Unit 10 Forensic Science Applications Unit 1 Collecting Evidence Hazards and Protection

Research 1 ~ Hazards Find out the answers to the following questions: 1. What do these initials mean: HSE PPE COSHH 2. Complete the following: – A hazard is – A risk is 3. What is meant by sharps? Health and Safety Executive Personal Protection equipment Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Anything that might cause harm. The chance that someone could be harmed. Any sharp instrument or object.

Method of entry into the body inhalation skin absorption ingestion injection Nature of hazard contaminants that make contact with the skin contaminants such as sharp objects that can puncture the skin airborne e.g. dusts, smoke, vapours, gases contaminants that are able to enter the mouth Action to reduce the risk wash hands before eating or smoking. Do not bring food into unsuitable areas. Use equipment such as safety glasses, gloves and other protective clothing Exercise caution when handling. Wear gloves at all times. Dispose of sharp objects in special containers. Ventilation and/or respiratory protection masks.

Roles Detective Senior Investigating Officer Scenes of Crime Officer Senior Scenes of Crime Officer Scene Guard To question suspects and investigate lines of enquiries. To co-ordinate the overall investigation To record and recover valid evidence at crime scene. To manage the forensic examination of the scene. To preserve the scene and to make sure no unauthorised persons enter the scene.

Processing a crime scene Valid evidence Valid evidence is based on the truth. It can be accepted in court. Forensic scientists use two procedures to make sure evidence is valid: avoid contamination Record accurately

Protective clothing Face mask Protects against inhaled particles and prevents contamination from the officer’s saliva. Goggles Protect eyes from chemical hazards. Hooded Plastic Suit Protects the officer at the scene and prevents contamination of the scene. Gloves Protect from materials absorbed through the skin, prevents contamination by fingerprints and DNA. Shoe covers Prevent footprints from damaging evidence. Complete the task on page 6 of your booklet on protective clothing.

Establishing Evidence You will need to find out: How contamination of the crime scene is prevented How the officers protect themselves from harm What photos and measurement were taken What evidence is collected, and how is it stored in. What can be learned from the evidence? Protecting the evidence at the Crime scene Look at the 3 pictures on the Power point. In each case write down all the ways you spot that help to protect the validity of the evidence.

Picture A ~ Cars Tape used to created a cordoned off area to prevent people from entering the scene unauthorised. Police officers used to prevent unauthorised people entering the area.

Picture B ~ SOCOs at work Tent Provides screen and distinct barrier Suits SOCOs gathering evidence correctly dressed. NB. Any Police Detective entering the scene would be required to wear a protective suit. BUT they don’t on TV do they? Stepping Plates Provide a safe and secure way of approaching the scene.

Picture C ~ On the ground and around Tent Provides screen and distinct barrier Crime Scene Tape Creates an inner cordon. Full protective clothing! Evidence markers.