Crime Scene Investigation

Introduction to Forensics

  • Definition of Forensics: A field of science dedicated to the methodical gathering and analysis of evidence to establish facts that can be presented in a legal proceeding.

  • Common Misconception: People often associate forensics with popular media, such as the show CSI.

Seminole County Sheriff's Office

  • Contact Information:

    • CSA Allison Boza

    • Sheriff Dennis M. Lemma

  • Forensic Services Division: Official Body overseeing forensic services in the region of Seminole County.

Mission of Forensic Laboratory Services Division

  • Mission Statement: To support the overall mission of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office by enhancing the quality of life through crime reduction and providing accurate, scientifically sound, and professional forensic services to law enforcement.

Organizational Structure

  • Laboratory Leadership:

    • Director: Jessica Meade-Matias

    • Manager: Heather White

  • Supervisors:

    • Jennifer Mead

    • Christine Craig

    • Angelique Garwood

Crime Scene Unit

  • Composition:

    • 1 working Supervisor

    • 1 Senior Crime Lab Analyst

    • 3 Crime Lab Analysts

    • 1 Crime Lab Technician (in training)

  • Qualifications:

    • Highly educated and trained personnel, with a minimum requirement of a Bachelor’s Degree in science-related fields (forensic science, biology, chemistry, etc.). A Master’s Degree is common.

Typical Duties of Crime Scene Analysts

  • Responsibilities:

    • Respond to crime scenes and document, locate, collect, process, and preserve physical evidence.

    • Recover latent prints from various surfaces using diverse techniques and chemicals.

    • Attend autopsies and testify in court as needed.

Physical and Emotional Requirements

  • Physical Attributes:

    • Mobility: Ability to move around on various terrains.

    • Lifting: Capable of lifting equipment and materials as necessary.

    • Visual: Good vision for detail-oriented tasks.

    • Hearing/Talking: Effective communication skills.

    • Emotional/Psychological: Acclimation to emergency situations, exposure to trauma and grief.

  • Special Requirements:

    • Must maintain respectability and integrity at all times, with potential for after-hours and weekend work.

  • Environmental Conditions:

    • Exposure to varied weather, chemicals, organic compounds, biological substances, and hazardous materials.

Limits of Role in Forensics

  • Common Misunderstandings:

    • Not analogous to portrayals on shows like CSI; these shows create a 'CSI effect' which can mislead public perception.

    • Forensic scientists are not allowed to carry guns, are not detectives, do not interrogate suspects, nor are they experts in all forensic disciplines.

    • Crimes cannot typically be solved within short time frames portrayed in media.

Crime Scene Response and Processing

  • Response Preparation:

    • Procedures include: Photographing, note-taking, sketching, 3D scanning, searching, collecting, and swabbing.

  • Photographic Documentation:

    • Overall Photographs: Capture the general layout of the scene.

    • Mid-range Photographs: Show relation among evidence items to establish context.

    • Close-up Photographs: Detailed views of specific evidence where the evidence item fills the frame.

  • 3D Scanning: Utilization of technology like FARO for detailed scene reconstruction.

Evidence Processing and Collection

  • Types of Evidence Processed or Collected:

    • Latent Prints, Blood Samples, Impression Casting, Buccal Swabs, Fingernail Scrapings, Gunshot Residue (GSR), Bullet Retrieval, Trajectory Analysis.

  • Laboratory Processing Methods:

    • Techniques for latent development including superglue fuming, dye stains, and black powder.

    • Bloody print enhancement using Ashley’s Reagent, Amido Black, and Blue Star.

    • Digital image processing via software like Photoshop.

Autopsy and Court Testimony

  • Autopsy Role: Collect major case prints, evidence, and maintain communication.

  • Court Testimony: Forensic scientists may provide court testimonies, with a particular focus on clear communication of findings under scrutiny.

Additional Services at SCSO Forensics Laboratory

  • Services Include:

    • DNA Bioscreening (Blood and seminal fluid).

    • Footwear Examination

    • National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) Entry

    • Crime Gun Analysis.

Statistical Data for 2024

  • Total Scenes Processed: 200+

  • Total Lab Processing Requests: 400

  • Copy Requests: 300+

  • NIBIN Entries: 200+

  • DNA Bioscreening Cases: 17

Career Preparation in Forensic Science

  • Educational Requirements:

    • Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science or related fields such as Chemistry, Biology, Anthropology, or Criminal Justice.

  • Networking: Join professional organizations such as FDIAI or IAI to enhance career opportunities.

  • Background Process: Comprehensive checks including financial credit, criminal history, educational verification, drug screening, and fingerprinting.

Career Paths in Forensics

  • Opportunities in Local Law Enforcement (as CSI, CST, CSA, or LPA).

  • Work in Florida Department of Law Enforcement as Crime Lab Tech or Analyst focusing on various specialties.

  • Roles in Medical Examiner’s Office as Medicolegal/Death Investigators or Autopsy Technicians.

  • Employment with Private Laboratories and Federal agencies.

Upcoming Training and Employment Opportunities

  • Engagement in free training sessions available through various organizations.

  • Job Listings: Extensive opportunities across multiple roles including Crime Scene Investigators, Forensic Technicians, and Computer Forensics.

Special Techniques in Forensic Science

  • ElectroStatic Dust Print Lifter: A technique where high voltage is applied to a lifting mat to create a negative charge, attracting dust particles, thus preserving latent prints.

Conclusion and Contact Information

  • Contact for Queries:

    • CSA Allison Boza

    • Email: aboza@seminolesheriff.org

  • Encouragement for prospective forensic science students to involve themselves actively in educational and professional growth opportunities.