Introduction to Forensic Science & Crime Scene Protocol

Introduction to Forensic Science& Crime Scene Protocol Kathy Mirakovits

‘Basics’ of Forensic Science • What does “forensic science” mean? The presentation of science or scientific evidence in a public forum (court of law)

Edmond Locard • Locard’s Exchange Principle – whenever two objects come in contact, there is a mutual exchange of material. • Every criminal can be tied to crime. • Something is left behind. CS Investigators must find that material or materials: EVIDENCE.

Class Evidence Consistent with a particular source The more class evidence that fit the criminal – the better Hair Fibers Soil Glass fragments Individual Evidence Individualized to a single, specific source No doubt as to what the source is fingerprints DNA Handwriting Voiceprints Always involves a comparison—an exemplar. Individual vs. Class Evidence

‘Basics’ of Crime Scene Protocol

Search Methods GRID LINE ZONE SPIRAL

Crime Scene Photography • Photograph outside with distance and close up views of all access points • Room shots show 4 corner views • Distance and close up photos of evidence

Rough Draft and Final CS Sketch A ROUGH DRAFT A FINAL SKETCH

Student Final Sketch Checklist Location-Address N Case # Date / Time (of report) Officer ____ Type of Crime Asst. By ____ Scale ¼ in. = 1 foot (1 square = 1 foot) Key to Evidence

Crime Scene 1 • Keep It Simple. • Goal 1: What is Evidence? • Goal 2: practice sketching.

Introduction to Forensic Science & Crime Scene Protocol