Scene Examination Research Articles

О некоторых проблемах первоначального этапа расследования и противодействия хищениям медесодержащего оборудования тягового подвижного состава (по материалам Забайкальского ЛУ МВД России на транспорте)

The article is devoted to peculiarities of the initial stage of investigation of thefts of copper-bearing equipment of traction rolling stock. The author reviews the algorithm of actions of transport policemen upon receipt of a message from an applicant and crime scene examination peculiarities. The paper identifies the main issues and proposes solutions for the investigation of such a type of crimes.

RESEARCH ON MODERN FORENSIC METHODS OF DETECTION, RECORD, SEIZURE OF SHOEPRINTS AND THEIR FURTHER ACCOUNTING FOR CRIME DETECTION

Shoe prints that have been traced by crime scene investigators at the crime scene can provide information relating to a criminal or a group of criminals that have committed it, and serve as evidence while pre-trial investigation. Furthermore, shoe prints provide information on the possible participation of the same person in different types of crimes (to integrate crimes).
 At present, the number of crimes related to stealing civilian properties, including robbery, has significantly increased as a result of economic crisis in many countries around the world.
 As the studies and the practical experience while investigating crime scenes by police in many countries show, footwear evidence as much as physical evidence have not been given due attention.
 In order to improve the quality of crime scene examination when seizing traces of shoes, the quality of removed traces of shoes, and, as a consequence, increase the efficiency of crime detection using traces of shoes, there is a necessity in:
 
 Introduction of modern forensic tools and methods for detecting, seizing traces of shoes, and further comparative research.
 Establishment of the Unified National Automated System at the legislative level for accounting and identification of shoeprints seized from unsolved crime sites.
 Creating professional forums to share experiences with leading international forensic experts.
 Establishing the terms for traces and shoeprints storage and use registered (for example, not more than two years from the date of registration) at the legislative level.
 
 In addition, implementation and development of automatic database systems with the ability to conduct identification between shoeprints evidence seized from different crime scenes can provide the investigator with significant information on the possible involvement of the same person in commission of different crimes (to combine crimes), conduct so-called forensic intelligence.
 A shoeprint as a single piece of evidence may not be weighty enough but combined with additional evidence it is vital for detecting and investigating a crime.
 In conclusion, it should be noted that this area has great prospects for development and, undoubtedly, should be addressed by forensic experts in this field.

Empirical comparison of DSLRs and smartphone cameras for latent prints photography

AbstractLaw enforcement agencies take extreme caution when it comes to the selection of the image acquisition devices for evidence photography. For example, there was a large gap between when the digital camera was invented and when it became popularly used, and when it was adopted by law enforcement agencies to capture images for the documentation of crime scenes and physical evidence. Similarly, although smartphones are commonly used for taking photos and are gradually replacing digital cameras to become the mostly used photography devices, using smartphones for evidence photography is still uncommon among law enforcement agencies. In this article, we discuss a particular use scenario of smartphone photography, that is, using a smartphone to capture images of latent fingerprints. To collect experimental data, images of fingerprints were taken by a standard digital SLR camera and a smartphone camera. The numerical values representing the fingerprint qualities of these two sets of images were then generated by a Biometric SDK software. From the comparison of the quantitative image quality results, we concluded that no statistically significant difference was found between the two image acquisition devices. Our experimental data shed light on the perspective of adopting smartphones as competent devices for the purpose of latent fingerprint photography at a crime scene.This article is categorized under: Digital and Multimedia Science > Mobile Forensics Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Fingermarks and Other Marks Digital and Multimedia Science > Forensic Visualization Crime Scene Investigation > Crime Scene Examination

