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Unit 2: The Crime scene. Collection, Protection and Analysis of Physical Evidence from the Crime Scene. Unit 2: Day 1. Do Now: What is the most important thing for the first Police Officer to do when they enter a crime scene?. Learning Objectives. Today Students will: - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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UNIT 2: THE CRIME SCENE
Collection, Protection and Analysis of Physical Evidence from the Crime Scene
UNIT 2: DAY 1
Do Now: What is the most important thing for the first Police Officer to do
when they enter a crime scene?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Today Students will:Define Physical Evidence
Understand the responsibilities of the First Police Officer to arrive at a crime scene
Demonstrate the steps to be taken to thoroughly record the crime scene
4
PHYSICAL EVIDENCEAs automobiles run on gasoline, crime laboratories “run” on physical evidence.
Physical evidence encompasses any and all objects that can establish that a crime has been committed or can provide a link between a crime and its victim or a crime and its perpetrator.
If physical evidence is to be used effectively for aiding the investigator, its presence first must be recognized at the crime scene.
5
THE BEGINNING: THE CRIME SCENE
Forensic science begins at the crime scene.The investigator must complete 2 essential functions:
• recognize physical evidence• properly preserve it for laboratory
examination The techniques of crime-scene investigation are not difficult to master, it is expected that the average police officer be able to perform them properly.
6
THE FIRST STEP: SECURE THE SCENE
The first officer to arrive at the scene is responsible for securing the crime scene.
• However, first priority is given to obtaining medical assistance and/or to arresting the perpetrator.
As soon as possible, exclude all unauthorized personnel from the scene. Once the scene is secured, the preliminary exam must begin.
• Recording the crime scene becomes a critical piece to the investigation process.
7
CRIME SCENE RECORDING METHODS
Three methods for crime-scene recording• Photography • Sketching • Note taking
Ideally all three should be employed at each crime scene
• Often personnel and monetary limitations may prohibit the utilization of photography at every crime site.
8
PHOTOGRAPHY OF A CRIME SCENE
The crime scene must be in an unaltered condition.
Objects must not be moved until they have been photographed from all necessary angles, (unless there are injured parties involved).
As items of physical evidence are discovered, they are photographed to show their position and location relative to the entire scene.
9
PHOTOGRAPHY
After the overviews are taken, close-ups should be taken to record the details of the object itself. •When the size of an item is of significance, a ruler or other measuring scale may be inserted near the object and included in the photograph as a point of reference.
PRACTICE PHOTOGRAPHING A SCENE
(15 min) In teams of 3-4• Experiment with how your camera works, please be
careful• Use your camera to photograph your table, like a
crime scene, according to the notes just given• Take at least five pictures which you think are
relevant.
(20 min)Share pictures and discuss their effectiveness in documenting the scene.
UNIT 2: DAY 2
Do Now: What are two important things to be sure to do when photographing a
crime scene?
LEARNING OBJECTIVE
Today students will:
Demonstrate the steps to be taken to thoroughly record the crime scene
14
SKETCHESRough Sketch— A draft representation of all essential information and measurements at a crime scene.
• This sketch is drawn at the crime scene.• It shows all recovered items of physical evidence, as
well as other important features of the crime scene. Finished Sketch— A precise rendering of the crime scene, usually drawn to scale.
• This type is not normally completed at the crime scene.• The finished sketch is drawn with care and concern
for aesthetic appearance.
SKETCHING PRACTICE
(8 min) Each person should do a rough sketch of everything on the lab table.
(3 min) Compare your sketches to those on your table.
• How are they different?• Did anyone see anything you did not? Why?• How can you be more accurate in the future?
WHY SKETCH?
Think (2 min), Pair (4 min) , Share(5min)
What is the value of sketching?
How does it compare, in importance, to photography?
What additional value is added to the evidence by sketching?
What are the essential characteristics of a sketch?
How are rough sketches and finished sketches different?
