forensic science introduction to forensics. learning outcomes be able to describe a range of...
TRANSCRIPT
Forensic Science
Introduction to forensics
Learning outcomes
• Be able to describe a range of forensic methods
• Describe how SOCO’s avoid contaminating a crime scene
What do they do?• Property crime – burglary, fraud, robbery, fire,
vehicle crime• Serious crime – murder, suspicious death,
sexual offense• Drug related crime• Road crime – drink driving• Organised crime – terrorism• Hi-tech crime – computer or electronic• Investigate and detect crime – catch crooks and
free the innocent
There’s been a murder!
What does a SOCO do?
• SOCO – Scene Of Crime Officer– Employed by police
• First to arrive
• Observe crime scene
• Records facts and materials
• Must collect samples properly to ensure courts accept the evidence
How did they…
• Restrict access to scene?
• Stop contamination of evidence?
• Carry out reliable sampling of evidence?
How did they…
• Used tape to seal off the crime scene– Police = blue, Crime scene =
yellow
• Wear paper suits, gloves, overshoes, masks to prevent their own traces contaminating scene
• All evidence in sealed, labelled containers– Photographed and videod
What evidence?
• Fingerprints• Impressions
– Footprints
• Hair• Fibres• Glass fragments• Chemical compounds• Blood • DNA
National DNA Database (NDNAD)
• DNA obtained from crime scene
• Suspect – mouth swab
• 2 DNA profiles compared to NDNAD
• Any match found could lead to conviction
• Used for a whole range of crimes– Murder, sexual assault, car crime
Fingerprints on gun
DNA & blood group from blood stain
Shoe size from footprint
Fingerprints on window frame
Fingerprints on glass