Anthology of Forensic Evidence
Tori Kelly
03 Nov 2010
College Writing I
Mr. Denver Long
KGA #2- INFORMATIVE ESSAY
ANTHOLOGY OF FORENSIC EVIDENCE
How many people does it take to solve a murder? Investigating crime scene evidence is one of the most intricate disciplines in criminal justice, requiring a team of several forensic specialists. This field has become so scientific, with advances in technology, that the viable information it provides is more readily accepted as incriminating in court. For this reason, attention to detail, accuracy and strict compliance to procedures are crucial during every phase of handling evidence. Many different experts are needed to piece together an abundance of evidence, process results in the crime lab, examine the victim, create a criminal profile, and interrogate suspects in order to solve a murder case and bring the killer to justice. The Crime
The first stage in a murder investigation begins with the crime itself. The perpetrator(s) will transfer trace elements to and from the area they come in contact with, leaving a trail of evidence behind them. These can include shoe, hand, and fingerprints; hair; saliva; blood; broken glass; weapons; bullet casings; DNA and a victim. (Fletcher, 2006, p. 10) All these elements make up the crime scene. The sooner it is discovered, and the police are called, the better. Some biological evidence (blood, semen, saliva, etc.) deteriorates due to time, weather conditions, and animal intrusion. Time is of the essence. The longer the crime scene goes uninvestigated, the less evidence there will be in order to find the killer. The Scene
Generally, the police are the first and most important responders to an emergency call, along with ambulance and fire personnel if necessary. Careful observation and swift action is at their discretion. Once at the scene, if there are any victims, emergency
03 Nov 2010
College Writing I
Mr. Denver Long
KGA #2- INFORMATIVE ESSAY
ANTHOLOGY OF FORENSIC EVIDENCE
How many people does it take to solve a murder? Investigating crime scene evidence is one of the most intricate disciplines in criminal justice, requiring a team of several forensic specialists. This field has become so scientific, with advances in technology, that the viable information it provides is more readily accepted as incriminating in court. For this reason, attention to detail, accuracy and strict compliance to procedures are crucial during every phase of handling evidence. Many different experts are needed to piece together an abundance of evidence, process results in the crime lab, examine the victim, create a criminal profile, and interrogate suspects in order to solve a murder case and bring the killer to justice. The Crime
The first stage in a murder investigation begins with the crime itself. The perpetrator(s) will transfer trace elements to and from the area they come in contact with, leaving a trail of evidence behind them. These can include shoe, hand, and fingerprints; hair; saliva; blood; broken glass; weapons; bullet casings; DNA and a victim. (Fletcher, 2006, p. 10) All these elements make up the crime scene. The sooner it is discovered, and the police are called, the better. Some biological evidence (blood, semen, saliva, etc.) deteriorates due to time, weather conditions, and animal intrusion. Time is of the essence. The longer the crime scene goes uninvestigated, the less evidence there will be in order to find the killer. The Scene
Generally, the police are the first and most important responders to an emergency call, along with ambulance and fire personnel if necessary. Careful observation and swift action is at their discretion. Once at the scene, if there are any victims, emergency
References: Bass, B., Jefferson, J. (2007) Beyond The Body Farm New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers Fletcher, C. (2006) Every Contact Leaves a Trace (1st ed.) New York, NY: St. Martin’s Press Hallcox, J., Welch, A., Bass, B. (2006) Bodies We’ve Buried (1st ed.) New York, NY: The Berkley Publishing Group Ramsland, K (2001) The Forensic Science Of C.S.I. New York, NY: The Berkley Publishing Group