Crime Scene Investigator Network Newsletter

AUGUST 2007

Welcome to the August 2007 Crime Scene Investigator Network Newsletter

A Primer on the Tools
of Crime Scene Analysis

Robert J. Garrett

From the Journal of Forensic Identification
Vol. 53, No. 6, November/December 2003*

It has been my experience that crime scene investigators tackle their jobs in a methodical manner (taking photographs, searching for and collecting evidence, taking measurements, and so on). Too few, however, involve themselves in an equally important aspect of their jobs: discovering what it all means. Some view their responsibility at a crime scene as merely the documenter of facts. Interpretation and analysis are left to someone else. But, depending on the size and structure of their agency, they may be called upon to provide an analysis of the crime scene or an opinion on the basis of their experience and training. These investigators are in a unique position to re-create the crime, because they have seen the evidence and scene firsthand. They don’t have to work on assumptions made regarding the work of another person.

It is not always necessary to create a three-dimensional model of the crime scene. Often, a good crime scene diagram or photographs can be used to illustrate a theory. However, each crime scene should be photographed and measured with the assumption that a reconstruction will be made. With little additional effort, the crime scene investigator can put together a credible interpretation of how the crime was committed. Computer programscan help by doing a lot of the calculations and reconstruction work. You don’t have to be an engineer to visualize your theories or to test alternative proposals. The engineering is done by the computer.

A reconstruction does not prove a theory. It merely allows for the possibilities suggested by the theory. A reconstruction can disprove a theory by showing or demonstrating how it was not possible for certain things to happen as suggested or interact with other elements as described.

There are basic considerations for compiling the material and information needed to put together a crime scene reconstruction and analysis. These include photography, crime scene diagrams, accurate measurements and scale, known reference points, and specialized computer software.

Photograph

This is the last time the crime scene will ever appear as you found it, so document it thoroughly. The photographs need to accomplish five things: supply documentary evidence; verify witnesses’ testimony; supply the source material for expert analysis and reconstruction; record the scene with your point of view, advancing your analysis; and re-create the scene for the jury.

< read the complete article and view illustrations >

*From the Journal of Forensic Identification Vol. 53, No. 6, Nov/Dec 2003.
The Official Publication of the International Association for Identification "Reproduction of the Journal of Forensic Identification, in whole or in part, for noncommercial, educational use is permitted provided proper citation of the source is noted."

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New CSI and Forensic Job Announcements

Forensic Specialist I/II | San Mateo County, CA Sheriff’s Forensic Laboratory
Final Filing Date: August 23, 2007
Salary: $4,517 - $6,275 per month
A variety of laboratory services, including the analysis of blood alcohol, firearms, latent prints, controlled substances, trace evidence, and crime scenes are provided. A Forensic Specialist’s duties include examining crime scenes, photography, developing latent prints using physical and chemical techniques, searching latent prints in the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), conducting comparisons between latent prints and inked standards, writing reports, and testifying in court. Forensic Specialists work in the Forensic Laboratory of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, located in San Mateo, California. The Laboratory is responsible for furthering criminal investigations by providing laboratory services to 23 law enforcement agencies.
<View complete job listing>

Criminalist - Criminal Investigations | City of Wilmington, North Carolina
Final Filing Date: August 24, 2007
Salary: $33,231 - $36,554 per year
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to conducting laboratory testing of narcotics, fingerprints, DNA, trace evidence, ballistics/firearms and other physical evidence using established procedures, methods and techniques to provide information applicable to criminal investigations; identifies, collects, documents and preserves physical evidence; selects sample size and sample controls using techniques that will ensure the integrity of the evidence and collects fingerprints from seized evidence and compares latent prints to locate and identify suspects in criminal cases. Candidate will document laboratory results, prepares written reports, prepares charts or other exhibits, serves as an expert witness in courtroom proceedings and performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
<View complete job listing>

Identification Specialist III | City of Chandler, Arizona
Final Filing Date: August 27, 2007
Salary: $25.77 to $36.09 per hour
Incumbents to this position will perform laboratory work in carrying out technical evidence work with demonstrated expertise in evidence collection, chemical processing, photography and latent fingerprint processing. The primary job assignment is to examine latent fingerprints. This position is required to be Arizona Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AZAFIS) certified and to accurately apply the ACE-V methodology to friction ridge skin. Work is performed under the general direction of a Forensic Services Section Manager. Some independence is granted to the employee but work is subject to periodic performance audits and annual evaluations.
<View complete job listing>

Forensic Specialist I | City of Santa Ana, California
Final Filing Date: August 31, 2007
Salary: $ 4,426- $ 5,382 per month
As a crime scene investigator, identifies, diagrams, photographs, collects, and preserves evidence from crime scenes. May act as primary scene investigator and often liaison with other law enforcement agency crime scene personnel. Lifts, preserves, and compares prints taken from crime scenes and assists in the upload and printing of photographs and their preparation as exhibits for courtroom use. Photographs and obtains the fingerprints of criminal suspects and victims. Operates the AFIS 21 CAL-ID terminal. Prepares detailed written reports, testifies in court, and performs related functions as required. Uses chemicals to develop or enhance blood or fingerprint evidence. Stays abreast of new forensic technologies, procedures, and policies. Performs other functions as assigned.
<View complete job listing>

Latent Fingerprint Examiner | Washoe County, Nevada Sheriff's Office
Final Filing Date: August 31, 2007
Salary: $50,128 - $65,124 per year
Under general supervision performs a variety of technical procedures to obtain, classify, and identify latent fingerprints; compares fingerprints with computerized fingerprint identification systems and manual prints; and performs related work as required.
<View complete job listing>

Latent Print Examiner / Crime Scene Investigator | Vero Beach, Florida Police Department
Final Filing Date: September 14, 2007
Salary: $34,203 - $46,160 per year
Primary duties include the classification and searching of tenprint cards utilizing the Henry System and investigation of crime scenes. Compares latent prints with known suspect prints for identification purposes; processes physical evidence; processes various items of evidence for latent prints and photographs evidence; prepares comprehensive reports and analysis on crime scene investigations; gives expert witness testimony in court.
<View complete job listing>

Search for more job listings in Crime Scene Investigations and Forensics
<Crime Scene Investigator Network Employment Listings>

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CSI In The News

<CSI: Belen/Los Lunas aided by new state-of-the-art vans>
Police in small towns are more than likely strapped for resources to combat and enforce the law. But with the help of state legislators, the Belen and Los Lunas police departments have both received state-of-the-art tools that will assist them in their daily efforts. Earlier this year, the two departments bought crime scene vehicles with money they received from the State Legislature in 2006. Each department received $116,000.
Valencia County News Bulletin - Belen, NM, by Clara Garcia

<Officers at a crime scene now collect DNA evidence>
San Diego police have added DNA evidence collection to their protocol for burglary investigations, just as they do for homicides and sexual assaults, and it's paying off. “We are getting some startling results,” said police Chief William Lansdowne, whose officers are gathering biological evidence such as blood, saliva and hairs. The department's forensic specialists from the crime lab take over from there.
San Diego Union Tribune - San Diego, CA, by Joe Hughes

<Making an impression: Bite-mark study could bolster use as evidence>
It's commonly believed that no two sets of human teeth are alike. Chips, jagged edges, crooked teeth and gaps all contribute to a person's unique smile. It seems reasonable, then, that bite patterns made by those teeth should be as unique as the teeth themselves, though this has not been scientifically proven. Now, a team of researchers at Marquette University has gotten one step closer.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Milwaukee, WI, by Brandy Benedict

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