Unit 2

UNIT OBJECTIVES

Students should be able to:

1.      Isolate, record, and search for evidence at a mock crime scene.

2.      Collect and package evidence at a mock crime scene using proper forensic procedures.

3.      Maintain the Chain of Custody

4.      Define the three basic properties that allow individual identification by fingerprints.

5.      Obtain an inked, readable fingerprint for each finger.

6.      Recognize the general ridge patterns (loops, whorls, and arches) and apply them to the primary Henry-FBI classification

7.      Identify friction ridge characteristics and compare two fingerprints with at least ten points of identification.

8.      Tell the differences among latent, plastic, and visible fingerprints.

9.      Photograph prints and develop a print portfolio.

10.  Develop and carry out scientific investigations.

11.  Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications.

12.  Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations.

13.  Communicate and defend a scientific argument.

14.   Access the internet for specific information.

15.   Observe the relevance of classroom study to real-life situations.

ASSIGNMENTS
SPECIFICS
Forensic Science for High School
By Deslich and Funkhouser
Chapters 3-4, pp. 37-76
Crime Scene by Ragle Chapter 3, pp. 89-130
Chapter 10, pp. 353-411
Criminalistics by Saferstein Chapter 2, pp. 34-61
Chapter 14---pp. 395-420
Chapter 15—pp. 443-452
Class Notes PowerPoint-- Click here for chapter three PowerPoint Notes
Click here for chapter four PowerPoint Notes
Activities Crime Scene Observations:
http://pos.psdr3.org/science/forensics/activities/SantaBarb.html

Evaluating a Crime Scene, p. 46
Labs Crime Scene Investigation:
http://pos.psdr3.org/science/forensics/activities/SantaBarb.html

http://www.newspress.com/coldcases/catchkiller.htm (“How to Catch a Killer”)
Observing and Taking Fingerprints, pp. 51-52
Developing Latent Fingerprints, p.64-67
Technology Crime Scene                                         http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/forensics/crimescene/1.htmlExpert Witness            http://www.crimelibrary.com/notorious_murders/classics/george_parkman/1.html
Fingerprints, p. 75
Also see: http://home.att.net/~dermatoglyphics/  and            http://www.crimelibrary.com/criminal_mind/forensics/fingerprints/1.html
Projects

Compromised Crime Scenes
Print Portfolio
Choices, p. 74

Other Case Studies
Questions, p. 47
Crossword review, p.76
Assessments Crime Scene
Assessment, pp. 71-73
Written Knowledge and Analysis Test

 

AUTOPSY--There are two tutorials to visit that will help with an understanding of how an autopsy is conducted.

  • HBO--Dr. Michael Baden performs a visual autopsy.
  • Ed Friedlander, M.D. (pathologist)--gives a detailed account of what is done during an autopsy.

Image on the right came from Autopsy Video,

 

CSI--Crime Scene Investigation
On the CSI website, you can navigate an interactive crime lab, look at cases that were solved on the program, and observe the forensics used to solve it. The handbook section contains information about tools, evidence and procedures. In addition, you can sign up as an agent in order to access online training, police codes, and the CSI leader board. Specific instructions will be given in class.

PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT--Crime Scene Investigation

POLICE REPORT

I was called to 1524 Hummingbird Lane at 10:30 p.m. The neighbors, Ron (65 years old) and Shirley (60) Ross, met me as I pulled up. They stated that they had arrived home at 10:15 to see a man running from the home of their neighbor. They called the police.

The front door was slightly ajar. Upon entering the house, I noticed that the TV was still on but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. In the kitchen area there was a broken glass next to the sink with what appeared to be blood droplets. The bedroom was neatly arranged except for an overturned jewelry box. The contents were scattered on the carpeted floor. A search of the rest of the house, revealed the body of a female lying in a prone position submerged in a bathtub of water. The body had no visible signs of life, was warm but not stiff. I called immediately for the paramedics and then interviewed the witnesses.

RON ROSS:
“My wife and I arrived home at approximately 10:15 and saw a man run from my neighbor’s house. We don’t know her very well. She only moved in a month ago. I think her name is Beth or something like that, but I don’t know her last name at all. The guy was in such a hurry that he didn't’t even shut the front door. That worried us and my wife ran into the house and called the police.”

SHIRLEY ROSS:
“I think her name is actually Bethany. Everything is usually pretty quiet at her house during the day, but I have heard cars coming and going at night. I think she has a boy friend that pays her a visit.”

AUTOPSY REPORT:
The woman was identified as Bethany Andrews by her sister. She is 26 years old, 5’5” and weighs 140 lbs. Around her neck were fingerlike marks. There was a slight contusion on the frontal area of her head. No cerebral hemorrhage was found upon internal investigation. The lungs contained a small amount of water. There was an enlarged heart with signs of ventricular atrophy. All other organs were found to be healthy and normal. Toxicology results: Large quantity of cocaine in the blood.

ARREST WARRANT:
A search warrant was issued for the boyfriend’s apartment and car. Upon examining these, the police discovered jewelry that had belonged to the deceased. Lab tests revealed that the blood in the kitchen and the fingerprints on the jewelry box did indeed belong to the boyfriend, Joe Cool. He was arrested on charges of first degree murder several days later at the home of his mother.

SCORING GUIDE
You are to write the opening statements for both the prosecuting attorney and defense attorney for Joe Cool. For the prosecutor, describe the story that you believe took place on Hummingbird Lane. Include the evidence you intend to present and how it implicates the defendant. In addition, provide the means, motive and opportunity that the defendant had in order to commit such a crime. For the defense, state your side of the story and the important points that will be brought up to give reasonable doubt as to the guilt of your client. End your paper by stating the verdict and interviewing at least 2 members of the jury.

Parameter

Crime Scene Evaluation Evidence Sheet

Descriptions

Lists the evidence found at the scene, including the lab results

POINTS

15

Prosecutors Case
  • Opening Statement
  • Description of the Case
  • Evidence and its Significance
  • Means
  • Motive
  • Opportunity
  • Closing Statement
25
Defense Case
  • Opening Statement
  • Case Angle
  • Evidence and its Significance (create reasonable doubt)
25
Jury
  • Decision
  • Interview with jury members as to their reasoning
10
Accuracy of Forensic Information
  • accurately shows two sides
  • plausible based on the evidence
  • demonstrates an understanding of crime scene investigation
10
Writing Skills
  • well-written--easily understood
  • well-developed--written in the way cases are presented
  • no grammatical errors
  • no spelling errors
15

Loop

Arch

Whorl

THUMBPRINT

In the heel of my thumb are whorls, whirls, wheels
in a uniqe design:
mine alone.
What a treasure to own!

My own flesh, my own feelings.
Not other, however grand or base,
can ever contain the same.

My signature,
thumbing the pages of my time.
My universe key,
my singularity.
Impress, implant,
I am myself,
of all my atorn parts I am the sum.

And out of my blood and my brain
I make my own interior weather,
my own sun and rain.

Imprint my mark upon the world,
whatever I shall become.

---Eve Merriam

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