Pros & Cons of Testimonial Evidence

Presentation developed by T. Trimpe 2006 http://sciencespot.net/

Testimonial evidence includes oral or written statements given to police as well as testimony in court by people who witnessed an event.

Eyewitness accounts can be a useful tool in helping investigators with analyzing a crime scene, but are not viewed to be highly reliable. In addition, eyewitness identifications (right or wrong) can have a big influence on the outcome of an investigation or trial.

People are likely to view the same scene in different ways depending on their positions, line of sight, familiarity with the area, and other factors that can interfere with a person’s ability to remember details.

What is testimonial evidence?

The Bunny EffectCBS News Video

Directions:

You will have 30 seconds to view the next screen.

Try to memorize all 20 items you see!

You are NOT allowed to write anything down

You CANNOT talk to anyone else.

Memory Challenge

Neuroscience for Kids - http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/puzmatch1.html

Items to remember ...

What do you remember?You have 2 minutes to list as many of the items as you can!

How did you do?

All 20 – Awesome

15-19 – Great

10-14 – Pretty swell

5-9 – Could be better

4 or Less – Wake up

According to The Innocence Project (2008) "Eyewitness misidentification is the single greatest cause of wrongful convictions nationwide, playing a role in more than 75% of convictions overturned through DNA testing." Still, the criminal justice system profoundly relies on eyewitness identification and testimony for investigating and prosecuting crimes (Wells & Olson, 2003).

Source: http://www.helium.com/items/1276135-accurate-eyewitness-accounts

Did you know?

What factors affect a person’s memory and their ability to identify a suspect?

• Age may play a role in the accuracy of an eyewitness’ statement or identification of a suspect. Studies have shown that when a lineup contains the actual culprit, both young children and elderly perform well, but when the lineup does not contain the culprit there is a higher rate of mistaken identifications.

• The race of the witness may also play a role. The Cross Race Effect (CRE) is a phenomenon in which people are better at recognizing faces of their own race rather than those of other races.

• The use of drugs can alter a person’s ability to recall the events of a crime even after they are no longer under the influence.

• A person’s memory of an event can be influenced by other witnesses, investigators, and/or the media. Investigators use open-ended questioning and follow procedures for conducting line-ups to limit their influence on a witness’ memory of an event or identification of a suspect.

Witness Factors

Source: http://www.helium.com/items/1276135-accurate-eyewitness-accounts

• A crime that is extremely traumatic for an eyewitness may affect his/her recall of the event. For example, a witness confronted with a weapon tends to focus on the weapon rather than the perpetrator’s face.

• Someone who is able to focus on a perpetrator's face for a minute or longer will tend to have a more accurate memory than someone who saw the person for only a few seconds.

• Studies have shown that faces that are either highly attractive, highly unattractive, or distinctive are more likely to be accurately recognized. Simple disguises, such as hats or sunglasses, can interfere with accurate eyewitness identification. However, body piercings and tattoos increases the likelihood of an accurate identification.

• The time of day in which the crime occurred as well as a person’s view of the scene may affect what a he/she is able to see.

• In addition, a person who is familiar with the area in which the crime took place, may have a better recall of the positions of the victims or suspects.

Crime Scene & Suspect Factors

Source: http://www.helium.com/items/1276135-accurate-eyewitness-accounts

Crime Scene Challenge

• Now that your eyes and brain are warmed up, let’s test your observation skills a bit more.

• You will have 2 minutes to study the photograph of a crime scene on the next slide.

• Try to pay attention to details as you will be asked 10 questions about the crime scene!

• You are not allowed to write anything down until after the time is up.

• Ready?

Answer each question below.

1. What color coffee mug was in the picture? Blue Red Yellow  2. When was the deadline? Yesterday Today Tomorrow 3. What time was on the clock on the wall? 10:40 11:05 1:55  4. How many sticky notes were on the whiteboard? Four Six Eight 5. Which of the following was NOT in the picture? Stapler Trash Can Printer 6. What was the name on the plaque on the desk? Bill Brian Carl  7. What color was the victim's shirt? Black Blue Red 8. How many plants were in the picture? None One Two

9. What was the color of the marker in the desk drawer? Red Blue Green

10. Where was the book in the picture? On a box In the trash can Under the body

Source: http://forensics.rice.edu/html/picture_begin.html

Facial Composites

Investigators work with sketch artists and eyewitnesses to create facial composites, or sketches of a person’s face. Today many police departments are using facial reconstruction software to help them with this task.

The composite may be used internally to assist officers in identifying the suspect or used externally through local media (radio, TV, and newspaper) to solicit leads from citizens.