18
NOTESNote taking must be a constant activity throughout the processing of the crime scene. They must include a detailed written description of the scene with the location of all items of physical evidence recovered. They must identify:
• The time each piece of physical evidence was discovered• Who discovered it• How and by whom it was packaged and marked• What happened to the item after it was collected
This written record may be the only source of information for refreshing one’s memory .
PRACTICE NOTE TAKING
(4 min) Complete a set of notes for this “Crime Scene”
Be sure to include all relevant info.
20
RECORDING THE CRIME SCENE
Investigators have only a limited amount of time to work a crime site in its untouched state. The opportunity to permanently record the scene in its original state must not be lost. Such records will not only prove useful during the subsequent investigation but are also required for presentation at a trial
• in order to document the condition of the crime site and to delineate the location of physical evidence.
Every step of the investigation should be documented thoroughly with an appropriate method.
21
THE PRELIMINARY EXAMA lead investigator will start the process of evaluating the area.
• First, the boundaries of the scene must be determined.
• Followed by the establishment of the perpetrator’s path of entry and exit.
• The investigator then proceeds with an initial walk-through of the scene to gain an overview of the situation and develop a strategy for the systematic examination and documentation of the entire crime scene.
This is done before processing the crime scene for physical evidence.
UNIT 2: DAY 3
Do Now: What are the steps that must be taken to thoroughly record the
crime scene?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Today Students will:Describe proper procedures for conducting a systematic search for physical evidence
Describe proper procedures for packaging common types of physical evidence
Define and understand “chain of custody”
24
THE SEARCH OF THE CRIME SCENE
The search for physical evidence must be thorough and systematic. The search pattern selected will normally depend on:
• the size and locale of the scene • the number of collectors participating in the search.
For a factual, unbiased reconstruction of the crime, the investigator—relying upon training and experience—must not overlook any pertinent evidence. Physical evidence can be anything from massive objects to microscopic traces.
25
THE SEARCHOften, many items of evidence are clearly visible but others may be detected only through examination at the crime laboratory.
For this reason, it is important to collect possible carriers of trace evidence, such as clothing, vacuum sweepings, and fingernail scrapings, in addition to more discernible items.
26
BEYOND THE CRIME SCENE
The following are to be collected and sent to the forensic laboratory:1. Victim’s clothing2. Fingernail scrapings3. Head and pubic hairs4. Blood (for DNA typing purposes)5. Vaginal, anal, and oral swabs (in sex related
crimes)6. Recovered bullets from the body7. Hand swabs from shooting victims (for gunshot
residue analysis)
27
BEYOND THE CRIME SCENE: AUTOPSY
The search for physical evidence must extend beyond the crime scene to the autopsy room of a deceased victim.
• The medical examiner or coroner will carefully examine the victim to establish a cause and manner of death. (Why and How)
• Tissues and organs will be retained for pathological and toxicological examination.
Arrangements must be made, between the examiner and investigator to ensure that a variety of items that may be obtainable from the body are secured.
28
PACKAGING EVIDENCE
Each different item or similar items collected at different locations must be placed in separate containers.
• Packaging evidence separately prevents damage through contact and prevents cross-contamination.
The well-prepared evidence collector will arrive at a crime scene with a large assortment of packaging materials and tools ready to encounter any type of situation.
29
PACKAGING TOOLSForceps and similar tools may have to be used to pick up small items. Unbreakable plastic pill bottles, with pressure lids, are excellent containers for hairs, glass, fibers, and various other kinds of small or trace evidence. Alternatively, manila envelopes, screw-cap glass vials, or cardboard pillboxes are adequate containers for most trace evidence encountered at crime sites.
• Ordinary mailing envelopes should not be used as evidence containers because powders and fine particles will leak out of their corners.
30
PACKAGING TOOLSSmall amounts of trace evidence can also be conveniently packaged in a carefully folded paper, using what is known as a “druggist fold.”
This type of packaging is called a Paper Bindle
PRACTICE MAKING A PAPER BINDLE
Follow the directions on the hand out, carefully.When you have completed your first attempt, continue to practice until you can do it without the directions.When you are ready, work with a partner to each make a paper bindle and insert the provided trace evidence in it. Pass your bindle to your partner who will test it to see if any evidence is being lost.When your bindle is approved by your partner, let me know by posting a sticky note on your station.
