rikostekniikka

Rikostekniikka, often translated as forensic science or criminalistics, is the application of scientific methods and techniques to the investigation of crimes. It encompasses a broad range of disciplines, each focusing on the analysis of physical evidence collected from a crime scene. The primary goal of rikostekniikka is to assist law enforcement in identifying suspects, reconstructing events, and providing objective evidence for use in legal proceedings.

Key areas within rikostekniikka include ballistics, which examines firearms and ammunition; toxicology, which analyzes biological samples for the presence of drugs or poisons; and serology, which studies blood and other bodily fluids. Fingerprint analysis, DNA profiling, and trace evidence analysis, such as fibers, paint, or soil, are also crucial components. Forensic document examination focuses on identifying forged or altered documents.

The process typically begins with the meticulous collection and preservation of evidence at the crime scene. This evidence is then transported to a laboratory for detailed examination by specialized scientists. Their findings are documented in reports and can be presented in court by expert witnesses. Rikostekniikka plays a vital role in modern criminal justice systems by providing objective, scientific insights that can lead to accurate conclusions and convictions, or conversely, exonerations.