Personnel

Understanding Criminal Investigations

Overview

• Focus on the process from crime scene to courtroom.

Crime Scene Protocol

Initial Actions

• Importance of conducting investigations systematically.

Conduct at Crime Scene

• Log on and face the front: Students are reminded to be attentive.

• Put away distractions: Phones, drinks, food, and irrelevant conversations.

• Engage fully in the learning process.

Personnel Involved in Investigations

Scenes of Crime Officers (SOCO)

• Role: Preserve and protect crime scenes while recovering evidence.

• Evidence Types: Typical trace evidence includes gunshot residue, fingerprints, hair, and fibers.

• Training: SOCOs are trained to minimize evidence contamination which can make it inadmissible in court.

Limitations of SOCOs

• Exposure Risks: Potential exposure to hazardous substances through skin or inhalation.

• Safety Measures: Use of protective clothing, masks, and glasses to mitigate risks.

Forensic Scientists

• Role: Analyze evidence, such as blood and bodily fluids, providing crucial information for court decisions.

• Specializations: Include toxicology, fire investigation, psychology, and computer forensics.

Limitations of Forensic Science

• Ethical Concerns: Issues raised regarding privacy and ethics in DNA analysis.

• Practical Concerns: High costs, time-consuming processes, risk of miscarriages of justice illustrated by the Adam Scott case.

Police Officers/Detectives

• Initial responders to crime scenes: Vital first actions include preserving life and securing evidence.

• Roles: Conduct investigations and work to reduce crime and public fear.

Limitations of Police Role

• Historical Critique: Referenced concerns regarding institutional racism from the Macpherson Report (1999).

• Other Issues: Evaluations of police actions, like the Hillsborough disaster leading to unlawful killing verdicts.

Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)

• Function: Collaborates with police to determine appropriate prosecution of cases.

• Staff: Over 2,000 qualified barristers and solicitors review evidence based on public interest.

• Research Opportunity: Investigate the timeline and details of Damilola Taylor's case.

Limitations of CPS

• Critiques: High number of case collapses due to insufficient evidence.

• Relationship with Police: Challenges, notably the case of Abu Hamza regarding evidence submissions.

Pathologists

• Role: Conduct autopsies to establish causes of death, providing critical clues for investigations.

• Expertise: Knowledge across various medical specialties including anatomy, anthropology.

Limitations of Pathologists

• Supply Issues: Limited numbers of pathologists often working on multiple cases.

• High Costs: Salaries can reach £100,000 annually, influenced by public or private sector.

Case Examples

• Highlight of Anthony Hardy and Dr. Freddy Patel to illustrate the application of forensic analysis and the significance in criminal proceedings.