STUDY ANALYSIS
Order Description
Brief Module Description:
This module will introduce BSc Policing students to the processing of evidence in scenes of crime from the moment of identification of a possible crime to the presentation of physical evidence in Court. Emphasis will be placed upon issues in handling evidence and consideration of the nature and range of physical evidence types. Reference Points QAA benchmark in Bioscience, Skills for Justice National Occupational Standards for Forensic Science, School and University Strategy and Policy Documents on Equality and Diversity. Professional, Statutory & Regulatory Bodies (PSRB) Skills for Justice Framework; Forensic Science Society Accreditation documentation. The module forms part of a professionally accredited course and is of the appropriate content and rigour for Level 6 BSc Policing students. Learning Outcomes: At the end of the module students should be able to:
(1. understand the procedures involved in the investigation of crime and fire scenes
(2. an critical appreciation of the different forms of trace and contact evidence
(3. an awareness of the need for continuity and integrity in evidence gathering processes.
Module Content Lectures will be delivered by professionals working in the Police or Forensic Services, plus academic specialist staff. Topics covered may include the following (but not necessarily in this order):
LECTURE 1 Crime Scene Assessment. Understanding crime categories, the terminology used and the differences between volume and major crime scenes. ?What is a Scene?? Information gathering and preparation required prior to scene visit. Approaching the scene. CAP?s and cordons. Case study of outdoor cordon methods in murder scene. Gaining information from the complainant or victim. Roles, responsibilities and liabilities of specialist personnel involved with scenes of crime Scene observations, action plan and preservation methods. Health and Safety considerations.
LECTURE 2 Identification of Different Evidence Types. Brief overview of general evidence types. Fingerprint evidence specific. Fingerprint classification. Identification by fingerprints. Importance of fingerprint elimination. Demonstration and description of equipment to be used in practical exercises. Case study of the use of third level detail in analysis of fingerprint evidence.
LECTURE 3 Other types of Contact Trace Evidence. Locard?s Theory. Uniqueness. Persistency. Evidential value. Importance of control and reference material in evidence gathering. Intelligence information.
LECTURES 4-5 Recording the Crime Scene. Producing sketch plans. Photographic records. Practical Photography. Recording and documenting the crime scene. Case study of scene photography, sketch plans and draughtsmens? plans.
LECTURE 6 Evidence Recovery and Recording. Integrity of the exhibit. Continuity of the exhibit. Exhibit referencing. Related documentation to prove integrity and continuity. Producing a crime scene examination report.
LECTURES 7-8 Contamination Issues. Implications of contamination. Packaging the exhibit and the avoidance of contamination. Dealing with a contaminated exhibit or scene. Secure storage of evidence
LECTURE 9 Statements of Evidence and Interpretation of Evidence. Understanding the legal requirements included in statements of evidence. Practical statement/report writing. Case study of court and police summary report writing. Evidence interpretation and scene reconstruction.
LECTURES 10-11 Overview of Forensic Science and its relationship with the investigation of crime. Discussion of what constitutes evidence and how to collect it. (White Chapters 1 and 2) Definition of forensic Science, Duties of the forensic scientist, Quality issues, Organisation and description of Scientific Support Departments in UK Forensic Science
( Fingerprints, Scene of Crime, Photographic, Laboratories and Scientific), Crime scene investigation (volume and major) collection and handling of exhibits.
LECTURE 12 Types of evidence: Survey the types of evidence handled during a forensic investigation including trace and contact evidence, marks and impressions, documents, fire remains, explosion remains, firearms, illegal substances, body fluids. Case study to illustrate these points.
LECTURE 13: Trace and Contact Evidence: A more detailed consideration of traces including methods of recovery and the characterisation and comparison of samples. Coverage to include fingerprints, hair fibres, glass fragments, soil etc.
LECTURE 14: Marks And Impressions: Types of impressions and how to recover a permanent record of them. Range to include latent fingerprints, tyre-marks, footprints, bruising, instrument & implement marks, wear patterns, blood spattering and smear marks. CASE STUDIES ? These will look at the recovery and handling evidence in a number of recent high profile cases and exemplify good practice and the need for caution in interpreting with contact and trace evidence types.
Book Resources
1.) RAUL SUTTON, KEITH TRUEMAN CRIME SCENE MANAGEMENT (Compulsory Text)
2.) S H JAMES, J N NORDBY FORENSIC SCIENCE (Recommended Reading)
3) Journal Resources for this module any article will have relevance to this module, Journal of Forensic Identification. Anything related to crime scene work – most are Journal of Forensic Identification. ____________________________________
1.) The writer needs to be knowledgeable that holds a Masters or PHD in Criminology or in a similar subject.
2.) The writer needs to make sure that Learning Outcomes (LO), LO1,LO2,LO3 are covered in this case analysis.
3.) The writer needs to Analyse the case study and follow the full instructions as requested on the coursework.
4.) I require the writer to provide me with at least two drafts of the work before submitting the actual coursework, I would need to understand how you are going to plan and organise the coursework. I need to know your thoughts about the coursework, including what references your going to use and why.
5.) I need to achieve 70+ in this coursework, I would like you to follow the marking grid to ensure that you are meeting the first class grade. All the additional information is uploaded including the case analysis coursework.
6) Read through every attachment including general coursework feedback, this will give you a view of what mistakes other students have made so then you can make sure you are not following that direction.
7) I would like you to organise and structure the coursework the way you like. Just make sure it’s consistent, readable, organised and no complicated big words.
8) I would like you to communicate with me throughout the process of this coursework, I would like updates regularly.
9) if you don’t understand anything don’t assume just ask.