Crime Scene Examination Research Articles

THE USE BY THE INVESTIGATOR OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE FORENSIC CHARACTERIZATION OF “CONTRACT” MURDERS WHEN INSPECTING THE SCENE

The article analyzes the scientific approaches to the conceptual apparatus of forensic characterization of crimes and suggests that the forensic characterization of “contract” murders be considered as a system of significant forensic information about the signs of the preparation of the organizer (“customer”) to commit a murder, the identity of the perpetrator, the identity of the victim, typical murder methods, the circumstances of its commission, typical traces of a crime, the use of which allows the investigator, taking into account the specific situation determine the inspection tasks of the scene, investigative techniques. The main elements of the forensic characterization of the “ordered” murder are considered. An important element of the forensic characterization is the method of murder, which includes a method of preparing for a crime, a method of committing murder, a method of hiding traces of murder. Knowledge by the investigator of typical methods of murder will contribute to promptness in the search for the murder weapon, the identity of the criminal, traces, physical evidence, the solution of the main tasks of inspecting the scene, and solving the crime in hot pursuit. Forensic knowledge of the investigator on the preparatory actions of the organizer, the stages of the preparation of the “customer” and the executor (killer) of the murder are essential for the investigation of the “ordered” murders. In the process of preparing for the murder, the “executor” plans in advance how to conceal traces of the murder. Identifying and fixing the material traces at the scene of the incident will help the investigator to simulate the “trail picture” of the “contract” murder, to put forward versions of the identity of the perpetrator, the person of the victim. Using the investigator, tactical rules, forensic recommendations when inspecting the scene of the incident will quickly reveal and investigate the “ordered” murder. Key words: forensic characteristic, typical method of killing “by order”, the preparatory action of the “customer”, the typical traces of the murder, a crime scene examination.

Деякі особливості огляду місця події під час розслідування злочинів, що вчиняються членами молодіжних неформальних груп (об’єднань)

Деякі особливості огляду місця події під час розслідування злочинів, що вчиняються членами молодіжних неформальних груп (об’єднань)

Особенности и психологические механизмы профессионального взаимодействия участников уголовного процесса

The article presents the results of the study of psychological characteristics of professional interaction of participants in the criminal process: investigators or investigators (depending on the type of crime), forensic specialists, victims accused of various types of criminal offenses (murder, theft, hooliganism, traffic accident). The empirical base of the research was formed on the material of psychological examination of participants of 90 situations of crime scene or incident examination and further actions on disclosure of 4 types of crimes: murder, theft, hooligan actions, traffic accident. The study surveyed 315 people, including employees of the OVD - 180 people (90 persons investigators, criminologists 90 people) are the victims — 70 persons, suspects — 65 people). On the basis of the data obtained, a three-factor model of the psychological mechanisms of PV used by investigators in interaction with a group of victims, as well as a three-factor model of the psychological mechanisms of professional interaction of a group of victims in case of theft, was constructed. The conducted research allowed to reveal experimentally the structure of professional competences of investigators (investigators) and forensic specialists, as well as contradictions of the inquiry stage for each professional group in the process of professional interaction.

Features of Technical and Criminalistic Support of Investigative Actions in the Investigation of Crimes Related to Terrorism

