Forensic Science and Criminal Justice MSc (Distance Learning)
ASSESSMENT 1: TRACE EVIDENCE ANALYSIS (CH7202)
Student: Gan Sze Tan (Yanzhi Chen)
Student I.D. No: 169032116
Tutor: Dr. Alex Goddard
2016
(999 words)
1
Q) Critically evaluate whether comparison evidence types continue to have a valid role in the forensic investigation of volume crime such as burglary and vehicle offences.
1. Introduction
The application of scientific techniques and methods in forensic science has been widely used in the reconstruction of various crimes such as burglary and motor-vehicle offences. In other words, forensic science can be described as the partner in crime investigations, as it is a fundamental procedure in the successful prosecution of the offenders.
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Hence, it should continue to have a valid role in the forensic investigation of volume crimes.
4. References
1. Balwin, D., Birkett, J., Facey, O. and Rabey, G. (2013) Essential Forensic Science: The forensic examination and interpretation of tool marks. 1st edn. West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell.
2. Crime Scene Investigator Network (2000 - 2016) Fingerprint Ridge Patterns and Characteristics. Available at: http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/FingerprintRidgePatternsAndCharacteristics.html (Accessed: 22 October 2016).
3. Dutta, P. (2012) ‘Complete information on 9 different types of glasses’, Preserve Article. Available at: http://www.preservearticles.com/201012291928/glass-types.html (Accessed: 29 October 2016).
4. Higgins, R.A. (1997) Materials for the Engineering Technician. 3rd edn. London: John Wiley & Sons.
5. Jackson, A.R.W. and Jackson, J.M. (2011) Forensic Science. 3rd edn. Harlow: Pearson Prentice Hall.
6. Leed Forensic Systems (2016) Discovery firearms & tool marks comparison microscope. Available at: http://www.leedsmicro.com/Discovery%20WEB.pdf (Accessed: 5 November
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Rao, D. (2013) Dr. Dinesh Rao’s Forensic Pathology: Hair. Available at: http://forensicpathologyonline.com/e-book/crime-scene/hair (Downloaded: 6 November 2016).
13. Raut, S. (2008) Forensic Science: Glass. Available at: http://www.santoshraut.com/forensic/glass.fractures.htm (Accessed: 29 October 2016).
14. Renee Blake (2013) Hair and Fiber video lecture. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2iO6CGxwcU (Accessed: 31 October 2016).
15. Sapp, B. (2004) ‘Unit 5-Hair & Fiber’, bsapp.com. Available at: http://bsapp.com/forensics_illustrated/text.htm & http://bsapp.com/forensics_illustrated/pppresentations.htm (Accessed: 1 November 2016).
16. Tiwari, P. (2016) ‘Major physical characteristics of racial groups’, Geographynotes.com. Available at: http://www.geographynotes.com/human-geography/major-physical-characteristics-of-racial-groups/1012 (Accessed: 20 October 2016).
17. Wargacki, S.P., Lewis, L.A. & Dadmun, M.D. (2008) ‘Enhancing the quality of aged latent fingerprints developed by superglue fuming: Loss and replenishment of initiator’, Journal of Forensic Science, 53(5), pp. 1138-1144.
18. Wikipedia (2016) Combined DNA Index System. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combined_DNA_Index_System (Accessed: 25 October
The blood of the unknown person became apparent through comparing the blood type found at the crime scene with the contrasting blood types of the suspects. The blood identified at the crime scene could have possibly belonged to Anna Garcia or Erica Piedmont. This observation was based on the information that the blood type found at the crime scene was type A and these two individuals are the only ones that carry that specific type. In similarity, a microscopic photography was taken of the unknown hair follicle found at the crime scene. Then hair samples were taken from the potential suspects, and the victim. These findings were then compared. This was done by looking at each individuals hair follicles and comparing it with the unknown one. By looking at the similarities and differences in medulla diameter, the discovery of the unknown hair follicle became established that it belonged to Anna Garcia. Further examination resulted in the analyzation of a shoe print found at the crime scene. Shoe patterns and sizes were taken from each suspect, including the victims. They were then identified and compared to the one found at the crime scene. By looking at the distinct pattern, size, and the fact that both shoes were a Columbia brand sneaker it became obvious that the shoe print was extremely similar to Anna’s shoe design. Through this found evidence it became
Crime scenes are known to have many clues left behind. The obvious would be a the body or bodies, clothing, and sometimes even the murder weapon. While these are great way to solve a case there's another kind of evidence; trace evidence. Trace evidence are small pieces of evidence that are laying around a crime scene. There are many types of trace evidence some of them include metal filings, plastic fragments, gunshot residue, glass fragments, feathers, food stains, building materials, lubricants, fingernail scrapings, pollens and spores, cosmetics, chemicals, paper fibers and sawdust, human and animal hairs, plant and vegetable fibers, blood and other body fluids, asphalt or tar, vegetable fats and oils, dusts and other airborne particles, insulation, textile fibers, soot, soils and mineral grains, and explosive residues. Although these are the most common found elements, they are not the only ones. The Trace Evidence Unit is known to examine the largest variety of evidence types and used the biggest range of analytical methods of any unit. materials are compared with standards or knowns samples to determine whether or not they share any common characteristics. In this paper I will discuss the different kinds of trace evidence and how crime scene investigaros use it to solve cases and convict criminal.
