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Forensics Glossary
Animal Cruelty: Acts of violence or neglect perpetrated against animals are considered animal cruelty. Some examples are overt abuse, dog fighting and cockfighting, and denying a companion animal the basic necessities of care, such as food, water or shelter. Learn more about animal cruelty.
Blood Evidence Supplies: Tools to aid in the collection of blood evidence, including Phenolphthalein, Blue Star imaging equipment and blood spatter photo scales.
Blue Star: A chemical compound that fluoresces hidden blood with a blue color.
BlueMaxx: An alternative light source used to detect fibers, hair and fluids, which can be used as evidence.
Chain of Custody: The chronological documentation and/or paper trail showing the seizure, custody, control, transfer, analysis and disposition of evidence.
Crime Scene: The specific location where a crime took place.
DNA Testing: A technique to assist in the identification of individuals and animals on the basis of their respective DNA profiles.
Evidence: The documentary or oral statements and the material objects collected at a crime scene.
Evidence Collection Supplies: Tools that aid in the identification and collection of evidence, such as packaging and identification kits, entomology collection supplies and a Tiger UV light.
Felony Animal Cruelty: Animal cruelty is considered a crime in all 50 states. In some states it carries a felony charge, rather than a misdemeanor. Look up your state's animal cruelty laws.
Forensics: The use of science and technology to investigate and establish facts in criminal or civil courts of law.
Forensic Botany: The science of using plant-related materials to help solve crimes.
Forensic Entomology: The science of using insect evidence to help solve crimes.
General Forensics Supplies: Basic supplies needed to run a crime scene, such as a Digital SLR camera, crime scene tape, a stretcher for animal transport and face masks.
Grave Detection and Exhumation Equipment: Tools to aid in the detection and unearthing of grave sites, including soil sampler, sifter, GPS unit, compass and digital distance measuring devices.
Intentional Cruelty: Occurs when an individual purposely inflicts physical harm or injury on an animal; usually an indicator of a serious human behavior problem. Learn more about animal cruelty.
Medical Examination and Surgical Equipment: Tools used to evaluate and treat animals for emergency life-threatening conditions, as well as necropsy equipment, including digital microscope, digital x-ray machine and anesthesia/oxygen machine.
Misdemeanor Animal Cruelty: Animal cruelty is considered a misdemeanor crime in some states. Look up your state's animal cruelty laws.
Necropsy: The examination and dissection of a deceased, non-human body to determine the cause of death or changes produced by disease.
Neglect: The failure to provide an animal with the most basic requirements of food, water, shelter and veterinary care. Learn more about animal cruelty.
Phenolphthalein: A chemical compound that causes blood to turn bright pink in color.
Trace Evidence: Evidence normally occurring when objects or substances contact one another and leave a minute sample on the contact surfaces.
Veterinary Forensics: Veterinarians specially trained to investigate horrendous crimes against animals and provide evidence for prosecution.
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