1. OBSERVATION SKILLS

2. Tools of Forensic Investigators
Observation
Interpretation
Reporting
- Must be able to identify evidence, record it and determine its significance

3. Observation What a person perceives using his or her senses
We can’t pay attention to everything, so we “filter” our observations and pay attention to only what we think is important

4. Quick Test of Observation
Read the following:
FINISHED FILES ARE THE RESULT OF YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC STUDY COMBINED WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF YEARS
Now count the F’s in that sentence. Count only once. How many??

5. Perception interpreting information received from the senses
This is not always accurate…our brain tends to fill in details that are not really there, but that we believe are there
We apply previous knowledge to new situations, even when it’s wrong

6. Eyewitness
A person who has seen someone or something and can communicate these facts

7. Observation by Witnesses
Perception of witnesses can be faulty even though they claim to be absolutely sure of what they saw

8. Factors that affect Eyewitness Observation
Emotional state
Whether they are alone or with a group of people
Number of people and/or animals in an area
Activity going on around them

9. The Innocence Project
Re-examined post-conviction cases using DNA evidence to provide conclusive proof of guilt or innocence
Found that in 200 cases reviewed, faulty eyewitness identification contributed to wrongful conviction 87% of the time
Eyewitness errors included mistakes describing the age and facial features of the suspect
Bias played a role in some of these errors

10. Fact vs Opinion
Fact – a statement or assertion of information that can be verified
Opinion – a personal belief founded on judgement rather than on direct experience or knowledge

11. How to be a good observer
Make a conscious effort to systematically examine all details of our surroundings.
Turn off our “filters” and collect all information, no matter how trivial it seems.
Do not interpret information, just gather it.
Write down and/or photograph as much information as possible.

12. Observations in Forensics
Forensic – comes from the Latin word “forensis”, which means forum
Forensic science – concerned with uncovering evidence that stands as fact
- uses science to help in legal matters
- uses both analytical skills and deductive reasoning

13. Analytical skills
the ability to identify a concept or problem, to isolate its component parts, to organize information for decision making, to establish criteria for evaluation, and to draw appropriate conclusions

14. Deductive Reasoning
Deriving the consequences from the facts using a series of logical steps

15. Role of Forensic Scientist
Find, examine and evaluate evidence from a crime scene
Act as expert witnesses for prosecution lawyers

16. Forensic subtypes Pathology Ballistics Toxicology Textiles
Blood spatter