Scene Examination Research Articles

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.

Security Model of Internet of Things Based on Binary Wavelet and Sparse Neural Network

At present, the internet of things has no standard system architecture. According to the requirements of universal sensing, reliable transmission, intelligent processing and the realization of human, human and the material, real-time communication between objects and things, the internet needs the open, hierarchical, extensible network architecture as the framework. The sensation equipment safe examination platform supports the platform through the open style scene examination to measure the equipment and provides the movement simulated environment, including each kind of movement and network environment and safety management center, turning on application gateway supports. It examines the knowledge library. Under this inspiration, this article proposes the novel security model based on the sparse neural network and wavelet analysis. The experiment indicates that the proposed model performs better compared with the other state-of-the-art algorithms.

Death in the work place; Accident or homicide? The role of death scene examination

Death scene examination is an essential component of a complete medico-legal autopsy. The present case is that of a 58-year-old male who died very late at night in an unclear circumstance. He had suffered severe multiple craniofacial fractures, and injuries to the left hand and digits (defense wounds), mimicking homicidal death. The altered scene was examined 4 weeks after the incident, and with the autopsy conducted at the same time, the manner of death was concluded to an accident.

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)

Современные возможности фотофиксации места происшествия по факту взрыва

The study reviews the possibilities of the modern technical equipment used to examine the explosion crime scene. Its advantages over the traditional tools for taking photos are revealed. The research speci-fies the conditions and restrictions to be compiled with during the investigative examination of the crime scene due to the explosion. They imply the location, the lack of examination space, the multi-plicity of traces, the non-obvious causes and nature of the explosion, the urgent nature of the examina-tion, and safety requirements. The emphasis is placed on negative factors in the investigative exam-ination of the trace pattern of the crime under re-view. These mainly include gas poisoning, electric trauma, structure failures, and chemical burns. The research provides recommendations for overcoming them by forensic tactics. A careful planning of inves-tigative actions is the main one. The research dis-cusses the possibilities for making a high-angle shot of the crime scene by the quadcopter. It demonstrates the advantages of this technical de-vice in relation to the investigative examination due to the explosion. The compliance with the basic requirements of forensic quadcopter photography is determined. As a result, a three-dimensional image of the crime scene will be available. It can serve as the basis for identifying the mechanism of the ex-plosion.

Working Together to Understand Why Infants Die: A Qualitative Study of Professionals' Experiences of Joint Agency Investigation of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy

A comprehensive Child Death Review programme commenced in England in 2008; police, healthcare and social care professionals now work together, using a joint agency approach (JAA) to investigate unexpected child deaths. The aim of this paper is to explore professionals' experiences of the JAA investigation of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). This was part of a mixed‐methods study evaluating the JAA investigation of SUDI. Professionals participated in qualitative interviews and case notes were scrutinised. Data were analysed using a framework approach. A total of 23 of a possible 113 eligible SUDI cases were recruited. Twenty‐six professionals involved in investigating 12 of the 23 SUDI cases were interviewed giving theoretical saturation of data. The overarching theme was the conflict between the need to investigate deaths while remaining sensitive to families. Other themes were working together, supporting parents, and the benefits and difficulties of joint working practices. All professionals were positive about the JAA, especially joint police and paediatric interviews and home visits. The difficulties included non‐engagement by social care and poor liaison with coroners. The JAA seems to be a thorough investigative process but could be improved by closer joint agency working and information sharing, and more support and training for professionals. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Key Practitioner Messages Joint agency investigation of unexpected infant deaths enables a detailed understanding of the causes of death and the provision of support to families. Joint home visits by police and paediatricians following unexpected infant deaths provide more detailed information and can be more sensitive to families than police death scene examination alone. Prompt information sharing across all agencies is a key part of effective investigation of unexpected infant deaths. ‘Explore[s] professionals' experiences of the joint agency approach investigation of sudden unexpected death in infancy’

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

O usprawnianiu czynności oględzin i zmniejszaniu deficytu poznawczego, czyli o potrzebie implementacji nowej techniki obrazowania i wymiarowania miejsca zdarzenia

The contribution of forensics to the effective fight against crime must be significant. Since its inception, it has been inspired by scientific achievements, which, in turn, entailed the systematic development of forensic research, the effects of which improve the activities on the crime scene, which is the richest source of information about the crime and the offender. The role of the scene examination is very important. Its course and results are documented in a protocol of examination, technical documentation is prepared if necessary. It is this type of documentation that constitutes an indispensable reference material for the investigative authority. The catalogue of technical solutions and devices for the recording of scene examination activities continues to expand. It has already been proven that the use of 3D scanning technology to capture the appearance of the scene brings numerous benefits.

