Premium Essay

Crime Scene Investigation Research Paper

Submitted By
Words 659
Pages 3
Crime Scene Investigation
Samples That May be collected at a Crime Scene
A wide variety of physical evidence can be collected at a scene that is deemed valuable probative for collection and investigation: biological evidence, latent print evidence, footwear and tire track evidence, trace evidence, digital evidence, tools and tool mark evidence, drug evidence, and firearm evidence. A crime scene investigator swabbing a spot on the floor of a crime scene near a body, the type of evidence collected will vary with the type of crime. In the case of a burglary, for example, it would be common to perform tasks in the order listed below. This will help ensure that evidence isn’t inadvertently damaged or destroyed: Photograph and document the scene, …show more content…
Larger agencies often have dedicated, highly trained crime scene specialists, while smaller agencies may require that first responders or detectives process the scene in addition to their other duties.
In many instances, a case will be investigated by a detective who is responsible for interviewing persons of interest and victims, pursuing leads and piecing together the information that is developed from the materials collected at the scene. The detective works in tandem with a team of crime scene personnel who search the scene and collect the evidence. The crime scene investigation team may consist of crime scene photographers and evidence collection personnel specializing in gathering specific evidence such as latent prints, DNA, trace evidence and the like.
In the United States, there are no national requirements that must be met to serve as a crime scene investigator; however, investigators can achieve four levels of certification through the International Association for Identification that demonstrate their proficiency: Certified crime scene investigator, certified crime scene analyst, certified crime scene reconstructionist, and certified senior crime scene

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Crime Scene Investigator

...TermPaperWarehouse.com - Free Term Papers, Essays and Research Documents The Research Paper Factory Join Search Browse Saved Papers Home Page » Other Topics Crime Scene Investigator In: Other Topics Crime Scene Investigator Crime scene investigation is the meeting point between science, logic and law. Processing a crime scene is and long and tedious process and is the job of crime scene investigators (CSI). CSI has the responsibilities of collecting, documenting, preserving, reconstructing and presenting evidence. It is their job to examine any physical evidence that could remotely shed any light on what happened and who is responsible. There are no typical crime scenes, evidence or investigative approaches and every crime scene should be approached in a systematic sense. According to Robert R. Ogle Jr., a crime scene search is defined as a systematic, methodical search for any physical evidence at a crime scene. Before the job of CSI can begin, there has to be a crime committed. For instance, CSI are on call for murder scene investigations to collect and examine evidence. When CSI is contacted, their job begins. Evidence is a major part in any investigation. Without evidence, a case can grow cold quick. Anything can be evidence and when in a crime scene, everything should be treated as such. Evidence has many different categories: trace, firearm, impression, drug and alcohol, document, and biological fluids. All of these categories...

Words: 347 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Mr. Aborgeh Christian

...Digital Forensic Investigation Framework∗ Brian D. Carrier carrier@cerias.purdue.edu Eugene H. Spafford spaf@cerias.purdue.edu Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security - CERIAS Purdue University West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA Abstract In this paper, we present a framework for digital forensics that includes an investigation process model based on physical crime scene procedures. In this model, each digital device is considered a digital crime scene, which is included in the physical crime scene where it is located. The investigation includes the preservation of the system, the search for digital evidence, and the reconstruction of digital events. The focus of the investigation is on the reconstruction of events using evidence so that hypotheses can be developed and tested. This paper also includes definitions and descriptions of the basic and core concepts that the framework uses. 1 Introduction Since the first Digital Forensic Research Workshop (DFRWS) in 2001 [Pal01], the need for a standard framework has been understood, yet there has been little progress on one that is generally accepted. A framework for digital forensics needs to be flexible enough so that it can support future technologies and different types of incidents. Therefore, it needs to be simple and abstract. On the other hand, if it is too simple and abstract then it is difficult to create tool requirements and test procedures for each phase. For this paper, we have examined...

Words: 6869 - Pages: 28

Premium Essay

Csi Analysis

...the reader of this paper with a descriptive analysis of an episode of Crime Scene Investigations (C.S.I.). The intent is to show what is provided by the television series of what happens in a crime and what is supposed to happen during a crime scene investigation. The reader should be able to understand during this analysis to what in fact is non-realistic in this television episode and what is reality as determined by what has been researched. This will show what really happens in a crime scene investigations lab. The episode chosen for this review was CSI: Miami, The Golden Parachute. The episode begins with an aircraft taking important people to testify in front of the Security Exchange Commission. The aircraft began to have issues after takeoff and crash landed in the Florida Everglades. Fishermen were located in and around the everglades and witnessed the crash, they were consumed by what just happened and alerted 911. This prompted Horatio and his crime scene investigative team to begin work. There were eight total passengers on board including the pilots. They immediately identified bodies in the water and determined that this was a leve1 two biohazard. There were bodies thrown from the aircraft in the same area and they also found a body five miles down the everglades. The investigations continued throughout. There were things noticed that was clearly polished, questionable and what seemed to be real as part of an investigation. The crime scene investigators also acted...