This article considers the features of technical and criminalistic support of crime scene examination and interrogation at the investigation of crimes related to terrorism. Technical and criminalistic support of investigative actions as a category of criminalistics is widely studied in works of well known criminalistic scientists. However, the features of this category in relation to the investigation of individual crimes, in particular, the act of terrorism, under Article 255 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, are not sufficiently studied. At the moment, in the context of the activation of Islamic extremism around the world, the investigative bodies of the Republic of Kazakhstan must be ready to any of its manifestations, so the research conducted in the framework of the present article is very timely and relevant.
 The aim of this study is to identify and explore the possibilities of technical and criminalistic tools in the investigation of acts of terrorism when carrying out the examination of a crime scene and interrogation. The solution of such problems as the clarification of the essence of the phenomena under consideration and their characteristics, and the optimization of the conceptual apparatus will contribute to the achievement of this aim.
 The author explores the topic of the crime scene examination and interrogation in the investigation of acts of terrorism, based on the opinions of scholars, legal norms, law enforcement statistics, scientific-practical materials containing the data on the modern technical and criminalistic methods and equipment used in the investigation of acts of terrorism, experience of their application abroad. The author draws a number of important conclusions, in particular, about the necessity for interagency cooperation and involvement in the investigation of a wide range of experts, and puts forward some practical suggestions on the use of technical and criminalistic tools and tactics in the practical activities at the investigation of acts of terrorism.

The Use of Portable Devices by a Forensic Expert during Crime Scene Examination

The Use of Portable Devices by a Forensic Expert during Crime Scene Examination

Beyond Technical Training to Professionalism in Crime Scene Examination: Enhancing Cognitive, Leadership, and Social Abilities in Career Development Programs

Developing advanced cognitive and leadership abilities in crime scene examiners, and field forensic practitioners, regardless of rank/level is advantageous. Processing crime scenes, analyzing traces in mobile labs, or using forensic intelligence to map serial incidents are crucial aspects of police investigations and crime prevention. Research shows that inadequately managed scenes, narrow and siloed-thinking and poor analytical practices lead to poor science being relied on by police and lawyers. If collecting and analyzing accurate forensic information is vital, what are the non-technical attributes that CSEs need? This is the fourth paper in a series on professionalism in crime scene examiners (CSEs). The first article identified the seven key attributes that set top performing CSEs apart from their lesser performing peers. The second article presented an overview of a recruitment strategy for selecting applicants with the potential to become top performing CSEs. The third article provided forensic managers with a valid psychometric profile of top-performing CSEs along with guidelines for how to use this profile correctly within a targeted and focused five stage recruitment process. The aim of this fourth article is to present structured guidelines for how justice and forensic agencies can develop early- and mid-career leadership and professional programs to enhance the cognitive, leadership and social skills of entry level and mid-career CSEs and other field forensic personnel.

Patterns produced when soil is transferred to bras by placing and dragging actions: The application of digital photography and image processing to support visible observations

A series of soil transference experiments (STEs) were undertaken to determine whether patterns identified in laboratory experiments could also be recognised at a simulated crime scene in the field. A clothed 55kg human rescue dummy dressed in a padded bra was either dragged or merely placed on a soil surface at sites with natural and anthropogenic soil types under both wet and dry soil conditions. Transfer patterns produced by dragging compared favourably with those of laboratory experiments. Twelve patterns were identified when a clothed human rescue dummy was dragged across the two soil types in the field. This expanded the original set of eight soil transfer patterns identified from dragging weighted fabric across soil samples in the laboratory.Soil transferred by placing the human rescue dummy resulted in a set of six transfer patterns that were different to those produced by dragging. By comparing trace soil patterns transferred to bras using each transfer method, it was revealed that certain transfer patterns on bras could indicate how the fabric had made contact with a soil surface. A photographic method was developed for crime scene examiners to capture this often subtle soil evidence before a body is transported or the clothing removed.This improved understanding of the dynamics of soil transference to bras and related clothing fabric may assist forensic investigators reconstruct the circumstances of a variety of forensic events.

Oględziny miejsca zdarzenia o charakterze terrorystycznym – więcej pytań niż odpowiedzi

Terrorist attacks are a challenge both to rescue services and law enforcement authorities because of the scale of the problems they bring about. Such scenes are particularly susceptible to contamination, which crime scene examination teams aim at avoiding. In the article crime scene examination of terrorist character were analysed against “seven golden questions” that every investigator should ask himself.

