Crime Scene Investigator Research Paper
Persuasive research paper- final draft
Abstract
Being a Crime Scene Investigator a person needs strong mind, stomach, diligence and high attention to detail.
A crime Scene Investigator job is complicated and gruesome.
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how stressful a crime scene Investigators job is. In this paper a crime scene is presented complicated which calls for high attention to detail and good organization skills. The job is critical but at the same time rewarding and stimulating for curious minds.
Good integrity and ethical character is an important part of this job. Unethical cases and mishandled cases have destroyed a case or lives involved.
How evidence is collected and handled …show more content…
is important and given special consideration and specific value. In each crime scene there are safety issues to follow depending on the type of offenses that was committed such as murder or rape. There are also typical crime scene problems and rules that are followed. The step by step organized documentation of a crime scene is one rule that is followed including the chronological order of note taking with no opinions, no analysis, no conclusions, just facts!
Persuasive research paper- final draft
Being a Crime scene investigator a person needs a strong mind, stomach, diligence, and high attention to detail.
A crime scene is complex involving homicides, sexual assaults and robberies. It would take a person with a strong mind and stomach to view the gruesome details at a crime scene investigation. Detailed reports of the crime have to be made and proper processing of evidence. This all includes organization and safety. “Clues at a crime scene by nature do not volunteer to be collected or examined. How would someone collect fear, rage, hatred, love? These are things that a crime scene investigator is trained to look for.” (J. Reese, 2013).
The crime scene investigator has to have proper training:
In an influential article crime scene investigator requirements have changed because of the number of people who has taken interest in joining the industry. The days are gone getting a law enforcement job by just having experience. A requirement for (CSI) Crime Scene Investigator includes a degree in Criminal Justice or a specific degree in crime scene investigation. (A. Heyntsen, 2013).
“CSI unit supervisors and hiring manager will usually prioritize an applicant who has earned a crime scene investigation degree”. (A. Heyntsen, 2013). There is an option of an associate degree, which is a two year program on general education in criminal justice and forensic investigation. There is a bachelor’s degree in crime scene investigation which goes deeper into the core competencies and education for CSI roles. Employers do prefer the bachelor’s degree. Presently I am pursuing my bachelor degree in criminal justice. I have had classes in crime scene investigation and forensics the classes are very phenomenal in its methods.
Getting the proper training and wanting to become a crime scene investigator, there is a real story behind it: Most people are familiar with CSI the television show.
It’s amazing how they find forensic evidence to solve every crime and solve every case in one hour. Real crime scene investigators do not like these shows, and you do not find forensic evidence at many of the scenes that are investigated. Another problem with the television show it helps to educate the criminal. Another thing the show cannot duplicate is the odor of a deceased person for about a week, or a person who has been dead outdoors for a long period of time, not to mention bodies that has been burned. There is investigations involving children and babies, these are heartbreaking deaths. This is like attending autopsies, and if you do not like autopsies get into another line of work. The TV show also show investigators with no gloves or protective clothing in a meth lab, picking up evidence before it is numbered or photographed. The TV show also performs miracles by having DNA evidence back in an hour amazing. There also is a fallacy that crime scene investigators work 9-5 Monday to Friday. In reality it’s a weekend job, middle of the night job, called in on your day off or from your vacation job. On the TV show they never have to do paperwork. The job is fascinating and also rewarding but it is not and far from what you see on TV. (C. Cush, …show more content…
2013).
An Investigator must come prepared for each crime scene:
Preparation and crime scene processing, the most important preparation for a crime scene begins before you leave the office.
Make sure that you keep your car stocked with the supplies and equipment that will be needed for any type of crime scene. No one has the time to go back to the office to restock in the middle of processing a crime scene. That time could be spent processing the scene as soon as possible. So keep your car stocked with supplies which will help in doing the job accurately and more efficiently. (D. Warrington, 2009).
Warrington stated that “Working a crime scene is a team effort for everyone” the field officers and first responders have to know there job or they can overlook pertinent
evidence.
“As part of assessing any crime scene, gather as much information as you can about the complexity of the case that you can calculate if you have enough people and equipment to process the scene. Do a walk through, observe how the crime was committed and type of evidence you might find. Keep in mind that you would not want to mess up a case for being too proud to ask for help, you’ll pay the price in the end on the witness stand”. (D, Warrington, 2009).
