1. Observation: A process and skill

2. Observation is a key skill for any investigator or personnel in the field for forensics Observation is a key skill for any investigator or personnel in the field for forensics Observation by definition is what a person perceives through the use of their senses (sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste, balance) Observation by definition is what a person perceives through the use of their senses (sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste, balance) Perception by definition is the process of interpreting the information that is taken in by the senses. Example: Hot vs. Cold Perception by definition is the process of interpreting the information that is taken in by the senses. Example: Hot vs. Cold Varies from person to person Varies from person to person Does not always reflect reality Does not always reflect reality Is not always accurate Is not always accurate

3. The brain filters everything that it takes in The brain filters everything that it takes in Focuses on what it deems as important Focuses on what it deems as important Importance is influenced by a variety of factors and events affecting the observer Importance is influenced by a variety of factors and events affecting the observer Flow of information Information taken in by the senses What details we pay attention to Perception Short term memory Long term memory as the information travels from one stage to the next the amount of information that is retained becomes less and less

4. Observation takes on various forms Observation takes on various forms What is observed is dependent on: What is observed is dependent on: Level of interest --Stress of situation Level of interest --Stress of situation Concentration level -- Number of distractions Concentration level -- Number of distractions The emotional state of the witness influences the ability to see and hear what is happening The emotional state of the witness influences the ability to see and hear what is happening Individuals may have a heightened sense of observation of an event. Example: Events of 9/11/01, major life events or major news events. Individuals may have a heightened sense of observation of an event. Example: Events of 9/11/01, major life events or major news events. Eyewitnesses are individuals who have seen someone or something and can communicate the associated facts. Eyewitnesses are individuals who have seen someone or something and can communicate the associated facts.

5. Eyewitness accounts vary considerably from person to person. Eyewitness accounts vary considerably from person to person. Eyewitness accounts are not always reliable. Eyewitness accounts are not always reliable. Investigators must be able to distinguish between facts and opinions from witnesses Investigators must be able to distinguish between facts and opinions from witnesses Fact is a statement or assertion that can be verified Fact is a statement or assertion that can be verified Opinion is a personal belief based on judgment rather than direct experience or knowledge. Opinion is a personal belief based on judgment rather than direct experience or knowledge. Memory fades with time Memory fades with time Creates gaps in the events Creates gaps in the events Key pieces of information are lost or distorted Key pieces of information are lost or distorted

6. Steps to becoming a good observer Steps to becoming a good observer Must make the conscious effort to systematically examine the environment Must make the conscious effort to systematically examine the environment Consciously observe and collect everything (become data gathering robots) Consciously observe and collect everything (become data gathering robots) Collect the data with out making any interpretation of the data Collect the data with out making any interpretation of the data Write down or photograph as much as possible Write down or photograph as much as possible Good observation requires that the brain not filter everything. Observation is a conscious effort. It takes practice, practice and more practice.