Crime is a legal concept. Government agencies have been created to prevent and detect crime and to reform criminals. Although science has started to replace the use of oral evidence in law enforcement efforts, it is not being applied to the extent that it should be due to a lack of appreciation of scientific methods by the courts, lack of awareness among the public, and the poor organization and equipment of laboratories. The nation needs an All-India Institute of Forensic or Police Science which will conduct research and training, establish quality control and standardization of procedures, establish work norms, and operate a data bank. It will also provide an advisory service to the supreme and high courts, organize periodic meetings, and develop awareness of scientific approaches in the general public. The institute must incorporate all branches of science to deal with the major task that it faces.