Forensic Science Timeline: The Contemporary Era (1950 AD to Present)

Advancements in technology significantly reduce DNA profiling time, from 6-8 weeks to just 1-2 days. This breakthrough is made possible by automated DNA sequencing and high-throughput DNA testing systems, such as capillary electrophoresis and real-time PCR, which revolutionize the speed and efficiency of forensic investigations. This development enhances the ability to process multiple DNA samples simultaneously, expediting forensic analysis and improving the responsiveness of criminal justice systems worldwide.

In 2007, Britain’s Forensic Science Service developed an online footwear coding and detection system, a major advancement in forensic investigation. This system allowed police to quickly identify and match footwear marks left at crime scenes, improving the efficiency of investigations and increasing the chances of identifying suspects based on trace evidence left behind. The system provided a valuable tool for linking suspects to crimes through unique impressions made by their footwear.

A method to visualize “erased” fingerprintsFingerprint, impression made by the papillary ridges on the ends of the fingers and thumbs. Fingerprints afford an infallible means of personal identification, because the ridge arrangement on every finger of every human being is unique and does not alter with growth or age. Fingerprints serve to reveal an individual’s true identity despite personal denial, assumed names, or changes in personal appearance resulting from age, disease, plastic surgery, or accident. The practice of utilizing fingerprints as a means of identification, referred to as dactyloscopy, is an indispensable aid to modern law enforcement. More on metal surfaces was developed, exploiting how sweat residues corrode metals. This technique, using electrochemical imaging, enabled forensic experts to recover critical evidence from wiped objects, aiding in cold case investigations.

Michigan State University pioneered software to automatically match hand-drawn suspect sketches (from eyewitness descriptions) to digital mug shots in databases. Using algorithm-driven facial recognition and pattern analysis, the tool streamlined suspect identification, reducing reliance on manual comparisons and improving accuracy in criminal investigations. It became a key resource for law enforcement, bridging gaps between witness accounts and forensic databases.

Japanese researchers develop a groundbreaking dental x-ray matching system that can automatically compare dental x-rays to a database, making a positive match in less than four seconds. This innovative technology significantly improves the speed and accuracy of forensic identification, particularly in cases involving unidentified remains, and provides law enforcement with a rapid tool for matching dental records in criminal investigations.

In 2012, companies like Parabon NanoLabs introduced Snapshot DNA Phenotyping, a technology that predicts physical traits such as eye color, hair color, and ancestry from genetic material. This innovation became a valuable tool in criminal investigations, especially in cases where suspects lacked prior records or a match in DNA databases, offering new leads for law enforcement.

In 2013, advancements in forensic techniques greatly improved the sensitivity of touch DNA analysis, allowing for the extraction of DNA from minute samples, such as skin cells left on weapons or clothing. This breakthrough was crucial in high-profile cases, including the investigation of the Boston Marathon bombing, where it helped link suspects to the crime scene.

In 2014, the FBI and law enforcement agencies began adopting Rapid DNA devices, such as IntegenX’s RapidHIT, allowing for on-site processing of DNA samples in as little as 90 minutes. This innovation bypassed traditional lab delays, enabling faster identification and matching, particularly useful in field investigations and urgent cases.

Forensic DNA phenotyping emerges as a powerful tool in forensic science, allowing for the prediction of physical traits—such as eye color, hair color, and skin tone—of unknown individuals based on biological materials found at crime scenes. This technique, sometimes referred to as “biological witness” analysis, provides valuable investigative leads to identify individuals who cannot be traced through traditional DNA profiling methods. Forensic DNA phenotyping has become instrumental in cases involving unidentified victims or suspects, offering a new approach to solving crimes.

In 2015, the FBI expanded its Next Generation Identification (NGI) system to incorporate facial recognition technology, utilizing non-criminal photos from sources like social media platforms. This innovation raised significant privacy and accuracy concerns, as it allowed law enforcement to match faces in non-criminal databases, leading to debates about the balance between security and individual privacy.

In 2016, GEDmatch, a publicly accessible genetic database launched in 2010, became a key tool for forensic genetic genealogy (FGG). The platform gained attention for its use in solving cold cases, most notably the Golden State Killer case in 2018. However, its success sparked debates over privacy and ethical concerns regarding the use of personal genetic information for criminal investigations without explicit consent.

