1.  Introduction to Forensic Science

2.  Forensic Science  Involves the application of scientific theory, process, and techniques in legal matters.  Primary role of a forensic scientist is to analyze evidence gathered at a crime scene.

3.  Science Disciplines Needed  Biology  Physics  Geology  Anthropology  Psychiatry  Photography  Toxicology  Ballistics  Odontology (in forensics: examination of bite marks and dental identification of corpses)  Engineering  Chemistry  Computer technology  Pathology (investigation of a sudden, unexplained death)  Environmental science  Entomology (study of insects, particularly decomposers in forensics)  Palynology (study of pollen and spores)  Polygraphy (use of lie detectors)

4.  Locard’s Exchange Principle  Edmond Locard was a pioneer in the field of forensic science.  He became known as “The Sherlock Holmes of France.”  In 1910, when he opened his forensic lab, he stated that whenever an individual comes in contact with a crime scene or victim, there will be an exchange of materials between them.

5.  Two Types of Evidence  Testimonial evidence: prima facie evidence or direct evidence, a statement made by a competent witness under oath.  Physical evidence: real evidence; any object or material relevant to a crime.

6.  Example of Physical Evidence  Hair, fibers, soil, glass, body fluids, fingerprints, pollen, bones, toxic substances, documents, firearms, ammunition, gunshot residues and impressions (bite marks, shoeprints, etc.)

7.  Types of Physical Evidence  Individual: linked to a single source  Examples: fingerprints and footprints  Class: Material that can be linked to only a group of items with similar properties  Examples: hair and blood type

8.  Two Forms of All Evidence  Both testimonial or physical evidence can be either direct or circumstantial evidence.  Direct evidence: links the suspect to the crime  Examples: blood alcohol content or possession of an illegal substance  Circumstantial evidence: points to a possible connection between the evidence and the suspect

9.  Forensic Evidence Databases  The National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) allows the comparison of markings made by a firearm on bullets and cartridge casings.  The International Forensic Automotive Paint Data Query (PDQ) contains chemical and color information pertaining to original automotive paints.  SICAR (shoeprint image capture and retrieval) is a shoeprint database.  The Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS), a national fingerprint and criminal history system maintained by the FBI.  The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) enables federal, state, and local crime laboratories to electronically exchange and compare DNA profiles.

10.  The Crime Scene  Forensics begins at the scene of the crime.  Careful, objective, and scientific treatment of all evidence must occur.  If not, vital evidence may be overlooked, damaged, or contaminated; making it useless in a court of law.

11.  Primary CSI Procedures 1.Interview 2.Examine 3.Photograph 4.Sketch 5.Process 1.Tag all evidence with a number. 2.Photograph it. 3.Package it. 4.Label it.

12.  Notes  Police notes begin with your assignment to the case and continue to the end of the investigation.  Supplement all photos, sketches, and scale drawings.  Print with a smudge-proof blue or black ink.  Number and identify each page with your name, title, case number, and date.  Record the time an action was taken, information received, or event was observed.  Do not edit or erase. Line out the entry, initial, and rewrite.

13.  Forensic Photography  No objects are removed until they have been photographed from all necessary angles.  Three ranges of picture documentation:  Overview  Intermediate  Close-up (close and perpendicular to the object.)

14.  Photo Log Information  Assign each photo a number.  Describe photo contents.  Cite the time the photo was taken, the type of photo, and the distance to the focal point.  List the type of camera used and the height at which it was held.

15.  Additional Photo Log  List the position of the camera or the angle of the camera shot.  List what lens was used; whether a flash was used; and whether digital or the type of film.  If film, note when new film is loaded.  Note all data on a photo sketch, as well as in your notes.

16.  Crime Scene Sketches  Aerial view of the entire crime scene  Rough sketch vs. finished drawing

17.  Elements of Sketching  Measurements  Compass directions  Essential items  Scale or proportion  Legend  Title (case-file # and offense)  Projection  Surveying methods  Rectangular (hypotenuse) or polar coordinates (length and angle.)

18.  Projection Drawing  Looks like a box with all four sides flattened.