Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 1 1 Chapter 1: Observation Skills Introduction The forensic examiner must be able to 1. find—identify the evidence 2. document—record the evidence 3. interpret—accurately determine the significance of the evidence

Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 1 2 What Is Observation? Our brains can filter out information. Point out some of the details in this photo.

Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 1 3 What Is Observation? How information is processed in the brain

Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 1 4 What Is Observation? Our brains fill in gaps in our perception o In order to make sense of what we perceive, our brains often enrich with detail what we see, taste, hear, smell, or feel o After an event, we can believe things were part of the background even though they were not

Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 1 5 How to be a Good Observer Observe systematically o Start at one part of a crime scene and run your eyes slowly over every space o Look carefully at details of each piece of evidence o Do not assume you will remember everything

Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 1 6 How to be a Good Observer Turn off filters o Consciously pay attention to all details o Do not pay attention to just what you think is important o All details are potentially important

Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 1 7 How to be a Good Observer Collect Information first, interpret data later o Look for patterns and make connections o More information yields better interpretations o Prejudices exist everywhere— eyewitness accounts your own thinking processes

Activity 1-2 You’re the Eyewitness o We will do this in another powerpoint Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 1 8

9 How to be a Good Observer Documentation, Documentation, Documentation o Write down and photograph as much information as possible o Be aware that memory is faulty o Remember that our brains tend to fill in gaps in our perceptions

Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter 1 10 Observations in Forensics o Study situations o Find clues in ordinary details o Work backwards from the evidence to what led up to the crime o Be patient o Practice

Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter Summary.... o The environment and our natural sensory filters affect our ability to observe o Eyewitness reports can be correct, faulty, or a little of both o Acquiring good observation skills takes practice and training

Forensic Science: Fundamentals & Investigations, Chapter Summary o Forensic scientists: Find and Document Evidence Evaluate and Interpret Provide expert testimony to courts

Observational Skills ACTIVITY 1-1 LEARNING TO SEE Directions: Study Photograph 1 for 15 seconds. When instructed by your teacher, answer as many of the questions as you can. You will have three minutes. Repeat the process for Photographs 2 and 3.

Photograph #1

1. At what location was the photograph taken? 2. How many cars are pictured? 3. What color are the cars? 4. What types of offices are located in the building? 5. How many small trees are in the picture? 6. The photograph was taken New York State during which season? 7. How many people are in the photograph?

1. At what location was the photograph taken? Glenville Municipal Center 2. How many cars are pictured? 2 3. What color are the cars? Tan & gray 4. What types of offices are located in the building? Town, police and court offices 5. How many small trees are in the picture? 2 6. The photograph was taken New York State during which season? Spring or summer 7. How many people are in the photograph? None

Photograph #2

1. What is pictured in Photograph #2? 2. Describe the shape of the object pictured? 3. What are the colors of the object? 4. What color edged the top of the object? 5. Upon what is the object displayed? 6. Describe or sketch the design on the object? 7. What is the approximate size of the object?

1. What is pictured in Photograph #2? Urn or pot 2. Describe the shape of the object pictured? Like a flowerpot 3. What are the colors of the object? Red, green, tan, blue, white brown 4. What color edged the top of the object? Blue 5. Upon what is the object displayed? A wooden chair 6. Describe or sketch the design on the object? See above 7. What is the approximate size of the object? ~12”-14” wide, ~ 16” tall

Photograph #3

1. How many people are in Photograph #3? 2. What is the sex of the person in the picture? 3. What is the approximate age of the person in the photograph? 4. What color is the person’s hair? 5. Does the person have long hair or short hair? 6. Does the person have any distinguishing features? Glasses? 7. Can you describe the person’s clothing? 8. Is the person wearing any jewelry? If so, describe it. 9. Can you describe where the picture was taken? 10. Based on evidence in the photograph, can you form a hypothesis about the person’s occupation? 11. Is it possible to identify the interests of the person based upon evidence in the room? 12. Do you think it is easier to answer questions about a photograph if a person is in the picture?

1. How many people are in Photograph #3? One 2. What is the sex of the person in the picture? Female 3. What is the approximate age of the person in the photograph? What color is the person’s hair? Blonde (dyed) 5. Does the person have long hair or short hair? Short 6. Does the person have any distinguishing features? Glasses? Yes 7. Can you describe the person’s clothing? See photograph above for description 8. Is the person wearing any jewelry? If so, describe it. Gold necklace and earings 9. Can you describe where the picture was taken? School room or office 10. Based on evidence in the photograph, can you form a hypothesis about the person’s occupation? Teacher 11. Is it possible to identify the interests of the person based upon evidence in the room? Forensics and biology books imply this might be a science teacher 12. Do you think it is easier to answer questions about a photograph if a person is in the picture? Yes because we can recognize familiar surroundings and situations.

Discussion Questions 1. Did everyone answer all of the questions correctly? 2. If everyone viewed the same photograph, what are some possible reasons why answers differed. 23

Discussion Questions 3. Do you think it is easier to answer questions about a photograph if a person is in the picture? Why or why not? 4. Did your ability to see more detail and answer more questions correctly improve with practice? 24

Do you consider yourself a good observer? Explain your answer. Summary discussion questions