After the process of making the initial assessment, it’s time to photograph the scene making sure to leave everything exactly the way it was when you arrived upon the scene. You have to determine which items will need processing as you photograph them, without touching anything. Look for objects that look out of place or that the suspect would come in contact to, these items should be fingerprinted. I would also look for hairs and fibers. Warrington states “per day 150 hairs are shed by the average person, so there is a chance you will find hair at the scene of the crime that belong to the suspect”. (D. Warrington, 2009).
Once the individual items for processing have been identified, using a scale photograph the items. Any item with fingerprints and DNA evidence should be processed at the scene. In some crime scenes there are large items such as vehicles, countertops, window and door frames. For homicides you can take the entire door or window to use in court. It is also important to check for fingerprints, footprints, blood, semen, and any DNA evidence. At some crime scenes luminal or bluestar is used to look for blood at the scene, wait till night to use or make sure there is no light coming through the windows when using. (D. Warrington, 2009). You have to remember a crime scene requirements are well thought out with attention to every detail. The jury expects to see full detailed evidence. If you plan ahead you will improve your chances of ending up with a case in court that gets results.
There is an example of the O.J. Simpson case where processing of evidence at the scene of the crime was mishandled and the prosecution losing the case. There was a lack of attention to detail where cases of homicide usually take intensive processing to the smallest fiber and hair, including blood spatter and stains.
The Investigator should have high integrity with a positive attitude:
Police corruption: An analytical look into police ethics:
Police corruption after being studied and researched still remains a mystery. Robert Peel was given credit for his concept of police depending on citizen’s cooperation for providing services in a democratic society. The detrimental misconduct of the police cannot be overstated. In recent polls public trust for law enforcement show that only 56 percent of people rate the police as having high ethical standards as compared to 84 percent for nurses. (R. Martin, 2011).
Law enforcement has made great strides; they have avoided hiring people with low ethical standards, and have identified employees who might compromise the integrity of the department. Unethical conduct still continues to occur by the nation’s police departments large and small. Research has offered some understanding for the phenomenal police corruption, hoping to root out the behavior that undermines the legitimacy of law enforcement. There is a theory that a person’s own natural tendency to engage in unethical behavior and the negative influence of the officers department is an explanation of police corruption. (R. Martin, 2011).
“First of all, the discussion of ethics as related to law enforcement must begin with a definition of the word integrity”. (R. Martin, 2011). Ethics begins with integrity in law enforcement, the sum of virtues required bringing protection and service to the public. There is a list of characteristics that officers must possess to have integrity. (1). Prudence: To be able to discern conflicting virtues and the ability to take the best action. (2). Trust: To be loyal and truthful with officers, citizens, supervisors, this is needed to not exploit authority. (3). Courage: What it means to be cowardice and foolhardiness. (4). Intellectual honesty: Being humble and courageous to admit not knowing something. (5). Justice: Adjust what is owed to a citizen even if it contradicts what is owed. (6). Responsibility: Do the right thing be clear on what is right, and aware of alternatives for taking responsibility rather than making excuses for mistakes. (R, Martin, 2011).
Policing and being a crime scene investigator takes perfection and ethics, also a level of knowledge and a devotion to moral excellence. Perfect ethical conduct is needed for all departments it would be disastrous if less. Even though officers are human and make mistakes, ethical misconduct cannot be tolerated.
The failure to process evidence right will contaminate evidence.
Owensboro Police Department: Evidence collection unit:
In criminal investigations you have to prove physical evidence, of a crime scene. This is the reason for the collection and forensic examination of fingerprints, hair, soil, blood, fibers, etc.is practiced. Criminals walk or drive leaving or entering a crime scene, this when shoe or tire impressions are collected which is used for physical evidence. (J. Parham, n.d.).
The evidence collection unit (ECU) collects, and processes the crime scene with photographs, and examines evidence as well as collecting footprint, tool, and tire impressions. (J. Parham, n.d.).
FBI crime scene processing report as noted below is evidence to the prosecution and investigation of crimes.
“It is clear that the investigators identify the physical evidence at a crime scene so that it can be sent for further analysis. The investigator is in management of the crime scene and has to have the competence to record everything as required. Everything must be done in the highest level and with integrity”. (J. Parham, n.d.).
Searching in stages to prevent destruction of evidence at a crime scene:
Level One Search: This is the basic search, a zone search would be for a small apartment, and a grid search would be for the outdoor area. In a level one search is only for items that can be detected without moving anything at the crime scene. Once evidence is collected and packaged correctly it is time to move to level two search.
