This book provides deep insight into the significance of various forensic techniques underlying the methodical approaches in criminal investigations. The book comprises numerous case studies, examples, and reference materials. It emphasizes on the better practices for criminal investigations including contemporary examinations. The book also describes various methods for investigation of crime scene and evidence collection including biological evidences to the resources of law enforcement agencies.
This book encompasses the procedure for crime scene-documentation through photography, video, and diagrams and highlights the best practices of packaging the biological evidences at a crime scene. Further, it summarizes the role of forensic autopsy to the criminal investigation system. As such, the book is helpful for forensic scientists, medical practitioners, educators and law enforcement personnel.
Author(s): Jaskaran Singh, Neeta Raj Sharma
Publisher: Springer
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 244
City: Singapore
Contents
1: Initial Response at Crime Scenes and Prioritization of Efforts
1.1 The Role and Prioritization of First Respondent Officer(s) at the Scene
1.1.1 Before Going to the Scene, the Responsible Officer has the Following Objectives
1.1.2 On the Scene, the First Responding Officer will be Responsible for Several Missions as
1.1.2.1 The Safety of the Living Persons
1.1.2.2 Cordon Off the Boundaries of the Crime Scene and Limit Access of Personnel for Security
1.1.2.3 Avoid Contamination
1.1.2.4 Initiate Survey/Assessment
1.1.2.5 Evaluate Physical Evidence
1.1.2.6 Personal Statements
1.1.2.7 Legal and Ethical Considerations
1.1.2.8 Forensic Medical Examiners
1.1.3 Prepare a Narrative of the Scene
1.1.4 Relinquish Control
1.1.5 Communication with the Media
1.2 The First Responder Responsibilities in Electronic Scene
1.3 The Role and Prioritization of the Investigator at the Scene
1.3.1 Investigator Assessment
1.3.2 Overview the Scene and Initial Documentation
1.3.3 Log Officer
1.3.4 Team Composition
1.3.5 Procedure of Evidence Collection
1.3.6 Contamination Control
1.3.7 The Final Assessment of the Crime Scene
References
2: Crime Scene Processing: Documentation and Evaluation
2.1 Photography
2.1.1 Types of Crime Scene Photography
2.1.1.1 Overall (Long-Range) Photography
2.1.1.2 Midrange Photography
2.1.1.3 Close-Up Photography
2.2 Videography
2.2.1 Guidelines for Videotaping a Crime Scene
2.3 Sketching
2.3.1 Sketches Should Include the Following
2.3.2 Types of Sketches and Perspectives
2.3.2.1 Rectangular Coordinates
2.3.2.2 Triangulation
2.4 Method
2.4.1 Transecting Baseline Coordinate Method
2.5 Method
2.5.1 Polar (Azimuth) Coordinates (Compass Point Method)
2.6 Notes (Reports)
References
3: Crime Scene Searching: An Exploration of Forensic Evidence
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Value of the Physical Evidence
3.3 Crime Scene Principles
3.3.1 Locard´s Exchange Principle
3.3.2 Linkage Principle
3.4 Challenges in Searching the Crime Scene
3.5 Types of Crime Evidence
3.6 Temporary Evidence
3.7 Contingent Evidence
3.8 Pattern Evidence
3.9 Exchangeable Evidence
3.10 Medicolegal Evidence
3.11 Electronic Evidence
3.12 Associative Evidence
3.13 Tasks of the Investigator in the Scene
3.14 Time of Crime Scene Search
3.15 Number of Investigators
3.16 Before Searching the Crime Scene
3.17 Searching in the Scene
3.17.1 Precautions in Searching the Crime Scene
