1. Forensic Science Unit 1: Introduction to Forensics & Law

2. Getting Started What can you tell about the crime from this crime scene sketch?

3. What happens at a crime scene? Modus Operandi: sequence of events First Officer at the scene must: A- Assess the crime scene D- Detain the witness A- Arrest the perpetrator P- Protect the crime scene T- Take notes

4. What next? If someone has died, the medical examiner should note the body’s condition and if possible estimate the time of death Photos and videos are then taken Photos must be taken at EVERY angle, and MUST have a ruler or something to show scale

5. What is the medical examiner responsible for? Medical examiners are doctors and are appointed (Coroners are elected officials) Medical examiners: 1.Identify the deceased 2.Establish time and date of death 3.Determine medical cause of death 4.Determine the mechanism of death 5.Classify the manner of death 6.Notify the next of kin

6. What is meant by “cause”, “manner” and “mechanism” of death? Cause of death- injury or disease that resulted in the person dying Mechanism of death- physiological reason that the person died Manner of death- only these 5 1.Natural 2.Accidental 3.Suicide 4.Homicide 5.Undecided Example: Manner- Natural; Mechanism- Heart Failure Cause- Pulmonary edema

7. Crime Sketches Sketches give record of relationships of different points of interest They should include date and time, scale, reference points, distance measurements, names of investigators, victims, suspects and a legend. Original sketch is considered evidence

9. How do you search?

10. How do you collect and package Refer to reference sheet throughout year Must maintain chain of custody- court needs to know who has been responsible for evidence from the time it was collected until presented at court