Forensics (Investigate)

Properties

Base(s): Investigate
Usage: substitution(min+) -> chk= +M +Forensic-Tools
Description: Practice in determining the people, places and events from the scene of a crime.

This technique extends Investigate when crime scene investigation starts to become scientific. Forensics is a broad scientific study concerned with the collection, preservation and analysis of evidence (usually) of criminality and criminal procedure. Analysis of evidence can encompass biometrics biology and biological processes, chemistry, epidemiology, toxicology, ballistics, photography, video, audio, anthropology and geology. Forensics is also concerned with the management of these activities as in what analyses to prioritise and include, what constitutes chain of evidence, and other legal matters.

Handling many of these considerations will involve the use of Forensic-Tools, when there is a strong need for proper (usually scientific) sample collection and analysis.

These considerations may involve one or more aspects as well.

Any official or legal considerations, such as evidence handling (chain-of-evidence logging) will involve the Law (Society) aspect.

Any strong scientific content may require Antiquities (archaeological evidence), any of the engineering skills (DNA, pollen, dust, and other residues), and Science (evidence that does not fall into the other categories).

The Forensics roll can sometimes be made in opposition to a criminal’s chk(Deceive) (or chk(Deceive) +R(Forensics), if the criminal has ranks in this technique). This reflects the idea that Forensics can be employed to clean up a scene of your own crime, and cover your tracks. This is similar to the way your quarry can cover their tracks, when employing the Track technique (see the Track technique for that example).