Soil examination for a forensic trace evidence laboratory–Part 3: A proposed protocol for the effective triage and management of soil examinations

In the past, forensic soil examination was a routine aspect of forensic trace evidence examinations. The apparent need for soil examinations then went through a period of decline and with it the capability of many forensic laboratories to carry out soil examinations. In more recent years, interest in soil examinations has been renewed due–at least in part–to soil examinations contributing to some high profile investigations. However, much of this renewed interest has been in organisations with a primary interest in soil and geology rather than forensic science.We argue the need to reinstate soil examinations as a trace evidence sub-discipline within forensic science laboratories and present a pathway to support this aim. An examination procedure is proposed that includes: (i) appropriate sample collection and storage by qualified crime scene examiners; (ii) exclusionary soil examinations by trace evidence scientists within a forensic science laboratory; (iii) inclusionary soil examinations by trace evidence scientists within a forensic science laboratory; and (iv) higher-level examination of soils by specialist soil scientists and palynologists. Soil examinations conducted by trace evidence scientists will be facilitated if the examinations are conducted using the instrumentation routinely used by these examiners. Hence, the proposed examination protocol incorporates instrumentation in routine use in a forensic trace evidence laboratory. Finally, we report on an Australian soil scene variability study and a blind trial that demonstrate the utility of the proposed protocol for the effective triage and management of soil samples by forensic laboratories.

Forensic science as “risky business”: identifying key risk factors in the forensic process from crime scene to court

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss key risk factors in the use of forensic science in the criminal justice system by adopting a holistic and systemic approach that examines the collection and use of forensic evidence from crime scene to court.Design/methodology/approach– The research on which the paper is based was a mixed-method five-year study of the effectiveness of forensic science in the criminal justice system in Australia using qualitative and quantitative methods. The paper draws on the in-depth analysis of qualitative data from 11 case studies of investigations of serious crime to identify key risk factors in the use of forensic science from crime scene to court.Findings– Six key risk factors in the forensic process from crime scene to court are identified: low level of forensic awareness among first responders; crime scene examiners (CSEs) as technicians rather than professionals; inefficient and/or ineffective laboratory processes; limited forensic literacy among key actors in the criminal justice system; poor communication between key actors in the criminal justice system; and, financial resources not directed at the front end of the forensic process. Overall the findings demonstrate that forensic science is not well embedded in the criminal justice system.Practical implications– The paper suggests that the risks inherent in the current practice of forensic science in the criminal justice system can be reduced dramatically through: forensic awareness training among first responders; the professionalisation of CSEs; continued improvements in efficiency and effectiveness at the laboratory with a focus on timeliness and quality; greater forensic literacy among actors in the criminal justice system; appropriate avenues of communication between agencies, practitioners and policymakers in the criminal justice system; and increased allocation of resources to the front end of the forensic process.Originality/value– By adopting a holistic, systemic approach to the analysis of forensic science in the criminal justice system, and identifying inherent risks in the system, this paper contributes to the emerging body of research on the social processes that impact on the effectiveness of forensic science.

The polymorphism of crime scene investigation: An exploratory analysis of the influence of crime and forensic intelligence on decisions made by crime scene examiners

A growing body of scientific literature recurrently indicates that crime and forensic intelligence influence how crime scene investigators make decisions in their practices.This study scrutinises further this intelligence-led crime scene examination view. It analyses results obtained from two questionnaires. Data have been collected from nine chiefs of Intelligence Units (IUs) and 73 Crime Scene Examiners (CSEs) working in forensic science units (FSUs) in the French speaking part of Switzerland (six cantonal police agencies).Four salient elements emerged: (1) the actual existence of communication channels between IUs and FSUs across the police agencies under consideration; (2) most CSEs take into account crime intelligence disseminated; (3) a differentiated, but significant use by CSEs in their daily practice of this kind of intelligence; (4) a probable deep influence of this kind of intelligence on the most concerned CSEs, specially in the selection of the type of material/trace to detect, collect, analyse and exploit.These results contribute to decipher the subtle dialectic articulating crime intelligence and crime scene investigation, and to express further the polymorph role of CSEs, beyond their most recognised input to the justice system. Indeed, they appear to be central, but implicit, stakeholders in intelligence-led style of policing.