The three different main types of fingerprints are Loops, Arches, and Whorls (Jackson 1). Henry Faulds is known as the Father of Fingerprints and developing fingerprints (Jackson 1). His discovery of fingerprints has made a huge impact not only in his time but, in Modern Crime Scene Investigation (Jackson 1). Without fingerprinting, it would be very difficult to convict criminals of crimes and very hard to try to process information. Crime Scene Investigators make a huge impact in Forensic Science. We need CSI workers, without them people could only imagine what crime would be like not only in our community, but in our
“Advance in Forensics Provide Creative Tools for Solving Crimes.” www.ctcase.org. Np. n.d. Web. 17 March 2014.
Forensic Science, recognized as Forensics, is the solicitation of science to law to understand evidences for crime investigation. Forensic scientists are investigators that collect evidences at the crime scene and analyse it uses technology to reveal scientific evidence in a range of fields. Physical evidence are included things that can be seen, whether with the naked eye or through the use of magnification or other analytical tools. Some of this evidence is categorized as impression evidence2.In this report I’ll determine the areas of forensic science that are relevant to particular investigation and setting out in what method the forensic science procedures I have recognized that would be useful for the particular crime scene.
Strands of human hair situated at the crime scene gives exceptionally solid sign that an individual was at that area, yet it can likewise be useless if the fibres were found outside and, subsequently subject to the elements such as wind, and if the full length of the strand is not present (Dasgupta, 2007). Hair without anyone else 's input is essential, but rather the most imperative DNA evidence connected with hair fibres originates from the cellular material at the root of the hair strand. In a way, the microscopic particles of follicle give the most solid proof. The protein called keratin is the key substance that goes with the follicle, and that gives the best distinguishing proof. On the off chance that the hair is taken off by the root, for example that could happen when an individual is guarding him or herself against an attacker, then the hair fibres are essential (Innes, 2000). Hair that does exclude follicular material is a great deal less dependable. Hair fibres that do exclude keratin are helpful in distinguishing a category of individual into which a suspect may fit, however they are not complete evidence that the hair originated from the suspect (Innes, 2000). Therefore, personally, hair fibres are less important than fingerprints and DNA evidence acquired from saliva or blood. Fingerprints are not DNA evidence, but still they are extremely dependable types of evidence. DNA obtained from bodily fluids, in any case, is the most profitable type of evidence
Review, PubMed PMID: 19543886. Saferstein, R. (2011). Criminalistics: An introduction to forensic science (10th Ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
The transitional growth in the forensic science sector has not been without challenges. Though the world has experienced increased capabilities and scientific knowledge, which has led to faster investigations and results, many forensic experts have argued that forensic laboratory testing, in the light of 21st century technological advancements, is yet to meet the expected rate in quick available testing and analysis (Mennell & Shaw, 2006). This is with respect to the growing rate of crime and the high demand of quick crime scene testing and analysis. In the science of crime scene, analysis and interpretation of evidence is majorly dependent on forensic science, highlighting the change in the role of forensic sciences (Tjin-A-Tsoi, 2013). In the business of forensic science, time is beginning to play important role in the evidence testing and analysis which is becoming crucial in reducing ...
Forensic evidence can provide just outcomes in criminal matters. However, it is not yet an exact science as it can be flawed. It can be misrepresented through the reliability of the evidence, through nonstandard guidelines, and through public perception. Forensic science can be dangerously faulty without focus on the ‘science’ aspect. It can at times be just matching patterns based on an individual’s interpretations. This can lead to a miscarriage of justice and forever alter a person’s life due to a perceived “grey area” (Merritt C, 2010) resulting in a loss of confidence in the reliability of forensic evidence.
The collection, custody and preservation of forensic evidence is a vital aspect of evidence integrity, without proper adherence to these procedures, crucial evidence that could potentially have great impact on a court case could be rendered useless. In the case of criminal proceedings, a skilled defence lawyer will look to scrutinise every step taken by forensic practitioners’ involved within the case in regards to the continuity of the evidence, in doing this they attempt to undermine the practitioner’s ability to properly carry out strict evidence collection, protection and preservation procedures and also look to find fault in the techniques they used to carry out these procedures.
Crime investigators have the job to solve crime and find the suspect responsible. Sometimes the offense is very difficult to solve, but with the right pieces of evidence and tools, the investigation can be answered a little more easily. The use of fingerprints is a main tool used at crime scenes. Investigators find these at the actual crime scene and analyze them at the lab to determine whom the prints belong to. Each person has an individual print which is why this is a very useful piece of evidence. Sir Francis Galton found that the prints could be categorized into different types as well as different groups. The research of fingerprints from decades before has shaped the way detectives identify suspects and victims.
The amount of evidence can either help win or lose a case. Every crime scene has evidence available for officers to collect. It is important for them to know what the standard protocol is for collecting evidence and how to properly collect it without contamination.
Forensic science has now been recognized as an important part of the law enforcement team to help solve crimes and cold cases. The advances in technology are being used each day and we must continue to strive to develop better advances in this field. The recent discovery of using DNA in criminal cases has helped not only positively identify the suspect, but it has helped exonerate hundreds of innocent individuals. “With new advances in police technology and computer science, crime scene investigation and forensic science will only become more precise as we head into the future.” (Roufa, 2017) Forensic science and evidence helps law enforcement officials solve crimes through the collection, preservation and analysis of evidence. By having a mobile crime laboratory, the scene gets processed quicker and more efficiently. Forensic science will only grow in the future to be a benefit for the criminal justice
Works Cited Universiy of Manchester. " Forensic Magazine." Forensic Magazine. N.p., 26 July 2013. Web.
Gaensslen, R. E., Harris, H A., & Lee, H. (2008). Introduction to Forensic Science and Criminalistics. New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. .