Forensic Medicine behind-the-Scenes as Heroes of Crime Scene Investigations

Within the complex crime scene investigation world, forensic medicine experts are the unsung heroes. These specialists, including anthropologists, ballistic technicians, entomologists, odontologists, and osteologists, rarely set foot at the crime scenes themselves. They labor diligently in their laboratories, analyzing evidence forwarded to them.

After these experts have finished analyzing, they make up their conclusions into a forensic expert analytical report. Although the presentation of such reports differs with the specialty of the forensic expert, there are essential parts that are included by everyone. Such parts include the chain of evidence, evidence evaluation methods, evidence evaluation results, and discussion (with a conclusion) of what is indicated by the evidence.

Emerging Field: Forensic Dermatology

Forensic dermatology, a new and promising field in forensic medicine, is developing with dermatologists drawing on their own skill of skin, mucosa, hair, and nail evaluation to now offer it for application in crime investigations. The number of such practitioners is expected to increase with more people being made aware of its potential benefits.

A typical model hypothetical forensic dermatology expert analysis report looks no different from that of any other forensic expert's report with four main parts:

1. Chain of Evidence: A chronological record which distinguishes the protected care and control of the evidence and its transmission to another person.
2. Methods: This in-depth section outlines the examination of the evidence and forms the majority of the analytical report.
3. Results: In this section, information gathered after assessing the evidence is reported in clear terms such that not only other investigators but also other members of the legal community, like judges, lawyers, and jury members, will understand it.
4. Discussion: This section contains the opinion of the dermatologist, encapsulating the findings of the investigation and placing the analysis of evidence in perspective. It may also contain a conclusion part, which must be written in clear terms.

Depending on the particular details of the case, the outline of the forensic dermatology expert analytical report may be adjusted by the preparing dermatologist.

In summary, a great forensic dermatology expert report is worth gold. It serves other investigators and members of the legal system, including attorneys, judges, and juries, who are also part of the case. In addition, once the forensic dermatology expert testifies in court as an expert witness, the report becomes an asset to the dermatologist.

As forensic dermatology evolves further, it will be an integral part of the continuously changing realm of forensic medicine, adding more precision and sophistication to crime investigations.