FACES – A software program that offers many options to help you recreate a person’s facial features.

The shape of the faceThe shape of the jawThe shape of the eyesThe shape of the noseThe width of the neckThe shape & protrusion of the earsThe presence of facial piercingThe presence of facial hair, its color, & locationThe presence of facial markings, such as scars or tattoosForehead or other facial linesThe presence of eyeglasses or sunglassesThe length, color, & texture of the person’s hair

You will have a chance to try to create a facial composite. You will need to pay close attention to the following features:

Crime Scene Processing

ForensicsK. Davis

Crime Scene

Crime Labs “run” on physical evidence

Physical Evidence = encompasses any and all objects that can establish that a crime has been committed or can provide a link between a crime and its victim or a crime and its perpetrator

Secure and Isolate Crime Scene

Remember- to be effective, evidence must be: Recognized Collected and processed properly Collector must be selective using knowledge of crime lab techniques, capabilities and limitations

Secure and Isolate Crime Scene

Crime labs do not solve crimes

Many jurisdictions have specialized teams to conduct crime-scene searches

Not all crime scenes require retrieval of physical evidence

Evidence Teams

All evidence must be documented in its original state.

It is relatively common for one person to be responsible for two or more aspects of the search.

Evidence Teams

Lead InvestigatorPhotographer and Photographic Log

RecorderSketch PreparerCrime Scene Search Recorder (Note-

taker)Evidence Recorder CustodianEvidence Recovery PersonnelSpecialists

Lead Investigator

the focal point of the crime scene investigation

exerts positive control of the entire crime scene operation

must be able to control actions and access to the scene at all times to insure the investigative efforts are properly coordinated and that the scene is not compromised

Lead Investigator

Assume control—insure safety of personnel and security at scene.

Obtain all preliminary information from the initial responding officer(s) If necessary talk with the complainant to verify information

Determine BoundariesEstablish perpetrator’s path of entry

and exit

Lead Investigator

Conduct initial walk-through for purposes of making a preliminary survey, evaluating potential evidence and preparing a narrative description.

Document & photograph obvious items

Brief all team members relative to the scope and purpose of the search.

Lead Investigator

Determine search patterns and make appropriate assignments.

Designate command post locationInsure that sufficient supplies and

equipment are available for personnel.Control access to the scene and

designate an individual to log everyone into the scene.

Release the scene after a final survey and inventory of the evidence.

Photographer/Photographic Log Recorder

entire scene (unaltered) including adjacent areas

with overall, medium and close-up coverage

using measurement scale when appropriate

each item of evidence before it is moved to show position and location & close-ups to show detail

Photographer/Photographic Log Recorder

all latent fingerprints, and other impression evidence, before lifting and casting is accomplished

Prepare photographic log and photographic sketch.

Photograph the scene as you left it.Videography with narration can be

used to augment photography.

Sketch Preparer

Diagram a Rough Sketch (at the scene)Rough Sketch – a draft representation of all essential information and measurements at a crime scene.

Sketch Preparer – Rough Sketch

location of all objects & physical evidence related to the case

legend; coordinate evidence nomenclature with Evidence Recorder/ Custodian and Evidence Recovery Personnel.

accurate depiction of the dimensions showing distance measurements of items using two fixed points

a compass heading designating north

Sketch Preparer – Rough Sketch

indicate adjacent buildings, rooms, furniture, etc., as needed

Designate and label areas to be searched and advise Team Leader and all other search members of nomenclature for designated areas.

Obtain appropriate assistance for taking measurements and list assistant(s) on sketch.

Sketch Preparer

Prepare a Final Sketch (not at the scene)Finished Sketch – A precise rendering of the crime scene, usually drawn to scale. (usually by professional draftsman)

Sketch Preparer -Finished Sketch

Contains all the information from the rough sketch in a concise, perfected presentation

Often prepared with aid of templates and drafting tools

Often completed using Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) programs

Crime Scene Search Recorder

Note-taking is a constant activity during the crime scene search.

Should include detailed written description of scene

Detailed description of evidence (location of items, time discovered, by whom, how and by whom it was packaged, etc)

Crime Scene Search Recorder

Notes often only written record of details to refresh one’s memory months or years later when at trial

Tape recording or narrating videotape can be advantageous, but still should be transcribed into a written document

Evidence Recorder/ Custodian

Prepare evidence recovery log Coordinate evidence packaging and

preservationCoordinate evidence nomenclature

with Sketch Preparer and Evidence Recovery Personnel

Receive and record all evidenceMaintain chain of custody and

control of evidence.