Words: 1414 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Crime Scene Management

...good crime scene management and the maintenance of sample integrity. This paper will firstly define the five building blocks, procedures and protocols that underpin good crime scene management. Secondly, the paper will argue the two most important factors that enable good crime scene management and sample integrity with reference to the highly publicised cases of OJ Simpson and Amanda Knox. Thirdly the paper will conclude to explain how good crime scene management and sample integrity is essential to enable successful convictions. A ‘crime scene’, refers to the primary or secondary area in which a suspected crime has taken place where physical evidence can be obtained. Such areas include indoor or outdoor locations, vehicles or persons as noted by Jackson and Jackson (2011). Upon identifying a crime scene one is presented with a myriad of information and questions. In order to obtain the answers and evidence the crime scene presents that may lead to a successful future conviction(s), there are a number of important principals, procedures and methods that must be stringently followed and managed by the police’s criminal investigative team. As Jackson and Jackson (2011, p.15) has noted, “The way in which scenes of crime are managed and recorded, and how the physical and digital evidence is located, collected, packaged, labelled and stored, are all fundamental to the success of subsequent forensic examinations.” The main objective of the crime scene investigation team...

Words: 1942 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Research Process and Terminology

...Dell Roberson Research Process and Terminology Research Methods in Criminal Justice July 24, 2012 Abstract When people are learning about the criminal justice, they learn that research method and terminology plays a major role in the academic and law enforcement field. These research methods and terminologies used daily with the police officers or detectives for investigation cases. Effective research methods and terminologies also used by attorneys or paralegals in criminal justice field to open and close cases in the court. Research methods are the tools that identify the issues in criminal justice from its point of view and base on the nonscientific problem or issue. “Knowledge is why people create reality and describe by Comte. This paper tells different type of research methods that are applied in the criminal justice field and how the terminology involved with these types of research methods. Scientific Research in Criminal Justice In many criminal justice fields, the law enforcements start to gather the documents and data information. They begin to observe the information or facts about the crime. Many of them use a systematic method to check the information such as asking questions about who, what, where, when, why, and how of the crime. They begin to gathering the piece together, by the facts and determining if there is enough evidence for the case. The hypothesis takes a part...

Words: 1041 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Forensic Hair Analysis

...Forensic Hair Analysis Forensic hair analysis is a method of studying hair found at the scene of a crime, and the scientific study of hair is referred to Trichology. In this paper I will discuss the different techniques that are used to study hair during an investigation and the many different aspects of the hair to consider based on what type of investigation is taking place. Hair analysis can be used to determine the presence of a suspect at the scene or to detect the presence of certain chemical substances in the victim or suspect. With the help of DNA techniques used in forensic hair analysis an absolute match can be determined by examining hair found at the scene of a crime. According to Douglas Deedrick of the FBI’s Trace Evidence Unit, Humans shed an average of 100 hairs daily and are often used in violent crime investigations such as: homicides, assaults, burglaries, and armed robberies. (Deedrick, 2000) The most useful hairs in a crime scene investigation are longer hairs found on the scalp but can be subject to changes due to hair colorings or a simple haircut. In order to prevent this outside exposure samples should be taken from potential suspects as soon as possible after the crime to avoid any possible contamination. According to Deedrick, examining a hair under a microscope can help to determine many things about the source of the hair and even how the hair was lost either through shedding or by force, or from which location on the body the hair originated...

Words: 1791 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Detective Career Paper

...did not know for sure that I wanted to be a detective, but a single piece of fiction from Stephen King named “Mr. Mercedes” set it in stone that being a detective is what I want to be. I want to understand the specific pathway to reach the career I want and the specifics on what the job entails through this research paper. Early on in America’s history, detectives did not exist. This is because the colonists would have been suspicious that the government was spying on them, which could cause trouble. Therefore, if someone wanted justice for a crime, they...

