Findings of the Houston Forensic Center Crime Scene
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Findings of the Houston Forensic Center Crime Scene
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Crime scene mistakes put cases in jeopardy-Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlfXd3SQY_A
There appears to be an over reliance on photographs unsupported by written notes
CSU responders with insufficient experience are being asked to work complex scenes beyond their skill level
There are available resources (survey equipment) not being used. This is highly technical equipment (FARO Laser scanner) that requires training.
Decisions were made to NOT collect/process due to scene circumstances and arbitrary decision to not collect evidence.
In a police officer involved shooting, all fired and unfired cartridges must be accounted for.
There are too many non-essential personnel are at some of the crime scenes.
There is too much speculation and overstatement with regard to crime scene evidence collection. Improper classification of evidence and evidence sources were found.
There is a need for collaboration among agencies at the scene. Autopsy reports, witness statements, medical records, and 911 calls should be available for all crime scene reconstruction reports
You also know from the Audit (2016) report that
The ideal crime scene unit would operate under the following parameters:
Read [Attached] Findings of the Houston Forensic Center Crime Scene Unit Officer Involved Shooting [OIS] Audit (2016)
Pay specific attention to the Recommendations.
Read [Attached] Houston Forensic Center posting for Supervisor-Crime Scene Unit
You know from the Audit (2016) report that,
Findings of the Houston Forensic Center Crime Scene
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A fully staffed team to allow for timely response to all requested investigations.
At least 2 responders at every scene with no pressure to clear scene any faster than the evidence dictates.
Each responder would gain sufficient experience and training before being expected to respond to a scene in a primary responder capacity.
Each of the three shifts would have a balance of experienced and newer members.
Each responder would be fully trained in bloodstain pattern and trajectory analysis. This training would occur early in their career with consideration for future advanced classes.
Team members would have access to other specialized training and conference participation (IAI, ACSR, IABPA).
Each responder would have a working knowledge of all sections of the crime laboratory and routinely interact with analysts in the lab.
The CSU would be involved in the prioritization of evidence submitted to the lab.
The CSU would receive results of police, autopsy and laboratory reports and incorporate them as necessary into follow-up crime scene files and reports.
You are the Deputy Director of the Evidence Collection Division that oversees the Crime Scene Unit (CSU) personnel. You understand physical evidence collection, preservation, and analysis, and you are the hiring official for a supervisor for the crime scene unit. Relying primarily on the Audit recommendations and to a lesser extent on the job posting criteria, what are the questions you might ask and why. You share the recommendations of the audit with the candidate, and ask them to specifically address the issues. What answers would you expect and why based on your knowledge of crime scene investigations. Your questions and explanations could include the following issues:
Are you certified? In what disciplines? Do you believe in the necessity of certification? Why?
What training would you require based on the lack of appropriate note taking?
What technical training would you require and pay for?
Equipment?
Techniques?
Findings of the Houston Forensic Center Crime Scene
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What is different in police officer involved shooting crime scenes? Or are they any different?
What training would you require for crime scene management? How does one know when enough and appropriately documented with written notes photographs have been taken?
Only officers with specific purpose and missions should be allowed back into the scene. Officers on scene who are not directly involved in these initial concerns should be placed into service assisting in crowd control, initiating neighborhood canvases, maintaining perimeter control, or organizing and directing arriving resources. (Gardner, 2012, p. 73)
The application of a basic photography methodology, which is consistently employed, will aid the crime scene technician by preventing mistakes of omission. A functional methodology includes the following procedures:
Document the entire scene as soon as possible in situ, using overall photographs.
Photograph all fragile items of evidence (e.g., footwear marks, bloodstain patterns on the body) as soon as possible, using both evidence-establishing and evidence close-up photographs.
Place photo placards in the scene on all items of interest and reshoot a second series of overall photographs.
Document all known evidence items with evidence-establishing shots and evidence close-up shots. Use photo/evidence placards whenever possible to clearly differentiate the various items of evidence from one another. If items are discovered in the latter stages of the processing methodology (e.g., during second or third rechecks), ensure that appropriate photos are created. This may require creating additional overall photographs, even though the rest of the scene has been altered.
Using the road mapping technique, create photographs that clearly demonstrate the result of examinations such as bloodstain pattern analysis or trajectory analysis. Recognize that these photos will show the scene in an altered condition. That alteration is unimportant; the photos are created to demonstrate something specific and are not intended to replace the initial crime scene photos taken before the scene was altered.
Always use a film roll reference card and a photo log. The film roll reference card is photographed as the first frame of each new roll/media. It identifies the basic information of what, when, and who produced the photos. A photo log keeps track of each photograph, ensuring that the purpose and subject matter of each photo is understood. See Figure below for an illustration of a crime scene photo log (Gardner, 2012, pp. 172-173)
How would you guarantee your CSU staff would know all the sections of the forensic laboratory?
How would you ensure the appropriate number and experienced CSU personnel are on the scene?
Write a 600-word essay on the issues, your questions, and why you asked specific questions. Your essay should follow the APA format of Title page, Abstract page, Content page(s), and Reference page. Find at least two relevant scholarly references for your reference section. Include in your conclusion a summary of at least 10 questions/issues and expected responses based on the video, readings, your text, and knowledge of crime scene processing principles. Also address why and how the competent processing of a crime scene is consistent with justice and a Christian worldview
Findings of the Houston Forensic Center Crime Scene
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