Evidence Recovery Personnel

Have all evidence photographed and videotaped before it is collected

Keep Team Leader apprised of significant evidence located

Initial and date all evidence and turn it over to the Evidence Recorder/ Custodian, after noting where the item was located.

Insure that appropriate safety measures are adhered to, especially with respect to proper protective clothing, including gloves.

Specialists

from industry, the academic community, private scientific labs- Medical Examiner/Coroner- Bomb Engineer- Geologist - Entomologist - Odontologist - Technician- Surveyor - Blood Pattern Analyst - Anthropologist - Crime Laboratory

Examiner- Computer Investigative Specialist

Conduct a Systematic Search

PreparationApproach Crime SceneInitiate Preliminary SurveyEvaluate Physical Evidence PossibilitiesDocument Crime SceneConduct Systematic SearchRecord, Collect, & Process Physical

EvidenceConduct Final SurveyRelease Crime Scene

Preparation

Evaluate the current legal ramifications of crime scene searches. (e.g., search warrants) Fourth Amendment – prohibits

unreasonable search and seizure When time and circumstances permit,

obtain a search warrant before investigating and retrieving physical evidence at crime scene.

Preparation - Legal ConsiderationsA warrantless search may be justified

in the following situations: the existence of emergency circumstances to prevent the immediate loss/destruction

of evidence search of a person & property within the

immediate control of the person provided it is made incident to a lawful arrest

a search made by consent of the parties involved

Preparation - Legal Considerations

Mincey v. Arizona - the 1978 Supreme Court case that related to the impropriety of the warrantless collection of physical evidence at a homicide scene

Michigan v. Tyler - the U.S. Supreme Court decision which dealt with the impropriety of the warrantless collection of physical evidence at an arson scene

Preparation

Accumulate packaging & collection materials

Prepare paperwork neededDiscuss upcoming search with team

(b-4 search) Make preliminary personnel assignments Organize communication Organize a “command post”

Basic Premises

The best search options are typically the most time consuming.

You cannot over document the physical evidence.

There is only one chance to perform the job properly.

International Association for Identification Safety Committee Guidelines

Gloves & shoe coversLiquid repellent coveralls & particle mask/

respiratory, goggles, face shield (when indicated)Be alert to sharp objectsUse biohazard bagsNote taking done with uncontaminated glovesNo eating, drinking, smoking, etc. at crime sceneRemove contaminated clothing & safety

garments immediately (dispose or package for cleaning appropriately) & decontaminate with 10% bleach or antimicrobial soap.

First officer(s) on scene should:

If necessary render aid to the victim(s).Arrest perpetrator if presentPreserve and protect area as much as

possibleExclude all unauthorized personnel

from scene begin recording who enters and leaves

(entry log)Isolate area using ropes, tape,

barricades, guards, etc.

Initiate a Preliminary Survey of SceneCautious walk-through of the sceneAcquire preliminary photographs.Delineate extent of the search areaOrganize methods and procedures

neededDetermine personnel and equipment

needsIdentify & protect transient physical

evidence.Develop a general theory of the crimeBrief team

Evaluate Physical Evidence PossibilitiesBased on type of crime, establish

evidence types most likely to be encountered

Insure sufficient collection & packaging equipment

Concentrate on the most transient evidence first

Focus first on the easily accessible areasLook for evidence of “foul play” at the

scene

Document the Scene

Documentation of a crime scene is extremely important. The Golden Rule Is; Do Not Touch, Move, Or Alter Any Evidentiary Item Until You Document The Scene. Notes Photography/Video Sketches

Document the Scene - Notes

Accurate & Legible Facts, observations, and statements;

not conclusions or evaluations Each investigator should keep notes

Purpose Assist with the preparation of your

written reports. Refresh you memory during the

investigation and at trial. All notes need to be preserved for court.

Notes GuidelinesUse a bound type of notebookWrite in inkNumber the pages consecutively, in advance,

to avoid any subsequent allegations about removing or destroying pages.

Draw a single line through any errors you may make , initial and date the error, & make corrections

Try to make all entries in chronological order leaving with no blank spaces.

It is a good practice to initial and date each page as you complete them.

Notes should include:

Your assignmentWhat you observedPeople on scene, contacted,

interviewed, or arrestedEvidence found or recoveredThe conditions at the sceneMethods of narrative—written, audio,

videoTime cleared

Document the Scene - PhotographyExcellent means of documenting detail Should be fair and accurate, and represent

the crime scene exactly as you found it Begin ASAP — plan before taking shots Photography log – include conditions, date,

time, frame number, subject matter, location, etc.

