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Learn about analyzing crime scene sketches, roles of first responders, medical examiners, and chain of custody in forensic science.
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Forensic Science Unit 1: Introduction to Forensics & Law
Getting Started • What can you tell about the crime from this crime scene sketch?
What happens at a crime scene? • Modus Operandi: sequence of events • First Officer at the scene must: A- Assess the crime scene D- Detain the witness A- Arrest the perpetrator P- Protect the crime scene T- Take notes
What next? • If someone has died, the medical examiner should note the body’s condition and if possible estimate the time of death • Photos and videos are then taken • Photos must be taken at EVERY angle, and MUST have a ruler or something to show scale
What is the medical examiner responsible for? • Medical examiners are doctors and are appointed (Coroners are elected officials) • Medical examiners: • Identify the deceased • Establish time and date of death • Determine medical cause of death • Determine the mechanism of death • Classify the manner of death • Notify the next of kin
What is meant by “cause”, “manner” and “mechanism” of death? • Cause of death- injury or disease that resulted in the person dying • Mechanism of death- physiological reason that the person died • Manner of death- only these 5 • Natural • Accidental • Suicide • Homicide • Undecided • Example: Manner- Natural; Mechanism- Heart Failure Cause- Pulmonary edema
Crime Sketches • Sketches give record of relationships of different points of interest • They should include date and time, scale, reference points, distance measurements, names of investigators, victims, suspects and a legend. • Original sketch is considered evidence
How do you collect and package • Refer to reference sheet throughout year • Must maintain chain of custody- court needs to know who has been responsible for evidence from the time it was collected until presented at court