Level Two Search: This search is more thorough with some intrusion at the scene moving items, such as opening closet doors, and looking under furniture.
Level Three search: This is the highest level of intrusion. Every draw is searched all the clothing in the closet even looking through the dirty clothes. This is the level where you would do latent print searches, and if you have to take out wall sections or carpet sections. This is also the level to use chemicals for blood detection. (G. Dagnan, 2007).
There are probably more wrong ways than right ways to process a crime scene, but being professional and ethical preserving the integrity of evidence will be a good guide for every crime scene.
In conclusion:
We have discussed how a crime scene investigator has to have a strong mind, diligence, integrity and high moral character. A crime scene is complex and gruesome needing high attention to detail to proper processing of evidence. “A thing does not have to be true just because someone dies for it”. (Oscar Wilde)
Being a crime scene investigator they have to work with death and the pain associated with it. Sometimes the investigator has to detach his self from the truth of the gruesome facts of death, rape, robbery. In the end this job is rewarding because it helps to bring closure and a peace of mind to so many and also helps to keep the community safe.
Employers prefer to hire investigators with a bachelor degree and internship. Once hired on the job come prepared for each crime scene. Keep your vehicle stocked and never be too proud to ask for help. Always gather as much information as you can when assessing a crime scene, then it is time to photograph the scene, take fingerprints and look for hairs and fibers.
It is important to have integrity and ethics. Have the ability to take the best action, be loyal and truthful. Be responsible, do the right thing and be clear on what’s right. The moral of the story is it takes perfection and ethics of the highest level to be a crime scene investigator. There are no alternatives for making excuses for mistakes.
References
Cush, C. (n.d.). Want to become a crime scene Investigator? Here 's the real story. Retrieved from http://www.crime-scene-investigation.net/realstory.html
Dagnan, G. (n.d.). Searching in stages to prevent destruction of evidence of crime scene. Retrieved from http;//www.crime-scene-investigator.net/searchingstages.html
Heyntsen, A. (2013). Crime Scene Investigation Requirements. Retrieved from http://www.criminaljusticeschoolinfo.com/crime-scene-investigator-requirements.html
Martin, R. (2011). Police corruption: An analytical look into police ethics. Retrieved from http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/law-enforcement-bulletin/may-2011/law-en
Parham, J. (n.d.). owensboro police department: Evidence collection unit. Retrieved from http://www.owensboro.org/police/?page-id-98
Reese, J. (2013). Ouotable Quote. Retrieved from http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/391232-there-are-certain-clues-at-a-crime-scene-which-by
Wilde, O. (n.d.). Quotes about death Retrieved from http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag
Warrington, D. (2009). preparation and crime scene processing. Retrieved from http://www.forensicmag.com/articles/2009/12preparation-and-crime-scene-processing
Abstract
Being a Crime Scene Investigator a person needs strong mind, stomach, diligence and high attention to detail.
A crime Scene Investigator job is complicated and gruesome.
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how stressful a crime scene Investigators job is. In this paper a crime scene is presented complicated which calls for high attention to detail and good organization skills. The job is critical but at the same time rewarding and stimulating for curious minds.
Good integrity and ethical character is an important part of this job. Unethical cases and mishandled cases have destroyed a case or lives involved.
How evidence is collected and handled …show more content…
is important and given special consideration and specific value. In each crime scene there are safety issues to follow depending on the type of offenses that was committed such as murder or rape. There are also typical crime scene problems and rules that are followed. The step by step organized documentation of a crime scene is one rule that is followed including the chronological order of note taking with no opinions, no analysis, no conclusions, just facts!
Persuasive research paper- final draft
Being a Crime scene investigator a person needs a strong mind, stomach, diligence, and high attention to detail.
A crime scene is complex involving homicides, sexual assaults and robberies. It would take a person with a strong mind and stomach to view the gruesome details at a crime scene investigation. Detailed reports of the crime have to be made and proper processing of evidence. This all includes organization and safety. “Clues at a crime scene by nature do not volunteer to be collected or examined. How would someone collect fear, rage, hatred, love? These are things that a crime scene investigator is trained to look for.” (J. Reese, 2013).
The crime scene investigator has to have proper training:
In an influential article crime scene investigator requirements have changed because of the number of people who has taken interest in joining the industry. The days are gone getting a law enforcement job by just having experience. A requirement for (CSI) Crime Scene Investigator includes a degree in Criminal Justice or a specific degree in crime scene investigation. (A. Heyntsen, 2013).