Overall, medium and close-up views of the scene (Do not place numbers in these pictures.)

Document the Scene - PhotographyUse a recognized scale device & evidence #

for size determination and identification (Be sure to take a picture without them in the scene as well.)

Photograph/videotape evidence in place before its collection and packaging.

Include areas adjacent to, the crime scene—points of entry, exits, windows, attics, etc.

Photograph/videotape items, places, etc., to corroborate the statements of witnesses, victims, and suspects.

Document the Scene - PhotographyFrom eye-level, when feasible, to represent

the normal view.Usually supplemented by

diagrams/sketches.Create a photo diagram if necessary.Prior to lifting latent fingerprints,

photographs should be taken 1:1, or using appropriate scale.

Videotape can be used to supplement your narrative and photographs, and video can best be used in the overall shot or documentation of the scene.

Prepare a Diagram/Sketch of SceneEstablishes a permanent record of items, conditions and distance/size relationships

Supplement photographsRefresh your memory of the event Significant dimensions should be accurately recorded to show distance and should contain sufficient measurements and detail to be used as a model for a drawn-to-scale.

Rough sketch - drawn at scene; changes may not be made once you have left the scene.

Number designations on sketch should coordinate with the evidence log.

Prepare a Diagram/Sketch of Scene Select a sketch technique Insure that enough room is allowed Accurate and consistent measurements must

be taken before the evidence is collected. Triangulate for exact distance. Use the lowest scale on the ruler/measuring

tape Record measurements on a separate piece of

paper, the key or legend, rather than on the rough sketch itself.

Record administrative information, such as the scale disclaimer (not drawn to scale)

Sketch should include: Case number Exact location Date and Time Person preparing the sketch and all those who

assisted. Compass orientation (North arrow) Key or legend containing:

Evidence represented by numbers (DO NOT USE I & O)

Fixed points and large objects represented by letters Measurements Direction of stairway Direction a door opens

Prepare a Diagram/Sketch of SceneDo not overcrowd the sketch with

nonessential items or details. The rough sketch may also be

required to be produced at the trial.Remember, you must complete the

rough sketch and all necessary corrections before leaving the crime scene.

 

Conduct Systematic Search

Thorough and systematicHow it is searched depends on type

of crime, local and size of scene, # of collectors, etc.

Collect massive objects to microscopic traces (all possible carriers of trace evidence)

Portable vacuum cleaners helpful

Conduct Systematic Search

Medical examiner may also provide evidence such as: Victim’s clothing Fingernail scrapings Head and public hairs Blood (for DNA typing) Vaginal, anal, and oral swabs (in sex

crimes) Recovered bullets from body Hand swabs from shooting victims

Search Patterns

Strip or Lane Search Method used for covering large or open areas line up shoulder to shoulder move slowly along examining parallel

strips of terrain

Search Patterns

Grid Search Method variation of the strip search method best used outdoors search a strip along one axis, east to

west then come back and cover the same

area on a north to south axis

Search Patterns

Zone or Sector Search Method area is divided into zones or sectors Each person is assigned a sector to do a

thorough search. Point to Point

Even though this is not very systematic, it can be used in small confined areas.

Search Patterns

Spiral or Circular Search used for outdoor scenes usually conducted by a single searcher

who walks in a slightly decreasing, less-than-concentric circle from the outermost boundary towards the center

process should not be reversed can be used for underwater searches.

Search Patterns

Clockwise – Counter Clockwise – Inside involves two agents working together The first agent would search in a

clockwise direction searching the area from the waist up to the ceiling

The second agent would search counter clockwise waist down to floor

Once you have completed one pass, reverse roles and repeat the process.

Record & Collect Physical EvidenceEach class of evidentiary items is handled

differently. Remember that there is no set procedure

applicable to every case, only general guidelines to be followed in most cases.

Photograph or videotape all items before collection and enter notations in photographic or video log (remember—use scale when necessary).

Mark evidence locations on the diagram/sketch.

Collect & Process Evidence

Maintain evidence in original condition if possible Prevent change which can arise from

contamination, breakage, evaporation, accidental scratching or bending, or loss through improper or careless packaging

Each different item or similar items collected at different locations must be placed in separate containers to prevent damage and/or contamination

Collect & Process Evidence

One of the most important principles is that evidence of a fragile nature must be collected first as it can easily be destroyed by personnel, changing environmental or other conditions. Examples of fragile evidence include:

Trace materials such as hairs and fibers, Various body fluids (DNA evidence), Latent friction ridge evidence, Volatile liquids, etc.

