Processes of a Crime Scene Investigator

Processes of a wickedness vista InvestigatorIntroThe primary(prenominal) aim of my extended drip is to find out what processes a abhorrence pellet Investigator goes done from the horror position to motor inn and how a forensic scientist analyses the indicate. The spark off of this turn out answer this question, only if indeed later on I lead explain how my project developed and changed into a new outcome.What processes does a CSI go through from a wickedness pellet to court.At the Crime Scene Scene RecognitionWhen a CSI eldest arrives at the vista of a crime it is most-valuable that they start to develop an understanding of what took purport at the location, before they start to retrieve the demonstration. This is crucial as if they jump instantly into the collection they could easily destroy some evidence. Other onwardicials at the perspective whitethorn also destroy or damage evidence unintention on the wholey, so the CSIs first priority is to secure the firmament in which the crime took place. This could ikon from erect one room, to a whole neighborhood depending on how gargantuan an argona the crime took place upon. For example if the crime was a car robbery, the crime eyeshot whitethorn incisively be wrong the car and the sur going atomic number 18a, however if psyche was murdered thither may be evidence scattered around the vicinity, much(prenominal) as a blood trail. The core crime moving picture leave alone be impede off initially by the first officers that arrive on the painting however it plunder be helpful to secure an ara that is big than the crime scene, so most CSIs will block off an pull down larger atomic number 18a once they arrive. This is to ensure that all evidence cogitate to the investigation git be collected without it becoming tainted.It is absolute that a CSI follows correct legal protocol throughout the examination of the scene, so once the scene is secure they may need to contact the local magistrate. This is because if the evidence is located in a place that is classed as mortals psycheal property, such(prenominal) as on their body or in their car or house, they do the right to refuse a chase. With a warrant present the officer net search the area without permission it also means that its admissibility scum bag non be questioned as easily in court. at one time a search warrant has been obtained the CSI throne begin their initial walk through of the scene. This is where they follow a pre- trenchant path either through or around the scene. The path is chosen based on where evidence is least likely to be, so that there is as little folie of the scene as possible. During the walk through they take cards on dilate that will only be present for a limited date, these discount be things such as what can be smelt, what can be heard, what are the conditions, such as temperature, weather and time of day, and are there any potential hazards which need to b e addressed immediately.in one case they deal gaged the scene, they decide whether they need to contact specialists or get any particularized equipment, for example if there is blood spatter on the ceiling it can be easier to for an expert to analyses it at the scene, rather than to deliver a large section of the ceiling to the testing groundoratory. During this time they may also take time to talk to the first responders, to find out if they jibeed anything at the scene and to gather anymore in systema skeletaleation that may be useful whilst analyzing the scene. similarly if the detectives take a shit begun interviewing witnesses, they may also offer some more advice as to where may be the best place to learn for evidence first. to the highest degree CSIs do not talk to witnesses as they deal with sensible evidence. e truly last(predicate) the information that is gathered helps the CSI to develop a logical commence and form a plan as to how to collect the evidence and in which order, hardly first they essential(prenominal) document e truly aspect of the scene. This is called the scene supporting stage or the second walk-through.At the Crime Scene Scene DocumentationThe main aim of scene documentation is to ready a record of how they scene appeared visually at the time of arrival. This is so that the forensics lab and the prosecution team can understand what the scene looked like, even though they may have never been there. To do this the CSI uses a range of equipment such as a sketchpad, graph paper, pens, pencils, measuring tape, rulers and a note pad so that they can accurately draw a histrionics of the scene. The most detailed form of representation is by drawing a sketch of the scene. This can include specialised detail that can be important to the case, such as room dimensions, locations of important evidence and path routes that may have been taken through the house. This is important so that we gain an boilersuit view of what may hav e taken place at the scene and in which order.As well as drawing sketches, they mustiness(prenominal) flick the scene using a digital or film camera with a range of several(predicate) lenses and filters. They must do this before they touch or move anything so that they have an accurate representation of how the scene was left field over(p) after the incident. These are less accurate than sketches when representing the location of items as it can be hard to display numerical distances in photos. The CSI must ensure that they take a range of photos from close up shots, to foresighted shots, so that they have a range to use as evidence. commodious shots show the exterior of the crime scene or the view of an one-on-one room from one corner, whereas close up shots show individual pieces of evidence. All photos that are taken must have a number include in the picture, and then be recorded in a log. The CSI must log each photo that they take and then include lucubrate such as th e photograph number, the date and time, the location and a verbal description of what is in the photo.To accompany the photos, especially in a case that takes place over a large resurrect area, a video may also be recorded that will involves full a walkthrough of the scene. This can help give a better understanding of the layout of the scene, as it includes details such as time distances between certain locationsDetailed notes must also be written at the scene, which include all details of the CSIs observations. It is par tot that they remain objective whilst writing notes and that they stick to distinctly stating the facts, rather than forming conclusions before scientific proof. For example if there is a puddle of a reddish