Mid Term Study Guide (Chapter 1,4 and 7)

What are the Services of The Crime Laboratory?

• Biology Section

• Firearms and Toolmark Identification

• Trace Analysis

• Toxiciology

• Counterfeit

What does the Biology Section crime Laboratory do?

• Identification of all biological substance

• DNA analysis and comparison

• DNA Data Bank

What does the Firearms and Toolmark Identification Section crime Laboratory do?

• Ammunition, cartridges, bullets

• Bone and cartilage examination for toolmarks

• Examine clothing for impact damage and range determination

• Firearms, obliterated serial numbers

• Tools and toolmark impressions

• Tires and wires

• Use of the Canadian Integrated Ballistics Identification Network (CIBIN)

What does the Trace Analysis Section crime Laboratory do?

• Recovers, compares, and identifies non-biological trace evidence

• Examples: gunshot residue, paint, potential fire accelerants, plastics, building products, safe insulation, commercial products

• Physical matching of seized materials

• Analyzing explosive debris, devices, and substances

• Hosting and supporting the Paint Data Query (PDQ) – the world’s largest international automotive paint database that assists with hit and run investigations

• Assisting bomb disposal units

What does the Toxicology Section crime Laboratory do?

• Detection and analysis of drugs and poisons in biological fluids and tissue

• Screening for a broad range of drugs and poisons, including alcohol and cannabinoids

• Providing training and support for the Alcohol Breath Testing Program and the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP)

What does the Counterfeit Section crime Laboratory do?

• Section 462 of CC delegated the National Anti-Counterfeiting Bureau (NACB) as the central repository for all counterfeit money, cheques and other negotiable instruments

  • Bank notes, coins, payment cards, travel identification

  • Computers and IT equipment

What are the Objectives of Crime Scene Investigation?

• Determine if a crime has been committed

• Discovery and documentation of all facts

• Identify and eliminate suspects by collecting physical and testimonial evidence

• Locate and apprehend the perpetrator

• Maintain a proper chain of custody

• Effectively testify as a witness

Role of the crime scene investigator

• Usually have 5 or more years of general police experience before beginning training in crime scene analysis

• Trained in all aspects of crime scene processing including photography, fingerprints, exhibit collection, DNA collection, preservation of exhibits

• Other specialized areas: Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, Footwear Impression Analysis, Firearms

• Handle the crime scene and collect physical evidence

• Not usually responsible for other aspects of the investigation

• Correctly collect the evidence and submit it to the lab

• Perform analysis on some evidence (e.g., fingerprints, physical matches)

the role of a forensic scientist?

• Perform analysis on evidence submitted

• Prepare reports concerning the analysis and distribute to the Investigating Officers

• Present findings in Court

Legal considerations of CSI and evidence collection

1. Legal Considerations

2. Scientific Considerations

Attributes of a good crime scene officer

• Knowledge Base Sound scientific knowledge

  • Understand legal & investigative aspects of evidence

  • Holistic understanding of where CSI fits into the criminal justice process

• Experience (Life)

  • Ability to manage difficult situations

  • Age, maturity, and crime scene to court (real life)

• Work Orientation

  • Great amount of energy and passionate about what they do

  • Good time management

  • Self-motivated learners, persistent, & results driven

• Approach to Life

  • Clear work/life separation

  • Busy out-of-work life

  • Positive world view and good family support

  • Fitness & health orientation

• Communication Skills

  • Oral and written forms

  • Can talk to anyone

  • Performs well in court

  • Good negotiating/assertive interpersonal skills

  • team orientated

• Professional Demeanour

  • Positive outlook

  • Acts in a professional manner

  • Self confident but not arrogant

• Cognitive Abilities

  • Ability to think on their feet

  • High-level multitasking abilities

  • Responds quickly when things change

  • Make reasoned rather than rash decisions

  • Short-term and long-term planning abilities