Crime Scene Processing Research Articles

The Situation of DNA Analysis in the Police Regional Office – Cordillera

The objectives of this study were to look into the situation of DNA analysis in the country in terms of its application in solving and preventing crimes and to identify the problems encountered and best practices of PNP DNA Laboratory Division. After knowing the situation, problems encountered, and best practices the researcher proposed an action plan in order to try and contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the division. 
 This study used qualitative-case study approach through thematic analysis. Two (2) participants were chosen as participants from PNP- Regional Forensic Unit COR. The study utilized the interview as the data gathering tool. The interview was done through face-to-face meeting. The main themes that came about in this study about the problems they encountered are: backlogs of cases; lack of reagent for testing; insufficient equipment and facilities in DNA laboratories; and unfamiliar recognition/evaluation and collection of field investigators to DNA evidence. The main themes that came about in this study about their best practices are: case prioritization; peer tutoring and supervision; diligent care for the equipment; and open communication to the stakeholders. 
 Based on the findings of the study, the researcher arrived at the following conclusions: 1. The DNA Analysis in PNP-Regional Forensic Unit-Cordillera cannot facilitate the testing and analysis of DNA specimen submitted as evidence due to lack of equipment. 2. Due to the increasing demands for scientific-based investigation using DNA profiles the need for additional DNA analysts and supplemental reagents increases. Because of the surge of demands, problems in the supply of reagents used for testing and analysis of DNA is prevalent. This insufficient supply of reagents leads to burdensome piling of cases. 3. The case prioritization is because of the overzealous evidence collection during the conduct of crime scene processing, in which giving priority to the processing of specimens of DNA reference standards for cases that are expected to have a definitive result may reduce the wastage of reagents and resources which will greatly contribute to the purpose for which DNA testing is intended.

An evaluation of two adhesive media for the recovery of DNA from latent fingermarks: A preliminary study

Dual recovery of forensic evidence is beneficial for crime scene and evidence processing as it can potentially double the evidential value of a single source, even more so in instances of DNA fingermarks. The use of adhesive liftering media has shown comparable results to swabbing when dealing with trace DNA recovery. Gelatine lifters have displayed the potential to recover DNA from latent fingermarks with minimal alteration to friction ridge detail post application, yet their ability to recover DNA has not fully been explored. The aim of this research was to compare the use of gelatine lifters with more readily available masking tape in their ability to recover cellular material from latent fingermarks. Natural (n = 120) and sebaceous (n = 120) fingermarks were deposited and aged in time frames from fresh, 1-day, 2-day, 1-week, 2-weeks, and 1 month. DiamondTM Nucleic Acid Dye was used as a visualisation method for any DNA containing cellular material. Images of the fingermarks pre and post lifting, and on the lifting media were imaged using the DSC®5 system. The media’s ability to recover cellular material was assessed using fluorescent particle analysis by the employment of the free software ImageJ. Fluorescent particles could be observed on the lifting media post lifting with the use of DiamondTM Dye. Time was not seen to influence the variation in the number of fluorescent particles observed. The use of gelatine lifters was found to have a higher amount of recovered DNA containing cellular material than masking tape. Visualisation of particles on masking tape were inhibited by its porosity and absorption of the dye. Some fingermark detail could be observed in the gelatine lifters. The DSC®5 system was suitable for imaging fingermarks stained with DiamondTM Dye.

Analysis of Examination of Evidence Through the Scientific Crime Investigation Method in the Disclosure of Homicide Crimes

Background: Law enforcement is one of the efforts to create order, security, and peace in the community, especially enforcement after violations of the law.
 
 Objective: This study aims to find out and analyze the strengthening of evidence through scientific crime investigation in homicide crimes. As well as knowing and analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of using the scientific crime investigation method in crime scene processing carried out by the forensic laboratory.
 
 Methods: This research belongs to the normative type of research. So that it can be known that the scientific crime investigation method is used in proving the crime of forensic murder.
 
