The evolution of forensic technology in Australia mirrors the global progression of scientific methods applied to law enforcement and criminal justice. It is a saga that spans over a century of innovation, adaptation, and technological advancement.
The 20th century brought about major milestones such as the absorption-inhibition ABO blood typing technique, the development of luminol for blood detection, and the establishment of DNA profiling, which dramatically enhanced the capabilities of forensic investigations.
Australian advancements in forensic science, particularly in the field of fingerprint analysis, have made a global impact. The ‘Australian formula’ developed by the UTS Centre for Forensic Science, in collaboration with the University of Canberra and the Australian Federal Police, is recognized as a superior technique for recovering fingerprints from porous surfaces like paper, and has been adopted by international law enforcement agencies such as the US Secret Service and Interpol.
Additionally, Australia is home to the first body farm outside of the US, the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (AFTER), which studies the decomposition of human remains in various conditions, providing invaluable data for forensic investigations and developing a comprehensive understanding of the remnants of human activity.
The adoption of a trace-driven approach to forensic science by Australian researchers is indicative of the country’s holistic perspective on the field, integrating digital transformations with traditional methods to address modern-day challenges in forensic investigations. The Centre for Forensic Science at UTS emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive analysis of traces, aligning with the global movement towards more sophisticated and scientifically rigorous forensic practices.
The origins of forensic science in Australia can be traced back to the efforts of two junior police officers in 1965 who initiated the first scientific capability for ACT Police. This fledgling unit would lay the groundwork for what is now a sophisticated and world-leading forensic department within the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Constables Ian Broomby and Phil Baer established the agency’s first Scientific Section, which began with a singular general-purpose microscope and burgeoned into a facility responsible for fingerprint identification and ballistics analysis.
By the 1970s, AFP Forensics had its mandate expanded to encompass a more diverse range of scientific inquiries, including chemistry and biology laboratories. This period also saw the inception of the National Science Week, reflecting on the origins of the AFP and its commitment to advancing forensic science as an organisational priority. Notably, the establishment of the Forensic Research Unit at the Australian National University (ANU) was revolutionary, leading to the invention of the Polilight, a filtered light source pivotal for detecting forensic evidence at crime scenes.
The 1990s introduced database technologies into the forensic sphere, with the implementation of the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) and the National Criminal Investigation DNA Database (NCIDD), propelling AFP Forensics into a new era of digitalization. The integration of Computer Forensics in 2002 further established AFP as a leader in Digital Forensics, a discipline that remains accredited to this day.
Parallel to these institutional developments, academic research in Australia has significantly contributed to the field. The University of Technology Sydney’s Centre for Forensic Science (CFS), in collaboration with the University of Canberra and the AFP, developed the ‘Australian formula’ for fingerprint detection on porous surfaces. This innovation has been adopted globally, with estimates indicating that the technique saves the community approximately $1.6 million for every homicide solved through otherwise undetectable fingerprints.
CFS has also broken ground with Conan, a world-first stabbing machine, and advances in the use of genetic data in crime detection, potentially allowing for identikit-style predictions of a person’s appearance from their DNA. These developments, alongside world-class facilities like the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (AFTER), showcase Australia’s pivotal role in the advancement of forensic sciences.
Historically, the evolution of forensic science has always been intertwined with the development of new techniques for evidence examination. As early as the 1800s, forensic science was already a part of the investigative process, with document analysis, blood testing, and fingerprinting being used in criminal investigations. The 20th century saw the advent of DNA profiling and cyber forensics, which have revolutionised the field and led to the identification of numerous criminals worldwide.
Today, the AFP Forensics continues to innovate, developing new scientific methods to support the changing nature of criminal investigations. The state-of-the-art Majura Forensics Facility in Canberra exemplifies this commitment, providing infrastructure for cross-agency collaborations and international partnerships.
The aforementioned developments underscore the transformative power of forensic technology in the realm of law enforcement. As Australia continues to lead with cutting-edge forensic applications, it upholds its legacy of delivering justice through scientific excellence.
Timeline of Forensic Science Evolution in Australia:
- 1800s: Forensic science begins to be used in criminal investigations globally, with techniques like document analysis, blood testing, and fingerprinting.
- 1965: Two junior police officers, Ian Broomby and Phil Baer, establish the first scientific section of the ACT Police, marking the origins of forensic science in Australia.
- 1970s: AFP Forensics expands its scope, establishing chemistry and biology laboratories and contributing to the creation of the Forensic Research Unit at ANU, which leads to the invention of the Polilight.
- 1990s: Introduction of database technologies, including the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) and the National Criminal Investigation DNA Database (NCIDD), driving the digital transformation of forensics.
- 2002: AFP establishes itself as a leader in Digital Forensics with the integration of Computer Forensics.
- Mid-2000s: The ‘Australian formula’ for recovering fingerprints from porous surfaces, developed by UTS Centre for Forensic Science, is adopted internationally.
- 2016: Opening of the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (AFTER), Australia’s first body farm, advancing research in human decomposition.
- Present Day: AFP continues to innovate with its state-of-the-art Majura Forensics Facility, focusing on cross-agency collaborations and international partnerships. Cutting-edge techniques like Conan, the stabbing machine, and genetic data applications in crime detection highlight Australia’s pivotal role in global forensic advancements.
Sources:
- “Time Capsule Unlocked: Venturing into the 1950s with Digitized Inquest Records” – I’ve Committed Data.
- “From humble beginnings to world leading: History of AFP Forensics” – Australian Federal Police.
- “Forensic science advances reveal a hidden world” – University of Technology Sydney.
- “The History of Forensic Science and its evolution” – IFF Lab.