Identification and associated hazards of clandestine drug laboratories

AbstractThe production of illicit drugs at clandestine laboratory operations is a world‐wide problem with many associated public health hazards. This review describes many laboratory types that might be encountered by the clandestine laboratory response personnel, describing the materials and processes associated with different clandestine laboratories to aid in awareness and hazard identification. Clandestine laboratories generally create products according to market forces, including the end‐user expectations with regard to product appearance (e.g., as solid or liquid, in powder or tablet formulation) and potency. The clandestine laboratories use different materials, and processes depending on the laboratory's access to precursors, their ability to produce quantities sufficient to meet market demands, and also their ability to circumvent local, national and international laws and regulations. The information presented here is aimed at both laboratory‐based scientists and analysts who have to understand the classical methods for production, which are still used, and consider novel methods using alternative precursors. It is important to be cognizant of the emerging drugs and drug analogues, how these are considered under the law, and how they can be safely collected for analysis. Clandestine laboratory responders must consider the information presented here from the perspective of the risks associated with the drugs, precursors, waste materials and equipment. As clandestine laboratories and drug markets are constantly evolving, responders need to consistently pursue ongoing education, research, and collaboration with the constant review and assessment of the emerging drugs and precursors seized during operations and reported on regional and international forums.This article is categorized under: Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Controlled and Emerging Drug Compounds Toxicology > Drug Analysis Crime Scene Investigation > Crime Scene Examination

Особенности осмотра места происшествия при расследовании краж, совершаемых на пляжах

The present study considers issues related to the crime scene examination. The features of this pro-cedure in case of investigation of thefts committed on the beaches are determined. A beach is defined as one of the typical places of theft in the resort region. There is identified a typical method of com-mitting this category of crimes as well as typical objects of offense. The study considers the ques-tions of choosing the method of examination, de-termining the initial point of examination, and the boundaries of the scene. The role of employees of the body of inquiry in establishing witnesses to a crime is highlighted. The are determined the catego-ries of persons who may be witnesses to the crimes under consideration. The study covers the psycho-logical feature of daily presence of tourists on the beach, which allows to identify witnesses to a crime in the time following. The issue of using police dogs during crime scene examination is considered. The study touches upon a possibility of simultaneous actions performed by an investigator during crime scene examination and by an authorised operative during operative investigation activities. The author provides forensic recommendations regarding crime scene examination over the facts of theft committed on a beach.

An evaluation of infrared photography for detecting bloodstains on dark-coloured floor coverings commonly encountered at crime scenes

ABSTRACT The ability to accurately detect bloodstains is fundamental to crime scene examination; however, traditional methods can be inadequate for use on many dark-coloured surfaces commonly encountered at scenes, such as fabrics and flooring. An alternative approach may be the use of infrared (IR) photography, which is known to be effective at detecting bloodstains on fabrics and some non-porous surfaces. However, a knowledge gap exists concerning the effectiveness of IR photography for detecting bloodstains on dark-coloured floor coverings. To address this, we used a paired sampling design to assess the performance of IR photography compared with tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and luminol for detecting bloodstains on wool and nylon carpet, linoleum, vinyl, tile and laminate flooring. We also assessed whether IR imaging would detect a substance known to create false-positive reactions with TMB and luminol. Overall, our results supported IR photography as an effective, non-destructive method compared to TMB and luminol for detecting bloodstains on dark-coloured flooring, especially nylon carpet, tile, laminate and vinyl. Further, IR did not detect known false-positive samples on several surfaces. This research contributes to a growing body of literature concerning the forensic applications of IR photography and has significant operational implications for crime scene examiners.

FUNGSI OLAH TEMPAT KEJADIAN PERKARA (TKP) GUNA MENGUNGKAPKAN KASUS PENGANIAYAAN BERAT DITINJAU DARI SUDUT HUKUM ACARA PIDANA

This study aims at revealing cases of severe maltreatment through crime scene crime scenes. One of the investigation processes can convince the investigator in determining the suspect in handling the crime scene (TKP) where it is divided into 2 namely the First Actions at the crime scene (TPTKP) and processing of the crime scene (olah TKP) from the legislation. As for the results obtained are the methods used by public observations, sketches and photographs, handling victims, handling witnesses and suspects and handling evidence through CCTV footage. In cases of severe maltreatment from the crime scene results can be used through other tools- others such as watering the face with Lombok water, acidic substances, sulfur, saltpeter, vinegar, so that the skin on the face burns, or inserting poisons in food. Not only can it be proven analytically or through autopsy, but it depends on the performance of criminal investigators at the crime scene and eyewitness examination.