 Result: Article 184 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Procedure Code has restrictively regulated valid evidence according to the law. Apart from the aforesaid evidence, it is not justifiable to be used to prove the wrongs committed by the accused. Judges, public prosecutors, defendants, and legal counsel, are limited and bound to use evidence by the rules of criminal procedure only. Evidence using evidence other than the evidence provided in Article 184 paragraph (1) has no binding evidentiary force value.
 
 Conclusion: Based on the explanation above, it can be concluded that the scientific crime investigation method is used in proving the crime of forensic murder

“Technical Note:” Optimisation of Diamond™ Nucleic Acid Dye preparation, application, and visualisation, for latent DNA detection

A targeted sampling approach of latent DNA, deposited when a person makes contact with a surface, can prove challenging during crime scene or evidence processing, with the sampling of latent DNA often relying on the expert judgement from crime scene officers and forensic examiners. As such, the ability to use the quick and robust screening tool Diamond™ Nucleic Acid Dye (DD) was explored, with a focus on the visualisation of latent DNA on non-porous substrates, namely polypropylene, acrylic, aluminium, PVC composite material, glass, and crystalline silicon. The application of DD was performed according to methods reported in literature, where 10 µL of the dye solution (20-fold dilution of DD in 75% EtOH) was applied onto a variety of non-porous substrates via a micropipette and then subsequently visualised using a portable fluorescence microscope. It was discovered that there was scope for improvement in the reported methods due to the observation of crystal formations on all test substrates upon drying of the DD, resulting in the impaired visualisation of latent DNA and fingerprint detail. Thus, changes to the EtOH water ratio of the dye solution, and changes to the mode of dye application from a micropipette to a spray application, were explored to improve the drying time of the dye and mitigate the formation of crystals. While changes to the EtOH water ratio did not improve the overall drying time, the mode of dye application enhanced visualisation, with a spray application eliminating the formation of crystals no matter the EtOH water ratio. Visualisation with a portable Dino-Lite and Zeiss Widefield fluorescence microscope were also explored, with the Zeiss Widefield fluorescence microscope proving to be useful in whole print imaging and a more efficient imaging tool in a laboratory setting.

Virtual reality for teaching and learning in crime scene investigation

Simulated crime scene investigation is an essential component of forensic science education, but its implementation is costly and poses challenges to accessibility; offering personal investigations in higher education scenarios is often impossible. Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology which offers exciting prospects for teaching and learning, especially for imparting practical skills. We document here a multidisciplinary experimental study in which a bespoke VR crime scene app was designed and implemented, after which it was tested by both undergraduate student and staff/postgraduate student cohorts. Through both qualitative and quantitative analyses, we demonstrate that VR applications support learning of practical crime scene processing skills. VR-based practical sessions have the potential to add value to forensic science courses, through offering cost-effective practical experience, the ability to work in isolation and in a variety of different scenarios. Both user groups reported high levels of satisfaction with using the app and reports of adverse effects (motion sickness) were minimal. With reference to user feedback, we proceed to evaluate the scalability and development challenges associated with large-scale implementation of VR as an adjunct to forensic science education.

PROBLEMATIC ASPECTS OF SHOEPRINTS SEIZURE FROM THE CRIME SCENE (Review Article)

The author of the article analyzes existing methods of seizing three-dimensional and latent (two-dimensional) shoeprints, described in the forensic scientific literature, which are used in Ukraine and abroad. Attention is drawn to the fact that methods of seizing traces that have been used for a long time are a subject to minor changes, despite the development of scientific and technological progress. The author names a reason for such a phenomenon: the lack of exchange in experience with countries that use modern tools and techniques for forensic analysis, one of which is a crime scene fingerprint film lift pad. The crime scene fingerprint lift pad is most often used when seizing latent (two-dimensional) shoe prints during inspection of a crime scene. However, attention is drawn to the problem of further suitability of seized traces for carrying out forensic examination as well as to peculiarities of storing seized materials.
 According to the author, trace damage is associated with two groups of factors: removal of a trace with violation of a technique and removal of a trace by means of poor-quality material. The author describes several types of crime scene fingerprint lift pad which is used to seize evidence of trace evidence nature.
 The author notes that along with the development of technology, trace evidence methods should be advanced as well. There is an urgent need to analyze the market of imported fingerprints, its efficiency, specificity of forensic situations, weather conditions, etc. There is also a need to share experiences in the use of such materials by forensic expert subdivisions. The question as to improving domestic production of fingerprint products, increasing the cost for purchasing high-quality materials also arises. Such an approach will fix the situation with quality of a crime scene processing and collection of evidence which will have a positive impact on detection of crimes and identification of perpetrators. The author emphasizes the relevance of this study and need for new theoretical and practical developments.