liquid surrounding a body, they must suppose that it is a reddish-brownish liquid, and not blood because it may be some some otherwise depicted object which has a similar appearance to blood. Once all the documentation is complete the CSI can begin to de termine how and in which order they are going to process the evidence.Examining the sceneBefore ploughing straight in, the CSI must decide which variety of evidence collection they are going follow. By following a strategic exercise, it ensures that all areas of the scene are analyse and that nowhere is missed out or forgotten about. This is important so that evidence if collected effectively and no evidence gets damaged during the process. there are more contrary method actings that can apply to search contrastive types of scenes save there are 5 that are utilize on a main day-to-day basis.These areParallelGrid regulariseInward SpiralOutward SpiralThe repeat search involves a team of CSIs forming a line against one side of the scene and working their way across the scene whilst staying in their parallel lines. It can also be done by one individual if they start in one corner and keep repeating the process a little further along the boundary each time, till they tally th e parallel corner from where they started.A grid search consists of ii parallel searches, one in the horizontal direction and one in the plumb direction. This method is more accurate than a parallel search as the scene is searched more thoroughly, meaning that it is likely that more evidence may be set.During a partition off search the scene is divided into opposite sections, which are each numbered for a reference. Each zone can be searched by a different CSI, so the search is complete often faster, or a single CSI can search each zone one at a time. If duple CSIs are can-cut different zones, after the first search they may swap round so as to ensure that the area has been search effectively, and that nothing has been missed.The interior spiral and outward spiral both follow the same principles, just in different directions. During the inward spiral process the CSI starts at the moulding of the scene and works their way inwards, towards the center of the scene. However d uring an outward spiral, the CSI starts at the center of the scene, and works their way out towards the perimeter. Both of the spirals can be per make clockwise or anti-clockwise depending on the scene and the CSI completing the search. When completing the search the CSI must remember to look at the scene from all angles as different shadows may help to display more evidences that may have otherwise been missed. They must also make sure they remember to look up as the crime scene will be three dimensional.When all of these processes have been completed the CSI can begin to collect the sensible evidence. Throughout the process they must find, collect, and then correctly package all of the evidence so that it doesnt get damaged during transportation stand to the lab. This is important as it may need to be examined in court if it links a suspect to the crime. There are five main types of evidence, which are trace evidence, impressions, body fluids, weapons/ firearms and documents. T hese can all play an important part when identifying what took place at the scene and who was involved.EvidenceThere are 5 main categories of evidence that a CSI will search for though-out the crime scene. These areTrace EvidenceWeaponsImpressionsBody FluidsQuestionable DocumentsFor each of these different categories the CSI will implement a range of different techniques to recover the evidence.WeaponsWeapons may be the first item collected at the scene, so that they do not cause harm to any of the officers on the scene. Weapons come in a range ofImpressionsWhen weapons are used it can leave coffin nail an impression. Impression evidence includes any markings produced when one object comes into contact with another, sledding behind some kind of indentation or grade. Common such evidence encountered includes footwear impressions, tire marks, and markings created by tools and similar instruments. (http//forensicsciencecentral.co.uk/impressions.shtml)When tools or weapons are used i n a crime more often than not marks will be left behind. There are dickens categories that frequently used tools fall into, cutting instruments and levering instruments. Cutting instruments are items such as a knife, saws and cutters, whilst levering instruments are items such as screw drivers or crowbars. When these instruments are used it is often with force. This means that a distinctive pattern or indentation can be left at the scene. This pattern can be cast using a silicon rubber. The cast can then be analysed and linked back to the object that caused them, consequently linking a suspect to a crime.Footwear impressions can be 2 or 3 dimensional and link people to the scene of a crime, as each time someone takes a step they may have left an impression behind. 2D impressions can be get up in a similar way to find grades by using chemicals, dyes and ok powders. 3D scores can be created when someone steps on a soft out-of-doors, such as soil. A frequently used method of rec overing 3D prints is to create an impression using a roll material such as plaster of paris. When the mixture is poured into the impression it hardens so that it can be removed and then analysed.Impressions can be very delicate so have to be handled carefully, especially when they are in dust. These types of impression can however be lifted using inactive treatment. This involves placing a thin layer of conductive film over the impression, then a voltage is passed through it, causing the particles to jump onto the film. This results in an build of the impression left on the film, which can be used for equation. Impressions in snow can also be very delicate, so in this case Snow Impression Wax is used. It is applied to the impression multiple times every couple of minutes and then left to dry. Once dry it can be cast like any other 3D impression.Footwear impressions can carry a large amount of information with them as different under soles have distinct patterns. These patterns c an be linked to a specific brand of enclothe, and a specific individual as different shoes have different degrees of wear. This is because when someone wears the shoes, specific damage can be caused depending on the way in which they walk. If there is a suspect, a sample of their footwear can be obtained, and compared to the impression left at the crime scene. Due to the specificity of different shoes, if the suspects shoe impression matches the impression