“Crime scene investigators, or forensic science technicians, work for law enforcement agencies or other criminal justice organizations that use trained investigators. They collect, find, classify and analyze physical evidence to help solve and prosecute criminal activity. A crime scene investigator (CSI) may test weapons, clothing, fibers, hair and tissue for criminal evidence. These professionals may also specialize in ballistics, fingerprinting or handwriting.” Alliance, U. (n.d.).October 9, 2015. Carefully observing and investigating a crime scene ensures that there is no manipulation of the available evidence. Protecting any possible evidence on the scene is the responsibility of the law enforcement agency that is present. In my paper, I will discuss the role of the police officers, as well as the normal ways when recording and gathering evidence.
An effective investigation is in the hands of the first responder, usually a patrol officer assigned to the area where the crime occurred. Although, some may consider many investigations lost during the court phase, it is actually during the first response. First, the officer arriving on the scene is accountable for taking charge and securing the crime scene. Actions of the first responding officer at the scene will decide the significance of the evidence for other investigators as well as prosecutors. Next, the officer should handle emergency situations first. This could be maybe a dangerous suspect is at the scene or
The popular television show, CSI: Crime Scene Investigations has been on the air for 12 years, and it has brought forth the behind-the-scenes actions of criminal investigations, even if its portrayals are not always scientifically accurate. This has caused an interest in the forensic sciences that has led most people to a skewed view of how a criminal investigation actually works. The reality of a criminal investigation is that it is generally more tedious and difficult than the theory of criminal investigation would have you believe. By examining the forensic and investigative procedures of the case of Pamela Foddrill, it is apparent that the theory of criminal investigation was not representative of the procedures concerning examination
Criminal Investigators should take an approach on the criminal investigation as if it’s he or she first time getting information. By approaching the investigation as the first time you will probably find something new concerning the crime.
Its imperative to understand that crime scene investigation and forensic science are both similar fields of study. Both of these careers require a criminal justice degree and solely focus on the aftermath of a crime. The ultimate objective of both is to gather and analyze evidence to solve a crime. Each of these professions playing an integral role in the flow of analysis in the criminal justice system. By working together, an CSI examine the location and gather evidence at the scene and bring the evidence back to a forensic scientist to analyze. They both utilize the scientific and
After the crime is first reported, the law enforcement officers must open an investigation. Within the investigation, witnesses must be interviewed separately by police, along with the victims, and suspects. Crime scene technicians should also be contacted to collect any type of evidence from DNA, fingerprints, and blood samples. After possible incriminating evidence is collected, it must be sent back to the lab for testing.
Forensic science technicians are vital on a crime scene because the collect and analyze physical evidence. Evidence is one of the most important factor of a crime scene because this puts in investigator a step ahead in finding the suspect of a crime. Crime scene specialists help to collect and preserve evidence in a crime scene. There are rules concerning the collection of data in order to preserve its natural state. For example, “all non-movable items, such as fingerprints, at a crime scene should be processed at the scene using gray powder, black powder, or black magnetic powder. Polaroid 665 black and white film loaded in a Polaroid CU-5 camera with detachable flash should be used to make one-to-one photographs of prints which do not readily lift.” (Schiro, n.d.) Also in the case where there is a computer involved, if it is turned on, it must not be turned off until all the information is properly collected and stored on a file for later use. DNA examiners usually search for anything that could possibly contain DNA. These include fingerprints, hair, blood, semen, bite marks, and dead skin found under fingernails. Tests can be done to determine whether the DNA is the victim’s own or the possible suspect. The coroner’s role is to certify the death of an individual and if unknown, to gain the identity of the victim. These agencies
The first priority for a first responding officer(s) is safety that there is no threat to the officer or citizens at the scene. Once the scene is secured, investigators and forensics personal can process the scene. Once forensics personal is notified this is called “called out”. They should record the date and time of the call out they receive. Once at the crime scene they get a briefing about the incident. Forensic technician should record arrival time, and time briefing is over. Should also document the names and identification numbers of all personal present. Ask if any fragile evidence or area of the scene has been disturbed is important. Tracked blood, shoe or tire impressions from first responder’s activity. Start processing scene. Initial search for evidence is a search conducted by the forensic technician to survey the scene to determine and prioritize task. Records date and time the initial search for evidence. Records notes on areas of interest, and location of evidence. Notes environmental and premises conditions. Always proceed slowly (sight, smell, hearing, and touch) using senses. Night time crime scenes are difficult to see blood, firearm casings etc. hard to locate.