UNIT 2: DAY 10Do Now
•What kinds of packaging tools should an investigator bring to the crime scene?•What one thing was frequently missing from our crime scene presentations?
LEARNING OBJECTIVEToday Students will:Justify their decision about what type of search pattern should be used at particular types of crime scenesIdentify indicators of where to find important evidence to collect based on the circumstances
Recognize techniques for handling evidence
Explain the importance of Chain of Custody
Understand when to collect “Reference Samples”
THE SEARCH FOR EVIDENCE
The investigator in charge assigns responsibility of searching a crime scene.Whenever possible, 1 person should supervise evidence collection
• A forensic scientist is usually NOT involved, their work begins in the lab
• Some police agencies have trained field evidence collection technicians who search for evidence
The type of search pattern used depends on the location and size of the area, as well as the actions of the suspect(s) and victim(s) at the scene.Proper control of the search is important, to minimize confusion and ensure that no evidence is left behind
SEARCH PATTERNSWhen attempting to locate evidence, detectives must be methodical.
One way to be certain they’ve combed every inch of a crime scene is to conduct structured, patterned searches, such as spiral or grid searches.
Five Different Search Patterns1.Strip or Line Search2.Grid Search3.Spiral Search4.Wheel/Ray Search5.Quadrant or Zone Search
1. STRIP OR LINE SEARCH
One or two investigators start walking in a straight line, perpendicular to the boundary edge
They walk straight across to the opposite side boundary edge
They then move further over on the boundary and walk back to the original side
They then repeat the walk back and forth until they cover the entire search area
STRIP OR LINE SEARCH
• The space to be
searched is divided into a series of lanes
• One or more searchers proceed up and down the lane, continuing until the area has been completely searched.
2.GRID SEARCH Consists of two strip
searches, the second
perpendicular to the first
Allows the area to be
viewed
from two angles therefore is
very thorough.
Must have well established
boundaries
Good for large search
areas
3. SPIRAL SEARCH• Typically used outdoors• Normally launched by a
single person who begins at the outermost corner and walks in a decreasing spiral toward a central point.
• Inward is helpful because the investigator moves from an are light with evidence to an area with more
• Can also be conducted from the center out
• A perfect spiral is difficult to do
4. WHEEL/RAY SEARCH
• A search pattern in which the area is divided into pie-shaped sections, usually six in number.
• Several people move from the boundary straight toward the center
• This is not the preferred method because the area between the rays is not well searched
5. QUADRANT OR ZONE SEARCH
• The area is divided into quadrants, each of which is then examined with one of the other patterns.
• Team members are assigned to search specific quadrants
• Search must include all probable points of entry and exit
• Well suited for large search areas
LOCATING PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
The investigators skill in recognizing evidence is very important in effective crime scene processing
Experience plays a major role in helping investigators develop a successful strategy for recovering relevant physical evidence
The circumstances of the crime help detectives know what to look for
PHYSICAL EVIDENCE IN DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES
Homicides: search centers on the weapon and cross-transfer evidence between the victim and the perpetrator, (hairs, blood, and fibers)Burglaries: search focuses on points of entry and tool marksA careful search for latent fingerprints is required at most crime scenes
PHYSICAL EVIDENCE IN DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES
Vehicle Searches: Must be carefully planned and systematically executed
• The amount of detail paid in the search depends on the nature of the case• Hit and Run: careful search of outside and
undercarriage is important. (evidence from cross0transfer between car and victim (blood, tissue, hair, fibers, fabric impressions, paint traces or glass fragments)
• Homicide, Burglary, Kidnapping: all areas both inside and out are searched thoroughly
COLLECTING PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
Some evidence is obvious, other evidence can only be detected in the lab• Trace blood evidence, hairs and fibers may only be revealed through vacuum
