There are a number of methods the investigator can use to secure and manage crime scenes. They include: They look at investigation, searching, deprivation of liberty (arresting) and DNA, and the day concludes with the investigation of a “real” grizzly death where all of their skills are brought together. The mainstay of modern DNA identification is short tandem repeat (STR) markers, which are small sections of DNA that vary by length (the number of repeats).

During the day children are guided through a set of practically based scenarios demonstrating how science aids an investigation and how their classroom based learning facilitates this. During the Crime Scene to Courtroom workshop, students spend the day in the shoes of a detective and investigate the case just as it was for real. interest of providing accurate information that may help to acquit or to convict a person of a crime.

Each and every student gets a role and this hotly contested debate sees them have to defend their investigation, decisions and thought processes before the jury considers the evidence and decides whether the suspect is guilty or not! ensuring that persons entering the scene are wearing suitable protective clothing to prevent contamination of the scene, and to ensure that they are protected from any hazards present The rights and needs (including religious rights and needs) of the victim and their family (notwithstanding the status of family members in the investigation). In the case of Aytugrul v the Queen, DNA evidence was presented as an exclusion percentage of 99.9, and the defence argued that this would indicate certainty of guilt to the jury.

The decision to admit third party access to a scene is an operational decision and should be made by the senior investigating officer (SIO), or an incident commander where an SIO has yet to be appointed. Where an SIO or incident commander is not available requests should be referred to a supervisor for support.

Mitochondrial DNA tends to last longer than other types of DNA and is often relied on in cold cases. The sequence of mitochondrial DNA “letters” is passed down from mother to child (with the exception of rare mutations), so mothers and grandmothers share the same DNA sequence as their children (but fathers do not). Once investigators have identified a scene or multiple scenes, they should make an initial assessment of its potential to provide material. The assessment and subsequent formulation of a scene strategy (which should include necessary resource allocation) should have due regard to forensic strategy considerations. Undue delay or failure to consider forensic issues at this stage may lead to valuable material being contaminated, overlooked or lost. Particular care should be taken regarding DNA anti-contamination procedures due to the ease with which DNA may be transferred (coughing, sneezing etc.). Force DNA anti-contamination protocols must be followed. The way in which a crime scene is managed affects the quality, quantity and integrity of the material gathered. It is, therefore, essential that investigators identify and prioritise crime scenes, as they may contain material vital to the successful outcome of the investigation.

was 280 miles away due to the fact that a tray of DNA had been used, showing clearly that this case Paul from Zakon was the Senior Investigating Officer who led the actual murder enquiry upon which this day is based said: Investigators should be clear about what they require from the examination of a scene. This usually includes identifying: that the role of a pathologist is beneficial during criminal investigations because as it can determine The more records added to the database, the greater the odds of making an accidental match. This is because the number of potential matches increases.

interviewing the correct suspect due to prejudice and stereotypes. In regard to cost, there has been The complexity of the incident, the potential risk to the integrity of the investigation and the suspects right to a fair trial ( Article 6 of the ECHR). The decision maker must balance medical and investigative priorities and requirements, with empathy for the victim, their family and any religious needs. There’s also a risk that contamination might implicate an innocent person. For that reason, DNA evidence is best used in support of other types of evidence.

Although the High Court of Australia ultimately allowed the DNA evidence presentation in Aytugrul v the Queen, survey data suggest that the statistical presentation of genetic evidence may affect how it is understood and used by a jury. Such issues have lead to guidelines by the US Department of Justice, among other justice groups, for the language used in forensic testimony and reports. I was challenged in one particular school, who were struggling to engage some pupils, to provide really dynamic lessons using the motivation of criminal investigation and forensic science. I devised a range of practical exercises from the real world of criminal investigation and ran a CSI club over six weeks for an hour a week, although this was a primary school, the headteacher was blown away with the enthusiasm and participation of the class. He suggested that we offer this more widely and I’ve been flattered with the demand since for our sessions that now see us run full day workshops in primary and secondary schools across the country.”

This day is very close to Simon’s heart as it was his daughter Isabella’s school where this initiative started and she is still the face of the Police and Crime Scene Science Workshop which can be seen here and this continues to grow in popularity.