UNIT 1 FORENSIC SCIENCE and Crime Scene Investigation Ver 2-1

8/12/2019 UNIT 1 FORENSIC SCIENCE and Crime Scene Investigation Ver 2-1

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UNIT 1 FOUNDATIONS OF FORENSIC SCIENCE


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Overview

To have an overall understanding regarding the foundation on which forensic science is

derived, one must have a working knowledge of the history of forensic science and how itevolved over time. The examining of the historical perspectives of forensic science and

evidence analysis is of great importance to the successful solving of crime. It is also

useful to the criminal justice system and gives one an appreciation of what is involved in

forensic science and its interaction with the laboratory. The role of the forensic

examiner will also be examined from the time the forensic examiner learns about the

crime, to the process of the assessment, planning, implementation, analysis and

evaluation of the forensic evidence.

Unit Objectives:

1. To describe the history, terms and concepts in forensic science2. To describe the various branches of forensic science3. To assist students in identifying the role of the forensic scientist in crime

scene investigation.

4. To outline the importance of forensic science in solving crimes5. To explain the role of forensic science in crime scene investigation

Readings and Online Resources

Saferstein, R., 1998, Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science 6th

ed., Prentice

Hall NJ.


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Session 1.1 Defining Forensic Science and its role in solving

crime

Learning Objectives

At the end of this sessionthe student should be able to:

1. Define forensic science2. Discuss its role in solving crime3. Explain the role of the forensic scientist4. Identify different types of forensic work

Introduction

In this session, the role of the forensic scientist, forensic science and types of forensic

work will be discussed and defined. Forensic science and its application to the crime

scene is an important and invigorating approach to solving crime. The word forensic

means using science to solve crimes. Although this is true, the question remains, what

does a forensic scientist do? Everyday crimes are committed all over the world and

science has become a necessary tool for solving these crimes. You may also be

wondering if forensic science has anything to do with the following programmes; CSI

Miami, CSI New York or Silence of the Lamb. If the answer is yes, your guest is correct.

However, dont be totally taken in by the play acting you see in the pictures, the real

Forensics Science is not lights, camera, action. But, before we begin:


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Activity 1.1 A Ice Breaker

Lets get to know each other.

What is Forensic Science?

It is relevant for us to examine what is forensic science and its importance to crime scene

investigation. Forensic science consists of three aspects, the actual science, the

application of science and the forensic scientist working to solve crimes related to the

criminal justice system. One of the most important aspects of forensic science, is the

practice of scientifically examining physical evidence collected from the scene of a crime

or a person of interest in a crime

Activity 1:2

Activity: What is Forensic Science

Follow the link to view the video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_58Xs

N6XJWQ

Complete the questionnaire entitled Self IntroductionExercise under Activity 1.1 A. It simply asks you to

share some information on yourself with the other

participants. If there is any information you dont want

to share, you can leave out that section. Have fun

completing the form and the interaction with the groupin the discussionforum.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_58XsN6XJWQhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_58XsN6XJWQhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_58XsN6XJWQhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_58XsN6XJWQhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_58XsN6XJWQ


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Forensic Scienceis the application of science to criminal and civil matters related to

the criminal justice system. It consists of two distinct aspects of the scientific approach to

solving crime, criminalistics and toxicology.

Criminalistics

This is the identification, recognition, individualization and evaluation of physical

evidence to solve crimes. It also involves analysis, examination and presentation of

evidence in a court of law.

Toxicology

The role of the forensic scientist is important in understanding the application of its

process. This is a branch of science that examines the biology and chemistry of chemicals

on living organisms. It is concerned with the symptoms, treatment and detection of

poisonous substances in and on the body. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/toxicology

Activity 1.3

The Forensic Scientist

This is a trained scientist who performs investigatory examinations and laboratory tests to

reach a scientific conclusion regarding a crime. This information is used in a court of law.