sweeping or on clothes only after close scrutiny in the lab
It is essential to collect all possible carriers of trace evidence• Often all clothing worn by crime participants is collected• Each clothing item should be wrapped separately
Critical areas should be vacuumed and sweepings should be sent to the lab
• Sweepings from different areas should be packaged separately
Fingernail scrapings should be collected from anyone who was in contact with others
• Scrape undersurface with a dull object, like toothpick (do not cut skin)- to lab
HANDLING EVIDENCEHandled in a way that leaves evidence unchanged between the scene and the lab
• Avoid contamination, breakage, evaporation, scratching or bending which can occur as a result of poor packaging or careless handling
Use latex gloves and/or forceps when touching evidence• Be sure to sanitize tools between each piece of evidence
Investigators should not remove blood, hairs, fibers, soil particles, or anything else from clothes, weapons or other articles
• Send the entire object to the labUse common sense when dealing with evidence on a large structure (door, wall, or floor) remove it with appropriate tool
HANDLING BLOOD EVIDENCE
Bloodstains, options• Scrape stain off the surface• Transfer the stain to a moistened swab• Cut out the area of the object bearing the stain
Which to do must be decided by the investigators on scene
PACKAGINGAlthough pill bottles, vials, pillboxes, or manila envelopes are good universal containers for most trace evidence, one frequent find at crime scenes warrants special attention.
• bloodstained materials (collect with disposable tools)• if stored in airtight containers, the accumulation of
moisture may encourage the growth of mold, which can destroy the evidential value of blood.
• In these instances, wrapping paper, manila envelopes, or paper bags are recommended packaging materials
DNA EVIDENCECan be found in really tiny samples on evidence which has come into contact with sweat, saliva or skin cells
Search should include all objects which the suspect or victim may have come into bodily contact with
Likely sources• Stamps and envelopes• Cup or can• Gum, sweatband of a hat or bed sheet
Collect wearing a face mask , as well as disposable gloves and forceps, (sometimes coveralls and shoe covers are also worn)
50
CHAIN OF CUSTODYChain of Custody—A list of all persons who came into possession of an item of evidence.Continuity of possession, or the chain of custody, must be established whenever evidence is presented in court as an exhibit. Adherence to standard procedures in recording the location of evidence, marking it for identification, and properly completing evidence submission forms for laboratory analysis is critical to chain of custody.
• This means that every person who handled or examined the evidence and where it is at all times must be accounted for.
CHAIN OF CUSTODY
Fill out preprinted id forms or attach an evidence tag to every container
Investigator initials as well as the date must be written on the evidence seal tape
Every person who possesses the evidence must maintain a written record of its acquisition and disposition
Often all people involved in the collection and transport of evidence must testify in court; minimize those in contact with it
52
OBTAINING REFERENCE SAMPLES
Standard/Reference Sample—Physical evidence whose origin is known, such as blood or hair from a suspect, that can be compared to crime-scene evidence.The examination of evidence, whether it is soil, blood, glass, hair, fibers, and so on, often requires comparison with a known standard/reference sample. Although most investigators have little difficulty recognizing and collecting relevant crime-scene evidence, few seem aware of the necessity and importance of providing the crime lab with a thorough sampling of standard/reference materials.
APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGEEach Investigative team will be given a scenario, it is your job to answer all of the following questions about how you would find and collect the physical evidence.
Be prepared to report out, write your answers and justifications on a chart paper:
1. What search method should you use?
2. What type of evidence should you especially be looking for and where should you look? Why?
3. What special handling and packaging considerations will you have to address? Why?
4. Should you collect reference samples? If so, from whom or where?
SCENARIOS1.At a public park, there was a hit and run accident, car vs pedestrian.
