CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION

Criminal Investigation

Criminal Investigation

Crime Scene Processing

Much of what has been discussed previously is involved in crime scene processing, so there is little need to rehash. There remain a number of points that fit into the categories of trace evidence, the homicide victim and a few administrative matters to get the nitty gritty explanation of forensic science out the way and conclude this set of web pages. This is more the loose ends section than anything, a smattering of quick explanations for topics that don't appear in the other categories. But first, some review(Garber 2001).

Most physical evidence concerns itself with class characteristics and individual characteristics. Class characteristics are those characteristics which are common to a group of similar objects. For example, you buy a pair of Air Jordan sneakers. All Air Jordan sneakers have the same shape and same tread design on the bottom. These are class characteristics. Individual characteristics are those characteristics which are unique to a given object and set it apart from similar objects. You wear your Air Jordans around for awhile and they get worn. The treads wear down(Gao, Golden, Vassil 2004). They get little pits and gouges in them. These little pits and gouges are individual to your shoes and no others since no one has walked over the exact same surfaces in the exact same way in their Air Jordans. These concepts apply to all kinds of forensic evidence, from soil to glass, from rope to hefty bags.

The fracture match is another important concept, particularly when trace evidence is concerned. Tear a piece of paper in half. Hold the two halves together. This is called a fracture match. No two tears are exactly alike. One half of a tear can always be matched back to its other half. Remember that. If a half of something found at a crime scene can be matched to the other half of something found on a suspect, that's damn good physical evidence(Gangolly 2006).

Crime Scene Documentation

The first thing you do after securing a crime scene is document it. Always take pictures. They are the best record available. They show the crime scene as it was found; where objects are in relation to other objects, victims, rooms, etc. Take notes. Describe the scene, its over all conditions. Describe rooms, lights, shades, (Gallo 2005) locks, food; anything that can indicate a time frame, condition of scene or that might have even ...