FORS08007 2019 Crime Scene Management
This module reinforces the crucial value of reliable and painstaking work at the crime scene. It builds on the skills introduced in crime scene investigation in year 2. Appropriate management of investigational information, preservation of the scene and collection of evidence is fundamental to the efficacy of subsequent laboratory based examination or analysis. Any short coming at the crime scene cannot be overcome by subsequent laboratory analysis or post analysis interpretation. The module will put the students in control of a simulated crime scene where they are required as teams to manage a crime scene from beginning to end. They will be required to maintain the integrity of the crime scene while managing the collection of physical evidence and commencement of the chain of custody.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Work effectively as part of an investigative team, as CS manager or CSI member, to process a simulated crime scene.
Appraise a simulated crime scene and carry out the steps required for the preservation and documentation (including photography) of the crime scene, organise a systematic search for evidence, collect, package and label evidence. Communicate the required testing rationale.
Evaluate the potential complexity of a crime scene and the many practical and legal constraints, including the need for timeliness.
Assess their personnel safety and the safety of team members, and take suitable control measures to protect scene and personnel
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered full time as a one week intensive course or split up over several weeks. It will include some lectures but mainly practical work as part of a CSI team processing indoor and outdoor simulated crime scenes. Student will also have to prepare a final report of the activity.
Module Assessment Strategies
This module is 100% continuous assessment.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat sitting of the module.
Indicative Syllabus
Crime Scene Management, including stabilisation of the scene, control of boundaries, development of an examination strategy and recording observations.
Digital photography, method and sequence of photography for a crime scene, crime scene logs, sketching and mapping, conducting a crime scene search and contemporaneous note taking.
Search and recovery of biological and other physical evidence, maintenance of the evidence log and start of the crime scene to court chain of custody, evidence container and labelling.
Practical with simulated crime scenes. Each person will be assigned a role within the CSI team, including a rotating CS manager. Team will process updated information and seek out investigative information to develop a forensic strategy. Each person will have specific responsibilities and tasks and will be assessed both on their practical skills and contribution to a team report. Includes outdoor, indoor and vehicles scenarios.
This module will have a very practical emphasis drawing together the specific theory elements from previous modules e.g. crime scene management module, Forensic Science 1 and Forensic Science 2 and integrating and applying this knowledge to practical situations.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Class discussion, Feedback on team work | Formative | Performance Evaluation | 0 % | Week 7 | 1,2,3,4,5 |
2 | Practical Evaluation, written report, CS team excercise | Coursework Assessment | Performance Evaluation | 100 % | Week 7 | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Flat Classroom | Lecture and Preparation | 1 | Weekly | 1.00 |
Supervision | Sports Facility | Crime Scene Excercise | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Independent Learning | Not Specified | Self Study | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Required & Recommended Book List
2016-09-23 Crime Scene Management John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 9781119180913 ISBN-13 1119180910
Module Resources
N/A
N/A
International Association of Blood Pattern Analysis
European network of forensic science institutes
Chartered Society of forensic science, UK
None