3.17.2 Crime Scene Searching Approach
3.17.3 Crime Scene Searching Methods
3.17.3.1 Linear Search
3.17.3.2 Strip (Parallel) Method
3.17.3.3 Grid (Double Strip) Search
3.17.3.4 Zone Search
3.17.3.5 Spiral (Circular) Search
3.17.3.6 Wheel (Pie) Search
3.17.3.7 Random Search
3.17.4 Prediction of the Sites of Evidence
3.17.5 Decision Regarding the Relevance of Objects
3.18 Crime Scene Imaging: Searching for Traces
3.18.1 Principles of Light Theories
3.18.1.1 Physical Nature of Light
3.18.1.2 Reflection of Light
3.18.1.3 Fluorescence Phenomena
3.18.2 Absorption/Reflection Mode
3.18.3 Fluorescence
3.18.4 Chemiluminescence
References
4: Collection, Preservation, and Packaging: Forensic Evidence Management
4.1 Introduction
4.2 General Instructions
4.3 Biological
4.3.1 Body
4.3.1.1 Collection
4.3.1.2 Preservation
4.3.1.3 Packaging
4.3.2 Animal Carcass
4.3.2.1 Collection
4.3.2.2 Preservation
4.3.2.3 Packaging
4.3.3 Body Fluids
4.3.3.1 Collection
4.3.3.2 Preservation
4.3.3.3 Packaging
4.3.4 Semen
4.3.4.1 Collection
4.3.4.2 Preservation
4.3.4.3 Packaging
4.3.5 Urine
4.3.5.1 Collection
4.3.5.2 Preservation
4.3.5.3 Packaging
4.3.6 Saliva
4.3.6.1 Collection
4.3.6.2 Preservation
4.3.6.3 Packaging
4.3.7 Vaginal Fluid
4.3.7.1 Collection
4.3.7.2 Preservation
4.3.7.3 Packaging
4.3.8 Vitreous Humor
4.3.8.1 Collection
4.3.8.2 Preservation
4.3.8.3 Packaging
4.3.9 Sweat
4.3.9.1 Collection
4.3.9.2 Preservation
4.3.9.3 Packaging
4.3.10 Tears
4.3.10.1 Collection
4.3.10.2 Preservation
4.3.10.3 Packaging
4.3.11 Feces
4.3.11.1 Collection
4.3.11.2 Preservation
4.3.11.3 Packaging
4.3.12 Bile
4.3.12.1 Collection
4.3.12.2 Preservation
4.3.12.3 Packaging
4.3.13 Body Parts
4.3.13.1 Hair/Fur
Collection
Preservation
Packaging
4.3.13.2 Feather
Collection
Preservation
Packaging
4.3.13.3 Nails
Collection
Preservation
Packaging
4.3.13.4 Tissue/Organs/Fetal Remains
Collection
Preservation
Packaging
4.3.13.5 Bones/Teeth
Collection
Preservation
Packaging
4.3.13.6 Stomach Contents
Collection
Preservation
Packaging
4.3.13.7 Plant Evidences: Pollen, Leaves, Wood/Woodcraft, etc.
Collection
Preservation
Packaging
4.3.13.8 Entomological Evidence
Collection
Preservation
Packaging
4.3.13.9 Microbes
Collection
Preservation
Packaging
4.4 Physical
4.4.1 Paint and Ink
4.4.1.1 Collection
4.4.1.2 Preservation
4.4.1.3 Packaging
4.4.2 Glass
4.4.2.1 Collection
4.4.2.2 Preservation
4.4.2.3 Packaging
4.4.3 Soil
4.4.3.1 Collection
4.4.3.2 Preservation
4.4.3.3 Packaging
4.4.4 Fiber/Clothes (of Victim/Suspect)
4.4.4.1 Collection
4.4.4.2 Preservation
4.4.4.3 Packaging
4.4.5 Tools: Knives, Hammer, Ax, Saw, etc.
4.4.5.1 Collection
4.4.5.2 Preservation
4.4.5.3 Packaging
4.4.6 Cordage: Wires, Rope/Cloth (Strangulation)
4.4.6.1 Collection
4.4.6.2 Preservation
4.4.6.3 Packaging
4.4.7 Ballistics
4.4.7.1 Firearm
Collection
Preservation
Packaging
4.4.7.2 Projectiles (Bullets/Pellets): Fired/Un-Fired
Collection
Preservation
Packaging
4.4.7.3 Casings
Collection
Preservation
Packaging
4.4.7.4 Documents: Normal, Burnt/Charred, Handwritten/Typewritten/Printed
Collection
Preservation
Packaging
4.4.7.5 Printers, Typewriters
Collection
Preservation
Packaging
4.4.7.6 Adhesive Tape
Collection
Preservation
Packaging
4.4.8 Impressions (Latent/Visible/3D)
4.4.8.1 Toolmarks
Collection
Preservation
Packaging
4.4.8.2 Fingerprint, Foot Print, Palm Print, Lip Print, Ear Print
Collection
Preservation
Packaging
4.4.8.3 Tire Marks
Collection
Preservation
Packaging
4.4.8.4 Footwear Impression
Collection
Preservation
Packaging
