Forensic Science
Forensics is a fundamental practice associated with the criminal justice system. The procedures
conducted by forensic scientists include examining and analyzing evidence from crime scenes
that overall play part in develop the investigation to find strong findings that can assist in the
investigation and helps compose the prosecution of perpetrators. Forensic science relies on
many factors like appropriate documentation, search patterns identification of health and
safety procedures and methods of collecting and storing methods so they can have smooth
efficient procedure of as a member of the forensic team.
Context
At 1:54am on Tuesday 21t July, officers responded to Ark Academy Secondary School in
reference to a 999 call by an English teacher who heard shots tired in English corridor. When
the officers arrived at the scene, they found one deceased male subject and evidence of a
crime. The officers secured the scene and notified homicide investigators and the crime scene
unit. As the forensics entered, they examined the crime scene and initiated mandatory
procedures. Firstly, this meant that health and safety risks were identified and controlled in
order to keep all authorized personals safe. After the individual in charge of the crime scene
decides on the search pattern which is based on factors best suiting the environment being
searched. Then evidence was searched for collected and in addition packaged labeled and
prepared for examination.
Documentations
A forensic investigation involves several processes, procedures, and precautions, including the
use of authorized people and professionals, documentation methods, risk assessments, and the
collecting and preservation of evidence. The investigating team discusses and considers all
evidence, images, facts, and ideas to identify important witnesses, suspects, individuals of
interest, and reasons, as well as any related offences and/or crimes and any areas where
intelligence is needed to fill any knowledge gaps. It is important in a forensic investigation to
use documentation strategies to retain a record of data throughout the inquiry. In many
circumstances, poor scene recording can result in inadmissible evidence in court, and evidence
that is not observed or recorded can allow a criminal to get away with their crime.
- Cordon Log
An example of a crucial document is the cordon log, this is the vital document that keeps track
of who enters/departs the crime scene and can help determine if there is any sort of tampering
or malpractice within the investigation. It's also important because it indicates who, when, and
why any authorized or unauthorized person was present at the crime scene. This document
also assists in cases when SSU, fire fighters or paramedics are present to annihilate any cross
contamination, as in a forensic lab scientist will be able to rule out members that are of no
interest to the case (PSNI police policy, 2022).
Therefore, during the simulated crime scene therefore, a cordon log was initiated to avoid
unauthorized access to strengthen the integrity and continuity of evidence. This meant that
only a select few were able to access the crime scene. The cordon log imitated presented data
as follows.
, Case 1111
number
21/06/2022 11:30
Date: Time:
Crime Scene
Entry Log
Location:
Ashburn Alton Costa
Technician/officer completing log
Full Name Position Agency Date Time in Time out
Ashburn Alton Lead
Bericon Forensic 21/06/2022 11:30 11:50
Costa forensics
specialist
Sadia Forensics
Bericon Forensic 21/06/2022 11:30 11:50
Abdi Scientist
Mursal Forensics
Bericon Forensic 21/06/2022 11:30 11:50
Abdi Scientist
Ryan Ballistics
Bericon Forensic 21/06/2022 11:35 11:50
Moore Expert
This log allowed us to make sure only authorized personals were allowed at the crime scene.
This made sure no tampering was done at the crime scene and ensured these personals can be
ticked off if their trace to avoid contamination.
- Sketches and Photographs
Photographs and sketches are essential in forensic investigations. They provide more details
than several pages of text. When used as part of an autopsy protocol. A series of photographs
from angles should be taken. If this is done on a regular basis, it will save a lot of trouble in the
future. A permanent record of the scene is kept, as is the hypostasis, which may change when
the body is moved to the mortuary. The photograph would show the body's position, the state
of the clothing, the material grasped in the hand, fluids flowing from the mouth, discharges
from natural body organs, blood stains, the exact position of weapons, and so on. In addition,
photographs determine the original state of the crime scene which is locked. This avoids any
sort of tampering done at the scene of crime which alters the original state (Crime Scene
Sketching and Photography, 2022).