Activity: Self Examination

1. What was your personal definition of Forensic Science beforeyou started working on this unit.

2. Has it changed so far and if so HOW

3. Post your thoughts in the discussion forum


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Activity 1:4

The Role of forensic Science in Solving Crime

The Use of DNA

If there are no known witnesses to a crime, sometimes forensic evidence is used to solve

the case. For instance, if human remains are found dumped in a ravine and have decayed

to the point where they cannot be recognized, forensic scientists use DNA from the body,

examine dental work and even study the skeletal structure to determine who the person

was. They use the evidence they have to narrow down possibilities and determine if the

person was a male or a female. Sometimes forensic scientists can determine the cause of

death and if foul play may have been involved. . www.abc.net.au/science

The use of Forensic Toxicology

Two of the most common crimes that are determined in the forensic science lab are drug-

related crimes and sex crimes. It is in the crime lab that the chemical makeup of an

unidentified substance recovered from a suspect can be determined to be cocaine,

marijuana or another controlled substance. This is used as evidence in court to prove that

a person was in possession of illegal drugs. Forensic toxicology can determine if a person

was drunk or high behind the wheel of a car after a fatal accident, or if someone was

poisoned to death. DNA evidence recovered from a victims body can help determine

who was responsible for a physical or sexual assault. This evidence is commonly used in

court to put sex offenders and child molesters behind bars, and to set innocent people

free.

Activity: How to become a Forensic Scientist?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekTbRJbN6is&featur

e=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEkk13J3Ylk&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekTbRJbN6is&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekTbRJbN6is&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekTbRJbN6is&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEkk13J3Ylk&NR=1http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEkk13J3Ylk&NR=1http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEkk13J3Ylk&NR=1http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekTbRJbN6is&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekTbRJbN6is&feature=related


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Ballistics

Weapons testing, or ballistics, are important parts of forensic science. Forensic scientists

use their knowledge of ammunition and study the impact of a bullet to determine how

many shots were fired, where a shooter was standing when he or she fired, and even if a

victim was shot at point blank. This information can recreate a crime scene

www.abc.net.au/science

Cyber crimes

Forensics is also important in identifying the culprits of various cyber crimes. This type

of criminal activity is a new and growing field. Databases are searched, IP addresses are

traced and documents are recovered by computer forensic specialists to determine who

was responsible for stealing funds electronically. This evidence is used to prove a

suspects guilt for major white collar crimes, such as Ponzi schemes, embezzlement and

fraud. www.abc.net.au/science

The role of the forensic scientist in solving crime: The forensic scientist works

in various areas to solve crime. Some of these are the areas as follows;

-Crime Scene Investigator

-Expert Witness in court (Court Testimony)

- Laboratory Analysis

- Report Results (oral/and or written)

The crime scene investigator:reconstructs the crime scene in an attempt to look for

evidence and clues to solve a case or exonerate a suspect. The investigator conducts a

detailed detection, examination, recognition and collection of pertinent evidence of the

crime scene.


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Expert Witness:This person is skilled with scientific expert knowledge regarding

forensic science and uses it appropriately to solve cases. Expert witnesses testify in court

after an analysis of a crime to help determine innocence or guilt.

Laboratory Analysis:This person analyses evidence and comes up with a reasonable

explanations in regards to the reasons why persons may be responsible for a crime.

Reporter: This person is responsible for reporting the facts regarding a case and presents

the appropriate information as it relates to a case.

Summary

In this session you were introduced to the study of what forensic science is all about and

its role in solving crime. Emphasis was placed on the different types of forensic science

and the role of the scientist in solving crimes.

In order to achieved the objectives of this course the role of forensic science and its

application was made clear. In this regard, you should have a working knowledge of

forensic science and the role it plays in solving crime.