Words: 1507 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Crj 311 Nerd Real Education/Crj311Nerd.Com

...311 Week 1 DQ 2 Your First Scene CRJ 311 Week 1 Journal You're an Expert! CRJ 311 Week 2 Assignment Conducting Your Own Field Sobriety Test CRJ 311 Week 2 DQ 1 Drugs and Scheduling CRJ 311 Week 2 DQ 2 Field Sobriety Tests CRJ 311 Week 2 Journal SANE or Not CRJ 311 Week 3 Assignment Case Study Analysis The Enrique Camarena Case CRJ 311 Week 3 DQ 1 Hair Evidence CRJ 311 Week 3 DQ 2 Arson Dogs CRJ 311 Week 3 Journal Professional Painter CRJ 311 Week 4 Assignment What's Your Impression CRJ 311 Week 4 DQ 1 Bite Mark Evidence CRJ 311 Week 4 DQ 2 Fingerprint Evidence CRJ 311 Week 4 Journal Cold Case Investigation CRJ 311 Week 5 DQ 1 Blood Patterns CRJ 311 Week 5 DQ 2 DNA Evidence CRJ 311 Week 5 Final Paper CRJ 311 Week 5 Journal Cold Case Investigation ======================================================== CRJ 311 Week 1 Assignment The CSI Effect (Ash) FOR MORE CLASSES VISIT www.crj311nerd.com Read “Fact or Fiction?; The Jury is Still Out on the CSI Effect; A TV-Insprired Interest in Forensics Has Left the Courtroom Vulnerable to Junk Science,” which is located in the ProQuest database in the Ashford Online Library. What is the CSI Effect, and do you believe it is a legitimate concern? In your paper, address the following: Summarize the CSI Effect and evaluate if it is a legitimate concern. Analyze the impact of the CSI Effect in the courtroom. Interpret what prosecutors can do to overcome this phenomenon. The paper must be three to four pages...

Words: 3613 - Pages: 15

Premium Essay

Chandler Police Department

...Abstract In this paper I will be talking about the Chandlers police department sex crime unit. The history will be mentioned as well as the people that made a difference within the department. Also, I will be talking about the sex crime unit itself and the responsibilities that the detectives have. The sex offender notification program that they are in charge of will also be mentioned as well as the crimes against adults and the crimes against children that the detectives are responsible for. This paper will also define what sex crimes are and give several examples of different types of sex crimes. The sex crimes that are assigned to Chandlers Sex Crime Unit will also be said. Chandlers Police has conducted some investigation in sex crime cases and a couple of these will be motioned in this paper. I will describe some charts and statistics that I have found like rate and of crime in Chandler for crimes like rape, murder, and violent crimes. Chandler Police Sex Crime Unit The Chandler Police Department in Arizona is known to be one of the best police stations in the state. In November of 1914, Charles M. Beckham was elected as one of the first Constables. In 1923, the first City Hall was built and it was the new home for the Police Force/Jail, the Mayor’s office, City Clerk’s office, City Council Chambers and the Magistrate and his courtroom, (Health, 2005). During the 1970s, the second Police/Court facility was built and the Police and Fire Department were...

Words: 1450 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Crime Scene Reconstructive

...Crime Scene Reconstruction Devry University Kemisha Askew October 20, 2012 The topic I am writing about is Crime Scene Reconstruction. Crime Scene Reconstruction is the use of scientific methods, physical evidence, deductive reasoning and their interrelationships to gain explicit knowledge of the series of events that surround the commission of a crime. Crime Scene Reconstruction looks at the physical evidence and attempts to determine “What Happened? And how did it happen?” The reason why I have selected this topic is because I find it intriguing how physical evidence is broken down, evaluated, and reconstructed to actual tell how a crime occurred and what happened in the process. There are many television shows I watch daily that portray the crime scene investigation process in a certain light this is another reason why I chose this topic. I’d like to find out firsthand what actually goes on in the reconstruction process versus fictional exploitations of it on television. Crime Scene Reconstruction looks at the physical evidence and attempts to determine “What Happened? And how did it happen?” A similar method that is used is Criminal Profiling. Criminal Profiling is the application of psychological theory to the analysis and reconstruction of the forensic evidence that relates to an offender’s crime scenes, victims and behaviours. Crime Scene Reconstruction is the use of scientific methods, physical evidence, deductive reasoning and their interrelationships to...

Words: 1748 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Arson

...Johnny Brown 11/08/2012 Final Term Paper Arson Investigator The reason I decided to choose this topic, and not something about a particular part of the fire service, is because I was watching a TV show CSI where they solve crimes and such. Well this topic of fire fighter arson was on the show where a fire fighter set a fire on purpose. So I decided that it looked interesting considering it is what I want to do. Fire fighter arson is basically when a fire fighter sets a fire and I will break it down on why some fire fighters do it, affects of fire fighter arson, basic profile of the fire fighter arsonist, fire service responsibilities in preventing fire fighter arson, and actions to take when a problem is suspected. There were a number of people who had been arrested for this crime and were willing to share their motivations. The biggest reason was people were looking for recognition and liked to play the role of a hero. These people would get a thrill to be the reporting party or to be first on the scene. Another reason is a person might have a psychiatric problem that they have towards the fascination with fire. While others have a low self-esteem or self-confidence, and they want to feel like they belong to a group and are accepted by others. There are many effects of fire fighter arson, which all are very clear cut effects, they include the possibility of injury, loss of life, property and financial loss due to fire, and the increase of insurance premiums that we pay...