View of Corpse Found at the Explosion Scene

Introduction: in the modern world, the level of international terrorism is constantly growing, with an increasing tendency for terrorists to use an impressive arsenal of weapons of destruction, which creates a real threat to the world community, for all countries without exception. The use of various types of explosive devices in public places – streets, railway stations, and trains – is directed by terrorists to intimidate the population and create a serious threat to stability and security in society. Therefore, at the present stage, it is important to apply all previously developed methods and techniques, as well as to use new recommendations in order to improve the logistics of the law enforcement agencies. The involvement of specialists in conducting such an important investigative action as the inspection of the accident scene will contribute to an objective perception, a full study of the scene, the detection, recording and removal of various traces and other physical evidence in order to clarify the nature of the event. The purpose of the study: to determine the methods available to the investigator, providing the maximum possible information for further investigation of the crime. The objectives of the study: to describe the principles of modern tactics of conducting the accident scene observation; to clarify requirements and review the specifics of the inspection report of the explosion scene; to develop recommendations on the examination and recovery of the objects. Methods: the methodological framework is based on the methods of historicism, systematization, and comparative law. Results: the proposals were made to improve the interaction of the investigator with the forensic expert involved in the scene examination. Conclusions: as a result of the study, it is revealed that when the forensic examination of corpses or their fragments discovered at the accident scene when an explosive device was used, an approximate list of questions for the forensic expert is formed for the investigators. It is established that the use of the techniques available to the investigator provides the necessary information for further investigative actions.

Proposed Upbeat Digital Forensic Method for Cloud Computing Impression

There are various challenges for the electronic logical method in the appropriated processing in view of the perceived features of the disseminated figuring condition. Immense quantities of remarkable automated logical procedures and instruments are not sensible for dispersed registering condition. The multitenancy, multi-accomplice, Internet-based, components pointlessness, and gigantic data, logs and datasets are examples of the disseminated figuring condition incorporates that make driving propelled wrongdoing scene examination in the circulated registering condition an extraordinarily problematic task. Thusly, there is a need to develop a fitting modernized quantifiable technique for circulated registering condition. Thusly, this paper proposed a proactive mechanized quantifiable procedure for conveyed figuring condition.

What does “Global” in “Global Indian” mean?: cultural production and new urban subjectivities in world-class Mumbai

ABSTRACT Through an examination of the stand-up comedy scene in Mumbai, India, this paper analyzes what “global” means in the context of new articulations of Indian-ness. I argue that emergent urban art forms, such as stand-up comedy in Mumbai, allow the articulation of a world-class urban subjectivity, which comes to define meanings of “global Indian-ness”. Thus, this article contributes to our understanding of how the growing role of global cities in capturing transnational flows of capital shapes contemporary articulations of national identity. Specifically, media productions facilitated by the production of cities like Mumbai as world-class produces a new subjectivity that informs national identity. Stand-up comedy in Mumbai is one such emergent media production, because it is made possible by Mumbai’s media infrastructure, which in turn is facilitated by the reorganization of Mumbai as a world-class city.

Forensic entomology for the investigator

AbstractForensic entomology is a discipline deeply rooted in history that is still evolving with regards to its utility in both the modern scientific community and medicolegal death investigations. While there are many applications of forensic entomology with the forensic sciences, the most common application is that of the estimation of time since death, also often known as a minimum postmortem interval, which in some instances can be equal to the time of colonization. This time estimation is based on the period of insect activity on a body, and the age of the insects collected from the remains can aid in determining a portion of the postmortem interval. For this estimation, temperature is a key element of entomological evidence collection, along with the insects themselves. Proper documentation of the scene conditions in which the body is discovered is essential for use in an entomological postmortem interval estimation. Likewise, proper documentation and collection of the insects from the body and the death scene—including a representative sample of all areas of colonization and species present—better allows the entomologist to provide a more accurate and useful estimation of time since death.This article is categorized under:Forensic Biology > Interpretation of Biological EvidenceForensic Anthropology > Time Since Death EstimationForensic Science in Action/Crime Scene Investigation > Crime Scene Examination