Collect & Process Evidence Each item of evidence collected should be

marked for identification. place your initials, date, item number, and case

number on the item, package, or tag as appropriate seal container and place your initials and date

along the seal edges where they make contact with the packaging

If there is a possibility that you could destroy evidence, mark on the container you put the item in.

If you are unsure of what type of packaging to use, and the item is not a liquid or very wet, place the item in a porous container.

Complete Evidence LogHave at least two persons:

See evidence in place before collection Observe it being recovered Mark the evidence (mark item itself

whenever feasible) Count currency, or inventory valuables

seized as evidence/contraband. Place identifying marks on evidence

containers, e.g. date, time, case number, name of agent, etc.

Complete Evidence Log

Do not handle evidence excessively after recovery.

Seal all evidence containers at the crime scene.

Do not guess on packaging requirements—different types of evidence can necessitate different containers.

Do not forget entrance and exit areas at scene for potential evidence.

Complete Evidence Log

Be sure to obtain appropriate “known” standards (e.g., fiber sample from carpet).

Constantly check paperwork, packaging notations and other pertinent recordings of information for possible errors, which may cause confusion or problems at a later time.

Obtain Controls

Examination of evidence often requires comparison with known standard or control Standard/reference sample (control): physical

evidence whose origin is known, such as blood or hair from a suspect that can be compared to crime-scene evidence.

Substrate control – uncontaminated surface material close to an area where physical evidence has been deposited. This sample is to be used to ensure that the surface upon which a sample has been deposited does not interfere with laboratory tests.

Buccal Swab – swab of inner portion of cheek; cheek cells are usually collected to determine the DNA profile of an individual.

Obtain Controls

Quality and quantity of controls may help determine evidential value of crime-scene evidence

Controls must be treated with equal care as actual evidence

Maintain Chain of Custody

records the movement of the evidence the “life history” of the item from the

time that it was discovered until it is no longer needed

essential to the admissibility of an item of evidence in judicial proceedings

An item of evidence, whose custody cannot be firmly established from the time of discovery to court presentation, may not be admitted no matter how potentially informative it could be.

Maintain Chain of Custody

Mark each item for identification (without compromising sample)

Enter the item on the chain of custody Ensure the item number is the same as

entered on your evidence log, the item, and the sketch.

Properly record the chain of custody information at every stage of evidence handling or transfer from one person to another & document the reason for transfer.

Maintain Chain of Custody

Store the items in a secured vault or special room with limited access.

Limit the number of personnel who are involved in the movement of the evidence.

The longer the chain the more potential there will be for a weak link to exist.

Submit Evidence to Lab

Can be by personal delivery or by mail shipment

Method of transmittal is determined by: the distance the submitting agency must

travel to the laboratory the urgency of the case

Must be accompanied by evidence submission forms List of tests to be performed on each item List of items submitted

Conduct a Final Survey

Critical review of all aspects of the search Discuss search jointly with all personnel for

completeness. Double-check documentation to detect

inadvertent errors. Check to insure all evidence is accounted for

before departing scene. Ensure all equipment used in the search is

gathered. Make sure possible hiding places or difficult

access areas have not been overlooked in detailed search.

Release Crime Scene

Release is accomplished only after completion of the final survey.

At minimum documentation should be made of: Time and date of release To whom released By whom released

Ensure that appropriate inventory has been provided, as necessary considering legal requirements, to person to whom scene is released.

Release Crime Scene

Once the scene has been formally released, re-entry may require an additional warrant.

Evidence recovered during a re-entry may not have the integrity as that recovered during the original search.

Only the person-in-charge should have the authority to release the scene.

Consider the need to have certain specialties observe the scene before it is released (e.g., blood pattern analysis, ME).

The Trial of the Century

O.J. Simpson was a NFL football legend.

He is now famous for having been tried for the murder of ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson & her friend Ronald Goldman in 1994.

He was acquitted in criminal court after a lengthy, highly publicized trial.

What went wrong?

Upon arrival, police found evidence of blood and entered the Simpson home without a search warrant (permissible - emergency situation).

HOWEVER, the police collected a pair of blood-stained gloves during their search. Collection of evidence without proper

warrants became the key argument used by Simpson’s legal team & ultimately led to his acquittal.

What was learned?

If forensic evidence is to be admissible in court, the highest professional standards must be used at the crime scene!

He was found liable for their deaths in civil court, but has yet to pay the $33.5 million judgment.

Video: Crime Scene Clean-up

http://investigation.discovery.com/videos/crime-scene-clean-up-steps-for-cleaning.html

http://investigation.discovery.com/videos/crime-scene-clean-up-blood.html