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.

Micro Disasters: The Case of Serial Killer Jeffrey Dahmer.

Disasters are commonly experienced as major devastating events that exceed the resources of an agency to respond, with effects emanating throughout a community or region. There are, however, those events that are more measured, more subtle, and with few actual deaths, which still distract investigators from their daily duties and routines and project long lasting and crippling effects to a community or nation. Disasters can occur from natural forces or be the result of human activity. Most forensic pathologists who practice over a significant time will encounter one or the other types of disaster, sometimes more than a few. In my own career, I have witnessed large-scale disasters, such as hundreds of deaths occurring as the result of a major heat wave, to small-scale disasters such as factory explosions or small airplane crashes at sea-each with their own challenges. In addition to the extent of the initial disaster, many require the detailed, exhaustive evidentiary recovery and examination of a crime scene. The Jeffrey Dahmer case, although only involving 11 actual victims, required a major disaster response, and continues to influence and affect a community over 25 years later.

Features of organization of medico-legal expert researches in the cases of the mass injuring of victims in the salon of bus

Features of organization of medico-legal expert researches in the cases of the mass injuring of victims in the salon of bus

An uncommon cause of death in a pedal cyclist

Correction: On 16th February 2017, the author K. Peiris was removed from this paper. The author had been inadvertently included. This error is regretted. - Editor A body found by the road without obvious fatal injury presents a considerable challenge to the forensic pathologist. A thorough autopsy is instrumental in eliciting the cause of death (COD) and reconstruction of events leading to the death in an unusual case. In the case described following autopsy, COD was given as hemorrhagic shock due to penetrating injury to the left jugular vein caused by glass. Retrospective examination of the crime scene helped in the reconstruction of events where a pedal-cyclist died after knocking on the side mirror of a parked lorry. The contributory factors highlight the need for a blood alcohol concentration limit for pedal-cyclists.

Rola ekspertyzy antropologicznej podczas weryfikacji wyników okazania osób

Probative value of results obtained in the course of legal proceedings with the participants of the criminal act may vary. This also concerns results of identification by an eyewitness. The exceptional role of its result in the criminal trial derives from the fact that categorical identification of a suspect by the witness becomes directly incriminating evidence. Problems connected with verification of identification parade result, which often occur both in Poland and in other countries, have been presented on the basis of a real criminal case. The main evidence submitted by the prosecutor was identification of several people who had been suspected of theft by an eye witness. Some important doubts relating to their guilt, however, arose in the criminal trial in court several years after the crime. The court decided to use the help of an expert in the field of anthropological identification. Comprehensive analysis of the CCTV recordings from the crime scene and additional examinations carried out by an expert made it possible to verify the results of the identification parade objectively and precisely. For the defendants the anthropological opinion was just exculpatory evidence. However, it opened up new possibilities to obtain information, especially when low quality of CCTV recordings does not allow for a detailed analysis of the characteristics of morphological elements of the head including its front part which is the face.

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.

Forensic Science in the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia

The article deals with the experience of engaging forensic experts of different countries for the investigation and prosecution of violations of humanitarian law and other international crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia during the ethnic conflict. The features of the work of international forensic teams at the scene examination, investigation of physical evidence, and provides information about the use of the forensic experts in the activities of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia is analyzed. Used transcripts of court hearings, expert opinions, reports and other official documents of the Tribunal, the UN documents, Russian and foreign press and scientific publications.

