2007-2008                                                                               Fontbonne Hall Academy

Forensic Science                                                                    Trimester I

Mrs. Marian Skabeikis                                                         Study Guide 2

 

The Crime Scene

Trimester I: Cycle 2

 

Text: Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science, Richard Saferstein

 

New York State Learning Standards:

 

Standard 1: Analysis, Inquiry and Design: Students will use analysis, scientific inquiry and design, as appropriate, to pose questions, seek answers and develop solutions.

Standard 2: Information Systems: Students will access, generate, process and transfer information using appropriate technologies.

Standard 4: Science: Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles and theories … and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.

Standard 5: Technology: Students will apply technical knowledge and skills to design, construct, use and evaluate products and systems.

Standard 6: Interconnectedness: Common Themes: Students will understand the relationships and common themes that connect math, science and technology and apply the themes to these and other areas of learning.

Standard 7: Interdisciplinary Problem Solving: Students will apply knowledge and thinking skills to address real-life problems and make informed decisions.

 

Objectives:

Readings:

Assignments:

1. Processing the crime scene

q       Secure and isolate

q       Record the scene

·        Photography

·        Sketches

·        Notes

Text: pp. 34-39

 

Class Activity: Forensics CD, Ch. 3, “The Scientific Method”

For Discussion:

What are the relative advantages and disadvantages of each method of recording a crime scene? What special care must the investigator take?

2. Evidence

q       Conduct a systematic search

q       Collect and package physical evidence

q       Maintain a chain of custody

q       Obtain reference samples

q       Submit to Lab

Text: pp. 40-46

“Crime Scene Search”

from the Handbook of Forensic Services, Federal Bureau of Investigation

FBI Handbook

For Discussion:

  1. Two investigators collect evidence at a crime scene. Investigator A uses plastic bags to collect and seal evidence. Investigator B uses paper bags. Which investigator has done the better job? Why?
  2. Describe “chain of custody”. Why is it important and why should the “chain” be relatively short?

3.  Crime-scene safety

Text: pp. 47-50

“Crime Scene Safety” from the Handbook of Forensic Services, Federal Bureau of Investigation

FBI Handbook

For Discussion:

Describe some ways in which routes of exposure to biohazards or toxic materials can be eliminated.

4.   Legal considerations

Text, pp. 50-51

Case Reading:

Enrique Camerena Case

Text: pp. 54-61

Review Questions:

Text, pp. 52-53

Laboratory:

 

Casting Footprints

Photolab Activity

Forensic Imaging: How To

Footwear, the Missed Evidence

Be certain that you have processed your crime scene and evidence correctly. How does your forensic approach protect you from the problems of the Enrique Camerena case?

Quiz: First meeting, Cycle 3
Grading Policy

Written examinations and tests: 40%

Laboratory exercises: 40%

Homework and other assignments: 20%