS.1.4.1

    2. 2

      Research educational requirements for forensic careers FS.1.4.2

Examining Legal and Ethical Issues in Forensic ScienceFS.2

  • 1

    Examine Legal IssuesFS.2.1

    1. 1

      Explore the Fourth Amendment and recognize legal search and seizuresFS.2.1.1

    2. 2

      Model procedures to ensure chain of custody when collecting evidence FS.2.1.2

    3. 3

      Research Frye, Miranda, and Daubert court casesFS.2.1.3

    4. 4

      Understand how landmark court cases have determined admissibility of evidence in courtroomsFS.2.1.4

    5. 5

      Employ good practices of confidentialityFS.2.1.5

  • 2

    Examine Ethical IssuesFS.2.2

    1. 1

      Define ethics, integrity, and biasFS.2.2.1

    2. 2

      Research case studies to illustrate proper guidelinesFS.2.2.2

    3. 3

      Practice unbiased evidence collection, forensic analysis, and testimonyFS.2.2.3

  • 3

    Model ProfessionalismFS.2.3

    1. 1

      Recognize and implement a proper code of conduct for a career in the forensic fieldFS.2.3.1

    2. 2

      Recognize and implement proper etiquette for crime scene investigationsFS.2.3.2

    3. 3

      Apply good communication through verbal, written and testimonial skills FS.2.3.3

Explore Crime Scene InvestigationsFS.3

  • 1

    Identify and Utilize Crime Scene ProceduresFS.3.1

    1. 1

      Demonstrate proper procedures to secure a crime sceneFS.3.1.1

    2. 2

      Identify the scope of a crime sceneFS.3.1.2

    3. 3

      Identify safety hazards in crime scene investigationFS.3.1.3

    4. 4

      Implement proper safety protocolsFS.3.1.4

    5. 5

      Describe and implement searching techniquesFS.3.1.5

    6. 6

      Examine constitutional/legal protections in crime scene investigationsFS.3.1.6

    7. 7

      Identify and utilize information sources during an investigation FS.3.1.7

  • 2

    Utilize Scene DocumentationFS.3.2

    1. 1

      Recognize and implement appropriate measurement techniqueFS.3.2.1

    2. 2

      Utilize note taking techniquesFS.3.2.2

    3. 3

      Explain procedures in crime scene photographyFS.3.2.3

    4. 4

      Implement sketching/diagramming techniquesFS.3.2.4

    5. 5

      Prepare evidence logsFS.3.2.5

    6. 6

      Explain scene reconstructionFS.3.2.6

    7. 7

      Prepare crime scene investigation reportsFS.3.2.7

  • 3

    Examine Evidence CollecitonFS.3.3

    1. 1

      Recognize potential evidence sourcesFS.3.3.1

    2. 2

      Identify sources of potential contaminationFS.3.3.2

    3. 3

      Apply appropriate crime scene and evidence processing techniques  FS.3.3.3

    4. 4

      Recognize and implement chain of custody procedureFS.3.3.4

    5. 5

      Demonstrate packaging and sealing techniquesFS.3.3.5

Recognize and Implement Laboratory FundamentalsFS.4

  • 1

    Explore SafetyFS.4.1

    1. 1

      Explain general lab safetyFS.4.1.1

    2. 2

      Identify and utilize personal protective equipment (PPE)FS.4.1.2

    3. 3

      Identify biological hazardsFS.4.1.3

    4. 4

      Identify chemical hazardsFS.4.1.4

    5. 5

      Understand proper disposal procedures FS.4.1.5

  • 2

    Recognize and Utilize Lab SkillsFS.4.2

    1. 1

      Distinguish appropriate measurement devices for tasksFS.4.2.1

    2. 2

      Identify and utilize appropriate lab equipmentFS.4.2.2

    3. 3

      Understand contamination control procedures  FS.4.2.3

  • 3

    Understand Quality AssuranceFS.4.3

    1. 1

      Explore individual certification requirementsFS.4.3.1

    2. 2

      Explore laboratory accreditation requirementsFS.4.3.2

    3. 3

      Understand quality control analysis proceduresFS.4.3.3

Explore Forensic DisciplinesFS.5

  • 1

    Examine Biological EvidenceFS.5.1

    1. 1

      Recognize types of biological evidenceFS.5.1.1

    2. 2

      Describe methodology for current biological evidence analysis techniquesFS.5.1.2

    3. 3

      Compare and contrast presumptive and confirmatory results in biological analysisFS.5.1.3

    4. 4

      Critique the combined DNA index system (CODIS)FS.5.1.4

    5. 5

      Summarize interpretation and conclusions for biological evidence analysisFS.5.1.5.