Gondolatok a kriminalisztikai azonosításelméletről

Ez a tanulmány a kriminalisztika hagyományos általános elméletei közül az azonosításelméletet mutatja be. Körbejárja a tág értelemben vett azonosító tevékenységeket, az azonosság logikai fogalmát, az azonosító tevékenység pszichológiai hátterét, majd a klasszikus kriminalisztikai szakterületek vonatkozásában bemutatja az ún. ACE-V módszert.

‘Into the Waste’: How Forensic Science Recycle Them? Reflection on the Use of Waste to Understand Criminal Phenomenon

The practice of forensic science relies on the application of scientific principles and techniques for the questioning of ‘traces’, sometimes referred as ‘physical evidence’. These traces represent the remnants of a past event or phenomenon, and the information they convey is generally gathered with the purpose to reconstruct and clarify what happened. Waste material can sometimes compose such traces that can be used in a forensic perspective to collect relevant information, and provide intelligence. The search in garbage containers in general crime scene processing, or the recovery of deleted files in digital forensic are almost routine examples of evidence gathered through the scrutiny of ‘waste’. In this article, we suggest to expand the scope of valorization of waste material beyond its use for traditional criminal investigation, in order to gain actionable knowledge on broader security issues, such as the consumption of an illicit substance or the source of hidden harms. Attention on this issue is drawn through the discussion of three examples of ongoing research initiatives, related to waste water analysis, residual content of syringes, and environmental forensic.

Animal poisoning - veterinary-medical and criminal-legal aspects

Apart from approved or planned poisoning with agricultural purpose, an increase in the number of cases of intentional animal poisoning (primarily referring to cats and dogs) has been detected in Serbia, and it is suspected that their number is significantly larger than the one shown by the official statistics data. Under the conditions prescribed by the Criminal Code of the Republic of Serbia, such activities may represent the crime of killing and torture of animals, but also the crime of causing a general danger. It would be impossible to conduct the procedure of discovering and proving these criminal offences and the responsibility of their perpetrators without findings and opinion of forensic veterinary-medicine experts. They play an important role when it comes to site inspection, crime scene processing, collecting the samples from the crime scene, processing of samples and autopsy and exhumation of a potentially poisoned animal body. Just like other evidence in criminal procedure, findings and opinion of experts of veterinary medicine are estimated in accordance with the principle of free assessment of evidence. However, due to the specificity of such cases of killing and torture of animals, their impact on court?s decision on the existence of criminal offence and perpetrator?s liability is crucial. In this paper, the authors discuss the scope of animal poisoning in Serbia, particularly in Belgrade, analyze possible criminal - legal consequences of these illegal activities and point out to a significant role that experts of veterinary medical profession have in discovering and proving such cases and the liability of their perpetrators.

Professionalism in Crime Scene Examination: Recruitment Strategies Using the Seven Key Attributes of Top Crime Scene Examiners

Abstract Hiring well is crucial for law enforcement/forensic science agencies. Recruiting high-caliber forensic personnel, such as effective crime scene examiners (CSEs), is no exception. This is the second of a series on professionalism in CSEs. The first paper identified the key attributes that set top CSEs apart from their peers. Given the importance placed on accurate crime scene processing and having identified what attributes underpin top CSEs, the next stage is to consider how to recruit personnel with the potential to become top-performing CSEs. The aim of this paper is to provide law enforcement and forensic science agencies with evidence-based recruitment guidelines that could assist them in selecting personnel with the potential to excel in their roles. In this paper, a multi-source recruitment strategy is discussed that utilizes focused psychometric assessment, targeted selection criteria, key interview questions, medical assessment, and collection of information from referees.

