From Crime Scene to Courtroom: Examining the Mysteries Behind Famous Cases

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I was challenged in one particular school, who were struggling to engage some pupils, to provide really dynamic lessons using the motivation of criminal investigation and forensic science. I devised a range of practical exercises from the real world of criminal investigation and ran a CSI club over six weeks for an hour a week, although this was a primary school, the headteacher was blown away with the enthusiasm and participation of the class. He suggested that we offer this more widely and I’ve been flattered with the demand since for our sessions that now see us run full day workshops in primary and secondary schools across the country.” The complexity of the incident, the potential risk to the integrity of the investigation and the suspects right to a fair trial ( Article 6 of the ECHR). The law, judicial system and courtroom process is explored before the students run their own trial during which their own murder investigation is presented. Such requests are likely to be relevant where the victim is known, by the third party, to still be at the scene. This would not include planned crime scene visits for family members supported by a family liaison officer. A priest, for example, who might make such a request, will be familiar with ministry to the dying.

The decision to admit third party access to a scene is an operational decision and should be made by the senior investigating officer (SIO), or an incident commander where an SIO has yet to be appointed. Where an SIO or incident commander is not available requests should be referred to a supervisor for support. This makes mitochondrial DNA useful in identifying missing persons - the bones of Daniel Morcombe were identified this way. Multiple STR markers are used to create a DNA profile. They are tested using commercial kits that often incorporate a sex determination test (the amelogenin gene).

Forensics in the future

Paul from Zakon was the Senior Investigating Officer who led the actual murder enquiry upon which this day is based said: investigations could be being investigated by underqualified police officers which could lead to the Investigators should not release a scene until they are satisfied that all expert advice has been considered and that a police search adviser (PolSA) team has conducted a full and final search, if appropriate.

collect hair, tissue and body fluids from a crime scene and then analyse all of the evidence in the There’s also a risk that contamination might implicate an innocent person. For that reason, DNA evidence is best used in support of other types of evidence. During the Crime Scene to Courtroom workshop, students spend the day in the shoes of a detective and investigate the case just as it was for real. When Simon at Zakon Training, a Police Detective of 25 years, and more latterly a teacher was asked to devise the programme, he used this as inspiration to provide really practical learning with an array of investigation and forensic exercises straight from the crime scene. He said:

that the role of a pathologist is beneficial during criminal investigations because as it can determine study is an example of cross contamination. In conclusion, I believe that the use of a forensic scientist Every incident will be unique, and all decision making should be recorded with supporting rationale. an example of a limitation in regards to the use of a forensic scientist during criminal investigations As a teacher, have you ever been challenged to bring fun, excitement and real experience direct from the workplace into the classroom?

would also be an example of a limitation of a forensic scientists as this would lead to parts of theMuch of the population seems to be obsessed with crime and global audiences of television programmes such as Police Interceptors, CSI, Making of a Murderer and Catching a killer run into billions of people.

A thorough examination of the scene is essential. As there is usually only one chance to do this, scene examination should not be made in haste unless a delay would result in the decomposition of evidence. Relevant experts should be consulted, where necessary, before commencing the examination. The more records added to the database, the greater the odds of making an accidental match. This is because the number of potential matches increases. of budget cuts and digital evidence leading to the requirement of less workers and businesses being It is difficult for people to comprehend probabilities like one in a quadrillion, and the presentation of such numbers in court can become prejudicial.Once investigators have identified a scene or multiple scenes, they should make an initial assessment of its potential to provide material. The assessment and subsequent formulation of a scene strategy (which should include necessary resource allocation) should have due regard to forensic strategy considerations. Undue delay or failure to consider forensic issues at this stage may lead to valuable material being contaminated, overlooked or lost. Investigators should be mindful of the impact that securing and managing a scene can have on a community. They should consider community engagement strategies. The Y chromosome is present only in males and is passed from father to son. This makes Y chromosome STR markers a useful tool in situations such as sexual assault cases where male and female DNA samples might be mixed and the male suspect’s identity needs to be established.