What We Teach

Crime Scene Analysis and DNA

GOALS:                     The students will be introduced to techniques and skills involved in the documentation, preservation, and collection of DNA samples associated with Physical Evidence, Fingerprints, and Bloodspatter within a Crime Scene.

OBJECTIVES:         Upon course completion, the student will:

                                    1. Recognize possible sources of DNA and Mito-DNA samples

associated with Physical Evidence, Fingerprints, and        Bloodspatter within a crime scene.

                                    2. Properly document and collect physical and trace evidence.

                                    3. Successfully develop and lift latent prints on textured, curved,

                                        and burned surfaces using carbon-free powder.

                                    4. Routinely develop prints on human skin tissue.

                                    5. Recognize Mito-DNA value in latent print residue.

                                    6. Determine angle and direction of blood.

                                    7. Identify origin of blood.

                                    8. Know the three groups of bloodspatter by velocity.

                                    9. Document, preserve, and collect blood samples for DNA testing.

Crime Scene Investigation:

Lecture includes the identification and collection of physical evidence. During this segment of the class, issues are discussed such as first arrival responsibilities, securing the scene, conducting a preliminary survey, photography (both still photos and video), legal considerations, crime scene search methods, new DNA uses,DNA collection and presevation, cold case investigation, interrelationship of various types of crime scene documentation (photos, sketches, and notes), collection and packaging of evidence, latent fingerprint considerations and final evaluation of the scene to assure completion of tasks.

1. Crime scene management

2. Crime scene documentation photographs.

Measurements, sketching, note taking.

3. Fingerprint processing- latent techniques

4. Significance of the various types of physical evidence

and specific collection procedures

5. DNA evidence, collection and presevation. Use in

investigation and in court

6. Firearm related crime scenes

7. The suspicious death scene – homicides, suicides

and accidental deaths

8. Legal aspects of crime scene investigation- Search

and seizure, trial issues

9. Assembly of a crime scene investigation kit.

10.The use of outside resources

On the final day of instruction, students will take part in a hands on exercise involving the investigation of a mock homicide scene. The trainee will be search and document the crime scene, recognize and collect physical evidenceand reconstruct the crime.

CrimeSceneJR@comcast.net