4.5 Chemical
4.5.1 Drugs/Poisons/Medicines
4.5.1.1 Collection
4.5.1.2 Preservation
4.5.1.3 Packaging
4.5.2 Drug Paraphernalia: Beakers, Containers, Packets, Tubing, Syringe, Spoon
4.5.2.1 Collection
4.5.2.2 Preservation
4.5.2.3 Packaging
4.5.3 Arson/Explosion: Accelerants, Residue, Parts of Explosive
4.5.3.1 Collection
4.5.3.2 Preservation
4.5.3.3 Packaging
4.5.4 GSR
4.5.4.1 Collection
4.5.4.2 Preservation
4.5.4.3 Packaging
4.6 Cyber and Digital
4.6.1 Computer and Parts
4.6.1.1 Collection
4.6.1.2 Preservation
4.6.1.3 Packaging
4.6.2 Phones, Tablets, and Parts
4.6.2.1 Collection
4.6.2.2 Preservation
4.6.2.3 Packaging
4.7 Case Study 1
4.7.1 O J Simpson Case
4.7.1.1 Case
4.7.1.2 Initial Evidences Recovered
4.7.1.3 Evidence Mishandling
4.7.2 Case Study 2 Aarushi Talwar Case
4.7.2.1 Case
4.7.2.2 Initial Evidences Recovered
4.7.2.3 Evidence Mishandling
4.7.3 Case Study 3 Meredith Kercher Murder Case
4.7.3.1 Case
4.7.3.2 Initial Evidence Recovered
4.7.3.3 Evidence Mishandling
4.7.4 Case Study 4 Tandoor Murder Case
4.7.4.1 Case
4.7.4.2 Initial Evidence Recovered
4.7.4.3 Evidence That Changed the Course of Investigation
References
5: Paint, Soil, and Glass Evidences: A Silent Witnesses
5.1 Paint
5.1.1 Paint as an Evidence
5.1.2 Composition
5.1.3 Types
5.1.3.1 Architectural Paint
5.1.3.2 Product Coating
5.1.3.3 Special Purpose Coatings
5.1.3.4 Art Paints
5.1.4 Collection and Preservation of Paint Evidence
5.1.5 Analysis
5.1.5.1 Visual Analysis
5.1.5.2 Chemical Examination
5.1.5.3 Instrumental Analysis
5.2 Soil
5.2.1 Soil as an Evidence
5.2.2 Types
5.2.2.1 Clay
5.2.2.2 Silt
5.2.2.3 Sand
5.2.3 Composition
5.2.4 Collection and Preservation
5.2.5 Analysis
5.2.5.1 Visual Examination
5.2.5.2 Physical Examination
5.2.5.3 Chemical Examination
5.2.5.4 Instrumental Analysis
5.3 Glass
5.3.1 Glass as an Evidence
5.3.2 Composition
5.3.3 Types
5.3.3.1 Soda Lime Glass
5.3.3.2 Pyrex
5.3.3.3 Crystal Glass
5.3.3.4 Tempered Glass
5.3.3.5 Laminated Glass
5.3.3.6 Colored Glass
5.3.3.7 Glass Fibers
5.3.3.8 Bulletproof Glass
5.3.4 Collection and Preservation
5.3.5 Analysis
5.3.5.1 Visual Examination
5.3.5.2 Physical Examination
5.3.5.3 Chemical Examination
5.3.5.4 Instrumental Analysis
6: Questioned Document Examination: A Prevalent Dispute
6.1 Introduction
6.1.1 What Is a ``Questioned Document´´
6.2 Counterfeiting
6.3 Security Features of Bank Notes
6.4 Art Crimes
6.5 Scope of Questioned Document Examination
6.6 Handwriting
6.6.1 Theory of Handwriting
6.6.2 Physiology of Handwriting
6.6.3 Characteristics of Handwriting and Identification Principles
6.6.3.1 Individual Characteristics
6.6.4 Factors Affecting Handwriting
6.7 Signatures
6.8 Tampered Documents
6.8.1 Alteration
6.8.2 Charred Documents
6.8.3 Erasures
6.8.4 Obliteration
6.8.5 Secret Writings
6.9 Burning Issues Encountered in Questioned Document
6.10 Challenges to Forensic Document Examination
6.11 Issues in Handwriting Analysis
6.12 Questioned Document Examination (QDE)
6.12.1 Handling of Documentary Evidence and Chain of Custody
6.12.2 Principles of Questioned Document Examination
6.12.3 Hand Magnifying Lens
6.12.4 Microscopy (Stereomicroscope)
6.12.5 Spectral Analysis
6.12.6 Chromatographic Techniques
6.12.6.1 Thin Layer Chromatography
6.12.6.2 High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
6.12.6.3 Gas Chromatography
6.12.7 VSC (Video Spectral Comparator)
6.12.8 Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA)
6.12.9 Docubox HD/Dragon/Projectina NIRVIS Docucenter