In 2017, researchers developed AI algorithms capable of matching partial or distorted fingerprints, significantly improving the accuracy and efficiency of fingerprint identification. This advancement helped overcome common challenges, such as human error and low-quality prints. The technology was quickly adopted by law enforcement agencies, including the UK’s Metropolitan Police, enhancing their ability to solve crimes with fingerprint evidence.

The arrest of Joseph DeAngelo, the suspected Golden State Killer, in 2018 marked a pivotal moment for forensic science, showcasing the power of forensic genetic genealogy. This technique combines DNA testing with traditional genealogical research to generate investigative leads. Since then, genetic genealogy has been used to solve nearly 200 cold cases, as well as assist in some active investigations, revolutionizing the way law enforcement identifies unknown suspects and solves long-unsolved crimes. This breakthrough has reshaped forensic science, opening new doors for solving decades-old mysteries.

In 2019, advancements in mass spectrometry enabled the analysis of the hair proteome, offering a groundbreaking method for human identification. This technique allows forensic scientists to identify individuals from hair strands without roots, providing an alternative when DNA is too degraded to use. It marked a significant step forward in the field of forensic science, especially in cases where traditional DNA profiling was not possible.

The increasing use of end-to-end encrypted apps, such as WhatsApp and Signal, has posed significant challenges for law enforcement agencies in accessing crucial evidence. In response, digital forensics tools like Cellebrite have been developed to extract data from locked devices, enabling investigators to bypass encryption in criminal investigations. This development underscores the ongoing tension between digital privacy and the need for access to encrypted data for security and law enforcement purposes.

In 2021, SelectaDNA, a forensic property marking system, introduced synthetic DNA tags to combat evidence tampering. This innovative technology embeds unique synthetic DNA sequences into evidence seals, ensuring the integrity of the chain of custody. The DNA is nearly invisible but can be detected under ultraviolet light, providing a robust method for verifying the authenticity of evidence. Law enforcement agencies around the world have adopted this system to improve security, trace ownership, and prevent tampering with forensic evidence.

In 2022, forensic scientists began utilizing microbiome analysis to solve crimes. By examining microbial communities present on objects such as clothing or the skin of victims and suspects, investigators can gain critical insights into time-of-death, crime scene location, and interactions between victims and objects. Studies have shown that the microbial presence on the body changes over time and can be linked to specific environments, providing valuable evidence that supports traditional forensic methods. This innovative approach has gained traction within forensic science and is being increasingly adopted by law enforcement agencies to complement more established techniques.

In 2022, environmental DNA (eDNA) was used to link suspects to crime scenes, such as identifying buried weapons through soil and water samples. This innovative approach helped solve a 1996 cold case in Norway by analyzing soil samples from the crime scene. A significant milestone was achieved with the case State v. Erik Nesse in 2023, marking the first conviction based on eDNA evidence.

n 2023, the use of AI-driven crime prediction tools like PredPol gained significant attention in law enforcement, as they analyzed historical crime data to forecast potential hotspots for criminal activity. These systems aimed to optimize police resources and prevent crimes before they happen. However, the technology has faced criticism for reinforcing racial biases in policing. Critics argue that the data used to train these AI systems often reflect existing societal biases, leading to disproportionate surveillance and policing in marginalized communities. Despite the controversy, AI crime prediction tools continue to be a topic of debate, with some jurisdictions opting for their use while others call for greater scrutiny and regulation.

In 2023, Interpol launched its Deepfake Detection Toolkit and guidelines to to AI-generated deepfakes used in blackmail, disinformation, and impersonation crimes. The toolkit was instrumental in debunking deepfake ransom videos in a corporate fraud case in Singapore, highlighting the growing importance of forensic tools to detect manipulated media.

In 2024, law enforcement agencies began using AI systems to re-investigate unsolved cold cases. These systems apply machine learning to analyze old evidence alongside new data, uncovering overlooked leads and identifying suspects.

For instance, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) piloted an AI program to solve cold case homicides, while the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) incorporated AI into its cold case unit in Hawaii. These AI-driven efforts are transforming cold case investigations, offering hope for resolving cases that have remained unsolved for decades.

In 2024, the advent of quantum computing led to the breakthrough of RSA encryption, prompting the adoption of quantum-resistant algorithms in digital forensics. The NSA’s Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization initiative reshaped how forensic experts approach cybersecurity, ensuring future-proof digital evidence analysis.