Interdisciplinarity of forensics as a way to recover the inscription “arbeit macht frei” from the Auschwitz-Birkenau state museum

Abstract

In the practice of a forensic laboratory, you can often come across a comprehensive expertise in which one trace is prepared and analyzed by many experts from various fields of forensics. Due to the increasing research possibilities, the development of modern technologies and the use of specific sequences for the visualization of traces, investigative authorities expect comprehensive identification of traces and material evidence as part of their expert opinions. The cooperation of experts from various specialties creates this “interdisciplinarity” allowing for the identification of the same object with the participation of many domains. As a result, the interdisciplinary approach brings measurable benefits in the form of obtaining the maximum amount of information from the material submitted for research (evidence, comparative, control). However, these activities require knowledge, experience and close cooperation in the implementation of analyzes, the use of effective research methods, as well as skills in deciding on the sequence of sampling and conducting their analyzes. The type of forensic techniques used is also important, especially when examining objects that are part of cultural heritage or contemporary art. Police experts then use non-invasive methods of analysis as the first, thus avoiding the possibility of changing the structure of the tested object. Comprehensive analysis and subsequent identification of forensic material must therefore be carried out in such a way that, after examining the traces of one type, it was possible to carry out subsequent research stages.