Crime Scene Reconstruction

How many scenes can you process per year?

40-50

How many scenes can you reconstruct per year?

2-3

Analyzing and interpreting scene evidence can be done:

At the scene, or at the lab through scene documentations.

What evidence is necessary for a reconstructioner?

Autopsy, lab reports, Toxicology reports

Who is it best to designate reconstruction to?

Crime scene analyst-- they have a better understanding of the scene

Or, if a crime scene analyst is not available, through documentation-- must be documented properly.

What does a reconstructionist need?

Autopsy report, lab reports, toxicology reports(They may not require all of these, depending on what questions they need to answer.)

What does a reconstructionist analyze?

Blood spatter interpretation, tracks and trails(direction of travel, wheel position), and bullet trajectories(string, lasers, metal rods)

What is the main focus of a reconstructionist?

1) To answer questions. No questions = no reconstruction.

2) To support or refute statements made by witnesses and suspects.

3) To describe and chronologically order the events that occur(unbiased -- NO OPINION).

What do you need to do with any type of analysis?

Write a report

What does a report lead to?

Testimony

What does a testimony require?

Reports

Bloodstain

Evidence that liquid blood has come into contact with a surface.

Passive Drop

Also known as bleeding-- bloodstain drops created or formed by the force of gravity acting alone.

2-D stain shape changes based on the:

Angle of impact.

An angle increase or decrease creates a less circular shape?

Increase

What causes limitations in reconstruction?

Too much going on, EMS or police performing life saving measures, etc.

If you are not 100% sure about something that has occurred, what do you need to do?

Create alternatives.

Spatter

Blood which has been dispersed as a result of force applied to a source of blood.

Projected blood pattern

A blood stain pattern that is produced by blood being released under pressure.

Drip pattern

A bloodstain pattern that occurs when blood drips into blood.

Drip trail

Blood dripping as you are walking-- movement depends on the speed of the bleeding person.

Cast-off pattern

A bloodstain pattern created when blood is released or thrown from a blood-bearing object in motion.

What is a simple cast-off pattern?

"Fingers"-- displays almost straight looking cast-off patterns.

Impact pattern

A bloodstain pattern created when blood receives a blow or force resulting in the random dispersion of smaller drops of blood.

Expectorate pattern

When a person spits out blood from their respiratory system.

What is common with an expectorate pattern?

Variation of bloodstain sizes, as well as "bubbling"-- indicates saliva.

Transfer/contact pattern

Created when a wet, bloody surface comes into contact with a second surface-- creating a recognizable image of some or all of the portion.

Blood pool

A pooling of blood from a large amount of bleeding at once

Saturation

When an object is dampened by blood.

Void

An absence of stains in an otherwise continuous bloodstain pattern.

Wipe pattern

When an object moves through an existing stain, removing or altering its appearance.

Perimeter stain

A bloodstain that consists of only its outer periphery, the central area having been removed or flaking after the liquid has partially or completely dried.

Diluted bloodstain

Blood altered by water or another liquid.

Expert witness testimony

the speaker cites the opinions, beliefs, predictions, or values of some authority or expert

Arraignment

a hearing in which a suspect is charged and pleads guilty or not guilty

Judge

(1) a person chosen to interpret laws, decide on a winner, or settle a controversy

Jury

(2) A group of people sworn to abide by the laws to determine the truth

Defendant

an individual or group being sued or charged with a crime

Prosecuting attorneys

A legal representative of the state with sole responsibility for bringing criminal charges. In some states, this person is referred to as the district attorney, state's attorney, commonwealth attorney, or county attorney.

Defense attorney

Represents the defendant, cross examines you

Witnesses

People who have seen events related to the crime or who have special information that may help determine the guilt or innocence of the person on trial.

Victim

a person harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event or action.

Lay witnesses

Testimony based on perception of or observations made by the witness.

Can lay witnesses state their opinions on the trial?

No

What are some examples of an lay witness?

Eye witnesses or police officers

Expert witness

Any person who has the education, training, and experience in a particular subject matter beyond that of an average person.

Can an expert express their opinion?

Yes(based on their expertise)

Discovery

All materials(everything pertaining to the case) are turned over to the prosecution and the defense.

What are some examples of discovery?

Reports, notes, sketches, photos, videos

*What usually happens in a discovery?

1) communication with prosecutor

2) explain your findings

3) outline and practice questions

4) Acknowledge mistakes, if any

What is communication with the prosecutor called?

Pre-trial preparations

Can you also be called by the defense during discovery?

Yes, to give testimony.

1) Voir dire

2) Direct examination

3) Cross examination(other attorney)

4) Recall

What are the qualifications to be an expert witness?

Education, work experience, publications, other relevant information.

Opinion testimony-- may only be given by an expert witness.

Voir dire

The process where the court establishes that the witness has experience, training, knowledge, etc. that will assist the court.

What does the defense do?

Challenge you with objections or questions

Curriculum vitae(CV)

A detailed document highlighting all of a person's professional and academic achievements, affiliations, work experience, and awards-- as well as any relevant training.

What are some guidelines for testifying?

1) Only answer what's asked of you.

2) Use your notes-- refer to the diagrams, evidence, and exhibits. Be sure to ask.

3) Use simple language-- Avoid professional or scientific terms. Always explain acronyms.

4) Listen to court instructions.

5) Acknowledge lack of expertise rather than mislead

6) Acknowledge other possibilities that may explain your conclusions

7) Acknowledge mistakes(prepare prior)

8) Defend your work-- don't roll over it.

What are some problems that judges have with experts?

1) Are sometimes not objective(State opinions)

2) Are often expensive

3) Reliability

4) Conflicting experts(biggest issue)

5) The jury doesn't understand

6) Discovery issues

7) Lawyers don't know how to question