The ability to determine crime scenes, process any and all physical evidence using the proper procedures and steps is a very important toll for the forensic technician. This paper will also document the proper steps and procedures that should be followed when processing a crime scene. By using the case study presented in the lesson, this paper will also show how a forensic technician can determine where a crime scene can be located.
They have to make sure that before they entered the crime scene, nothing in the scene should have been moved. While they are going through a walk-through, they may have to construct theories about what happened in the crime scene based on visual examination. Investigators have to take photographs of the scene and will later on be collected. Taking photographs of the scene will help them solve the crime because there are some points of the investigation that investigators may have overlooked evidence, and that evidence could be found in the photographs. After taking photographs of the scene, they will start to collect clue and evidence that may lead them to their possible suspect(s). What they may find in the crime scene are fingerprints which can be done using colored powder and a brush, other thizngs such as blood, firearms, hair, glass and many more things that can be found in the crime scenes.
The book gives a general overview of the field of forensic science. The sections of the book include “The Scene of the Crime; Working the Scene--The Evidence; Working the Scene of the Body Human;
For my practicum, the agency I am involved with is the East Pikeland Township Police Department. This police department serves the Kimberton area which is adjacent to Phoenixville. Police officers have a variety of responsibilities to maintain while on duty. Their primary responsibility is to maintain peace and order within the community they are serving (DeLisi, 2010). With the important responsibilities that a police department possesses, it plays a vital role in the criminal justice system.
Crimes happen every day and every day there are CSI’s that rush out to process the crime scenes. The question becomes what are the procedures of processing a crime scene? During this paper I will discuss the Zane Floyd case of 1999. I will step through the major points of crime scene processing from start to finish. I will explain the process from first responders to evidence collection to releasing the crime scene.
Within all communities domestically there is a presence of law enforcement. Their duties are to protect, serve and educate the community. Two types of policing are broken windows and community policing. These formal agents of social control are efforts to restrain members of society from engaging in criminal behavior.
I feel rural areas have been neglected in research and practice because most people feel nothing happen in rural areas. they feel we all know each other, so we would know who committed the crime against us, but that is not always true, A lot of time other people come from other cities and towns to commit crime. This is why we need policing, and crime mapping in some of these rural, and without policing and crime mapping we are being neglected in these areas. Another things is a lot of times our lawmakers do not think we need money for policing in these areas because they feel it is not enough crimes in these areas , so urban cities get a lot more funding than rural areas. Most urban areas need more funding I know, but some rural areas need
The photographer that is present at the crime scene is responsible for making one picture worth a thousand words. Photography plays an integral role in the documentation of physical evidence found at crime and accident scenes as well as during forensic autopsies. Forensic Photographers are among the first crime scene technicians to arrive at crime and accident scenes. They walk through a scene to obtain an overview before they begin taking photographs. Forensic Photographers apply their technical skills and their knowledge of anatomy and forensic requirements to take photographs that convey the information that crime scene, criminal, medico legal, or forensic investigators need documented. These
Ever wonder just how investigations are conducted? Or how detectives can figure out what seems to be impossible? The answer is simple, it lies in the process of Criminal Investigation. Criminal Investigations are used to find, analyze, and process evidence and information useful to the crime scene. Criminal Investigations help solve crimes ranging from a simple B&E to even murder. On television and shows such as, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Investigations are not always accurate. Not only are shown inaccurately, but they also have top of the line technology and accessibility, that many criminal investigators would not have. Contrary to what is seen on tv, Criminal Investigation is not a simple act. Criminal Investigations have many different