What are Forensics?
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.
Documentation
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.
Why Is documentation important?
As stated before, when documenting and identifying the evidence, every strategic step is made to maintain the
continuity and integrity of the case. However, proper labelling and recordkeeping also maintain other
characteristics. Additionally, they reduce the possibility of contamination and the misplacement or
misinterpretation of evidence, both of which are important components of continuity and integrity. They also
enhance the forensic investigator's capacity to identify items with more accuracy and control. Additionally, it
provides investigators with access to the evidence whenever they need it. A crime scene log, for instance,
records and explains the presence of personnel in the crime scene's interior cordon area and also contains
important information like who entered, what time they entered and why their presence was needed.
- 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 is 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.
- 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, which
may change when the body is moved. 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.
- Evidence labels
, There are many reasons why evidence labels are important. They are used to maintain context of the evidence
collected or detailed location of the evidence so it could appropriately organize or so it could be used by the
investigator to solve the incident. The evidence labels also allow to see the log of people that have examined or
managed the piece of evidence. This is crucial in forensics as it guarantees the integrity and continuity of the
evidence, this means that any tampering or damage to the evidence can be traced back and also helps hold
validity of the evidence. The labels also allow us to gather details of the evidence.
Authorized access at crime scenes
Once physical evidence is acquired from the crime scene its packaged and labelled this is done in order to
contaminate the integrity of the crime scene it is important to have no unauthorized personal present at any
given time during the search or investigation. This is as if unauthorized people are allowing there to be a threat
to the integrity of the crime scene as it would often lead to contamination and tampering of evidence at the
scene. This is as very important as lack of evidence would either frame the wrong person for the crime or leave
the case unsolved for years.
- FAO (First Attending Officer)
Asses the scene, this task requires that the FAO identifies the victim and focuses on preserving life at the crime
scene. This may also mean considering any contamination risks and recording if any contamination has been
undergone. The assessment of the crime scene also includes taking records of any personals at the scene when
the FAO had arrived. The FAO are also in charge of primarily protecting the crime scene. This includes
identifying the extents and circumstances of the crime scene and initiating the cordon log. This is done to
present the scene as under investigation, so the FAO is responsible for preventing unauthorized personals from
accessing it. In addition, the FAO is also responsible for protecting the scene in cases here there is a chance
where evidence is under the risk of being lost or damaged by uncontrollable factors such as weather. The FAO
is also responsible for communicating the situation, including identifying the crime scenes context and
requesting specialist support and a supervisor. This may include evidence of safety precautions being
controlled. The FAO is also responsible for arresting immediately or suspects at the crime scene directly after
dispatch has arrived. The FAO are also responsible for maintaining the integrity of the evidence until the
additional Scientific support unit and specialists have arrived at the crime scene. This is important because this
will limit any unauthorized personnel entering the scene and avoid any sort of contamination. In addition, the
FAO tend to not intercept in the crime scenes due to contamination and health and safety risk like chemical
toxins or bodily fluids that may harm someone, therefore it is their responsibility to identify the risk and call
appropriate units for assistance at the crime scene. (Roles and Responsibilities, 2021).
- Police officers
The first crucial role of the police officers is to protect the scene, this may include patrolling around the crime
scene and area to avoid any sort of activity linked to the crime scene. They are also required to reinforce any
unauthorized entry around the crime scene by staying guard. The police officers are also responsible for
maintaining the integrity of the evidence until the additional Scientific support unit and specialists have arrived
at the crime scene. This is important because this will limit any unauthorized personnel entering the scene and
avoid any sort of contamination. Another role of the police officers at the crime scene is to locate witnesses, this
can be recorded and can allow the investigator to interview them. This helps the situation to be resolved as
witnesses may help build a compelling case or help allocate suspects linked to the scene. In addition, the police
officers tend to not intercept in the crime scenes due to contamination and health and safety risk like chemical
toxins or bodily fluids that may harm someone, therefore it is their responsibility to identify the risk and call
appropriate units for assistance at the crime scene. (Palmiotto, 2020).
- Paramedics