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Session 1.2 The History of Forensic Science

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session you should be able to:

1. Explain the history of forensic science2. Outline the contribution of forensic science to the criminal justice system

Introduction

It is important to understand the history of forensic science and its contribution to

solving cases. From as far back as the early twentieth century many crimes have been

solved using forensic applications. Today criminal justice systems all over the world

continue to rely on scientific knowledge to solve crimes. Forensic science may be

employed to assist in determining to determine innocence or guilt. Apart from finger

printing, DNA is the strongest, most reliable and compelling piece of evidence after

the commission of a crime. The 18th

and 19th

centuries saw a great deal of progress in

this field in Europe and to this date continues to rely heavily on its use. Many

significant contributions over the years have led to the development of a very detailed

and precise branch of science that greatly assists in criminal investigtions

The first text book in forensic medicine was published and recorded in Chinain 1248. The name of the book is His Duan Yui. In English it is translated as

The Washing Away of Wrongs. It was written by Song Ci and it contains

descriptions about how to distinguish between a death cause by drowning and

death cause by strangulation.

In 1879, a German pathologist by the name of Rudolph Virchov was the firstto study hair and recognize its limitations in solving crime


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The identification of documents was used by Chinese since the 700s.

A forensic scientist by the name of Karl Landsteiner was the first to discoverhuman blood groups and was awarded a Nobel Prize for it in 1930.

The establishment of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1932 gave furtherimpetus to the widespread use of forensic evidence to help solve crimes

In 1987 DNA profiling was introduced into the USA criminal court for thefirst time and resulted in Tommy Lee Andrews was convicted of a number of

sexual assaults in Orlando Florida.

In 1986 in English Midlands DNA was used for the first time to exonerate aninnocent suspect and to identify Colin Pitchforth as the murderer of two young

girls.

Activity 1:5

Summary

This session dealt with the history of forensic science and the fact that it continues to

play a pivotal role in the solving of crime in societies all over the world. The notion

Activity:Forensic Science History

1. Conduct a web search for additionalinformation relevant to the history offorensic science.

2. Discuss your findings with yourclassmates in the discussion forum.


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that the first text book on the application of forensic medicine was published in 1248

can surely give you some insight into the length of time that this science has been

around.


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Session 1.3 Branches of Forensic Science

Learning Objectives

At the end of this session you should be able to:

1. Define the different branches of forensic science2. Appreciate the various branches of forensic science

Introduction

Scientists are specialist in particular areas of forensic science but each person works

collaboratively to solve a crime. There are many branches of forensic science which

include the following:

1. Forensic Toxicology2. Forensic Anthropology3. Forensic Engineering4. Forensic Psychology5. Forensic Pathology

Branches of Forensic Science

Forensic Toxicology

This involves the study of toxic substances or poisons which include alcohol or drugs,

illicit or licit in or on the body. Forensic toxicology examines chemical compositions,

preparations and identifications of substances. It also consists of absorption,

distribution and elimination of substances in the body.

Activity 1:6

Activity: The Uses of Forensic Toxicology

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk-

ykYYwbu0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk-ykYYwbu0&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk-ykYYwbu0&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk-ykYYwbu0&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk-ykYYwbu0&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk-ykYYwbu0&feature=related


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Forensic Anthropology

Forensic Anthropologyis the application, study and identification of skeletal human

remains of physical evidence to assist in the detection of crime. Forensic Anthropologist

work in conjunction with pathologists, ordontologists and homicide investigators to

identify a decedent, to discover evidence of foul play or to discover evidence during the

postmortem. Forensic Anthropologists work to detect the ancestry, stature, age, sex and

unique features of the decedent.

Activity 1:7

Forensic Engineering: This is the investigation of products, machinery, materials and

structures that fail. Follow the link for a clear explanation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVteLdt6KmU

Forensic Psychology

This involves the application and interaction of psychological theories and practices to

the criminal justice system. It consists of civil and criminal cases. It provides

psychological services to family court, civil court and criminal court. In family court,

psychologist provide psychotherapy and counseling to families referred by the court forparenting skills training, anger management, divorce adjustment counseling and parent

child family counseling.In civil court psychologists conduct psychological autopsies,

evaluate emotional factors in sexual harassment, couple counseling regarding the impact

of trauma on a relationship. In criminal cases the psychologist evaluates juveniles