Preservation of dangerous forensic samples of evidence with the use of mobile robotic system

AbstractThe richest source of information about crime and criminals is the place of the incident. From the point of view of forensics the examination of the crime scene is the primary activity of inquiry and it is the core action at the scene. However, there are scenes in which conditions threaten the health and lives of investigators, e.g. an illegal laboratory of controlled substances. However, there is a need to disclose, transport and store the obtained evidence, which is a source of danger, for the purposes of criminal proceedings. Police Academy in Szczytno (Poland) conducts a research project, which aims at the development of innovative solutions and technology that will enable proper and effective protection, transport, storage and disposal of such hazardous material evidence. A solution that would eliminate these risks is a robotic system for taking samples (e.g. samples of reaction mixtures). With a view to safety of SOCOs the proposed solution is of major importance.

Defining Sudden Infant Death and Sudden Intrauterine Unexpected Death Syndromes with Regard to Anatomo-Pathological Examination.

Crib death, or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), is the most frequent form of death in the first year of life, striking one baby in every 1,700–2,000. Yet, despite advances in maternal–infant care, sudden intrauterine unexplained/unexpected death syndrome (SIUDS) has a sixfold to eightfold greater incidence than that of SIDS. Frequent congenital abnormalities, likely morphological substrates for SIDS–SIUDS, were detected, mainly represented by alterations of the cardiac conduction system, such as accessory pathways and abnormal resorptive degeneration, and hypoplasia/agenesis of the vital brainstem structures. On the basis of these considerations, the new common definition of the SIDS–SIUDS complex is “The sudden death of a fetus after the 25th gestational week or infant under one year of age which is unexpected by history and remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including examination of the death scene, performance of a general autopsy and examination of the fetal adnexa”. Therefore, given that the general autopsy does not disclose any cause of death, a more in-depth histopathological analysis of the cardiac conduction system and autonomic nervous system by specialized pathologists is necessary.

Pitfalls Encountered during Documentation of Cases of Fatal Fall from Height Presented to Kafr EL Sheikh-Medico legal Department during the Period from (1999 to 2013)

Fall from height represents an important form of blunt trauma in society. The incidence of deaths due to fall from height is increasing day by day. So, determination of the manner of fatal fall from a height is very important issue. When establishing the mode of death, it is essential for the forensic pathologist to reconsider autopsy findings, outcome of toxicology screening, and circumstances at the death scene. The present study aimed first, at throwing light on the pitfalls encountered during examination of medico legal (ML) reports of cases of falling from height. Second, design a ML protocol for documentation of deaths due to falling from height. The current study was a retrospective study of the records of cases of fatal fall from height presented to Kafr EL Sheikh-Medico legal Department during the period from 1st of January 1999 till the 31st of December 2013. The records were examined for: personal data, detailed history of the cases, scene examination, autopsy findings and Toxicological screening. The results of the present study showed that the total number of the reported cases was 21 cases. The age of the victims ranged from 8 to 69 years, males presented (61.9%) of cases. Data about employment was documented in only (38.1%) of cases. Data about the circumstantial events were missing in most of the records. Accidental falls were the most prevalent manner. Suicidal falls were the second prevalent manner .Scene examination revealed that falls of (71.44%) of cases was from buildings. The height of fall was found in majority of records to be from the 4th storey. Examination of the path of fall was not reported in most of cases (95.23%). The nature of impact surface was documented only in (38.1%) of cases. Body orientation in relation to impact surface was mentioned in (38.1%) of cases. Records describing the site of fall from inside were very defective. The presence of barrier and its height was reported in (33.33%) of cases. Whole body radiography and external body measurements were not performed in any of the studied cases. Autopsy findings showed that the head and the thorax were the most affected regions. The probable primary site of impact was concluded by autopsy in (47.62%) of cases. The cause of death was head injuries in the majority of cases either by itself or in conjunction with other injuries. Toxicological screening of the commonly used drugs was carried in (90.48%) of the cases, where it was negative in (85.72%) of cases. Blood alcohol content was performed in (61.9%) of the cases and it was negative. The study concluded deficient documentation of data about the history of the cases; scene examination, autopsy findings and toxicological screening. Many recommendations were suggested and a protocol for documentation of the cases of fatal fall from height was proposed.

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.