Back hemorrhage in bath-related deaths: Insights into the mechanism of bath-related deaths

Forensic pathologists often encounter difficulties while diagnosing bath-related deaths owing to a lack of specific findings for determining the cause. This study reports the characteristic findings noted during autopsy associated with bath-related deaths. The subjects included individuals found deceased in water-filled bathtubs. Originally, a “bathtub death” was defined as a case of drowning in a bathtub without a known cause despite complete investigation including a complete autopsy and examination of the death scene. We also excluded cases with ethanol and/or high drug concentrations in the blood from “bathtub death” cases. Muscular hemorrhages around the scapula were the most common in cases of accidental drowning (72.7%). The frequency of muscular hemorrhages around the scapula was low in cases involving bathtub deaths (11.1%) and natural disease. Subcutaneous hemorrhages in the back were the most frequent in cases of bathtub death (88.9%), followed by accidental drowning (81.8%). The frequency of subcutaneous hemorrhages in the back was low in cases involving suicide and natural disease. The presence of subcutaneous hemorrhages in the back without muscular hemorrhages around the scapula were strongly associated with bathtub deaths (Fisher's exact test, P < 0.0001; sensitivity, 0.84; specificity, 0.91). Subcutaneous hemorrhages were the most frequent in the waist (68.8%), followed by the upper back (50%). Subcutaneous hemorrhages in the back without muscular hemorrhages around the scapula indicated that the deceased had hit their back on falling from a standing position after experiencing disturbances of consciousness. We found the occurrence of orthostatic hypotension while getting out of the bathtub to be the most likely cause for these autopsy findings. Subcutaneous hemorrhages in the back without muscular hemorrhages around the scapula is a characteristic finding of “bathtub deaths”. Although this was a preliminary study, the presence of this finding may aid in clarifying the mechanism of bath-related deaths.

Suspicious death – trace evidence identified the complainant as accused: A real crime scene report

Unnatural death incidents are reported to police wherein the dead body appearance confuses the first officer in the crime scenes. Generally, the forensic medicine experts are not involved in crime scene visit, but waiting for the body at the autopsy room. Anyhow, the forensic crime scene investigators or mobile forensic scientists have an active part in the examination of the crime scene and the body under suspicious condition. Through keen crime scene observation, they may able to link the physical evidence in the scene with the dead body in the suspicious death cases and solve the mystery. In the present suspicious death case study, a woman was found hanged in her residence under suspicious condition. The complainant husband alleged that his wife committed suicide by hanging while he was away from home. The examination of physical evidence and the dead body in the crime scene indicated it as a homicidal hanging rather than suicidal hanging as alleged by husband. This fact was confirmed by the forensic medicine expert in the autopsy examination.

The semantic fields within the conceptual field “crime scene examination”: semantics, nomination, reference

Статья посвящена рассмотрению семантических полей, отражающих концептуальное поле «Crime Scene Examination» в английском языке, при внимании к возможностям классификации номинативных единиц на основании функционально-ролевого принципа, к типовым механизмам номинации, проявляющимся в номинативных единицах, используемых для описания референтной области «Осмотр места преступления» и связанных с особенностями референции. В качестве дифференциальных параметров этого кластера лексики выделены строгое обозначение содержания и характера процессуальных действий, однозначное выражение юридических понятий, функциональная направленность номинации, широта тематического покрытия референтной области, использование устойчивых синтаксических структур, типизированность словообразовательных моделей, константность употребления, перформативность употребления. Среди основных механизмов номинации выделены уточнение сигнификативного значения посредством введения лексической единицы, метонимия, а также конверсия.

Moving Objects Detection &amp; Recognition using Hybrid Canny Edge Detection Algorithm in Digital Image Processing

Recognition and detection of an object in the watched scenes is a characteristic organic capacity. Animals and human being play out this easily in day by day life to move without crashes, to discover sustenance, dodge dangers, etc. Be that as it may, comparable PC techniques and calculations for scene examination are not all that direct, in spite of their exceptional advancement. Object detection is the process in which finding or recognizing cases of articles (for instance faces, mutts or structures) in computerized pictures or recordings. This is the fundamental task in computer. For detecting the instance of an object and to pictures having a place with an article classification object detection method usually used learning algorithm and extracted features. This paper proposed a method for moving object detection and vehicle detection.