left at the scene, they must have been there. cloy impressions can also link a vehicle to a scene, just like a footwear impression links a person to the scene. If a vehicle has drove over a soft surface at the scene then an impression can be left of the tyres. These can be lifted in the same way as footwear impressions and then compared to the suspects vehicle. If a vehicle is linked to scene it can then be examined in the same way you would examine a location, to see if there is any evidence present.FingerprintsAs well as footwe ar impressions, a suspect can be linked to a crime scene using their fingerprints. The human pare down is made up of 3 layers which each come together to form a pattern of covers and furrows, which are your finger prints. They are fully formed by the time you are 24 weeks old, as they develop whilst you are in the womb. The pattern of rooftrees is determined by how much you moved around when you were in the womb, and this explains why everyones fingerprints are completely unique. Each ridge contains a row of pores, through which we sweat. This is why when we touch a surface the pattern of ridges is left behind.Even though everyone has completely different finger prints, they have been categorised into seven different shapes.LoopCentral poke LoopDouble Loop knit ArchTented ArchPlain WhorlAccidentalLoops are categorised by a ridge that crosses from one side of the pattern, loops around and exits on the same side. Whereas an arch is a ridge that enters on side of the pattern and e xits the other side.Fingerprints that are left at the scene of a crime can be found in three forms, visible, plastic or latent. Visible prints are those that can be seen because they have been left in a dried substance such as paint. Plastic prints can also be seen but are in a soft surface, such as put on and latent prints are left by sweat and other oils on the skin, and cannot be seen without treatment. For a latent print to be recovered for comparison and analysis it necessitate to be treated. The method in which it is treated depends on the surface that it has been left on and the environment. If the print has been left on a non-absorbent surface, the most common method of collection is using powders or fuming.Once the CSI has decided they are going to powder a print, they must neighboring decide which method they are going to use, and which powder. There are galore(postnominal) an(prenominal) different forms of powder that are all used for different situations and for aga inst different colour backgrounds. For example the black powder may be used to develop a print on a light surface, but you may have to use a fluorescent powder against a darker surface. Alternatively the CSI may choose to use a Magna brush with a magnetic powder. This is more accurate than using a brush as there are no bristles so there is less regain of the print being smudged or overdeveloped. If either of these happen the print cannot be used as it is damaged. To develop a print a very small amount of powder is placed on the brush, which is then mildly swept across the print. The powder sticks to the body oils that are in the print, devising it visible.Once the print has been powdered, it can be lifted using clear tape. The tape is carefully placed over the fingerprint this leaves an imprint of the fingerprint on the tape. The tape is then placed on top of a plastic cover this preserves the print so it can be transported back to the lab for analysis safely. Once back at the lab the print can be scanned and converted into a digital image which can be used for comparison.Another method that is commonly used is the application of ninhydrin or triketohydrinene. These react with the amino acids that are in the print to produce a purple colour. Once the colour has developed, around two hours after application, the image can be lifted like a powdered print.A more complex method is the fuming method, which can be done using either superglue or iodine crystals. This has to be completed back at the lab as it involves heating the substance so that the vapours combine with the print, making it visible. The print has to be photographed immediately as the image only lasts for a limited amount of time.For a print to be linked to a suspect in court it needs to be analysed by two CSIs. If they both match the collected print to the suspects print, then the suspect must have been at the scene of the crime. wherefore I chose to research Forensic ScienceDue to the soar of vi deo programs around the arena of crime, the job of a CSI can often be confused between reality and what we watch on TV. The role of CSIs and a forensic scientist is very important as they perform many tasks that are important in todays society.Recent examples of CSI enkindle to others tooThrough-out my research I have continuously discovered a range of fascinating facts that I didnt know before I set out on my project. This made me realise that due to ordinary TV series such as CSI and silent witness, there are many misconceptions around how the process of Forensic Science actually takes place. I feel that due to its importance in todays society, it would be a great idea for me to share some of my intimacy with others as I am certain that they would find it as fascinating a subject as I am.This prompted me to find a way to direct others about Forensic Science so when the opportunity arose for me to run a weekend cub scout camp, with a theme, I jumped at the chance. The first thi ng I had to do was come it with a suitable programme. This meant that I had to decide carefully which out of all the topics I could cover would be the most education and interesting to the cubs.The first topic I decided to defiantly include was fingerprints. This was my first choice as I had already done some quite detailed research into the different types and shapes of prints but also because I knew I could involve some fun activities into the session. I started by teaching them how are fingerprints are developedPlanned a course for students to learn from my researchConclusionsIdeas for futureIn the future I hope to continue developing my understanding of Forensic Science and Crime scene investigation and I believe that the degree that I will be studying in September will quench my desire for this. Also I would like to continue teaching others using the knowledge that I have already gained, as the weekend away turn out to me that many people out there dont have a true understand ing of what Forensic Science actually is, and that many people other than myself see it for the fascinating and intellectually exciting subject that it is.