2.Carjacking and abandonment in alley
3.Burglary and assault in Cumberland Farms store
4. Jewelry store robbery, when closed
5.Homicide in car and on pavement in the mall parking garage
6.Burglary at a private home when owners were on vacation
UNIT 2: DAY 11
Do Now: Why are the procedures for collecting, packaging and transporting
physical evidence important?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Today Students will: Demonstrate ability to select proper search
techniques.Demonstrate understanding of procedures which will maintain health and safety standards at the crime scene
Understand the implications of the “Mincey” and “Tyler” Cases
PREPARE TO REPORT OUT
15 min
Chart your answers
Prepare to explain choices
REPORT CHOICES
20-25 min
Each group has 3-4 minutes
59
CRIME SCENE SAFETY
The increasing spread of AIDS and hepatitis B has sensitized the law enforcement community to the potential health hazards that can exist at crime scenes.
• In reality, law enforcement officers have an extremely small chance of contracting AIDS or hepatitis at the crime scene.
The International Association for Identification Safety Committee has proposed guidelines to protect investigators at crime scenes containing potentially infectious materials that should be adhered to at all times.
GUIDELINES TO PROTECT INVESTIGATORS
1.Double glove and shoe covers, sometimes liquid repellant coveralls
2.Particle mask/respirator, goggles or face shield : when potentially infectious dust or mist may be encountered (scraping collection)
3.Be alert to sharps and properly package, use special fingerprint brush which can be decontaminated
4.Biohazard red bag for glove, clothing, mask, etc disposal
GUIDELINES TO PROTECT INVESTIGATORS
5.Note taking should be done with clean gloves. Pens used to mark contaminated evidence should be biohazard disposed
6.Remove soiled or torn protective equipment immediately then decontaminate affected areas
7.Food, drink, makeup application and smoking are prohibited at crime scene with biological evidence
8.Infectious linen bag (yellow) for non disposable items, washed by specialized laundry service, through the department –NEVER TAKE IT HOME
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
Pg 46-bottom
In pairs; read the given section and answer the following questions.
What is unreasonable search and seizure?
What are 4th amendment privileges?
What circumstances allow for a police search, without a warrant, according to the supreme court?
THE MINCEY AND TYLER CASES
What Important Findings came out of each of these cases?
In your groups, you will read the synthesis of the assigned case and explain the implications of the ruling and explain how it relates to the legal considerations of evidence collection.
• Post your answers on chart paper for report out
UNIT 2: DAY 12
Do Now: What procedures are required to maintain health and safety standards
at the crime scene?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Today Students will:Demonstrate the process of Securing, Isolating and Recording a crime scene
Explain the Forensic challenges in “ The Enrique Camarena Case”
Demonstrate understanding of Crime Scene Processing and Evidence Documentation
QUIZ: THE CRIME SCENE
CASE STUDY: ENRIQUE CAMARENA CASE (50 MIN)
Explain the Forensic challenges in “ The Enrique Camarena Case”
Work in your groups to address the case study questions.
Be prepared to report out
UNIT 2: DAY
Do Now: What types of physical evidence may be collected at the crime
scene?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES (5)
Today Students will:Review common types of evidence
Understand the significance and value of physical evidence
Compare and contrast identification and comparison of physical evidence
PHYSICAL EVIDENCEIt is impossible to list all the objects that could conceivably be of importance to a crime.Almost anything can be physical evidence.The purpose of recognizing physical evidence is so that it can be collected and analyzed.It is difficult to ascertain the weight a given piece of evidence will have in a case as that will be decided by a jury.Although you cannot rely on a list of categories, it is useful to discuss some of the most common types of physical evidence.