Understanding crime scene examination through an ethnographic lens

AbstractEthnographic methods offer huge potential in better understanding the professional profile, skills, expertise and working practices of the crime scene examiner (CSE). However, to date, their use to study the CSE has been limited. We draw on our research on the CSE within England and Wales and studies from other settings to demonstrate some of the complex negotiations and everyday practices that take place in the performance of crime scene examination. We focus specifically on their training, activities and role, and what an ethnographic lens adds to existing knowledge on the processes and practices of completing crime scene examination work.This article is categorized under: Forensic Science in Action/Crime Scene Investigation &gt; Crime Scene Examination Forensic Science in Action/Crime Scene Investigation &gt; Education and Formation

Suicide, homicide or bear attack?

Introduction Discriminating injuries by animal attacks from other types of trauma and assessing their contribution to the cause of death is often difficult. Careful evaluation of the injury pattern, thorough scene examination and performing adequate ancillary investigations is essential in such situations. Case report A young male was found dead in a hut in a chena, lying in a pool of blood with a shotgun beside him. There was a suicide note on the floor written with charcoal which indicated that he had encountered three bears in the jungle, fought and escaped with injuries. Autopsy revealed minimal damage to the clothes and to the body. There was a near contact entry wound under the chin. Shaving of the head hair revealed a star shaped entrance wound with burning and blackening on the vertex. An exit wound with extensive disruption of the left side of face was seen. CT scan confirmed the above findings. The manner of death was concluded as a homicide. Conclusion Minimal damages to the clothes and other areas of the body exclude bear attack with a high probability. Even though entry under the chin is more suggestive of suicidal firing, the entry at the vertex favors the involvement of another person.

TO THE ISSUE OF STANDARDIZATION OF THE TECHNOLOGY OF SCENE EXAMINATION (INVESTIGATION)

The article is devoted to one of the most frequently faced crime investigation procedure – scene examination (investigation), during which an investigator and a specialist to recognize, record, collect, transport and store trace information before conducting expert examination. Their activity, in this case, consists of a number of main stages: the recognition of traces on the subjects, which at the time of the commission of crimes could have formed traces and which (subjects with traces) can be collected; the recognition of traces on the subjects, which cannot be collected; recording, collecting, packing of traces on the subjects and traces; transportation of collected subjects with traces and traces to the pre-trial investigation authorities, its storage until sending them to the institution of forensic examinations; samples’ obtaining for comparative examination; transportation of subjects with traces and traces and samples for expert research. These main stages constitute the technology of scene examination (investigation), which (technology), in the general context, is defined as a set of knowledge, information about the sequence of separate work operations in the production process of something. The analysis of the integration of the concept of “technology” in forensic science and forensic expertology showed that the general understanding of the term “technology” there is no classification of technologies, their structure and content, and the order of representation at a practical level for the implementation into crime investigation. The article illustrates some shortcomings of scene examination (investigation). The analysis of regulations that adjusting scene examination (investigation) shows that they do not have detailed instructions for the implementation of specific actions by specialists. In the opinion of the author, the solution of problematic issues should be the standardization of the institutions’ activities that provide for the conduct of scene examination (investigation) and expert research. The article briefly deals with the history of international standardization, the state of standardization in Ukraine, analyzes the provisions of the international standard ISO 21043-2: 2018 “Recognition, recording, collecting, transport and storage of items” (which have potential forensic significance). According to the results of the research, conclusions were made on the necessity of implementation into the work of the institutions that provide scene examination (investigation) and expert research, quality management systems in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17020 ISO/IEC 17025, as well as the harmonization of the international standard ISO 21043-2: 2018 as a national regulatory document (National Standards of Ukraine (DSTU)) with the further implementation into practical activities on crime detection. Key words: international standardization, ISO 21043-2:2018, standardization of the technology of scene examination (investigation).

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.

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.