FORS06006 2019 Crime Scene Investigation

Illustrate the potential complexity of crime scene investigation and explain the techniques that CSI's use to process a scene.  Link the taking of specific evidence to the forensic strategy while maintaining the integrity of the scene, avoiding contamination and starting the continuity of evidence chain.

Describe the roles, responsibilities and liabilities of all personnel involved in the processing of a crime scene with particular emphasis on Scenes of Crime Investigators(CSI), First responder and Senior Investigation Officer and others with specific responsibility at the crime scene. 

Build skills relevant to CSI's through practical work in the laboratory, including development of fingerprints, footprints, tool-marks, use of light sources and digital photography and BPS interpretation.  Take part in a team mock crime scene excercise.

Implement safe working practices ( personal safety, safety of team members and others present)

This module will be delivered full time.  It will include lectures and laboratory practicals augmented by independent learning and directed learning.  This approach is expected to address student needs.  Moodle will be used as a repository of learning material.  Guest speakers and practitioners will be included when possible.

This module is 100% continuous assessment.

Repeat continuous assessment and / or repeat attendance at practicals.

1. Fingerprint analysis, history, principles of fingerprints, classification of prints, AFIS, detection and imaging methods.

2. Footwear and Tool marks, finding footmarks,  recovering and recording impressions, casting (3-D), use of light sources and BPA.

3. Class characteristics and individualising characteristics of evidence

4. Roles, responsibilities and information needs of all personnel involved in the processing of a crime scene.  CSI, First Responder, Senior Investigation officer,  Medical Personnel, Pathologists, Anthropologists, Entomologists, Odontologists, Scientists, and other forensic specialists.

 5. Body identification and Mass disasters.

6. Preservation and documentation of the crime scene.  Methods for systematic searching, recording, collection, packaging and labelling of evidence, practical constraints, the need for timeliness. Chain of custody; record keeping; the use of controls and reference materials; traceability of documentation; effective use of notebooks. Photography and Digital evidence.

7. Practical Syllabus includes examination of simulated evidence, sketching and preparation of lab reports with appropriate interpretation.  Sampling, collection and packaging of physical evidence e.g. fingerprints, palmprints, footwear prints (scene and reference), blood, hair, glass and fibres.