TYPES OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
1. Blood, semen, and saliva: in a form suggesting a relationship to the crime or the people involved• Set out for serological and biochemical analysis
2. Documents: submitted for authenticity or to determine source3. Drugs: in violation of laws regulating sale, distribution, use or manufacturing4. Explosives: objects containing residue of a discharged explosive or containing and
explosive charge5. Fibers: natural or synthetic; able to establish a relationship between objects and
people6. Fingerprints: latent and visible 7. Firearms and ammunition: all firearms and ammunition, discharged or intact,
suspected to be involved in a criminal case8. Glass: particle or fragment that may have been transferred during a criminal act
( including windows with holes)9. Hair: animal or human which could link a person to a crime10. Impressions: Tire marks, shoe prints, depressions in soil, glove or fabric impressions,
bite-marks on food or skin11. Organs and physiological fluids: submitted for toxicology, looking for drugs or
poisons (blood included)
TYPES OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
12.Paint: transferred during a crime, dry or wet13.Petroleum products: gas residue removed from arson scene, grease or oil stains whose presence suggests involvement in a crime
14.Plastic bags: particularly in homicide or drug investigations, links suspect to similar bag in their possession ( reference sample)
15.Plastic, rubber, and other polymers: pieces of these manufactured materials may be linked to objects in possession of suspect
16.Powder residues: items suspected to contain evidence of a discharged firearm
17.Soil and minerals: could link a person or object to a location 18.Tool marks: objects suspected to contain impressions of another object suspected used in a crime
19.Vehicle lights: headlights and tail lights examined to determine if it was on or off at time of impact
20.Wood and other vegetative matter: wood sawdust, shavings, plant material on shoes or tools which may be used to link crime to person or object.
SIGNIFICANCE
For Identification or For Comparison
Identification to determination the physical or chemical identity of a substance with as near absolute certainty as existing analytical techniques will permit.
A comparison analysis subjects a suspect specimen and a standard/reference specimen to the same tests and examinations for the ultimate purpose of determining whether or not they have a common origin.
IDENTIFICATIONThe object of an identification is to determine the physical or chemical identity with as near absolute certainty as existing analytical techniques will permit.
• The process first requires the adoption of testing procedures that give characteristic results for specific standard materials. • Once these test results have been established, they may be
permanently recorded and used repeatedly to prove the identity of suspect materials.
• Second, identification requires that the number and type of tests needed to identify a substance be sufficient to exclude all other substances.
COMMON TYPES OF IDENTIFICATION
The crime laboratory is frequently requested to identify the chemical composition of an illicit drug.It may be asked to identify gasoline in residues recovered from the debris of a fire, or it may have to identify the nature of explosive residues—for example, dynamite or TNT.The identification of blood, semen, hair, or wood are also very common and as a matter of routine, include a determination for species origin.
COMPARISONA comparative analysis has the important role of determining whether or not a suspect specimen and a standard/reference specimen have a common origin. Both the standard/reference and the suspect specimen are subject to the same tests.The forensic comparison is actually a two-step procedure.
• First, combinations of select properties are chosen from the suspect and the standard/reference specimen for comparison.
• Second, once the examination has been completed, the forensic scientist must be prepared to render a conclusion with respect to the origins.
ROLE OF PROBABILITY
To comprehend the evidential value of a comparison, one must appreciate the role that probability has in ascertaining the origins of two or more specimens. Simply defined, probability is the frequency of occurrence of an event. In flipping a coin, probability is easy to establish. With many analytical processes exact probability is impossible to define.
CLASSIFYING CHARACTERISTICS
Individual Characteristics• Evidence that can be associated to a common
source with an extremely high degree of probability is said to possess individual characteristics.
Class Characteristics• Evidence associated only with a group is said
to have class characteristics.
INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS
In all cases, it is not possible to state with mathematical exactness the probability that the specimens are of common origin.
It can only be concluded that this probability is so high as to defy mathematical calculations or human comprehension.
CHARACTERISTICSExamples:
• The matching ridge characteristics of two fingerprints• The comparison of random striation markings on
bullets or tool marks• The comparison of irregular and random wear
patterns in tire or footwear impressions• The comparison of handwriting characteristics• The fitting together of the irregular edges of broken
objects in the manner of a jigsaw puzzle • Matching sequentially made plastic bags by striation
marks running across the bags
CLASS CHARACTERISTICSSurprising to the inexperienced forensic scientist is the frequent inability of the laboratory to relate physical evidence to a common origin with a high degree of certainty.Evidence is said to possess class characteristics when it can be associated only with a group and never with a single source.Here again, probability is a determining factor.Nevertheless, the high diversity of class evidence in our environment makes their comparison very significant in the context of a criminal investigation.