Comparison of the effects of two presumptive test reagents on the ability to obtain STR profiles from minute bloodstains

BackgroundBloodstains often constitute the major physical evidence in criminal investi-gations. In many cases, the bloodstains found by the crime scene examiner are minute, possibly because of dissimulation efforts by the perpetrator to eliminate evidence that reveals his identity. In such cases, short tandem repeat (STR) detection procedures must be performed using the same minute bloodstain evidence on which presumptive tests had been performed earlier. In the present study, two of the most often used presumptive test reagents, phenolphthalein and leucomalachite green, were tested to determine their effects on the ability to obtain STR profiles from minute bloodstains. MethodsDried minute bloodstains obtained from 10 donors were treated with phenolphthalein and leucomalachite green. After various times, genomic DNA was extracted from the treated samples using a QIAamp DNA Micro Kit. DNA was quantified with real-time PCR using a Quantifiler Kit. STR loci were amplified using an AmpFLSTR Identifiler Plus Kit, and the amplified products were separated via capillary electrophoresis in a 3130 Genetic Analyzer. ResultsFull DNA profiles were obtained from all minute bloodstain samples treated with phenolph-thalein when extracted after intervals ranging from 1 h to 1 week. In contrast, the DNA in minute bloodstain samples treated with leucomalachite green was severely degraded, especially after relatively long intervals, leading to poor partial DNA profiles. ConclusionPhenolphthalein is recommended as a safe presumptive test reagent for the detection of blood evidence recovered from crime scenes that might subsequently undergo DNA profiling analysis.

No Burnout at this Coal-Face: Managing Occupational Stress in Forensic Personnel and the Implications for Forensic and Criminal Justice Agencies

Working as a police officer, psychiatric intern, crime scene expert or forensic physician can be stressful and these occupations have high burnout rates. Almost 20% of police officers and other justice-related emergency management personnel develop heightened occupational stress. In some Australian law-enforcement agencies, attrition rates of close to 50% over 3 years have been reported for forensic practitioners and crime scene examiners (CSEs). Included in these rates are a large number of CSEs who report long-term psychological injury due to their exposure to serious crime scenes. We interviewed 19 CSEs designated by their workplaces as performing at a high level to determine how they manage this stressful occupational. The CSEs were aware of the potential stress of their occupation and actively engaged in self stress-management strategies. In this article, we overview the results with attention given to why forensic organizations should invest in promoting stress-management strategies in their employees.

Professionalization and Crime Scene Examination

ABSTRACTIn this paper we critically examine the current status of the crime scene examiner within the broader context of forensic science as a profession. Crime scene examination is often not included in reports dealing with forensic science such as the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report, and this has implications for the professional status of crime scene examiners. We propose that crime scene examination is an integral part of forensic science and that crime scene examination is part of the forensic science profession. However, the lack of professional structures and some key elements of a “profession” work against general acceptance by the relevant community. We argue that in order for crime scene examination as a discipline to achieve this level of recognition and acceptance, it will need to address issues of entry qualification, training, regulation, and develop a research culture to improve its knowledge base.

A Model for Managing Crime Scene Examiners

ABSTRACTPolice forces in the UK employ specially trained Crime Scene Examiners (CSEs) to provide forensic science support to the investigation of crime. Previous research (Bradbury and Feist 2005; Williams 2004) has shown wide variations in the management, deployment, and performance of this staff group and, as such, there is a need to develop performance indicators as a measure of effectiveness. This paper looks at the performance and management of CSEs in Durham Constabulary and discusses a model that focuses on the quality of the work of CSEs rather than the quantity of scenes visited, fingermarks lifted, or DNA samples collected. Durham Constabulary focuses on three main areas of performance to manage their crime scene examiners: level of activity, quality of materials collected, and the conversion of forensic materials into intelligence matches. In this paper we explore a model of performance management that demonstrates how activity measures and review processes can be implemented and utilized to pr...

