Research Proposal on Forensic Investigation

Running Head: RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Research Proposal on Forensic Investigation
Name of the Student
Name of the University

1RESEARCH PROPOSAL
1.0 Introduction
Forensic investigation is a scientific procedure that is executed in order to analyze
various pieces of evidence to reach a conclusion and identify the criminal. Some of the common
methods of forensic investigation include analysis of digital evidence, fingerprints, body
identification, DNA testing, footwear evidences and others.
This particular research is based on forensic investigation techniques and it also aims to
address the issues and gaps that are existing within the current research outcomes that have been
documented already.
2.0 Research Question
A research question developed for this particular research is as follows.
How can emerging technologies benefit forensic investigation processes?
3.0 Literature Rationale and Review
From previous research activities, several interesting points can be noted and provide
insight into future possibilities for further research. Some interesting things noted from previous
research include the emerging technology that is bringing revolution in the field of forensic
investigation. Modern technical devices and systems have enhanced the overall efficiency of data
analysis from evidences and determining the criminal or reaching suitable conclusions.
From existing research, it is known that cloud computing technology has been introduced
in the field of forensic investigation with much success. Using cloud technology, the storage,

2RESEARCH PROPOSAL
management and matching of evidences against new evidences and others. It is also known that
there several cutting edge technologies that are now available for forensic investigation. Some of
these technologies include Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-
ICP-MS), High-Speed Ballistics Photography, Alternative Light Photography, Digital
Surveillance For Xbox (XFT Device), Video Spectral Comparator 2000, DNA
Sequencer, Forensic Carbon-14 Dating and others. All these technologies are fast developing and
providing superior options for investigators to gather accurate and necessary data.
According to Scott et al. (2017), forensic science is a major field of study that deals with
the analysis various data, evidences and others in order to extract more data and information for
the same. As a result, this particular field has been incorporated in crime scene investigations in
order to determine the criminals related to the particular case. As the authors stated, forensic
investigation mainly involves testing of various evidences like bio samples of hair, skin, spit,
fingerprint and other cells containing DNA, evidence samples like murder weapon, digital
samples like specific files, folders, data usage and others.
Perumal, Norwawi and Raman (2015) stated that in the 19th and 20th centuries, forensic
tools were used to test various samples and extract data. These forensic tools were available in
the forensic labs and the data had to be extracted and noted manually during the testing of the
samples. However, with the digitalization of forensics, this process has become much more
efficient and faster. For example, previously, the criminal face was manually reconstructed using
clay on an existing skull based on the description of a witness. This was not a very accurate
process and was not suitable if the investigation was conducted much later (e.g. 10 years) after
the actual crime happened.