Words: 910 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Sections and Services of Crime La

...Research Proposal Topic : Sections and services of crime laboratory Date : 2016.01.13 Table of contents Contents page 1. Introduction………………………………………………………3 2. History and background ….……………………………………...3 3. Aim and Objective……………………………………………….4 4. The role of crime laboratories……………………………………4 5. Research tools * Budget…………………………………………..…………5 * Data collection and analysis……………………….……...5 * Work plan………………………………………….……...5 6. Limitations and Conclusion………………………………..…….6 7. Reference……………………………………………..………….6 1. Introduction Crime laboratory is one of the most valuable tool for a crime investigator. It is a scientific lab using primarily forensic sciences for the purpose of examining evidence from criminal cases. It provides answers to some or all the questions asked such as how the crime was committed, who committed it, and can also determine whether a crime has been committed or not. The crime laboratory seek answers for the questions mentioned above through scientific analysis of physical material collected primarily from the scene of a crime, suspect or the person affected. It provides an even more integrated approach to the analysis of exhibits and the presentation of expert evidence. Generally the aim of the crime laboratory is to effectively prevent and combat crime. 2. History and background of crime laboratory The Forensic Science Laboratory of the South African Police...

Words: 1042 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Firearm Protocols

... Firearm Protocols CJ2570/ Week 4 Research October 13, 2013 Abstract Securing firearms at a crime scene is a meticulous task. Understanding firearm operations and knowing the different types of firearms can ensure safe handling of all weapon s found. The first duty of the investigator recovering a firearm or weapon is personal safety and the safety of anyone who will potentially come in contact with the item of evidence. The investigator then has to preserve the potential evidence the item may reveal. From semiautomatic pistols to shotguns and long rifles each weapon has different mechanical parts and disabled properly before handling. The forensic technician is tasked with rendering all firearms safe so they can be preserved and analyzed at the lab. Firearms are used in many crimes around the world. It is important to know the proper steps in handling firearms in any crime scene investigation. Analysis and comparison of firearms evidence depends on the type used. There are certain rules for collecting firearms, bullets and residue from a crime scene. Each one is different in characteristics from semiautomatic pistols to long rifles and shotguns. These weapons continue to evolve in manufacturing and forensic technicians must stay up to date and educated on new firearm technology. Handguns are most commonly used to commit crimes because they are smaller and can be concealed easily. Long rifles...

Words: 1061 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

The Effects of War and Peace on Foreign Aid in Somalia

...Different kinds of computer Technology within law enforcement and courts Cover page Abstract Law enforcement units and courts have made advanced technologies in crime detection and prevention. The past technologies mainly used were mainly aviation technology such as use of planes and helicopters and biometrics. The new computer technologies involve use of crime lights, in-car camera systems, graffiti cameras, thermal imaging, lasers, language translators, less-lethal technologies diagramming systems and global positioning system. It enables the responding of a crime activity in a very short time possible and transfer of information efficiently over a longer distance. This paper involves the research on both past and present technology. Past technology Aviation Technology In the past, technology used in law enforcements or police departments included planes and helicopters which acted to save resources and time. It was used in searching for a missing person and doing a survey of a scene. Biometrics technologies This is the technology which used the physical features or behavior of a person to identify it. The methods used included identification of fingerprints, face, voice, iris, signature and handwritings to detect the criminals. Body Armor This was used to protect a criminal investigation officer or police from injury or death through protection from gun and rifle ammunitions, knife stabs and other sharp weapons .The protective vests was mainly used and was composed...

Words: 1262 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Welcome to Homicide

...component of the justice system. Forensic scientists use scientific techniques and knowledge to assist law enforcement in investigations and solving crimes. They collect and analyze numerous types of evidence, including blood, body fluids; DNA; and human tissue. Forensic scientists assist the decision makers by showing the prosecutor if the issue has merit before it reaches the courtroom thereby reducing the number of cases having to be heard. Their decisions are based on scientific investigations and not circumstantial evidence or unreliable witnesses. Forensic scientists can restore faith in the judicial system with the use of science and technology for facts in criminal and civil investigations. The legal system is established on the belief that the legal process results in justice for all. History of forensic science The history of Forensic science or the applying of scientific principles to legal questions has a lengthy and interesting history. The first recorded autopsy was reported in 44 B.C was on Julius Caesar, where the Roman physician, Antistius proclaimed that he had 23 wounds on his body but only one was fatal. In 1248, a Chinese book entitled “His Duan Yu” (meaning The Washing Away of Wrongs) explaining how to tell apart a drowning from a strangulation. This was also the first recorded use of medicine to assist in solving crimes. In 1590, the first microscope was developed. In 1775, Karl Wilhelm Scheele first discovered forensic detection of arsenic...

Words: 2382 - Pages: 10