Intelligence-led crime scene processing. Part II: Intelligence and crime scene examination

A better integration of the information conveyed by traces within intelligence-led framework would allow forensic science to participate more intensively to security assessments through forensic intelligence (part I). In this view, the collection of data by examining crime scenes is an entire part of intelligence processes. This conception frames our proposal for a model that promotes to better use knowledge available in the organisation for driving and supporting crime scene examination. The suggested model also clarifies the uncomfortable situation of crime scene examiners who must simultaneously comply with justice needs and expectations, and serve organisations that are mostly driven by broader security objectives. It also opens new perspective for forensic science and crime scene investigation, by the proposal to follow other directions than the traditional path suggested by dominant movements in these fields.

Intelligence-led crime scene processing. Part I: Forensic intelligence

Forensic science is generally defined as the application of science to address questions related to the law. Too often, this view restricts the contribution of science to one single process which eventually aims at bringing individuals to court while minimising risk of miscarriage of justice. In order to go beyond this paradigm, we propose to refocus the attention towards traces themselves, as remnants of a criminal activity, and their information content. We postulate that traces contribute effectively to a wide variety of other informational processes that support decision making in many situations. In particular, they inform actors of new policing strategies who place the treatment of information and intelligence at the centre of their systems. This contribution of forensic science to these security oriented models is still not well identified and captured. In order to create the best condition for the development of forensic intelligence, we suggest a framework that connects forensic science to intelligence-led policing (part I). Crime scene attendance and processing can be envisaged within this view. This approach gives indications about how to structure knowledge used by crime scene examiners in their effective practice (part II).

Review of: Crime Scene Processing and Laboratory Workbook

Review of: <i>Crime Scene Processing and Laboratory Workbook</i>

Review of: Practical Crime Scene Processing and Investigation Review of: Crime Scene Processing Laboratory Manual and Workbook

Review of: Practical Crime Scene Processing and Investigation Review of: Crime Scene Processing Laboratory Manual and Workbook

Bad to the bone?: Historical archaeologists in the practice of forensic science

Heightened recognition by law enforcement personnel of forensic archaeology provides an expanding array of opportunities for historical archaeologists to apply their skills in situations of medicolegal significance. Yet too few archaeologists are familiar with the protocols of criminalistics, including crime scene processing, chains of custody, and effective court testimony. Also, most archaeologists do not fully realize the health risks associated with handling decomposed human remains and the professional liability exposure inherent to a juridical investigation. As a group, historical archaeologists undoubtedly possess the skills and ethical disposition required of forensic scientists, but those who wish to offer their services as forensic experts must also be prepared to assume the serious responsibilities of doing so. This paper discusses the development of forensic archaeology, the specialized training that qualifies one to participate in a crime scene investigation, methods to reduce health risks and professional liability exposure, and the most effective approaches an historical archaeologist can follow to become certified as a forensic expert.

A Review of Death Investigator's Hand Book: A Field Guide to Crime Scene Processing, Forensic Evaluations, and Investigative Techniques

Abstract This hand book is divided into three main sections: Crime Scene, Investigative, and Scientific. Each covers nearly every topic imaginable in outline form in a series of subsections. To compile this data the author has drawn from 304 sources cited in the bibliog- raphy.

Police Response to Residential Burglaries

AbstractResidential burglaries are important disruptions of the social order and may require special work on the part of the responding law enforcement officer. This study suggests that officers in some departments use crime scene processing as a form of remedial work or negative rite after especially serious breaches of the home as a private place and territory of the self. Controlling for the dollar value of the property loss, presence of suspect leads, and victim's race and insurance coverage, we found that officers in a southern sheriff's department were we likely to call in an evidence technician to dust for prints when victims lost objects typically regarded as markers of the self and when entry involved the use of force.

A Review of Crime Scene Investigation

Abstract At first glance, Crime Scene Investigation appears to be the long-awaited, up-to-date text on this somewhat neglected area of criminal investigation. However, this is not the case. The book is little more than a brief introduction to the subject of crime scene processing and the collection, preservation, and utilization of physical evidence.