CLASS EVIDENCEOne of the current weaknesses of forensic science is the inability of the examiner to assign exact or even approximate probability values to the comparison of most class physical evidence.For example, what is the probability that a nylon fiber originated from a particular sweater, or that a paint chip came from a suspect car in a hit and run?There are very few statistical data available from which to derive this information, and in a mass-produced world, gathering this kind of data is increasingly elusive.
CLASS EVIDENCEOne of the primary endeavors of forensic scientists must be to create and update statistical databases for evaluating the significance of class physical evidence.
Most items of physical evidence retrieved at crime scenes cannot be linked definitively to a single person or object.
The value of class physical evidence lies in its ability to provide corroboration of events with data that are, as nearly as possible, free of human error and bias.
CLASS EVIDENCEThe chances are low of encountering two indistinguishable items of physical evidence at a crime scene that actually originated from different sources.When one is dealing with more than one type of class evidence, their collective presence may lead to an extremely high certainty that they originated from the same source.Finally, the contribution of physical evidence is ultimately determined in the courtroom.
UNIT 2:
Do Now: What is the difference between comparison and identification
of physical evidence?
Homework: Prepare for unit test on Friday!
LEARNING OBJECTIVES (6)
Today Students will:Explain the differences between types of evidence and the importance of probability in their use
Understand the significance of natural variations
TURN AND TALK (9 MIN)Provide three examples of evidence collected which would most likely have individual characteristics
• What types of evidence?• How could it be used?• Why do you think this is true?• Is probability important? explain
Provide three examples of evidence collected which would most likely have class characteristics
• What types of evidence?• How could it be used?• Why do you think this is true?• Is probability important? explain
SHARE FINDINGS( 14 MIN)
3 individual characteristic
3 class characteristic
Are there certain types of evidence which usually fall into one of these categories? Why or why not?
Is one of these types more valuable than the other? Explain
What role does probability play?
How does this compare with common understanding of evidence value as portrayed on TV?
CROSSING OVERCrossing over the line from class to individual does not end the discussions.How many striations are necessary to individualize a mark to a single tool and no other?
• How many color layers individualize a paint chip to a single car?
• How many ridge characteristics individualize a fingerprint?
• How many handwriting characteristics tie a person to a signature?
These are all questions that defy simple answers and are the basis of arguments.
NATURAL VS. EVIDENTIAL LIMITS
There are practical limits to the properties and characteristics the forensic scientist can select for comparison.
• Modern analytical techniques have become so sophisticated and sensitive that natural variations in objects become almost infinite.• Carrying natural variations to the extreme, no
two things in this world are alike in every detail. • Evidential variations are not the same as
natural variations.• Distinguishing variations of evidential use from
natural variations is not always an easy task
USING PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
As the number of different objects linking an individual to a crime scene increases, so does the likelihood of that individual’s involvement with the crime.
Just as important, a person may be exonerated or excluded from suspicion if physical evidence collected at a crime scene is found to be different from standard/reference samples collected from that subject.
EXIT TICKET(7 MIN)1.What are 5 common types of evidence
2.How is physical evidence significant?
3.Is all physical evidence of equal value? Explain as it relates to probability
4.Compare and contrast identification and comparison of physical evidence
5.How are class and individual classifications different?
6.What is natural variation and why is it important?
UNIT 2: MARCH 20
Do Now: What is the difference between natural limits and evidential
limits?
HOMEWORK: Read the case study
LEARNING OBJECTIVES (7)
Today Students will:List and explain the function of Forensic Databases
Explain the importance of Forensic Pathologists, Anthropologists and Entomologists
DATABASESA database is an organized list of facts and information.
Databases usually contain text and numbers, and frequently hold still images, sounds and video or film clips.
Government and private forensic databases can help both law enforcement investigators and the scientists who support their work in the lab.
They allow the crime lab to link evidence to suspects or crimes committed using the same tool or pattern.
They make the crime lab a more active component of the investigation by allowing them to access people and cases in all 50 states and around the world.
DATA BASESThe Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS), a national fingerprint and criminal history system maintained by the FBI.
The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) enables federal, state, and local crime laboratories to electronically exchange and compare DNA profiles.
