Introduction to Forensics Forensics 352 – O’Dette

Forensic Science The application of science to the criminal laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system

Why is forensics important? To apprehend criminals

This semester EVIDENCE Crime Scene Processing Fingerprinting Hair and Fibers Blood DNA Entomology Anthropology Other Physical Evidence

What is the Role of a forensic investigator? We must observe, interpret, and report observations clearly We must be able to determine the significance of evidence and use deductive reasoning Henry Lee - Criminologist

What is an Observation? An observation is the gathering of information by using our five senses: Sight Smell Hearing Taste Touch

How is information processed in the brain? Information from our senses What we pay attention to Short-term memory Long-term memory Perception

How to be a good observer Pay attention to details Don’t filter out important information Look for patterns Physically document observations

Crime scene challenge Now let’s test your observation skills a bit. You will have 1 minutes to study the photograph of a crime scene on the next slide. Try to pay attention to details as you will be asked 10 questions about the crime scene! You are not allowed to write anything down until after the time is up.

1. What color coffee mug was in the picture? Blue Red Yellow 2. When was the deadline? Yesterday Today Tomorrow 3. What time was on the clock on the wall? 10:40 11:05 1:55 4. How many sticky notes were on the whiteboard? Four Six Eight 5. Which of the following was NOT in the picture? Stapler Trash Can Printer 6. What was the name on the plaque on the desk? Bill Brian Carl 7. What color was the victim's shirt? Black Blue Red 8. How many plants were in the picture? None One Two 9. What was the color of the marker in the desk drawer? Red Blue Green 10. Where was the book in the picture? On a box In the trash can Under the body

What is an inference? A inference is statement from the interpretation of facts. They are based on past experiences and prior knowledge. Inferences cannot be observed.

Inference Example If you get up in the morning, look up at the sky and observe dark clouds, observe the air is cool and humid, and observe puddles on the ground, you might infer that it has recently rained. Note: You did not see it rain, you decided that it rained based on your observations. Record two inferences about what you see in the room.