6.13 Computer-Assisted Handwriting Examination
6.14 Digital Signatures
6.15 Paper
6.15.1 Paper Production
6.15.2 Wood Paper Manufacturing Process
6.15.2.1 Cotton Paper Manufacturing Process
6.16 Ink
6.17 Constraints of Questioned Document Examination
6.18 Admissibility in Legal Proceedings
6.19 Summary
References
7: Postmortem Examination as an Aid to the Criminal Investigation System
7.1 Introduction
7.2 History and Development of Medicolegal Investigation
7.3 The Medicolegal Investigation Systems
7.4 Death Registration
7.5 Death Investigation
7.5.1 Crime Scene Examination
7.5.1.1 Pre-Crime Scene Duties
Gathering Information
Preparation of Investigative Tools and Equipment
Apply Safety Measures
Confirm or Pronounce Death
7.5.1.2 In-Crime Scene Duties
Medical Expert Self-Introduction and Role Identification
Crime Scene Survey
The Scene Documentation
Note-Taking
Photography and Video Recording
Sketching
External Body Examination
Photography
Identification of the Decedent
Document Postmortem Changes
Primary FlaccidityPrimary Flaccidity
Algor Mortis (Postmortem Cooling)Algor Mortis (Postmortem Cooling)
Postmortem Lividity (Hypostasis)Postmortem Lividity (Hypostasis)
Postmortem Rigidity (Rigor Mortis)Postmortem Rigidity (Rigor Mortis)
Body DecompositionBody Decomposition
PutrefactionPutrefaction
Adipocere (Saponification)Adipocere (Saponification)
MummificationMummification
MacerationMaceration
Injury´s Documentation
Clothes ExaminationClothes Examination
Blunt Force InjuriesBlunt Force Injuries
AbrasionsAbrasions
BruisesBruises
Lacerated WoundLacerated Wound
Sharp-Force InjuriesSharp-Force Injuries
Cut WoundCut Wound
Stab WoundStab Wound
Preserve Evidence
Interview Witness(Es) at the Scene
Collect Decedent History
7.5.1.3 Post-Crime Scene Duties
Jurisdictional Transfer of the Decedent
Establish Chain of Custody
Determine Notification Procedures
Participate in Scene Debriefing
Final Survey and Exit Procedures
Release Jurisdiction of the Body
7.6 Autopsy
7.6.1 Clothes
7.6.2 External Examination
7.6.3 Internal Examination
7.6.4 Investigations
7.6.4.1 Radiology
7.6.4.2 Histopathology
7.6.4.3 Toxicology
7.6.4.4 DNA Fingerprint
7.6.4.5 Microbiology
7.7 Estimating the Time of Death
7.7.1 Algor Mortis
7.7.2 Livor Mortis
7.7.3 Rigor Mortis
7.7.4 Decomposition
7.7.5 Maggots
7.7.6 Potassium Eye Levels
7.7.7 Stomach Contents
7.8 Autopsy Report
7.9 Summary
Bibliography
8: Examination of Tampered Voice Cases
8.1 Introduction to Speech Analysis
8.2 Speech Production
8.2.1 Organs of Speech Production
8.2.2 Role of Articulators
8.2.3 Hormones Responsible for Voice
8.2.4 Age and Its Effects on Voice
8.2.5 Theory of Speech Production
8.3 Features of Speech Samples
8.4 Tampering of Recorded Speech
8.5 Softwares Used in Speech Analysis Cases
8.6 Types of Cases Encountered
8.6.1 Bribe Trap Case
8.7 Handling of Samples
8.7.1 Checking of Package
8.7.2 Physical Examination of Evidence
8.7.3 Pre-Analysis Processing
8.7.4 Collection of Control Samples
8.8 Procedure for Segregation
8.8.1 Segregation for Feature Extraction
8.8.2 Verbatim Collection
8.9 Approaches for Comparison of Voice Samples
8.9.1 Auditory Approach
8.9.2 Spectrographic Approach
8.9.3 Automatic Approach
8.10 Report Presentation
8.11 Case Studies
8.11.1 McKeever Case
8.11.2 Watergate Audio Tapes
8.11.3 The Howard Hughes Hoax
8.11.4 State Vs Gurpreet Singh Walia [2018]
8.11.5 N. Sri Rama Reddy Vs Sh. V. V. Giri
8.11.6 Hardik Patel Sedition Case
8.11.7 National Security Agency (United States)