The National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) allows firearm analysts to acquire, digitize, and compare markings made by a firearm on bullets and cartridge casings.
The International Forensic Automotive Paint Data Query (PDQ) database contains chemical and color information pertaining to original automotive paints.
SICAR (shoeprint image capture and retrieval) is a shoeprint database.
JIGSAW(20MIN)Explain the role of Pathologist, Anthropologist, Entomologists in evidence collection
What kinds of samples do they collect? Be as specific as possible
How does it inform investigators?• What can they tell us about the victim, perpetrator, crime details?• How accurate are their findings? Probabilities? • Is it usually class or individual?• Are there clear standards used to identify natural variations?
Why are they important?
REPORT OUT
UNIT 2:MARCH 21
Do Now: What type of evidence was most important in the Wayne Williams
Case?
Homework: Complete chapter 3 review and study for the unit test
which is tomorrow!
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Today Students Will:Review the roles of the Forensic Pathologists, Anthropologists and Entomologists
Evaluate the role of fiber evidence in presenting a case at trial
Perform a Case Study Analysis
Present findings from a case study of “ the Wayne Williams Trial”
FORENSIC PATHOLOGY
What is it?
This field involves the investigation of sudden, unnatural, unexplained, or violent deaths.
What do they do?
The primary role of the medical examiner is to determine the cause of death.
If a cause cannot be found through observation, an autopsy is normally performed to establish the cause of death.
FORENSIC PATHOLOGY
How do they do that?
There are several stages of death, these stages are used to establish time of deathRigor mortis results in the shortening of muscle tissue and the stiffening of body parts in the position at death (occurs within the first 24 hours and disappears within 36 hours).
Livor mortis results in the settling of blood in areas of the body closest to the ground (begins immediately on death and continues up to 12 hours). It can also be used to determine if a body has been moved, (No settling where contacted with surface).
Algor mortis results in the loss of heat by a body (a general rule, beginning about an hour after death, the body loses heat by 1 to 1-1/2 degrees Fahrenheit per hour until the body reaches the environmental temperature).
FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGYWhat is it?
Forensic anthropology is concerned primarily with the identification and examination of human skeletal remains.
What do they do?
Because of their resistance to rapid decomposition, skeletal remains can provide a multitude of individual characteristics such as sex, approximate age, race, and skeletal injury.
How do they do it?
The gender of the decedent can be determined by the size and shape of various skeletal features, especially those in the pelvis and skull or cranium.
The height of the victim when alive can be estimated by measuring the long bones of the skeleton especially in the lower limbs.
FORENSIC ENTOMOLOGYWhat is it?
The study of insects and their relation to a criminal investigation is known as forensic entomology.
What do they do?
They estimate the time of death when the circumstances surrounding the crime are unknown.
How do they do it?
This determination can be carried out by studying the stage of development of maggots or insect sequence of arrival. After decomposition begins, insects that feed on the dead tissue infest the body and lay eggs, usually within 24 hours.
• The most common and important of these is the blowfly recognized by its green or blue coloration.
Forensic entomologists can approximate how long a body has been left exposed by examining the stage of development of the fly larvae.
CASE STUDY ANALYSIS
Analyze the evidence and explain the forensic case in the Wayne Williams Trial
Work in assigned pairs to address the case study questions.
Be prepared to report out
REPORT OUTHow was the use of fiber evidence unique, in this case?
What two fibers were of particular importance?
How did investigators gather the evidence provided by the fibers?
What did this evidence tell them, and how did they use it to locate the perpetrator?
What role did reference samples play in this case?
How were the samples compared? Be specific
How was the concept of probability used in this case?
Why do you think the suspect was only charged with 2 murders?
UNIT 2: MARCH 22
Do Now: Review Unit Concepts
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Today Students Will:Demonstrate understanding of unit concepts on unit assessment
JEOPARDY TIME!(20 MIN)
Compete with your classmates to earn bonus points on the unit test
CRIME SCENE UNIT TEST
Read the questions carefully and do your best!