‘Backroom Boys’: Occupational Dynamics in Crime Scene Examination

Despite a sustained preoccupation with crime scene investigation in policing and instructional literatures, government reviews and media accounts, the crime scene examiner has received scant sociological attention. Focusing on scientific support personnel in an English police force, this article analyses how embedded actors who routinely facilitate the provision of crime scene examination reflect on their role and position in the investigative process. The analysis draws on data collected in a small number of semi-structured interviews with stakeholders at different levels of seniority, in order to map an understanding of the inter and intra-professional interactions, exchanges, dependencies and negotiations employed by those working at the coalface of investigative practice. Hoping to illuminate some of the sense-making practices behind the enactment of forensic activities, the discussion examines the articulation of professional identities and the conclusion reflects more broadly on the processes of professionalisation and discourses of professionalism that accompany standardised forensic accomplishments.

Effective use of forensic science in volume crime investigations: Identifying recurring themes in the literature

New scientific, technological and legal developments, particularly the introduction of national databases for DNA and fingerprints, have led to increased use of forensic science in the investigation of crime. There is an assumption, and in some instances specific assertions, that such developments bring improvements either in broad criminal justice terms or more narrowly in terms of economic or practical efficiencies. The underlying presumption is that the new technological opportunities will be understood and effectively implemented. This research investigates whether such increases in activity have also been accompanied by improvements in the effective use of forensic science. A systematic review of thirty-six reports published (predominantly in England and Wales) since the 1980s, which have considered the use of forensic science in the investigation of volume crimes, was carried out. These reports have identified a number of recurrent themes that influenced how effectively forensic science was used in investigations. The themes identified included forensic knowledge and training of investigators, communication and information exchange between specialists and investigators, timeliness of forensic results, interagency relationships and deployment of crime scene examiner resources. The research findings suggest that these factors continue to hinder the effective use of forensic science despite technological advances and this paper considers their potential causes.

Tire Track Identification

The foundations of each crime scene examination by our software are photographs or castings [1,5], including measurements from the pattern found (reference scales). The pattern can be taken from almost any surface. Mainly there are tire tracks on solid ground, sand, snow or mud, but we also have Figures of patterns on the skin of a person, imprints on the inside of trousers and objects lying on the street which were driven over by the car.

“Get it right the first time”: Critical Issues at the Crime Scene

This article examines a number of critical issues associated with the collection of forensic evidence at the crime scene. It argues that the crime scene is one of the most crucial aspects of an investigation and that the scene of the crime is where good forensic science begins. The article begins by demonstrating that high quality and useful evidence leading to accurate and fair criminal justice outcomes can only occur if the scene is processed effectively and professionally. Reducing risk of unjust outcomes is especially important in serious matters, such as homicide and sexual assault, for two reasons. First, the more serious the matter, the more likely that evidence mishandling can lead to wrongful imprisonment. Second, the more serious the matter, the more personnel will be involved, and the more likely that these personnel will be multidisciplinary (law enforcement, medicine, law, forensic science) and multi-organisational (health, justice, private legal/medical, police). Many of these personnel will have divergent work practices and divergent views about what their role is, or should be, during investigations and court trials. Drawing on empirical data from interviews with crime scene examiners, police, forensic scientists, lawyers and judges in a number of Australian jurisdictions, the article discusses the management of the crime scene as a critical issue in the justice process.

Crime Scene Examiners and Volume Crime Investigations: An Empirical Study of Perception and Practice

Most police forces in the UK employ specially trained crime scene examiners (CSEs) to provide forensic science support for the investigation of crime. Previous research (Bradbury & Feist 2005; Will...