Unit 23: Forensic evidence, collection, and analysis
A: Understand how to gather forensic evidence the integrity to forensic investigation and
the importance of health and safety
Crime scene notes - Taking notes is an important part of police work. Notes are used to
refresh memory, assist in investigations, document evidence, and support criminal and
provincial prosecutions as well as other tribunal proceedings.
Sketches and photographs – An investigative sketch provide a record of the incident as it
was found and can be examined later. It does not require artistic ability but must convey the
truth accurately. Field notes are supplemented by the sketch. Photographs provide
investigators with a permanent record of a scene, which they can analyse or examine at a
later date. Measurements and distances between objects are not accurate in sketches.
Evidence labels – To prevent contamination or damage, physical evidence from a crime
scene must be packaged individually. A label may be integral to the packaging (printed on)
or it may need to be filled out and attached to the packed item. Tags should include police
identification numbers, dates, times, and a description of the item. The document should
also include where the evidence was collected, who collected it, and any information about
the item's make, model, or brand.
The cordon log – As a highly visible barrier, police cordons serve as a deterrent for anyone
without authorised access to crime scenes. Consequently, the scene is protected from
damage and contamination. A log details who enters, why they are there, and when they
leave.
the case file and laboratory examination forms – Forensic laboratories use Examination
Forms to record details about the forensic examination of physical evidence. It is common
for crime scene examiners to recover these items from crime scenes and other locations.
Case files specify the materials needed for the first hearing, and they indicate how they will
be developed throughout the case life to provide information proportionate and necessary
to the prosecutor, the defence, and the court at appropriate stages.
The crime scene authorised personnel must pay attention to details. Insufficient scene
documentation often leads to inadmissible evidence or missed evidence that allows a guilty
party to walk free.
, Scientific Support Unit - In court cases, forensic scientists assist the police by gathering
crime scene DNA that can link the guilty party to the crime and the location.
It includes the Crime Scene Investigation Unit, the Fingerprint Bureau, the Forensic
Laboratory, and the Photographic and Video Units, and it is coordinated and managed by
the Head of Scientific Investigations at Force Headquarters, Winfrith.
Roles at the crime scene
SOCO - Scene of crime officers assist police officers in solving crimes. An investigator's job is
to locate, collect, preserve, and catalogue evidence at a crime scene. It is important for
SOCOs to arrive at the crime scene as soon as possible to recover evidence and take
photographs.
CSI - The crime scene is documented by crime scene investigators. Photographs and
measurements of the scene are taken, forensic evidence is identified and collected, and the
proper chain of custody is maintained. The role of a Crime Scene Investigator is to gather
forensic evidence from crime scenes in order to detect and prosecute criminals. Visualise,
capture, and recover evidence from crime scenes using specialist techniques. It is common
for CSIs to testify in court about their findings. The work of a CSI is often messy, smelly, long,
and physically demanding. However, most CSIs enjoy solving crimes by uncovering physical
evidence. Due to their importance, they may be busy when they arrive at a crime scene, so
the SOCOs carry out the capturing and holding of evidence, followed by the CSI.
FAO - As necessary, the FAO must assess the situation and deal with any emergencies.
Whenever it becomes necessary to conduct interviews or even make arrests, anyone
already present at the scene, including witnesses and suspects, must be detained. As the
first responders and first ones to arrive to an emergency, FAO is always there, and they
should take precautions and preserve the area with a cordon log.
Crime scene manager - Lead a team of crime scene investigators and specialists at a
complex or major crime scene. Planning forensic investigation strategies for crime scenes
with Senior Investigating Officers. Small crime scenes are unlikely to be attended by crime
scene managers, but they keep a record of who goes to investigate them behind closed
doors.
Police officers - As a police officer, you are responsible for maintaining law and order in your
community by protecting the public and their property, preventing crime, reducing the fear
of crime, and improving the quality of life for all citizens. Regardless of the crime scene,
there is always a police officer present.
