Forensic Strategies Review

Nottingham Trent University - Forensic Strategies Study Notes

General Information

  • Institution: Nottingham Trent University (NTU)

  • Course: Forensic Strategies

  • Lecturer: Jim Smith

  • Date: 27/10/2025

  • Website: www.ntu.ac.uk

Module Learning Outcomes (MLO)

MLO1: Understanding Roles and Responsibilities

  • Define roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in incident and scene investigations.

  • Emphasize the critical importance of scene investigation within the forensic process.

  • Highlight professional conduct and ethical considerations in forensic investigations.

MLO2: Demonstrating Scene Protection and Processing Techniques

  • Outline the sequence and steps necessary for protecting, recording, and processing various crime scenes.

  • Address diverse types of evidence encountered in different scenarios.

MLO3: Methods of Investigation

  • Describe methods for investigating and examining incident scenes in response to volume and serious or organized crimes.

  • Ensure that all approaches meet the standards required by the criminal judicial systems.

Key Concepts

Forensic Strategies Rationale

  • Importance of Forensic Strategies:
      - Maintains integrity of evidence.
      - Complies with the FSR Statutory Code of Practice.
      - Follows FSA INC 100 guidelines for incident scene examination.
      - Adheres to ISO 17020 compliance.
      - Provides a structured response to scene examination and its implications in the Criminal Justice System (CJS).

Aims of Forensic Strategy

  • Objective:
      - Interpret events and identify the significance of material for recovery.
      - Ensure forensic science applied is appropriate to the investigation.

  • Key Goals:
      - Identify if a crime has been committed.
      - Identify or eliminate a suspect.
      - Investigate accounts of suspects, complainants, or witnesses.
      - Establish the sequence of events.

Scene Examination Considerations

  • Components of Scene Examination:
      - The Scene: Physical location and its characteristics.
      - Context of Incident: Circumstances surrounding the event.
      - Timeline of Investigation: Sequence in which events/traces are assessed.

  • Consider how the scene has been influenced by: Activity, Interaction, and Environment.

  • Aim to maximize forensic evidence and establish an unbiased interpretation of findings.

Type of Crime Considerations

Theft from Motor Vehicle (TFMV) Investigation

  • Points to Prove:
      - Must be specific to the scene and adaptable.
      - Require live assessment and dynamic response to emerging evidence.

Crime Types Overview

  • Volume Crime: More common, lower severity.

  • Major Crime: Higher stakes, more complex cases.

Strategy Components for Successful Investigation

Essential Elements for Strategy

  • Legal Authority: Ensure proper permissions are obtained.

  • Information & Intelligence: Gather all relevant info regarding scene and suspects.

  • Teamwork: Collaborate with various investigation roles.

  • Priorities: Determine which aspects of the investigation to focus on first.

Required Attributes and Resources

  • Direction: Clear objectives and targets.

  • Capabilities: Skills and tools necessary for the task.

  • Knowledge: Familiarity with procedures and laws.

  • Experience: Previous cases and how they were handled.

  • Proportionality: Respond in accordance to the incident's severity.

  • Health & Welfare: Ensure the safety and well-being of all personnel.

Evidence Collection Protocols

Sample Types
Non-Intimate Samples (Section 63 PACE 1984)

  • Types: Hair (non-pubic), samples from underneath nails, saliva, skin impressions.

Intimate Samples (Section 62 PACE 1984)

  • Types: Blood, semen, tissue fluids, urine, pubic hair, dental impressions, and swabs from genitals or body orifices.

Scene Examination Strategy

  • Detailed Planning:
      - Establish specific objectives for the examination.
      - Outline a Scene Examination Plan with detailed methodologies for evidence recovery:
        - Photography: Capture contextual images; document locations of recovered material.
        - DNA Collection: Swab surfaces (e.g., steering wheel) for analysis.
        - Trace Evidence: Obtain tapings for fiber analysis.
        - Footwear Marks: Document and collect marks using powders and gel lifters.
        - Fingerprint Analysis: Examine various surfaces of the vehicle for latent prints.

Forensic Strategy Execution Steps

  • Think: Focus on strategic goals during the examination.

  • Plan: Develop an implementation proposal outlining steps to achieve goals.

  • Execute: Implement the strategic plan effectively during evidence collection.

Post-Examination Practices

Tasks Recorded After Examination

  • Review outstanding tasks and examine exhibits for appropriate handling.

  • Document communication for follow-ups, including debriefs and justification for actions taken.

Submission Guidelines

  • Record submission details for any evidential exhibits sent to Forensic Science Providers (FSP) or for further analysis.

  • Explain rationale and priority of the submitted evidence.

Accountability and Debriefing

  • Document key roles and details surrounding post-examination discussions regarding actions taken or needed for clarity and future reference.

Additional Information

  • Important reminders and communication records related to forensic management team meetings and any necessary post-conviction debriefs.

Note: All materials referenced in these notes are accessible at www.ntu.ac.uk and are part of the forensic strategies module delivered by NTU. Ensure to verify details with course guidelines and legal statutes relevant to forensic investigation practices.