    6. 6

      Compose report for biological evidence analysisFS.5.1.6

  • 2

    Examine Chemical EvidenceFS.5.2

    1. 1

      Recognize types of chemical evidenceFS.5.2.1

    2. 2

      Describe methodology for toxicology, controlled substances and arson analysisFS.5.2.2

    3. 3

      Compare and contrast presumptive and confirmatory results in chemical analysisFS.5.2.3

    4. 4

      Summarize interpretation and conclusions for toxicology, controlled substance and arson analysisFS.5.2.4

    5. 5

      Compose reports for toxicology, controlled substance, and arson analysisFS.5.2.5

  • 3

    Examine Fingerprint EvidenceFS.5.3

    1. 1

      Compare and contrast latent, plastic, patent, and ink printsFS.5.3.1

    2. 2

      Compare and contrast latent print processing techniques  FS.5.3.2

    3. 3

      Understand photography as it applies to latent print processing and recoveryFS.5.3.3

    4. 4

      Understand comparison methodologyFS.5.3.4

    5. 5

      Understand structure of automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS)FS.5.3.5

    6. 6

      Summarize interpretation and conclusions for fingerprint evidenceFS.5.3.6

    7. 7

      Compose report for fingerprint comparisonFS.5.3.7

  • 4

    Examine Firearm and Tool Mark EvidenceFS.5.4

    1. 1

      Recognize firearms and tool mark evidenceFS.5.4.1

    2. 2

      Describe methodologies for firearm, tool mark and serial number restorationFS.5.4.2

    3. 3

      Understand structure of National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) FS.5.4.3

    4. 4

      Summarize interpretation and conclusions for firearms, tool marks and serial number restorationFS.5.4.4

    5. 5

      Compose reports for firearms, tool marks and serial number restorationFS.5.4.5

  • 5

    Examine Additional DisciplinesFS.5.5

    1. 1

      Explore question documentsFS.5.5.1

    2. 2

      Explore shoe and tire impression evidenceFS.5.5.2

    3. 3

      Explore trace evidenceFS.5.5.3

    4. 4

      Explore digital evidenceFS.5.5.4

Understand Courtroom ProceedingsFS.6

  • 1

    Identify Courtroom ProcessesFS.6.1

    1. 1

      Identify roles and responsibilities of courtroom personnelFS.6.1.1

    2. 2

      Identify the components of legal proceedings FS.6.1.2

  • 2

    Describe the Role of Expert WitnessesFS.6.2

    1. 1

      Compare and contrast qualifications of expert versus lay witnessesFS.6.2.1

    2. 2

      Describe forensic methodology to juryFS.6.2.2

    3. 3

      Demonstrate courtroom demeanorFS.6.2.3

    4. 4

      Understand direct examination questioning FS.6.2.4

    5. 5

      Understand cross examination questioningFS.6.2.5

Explore Forensic SpecialtiesFS.7

  • 1

    Explore Death InvestigationFS.7.1

    1. 1

      Discuss the determination of cause and manner of deathFS.7.1.1

    2. 2

      Explore forensic pathologyFS.7.1.2

    3. 3

      Compare and contrast injury typesFS.7.1.3

    4. 4

      Distinguish post-mortem changes  FS.7.1.4

  • 2

    Explore Forensic AnthropologyFS.7.2

    1. 1

      Define anthropologyFS.7.2.1

    2. 2

      Explore the examination of skeletal remainsFS.7.2.2

    3. 3

      Develop an anthropological profileFS.7.2.3

  • 3

    Explore Forensic EntomologyFS.7.3

    1. 1

      Discuss the determination of post-mortem intervalFS.7.3.1

    2. 2

      Identify entomological collection procedure FS.7.3.2

    3. 3

      Identification of species using a variety of sourcesFS.7.3.3

  • 4

    Explore Forensic OdontologyFS.7.4

    1. 1

       Understand dental identificationFS.7.4.1

    2. 2

      Critique bite mark analysisFS.7.4.2

  • 5

    Explore Forensic PsychologyFS.7.5

    1. 1

      Discuss forensic psychology in criminal investigationsFS.7.5.1

    2. 2

      Explore psychological/criminal profiling FS.7.5.2

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
PROFESSIONALEDUCATION-DEVELOPMENT, Grade 12, HIGHEREDUCATION, UNDERGRADUATE-LOWERDIVISION, and VOCATIONALTRAINING
Where can I read the official document?
Forensic Science Standards