Activity: Forensic Anthropology- Bones

Anyone!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko0g4l85fm4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIaLKD8RXgU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko0g4l85fm4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVteLdt6KmUhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVteLdt6KmUhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko0g4l85fm4&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko0g4l85fm4&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko0g4l85fm4&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIaLKD8RXgU&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIaLKD8RXgU&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIaLKD8RXgU&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko0g4l85fm4&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko0g4l85fm4&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko0g4l85fm4&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko0g4l85fm4&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko0g4l85fm4&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIaLKD8RXgU&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIaLKD8RXgU&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko0g4l85fm4&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ko0g4l85fm4&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVteLdt6KmU


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accused of criminal acts, probation evaluations, credibility of child witnesses and

competency and diminished capacity evaluations.

Activity 1:8

Forensic Pathology

This is a branch of forensic work that applies principles of pathology to the legal

system and is concerned with determining the cause of death after examining a

corpse. This procedure is called autopsy and it is performed at the request of a

coroner or medical examiner.

Activity 1:9

Summary -Defining the crime scene

Crime scene investigation is a dynamic process that is based on logic and the use ofscientific knowledge and forensic techniques applied in physical evidence to solve

crime. It consists of identification, recognition, individualization and reconstruction.

Activity: What is forensicPsychology?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Elzgsxf

qEe8

Activity: What Forensic Pathologists Do

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu6hUUHmhOo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElzgsxfqEe8http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElzgsxfqEe8http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElzgsxfqEe8http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu6hUUHmhOohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu6hUUHmhOohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu6hUUHmhOohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElzgsxfqEe8http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElzgsxfqEe8


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Biology-Many crimes are committed against persons, crimes such as murder, assault,

rape. DNA testing and the examination of minute contact traces, such as blood, hair,

clothing fibers etc. is often the details that can precisely identify the culprit(s).

Drugs and toxicology- testing for restricted drugs, examining tissue specimens for

poison detection, and the analysis of blood and urine samples for alcohol, for example in

drink driving offences.

However, there is a degree of cross-over and typical work activities are likely to

include some or all of the following:

1. Analyzing samples, such as hair, body fluids, glass, paint and drugs, in the laboratory;

2. Applying techniques such as gas and high performance liquid chromatography,

scanning electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and genetic

fingerprinting;

3. Sifting and sorting evidence.

4. Attending and examining scenes of crimes.

5. Recording findings and collecting trace evidence from scenes of crimes or accidents.

6. Placing relevant data into computer programs.

7. Supervising the work of assistants and reviewing documents.

8. Analysing and interpreting results

9. Presenting results of work in written form or by giving oral evidence in courts of law

10. Justifying findings under cross-examination in courts of law.


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11. Consulting with the police to offer expert advice

Activity 1.10

.

Unit 1 Summary

In order to achieve the objectives of this unit, it was imperative to highlight the role of

forensic science, the branches of forensic science, the history and the role of the forensic

scientist. In this regard, you will have a better understanding and be able to apply the

necessary strategies in solving crime.

As part of your learning, you are encouraged to review this unit and make journal entries

as well as add comments and questions to the discussion forum. This unit should have

stimulated new ideas and thoughts regarding this area of science and I am sure that you

are willing to share those ideas with your classmates at some point.

Activity

View the following videos and make some note about the work of forensic

scientist.

Bone tips

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbYCkbaacYY&NR=1

Soil tips

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAcmMqhlH80&feature=related

Processing Tips

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDPYCeOu3WA

Think You Got What It Takes!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qESpv6bqBuU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a97g0iOlDtg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbYCkbaacYY&NR=1http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbYCkbaacYY&NR=1http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAcmMqhlH80&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAcmMqhlH80&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDPYCeOu3WAhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDPYCeOu3WAhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qESpv6bqBuUhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qESpv6bqBuUhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a97g0iOlDtghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a97g0iOlDtghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a97g0iOlDtghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qESpv6bqBuUhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDPYCeOu3WAhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAcmMqhlH80&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbYCkbaacYY&NR=1


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Documents

UNIT 1 FORENSIC SCIENCE and Crime Scene Investigation Ver 2-1