“CSI unit supervisors and hiring manager will usually prioritize an applicant who has earned a crime scene investigation degree”. (A. Heyntsen, 2013). There is an option of an associate degree, which is a two year program on general education in criminal justice and forensic investigation. There is a bachelor’s degree in crime scene investigation which goes deeper into the core competencies and education for CSI roles. Employers do prefer the bachelor’s degree. Presently I am pursuing my bachelor degree in criminal justice. I have had classes in crime scene investigation and forensics the classes are very phenomenal in its methods.
Getting the proper training and wanting to become a crime scene investigator, there is a real story behind it: Most people are familiar with CSI the television show.
It’s amazing how they find forensic evidence to solve every crime and solve every case in one hour. Real crime scene investigators do not like these shows, and you do not find forensic evidence at many of the scenes that are investigated. Another problem with the television show it helps to educate the criminal. Another thing the show cannot duplicate is the odor of a deceased person for about a week, or a person who has been dead outdoors for a long period of time, not to mention bodies that has been burned. There is investigations involving children and babies, these are heartbreaking deaths. This is like attending autopsies, and if you do not like autopsies get into another line of work. The TV show also show investigators with no gloves or protective clothing in a meth lab, picking up evidence before it is numbered or photographed. The TV show also performs miracles by having DNA evidence back in an hour amazing. There also is a fallacy that crime scene investigators work 9-5 Monday to Friday. In reality it’s a weekend job, middle of the night job, called in on your day off or from your vacation job. On the TV show they never have to do paperwork. The job is fascinating and also rewarding but it is not and far from what you see on TV. (C. Cush, …show more content…
2013).
An Investigator must come prepared for each crime scene:
Preparation and crime scene processing, the most important preparation for a crime scene begins before you leave the office.
Make sure that you keep your car stocked with the supplies and equipment that will be needed for any type of crime scene. No one has the time to go back to the office to restock in the middle of processing a crime scene. That time could be spent processing the scene as soon as possible. So keep your car stocked with supplies which will help in doing the job accurately and more efficiently. (D. Warrington, 2009).
Warrington stated that “Working a crime scene is a team effort for everyone” the field officers and first responders have to know there job or they can overlook pertinent
evidence.
“As part of assessing any crime scene, gather as much information as you can about the complexity of the case that you can calculate if you have enough people and equipment to process the scene. Do a walk through, observe how the crime was committed and type of evidence you might find. Keep in mind that you would not want to mess up a case for being too proud to ask for help, you’ll pay the price in the end on the witness stand”. (D, Warrington, 2009).
After the process of making the initial assessment, it’s time to photograph the scene making sure to leave everything exactly the way it was when you arrived upon the scene. You have to determine which items will need processing as you photograph them, without touching anything. Look for objects that look out of place or that the suspect would come in contact to, these items should be fingerprinted. I would also look for hairs and fibers. Warrington states “per day 150 hairs are shed by the average person, so there is a chance you will find hair at the scene of the crime that belong to the suspect”. (D. Warrington, 2009).
Once the individual items for processing have been identified, using a scale photograph the items. Any item with fingerprints and DNA evidence should be processed at the scene. In some crime scenes there are large items such as vehicles, countertops, window and door frames. For homicides you can take the entire door or window to use in court. It is also important to check for fingerprints, footprints, blood, semen, and any DNA evidence. At some crime scenes luminal or bluestar is used to look for blood at the scene, wait till night to use or make sure there is no light coming through the windows when using. (D. Warrington, 2009). You have to remember a crime scene requirements are well thought out with attention to every detail. The jury expects to see full detailed evidence. If you plan ahead you will improve your chances of ending up with a case in court that gets results.
There is an example of the O.J. Simpson case where processing of evidence at the scene of the crime was mishandled and the prosecution losing the case. There was a lack of attention to detail where cases of homicide usually take intensive processing to the smallest fiber and hair, including blood spatter and stains.
The Investigator should have high integrity with a positive attitude:
Police corruption: An analytical look into police ethics:
Police corruption after being studied and researched still remains a mystery. Robert Peel was given credit for his concept of police depending on citizen’s cooperation for providing services in a democratic society. The detrimental misconduct of the police cannot be overstated. In recent polls public trust for law enforcement show that only 56 percent of people rate the police as having high ethical standards as compared to 84 percent for nurses. (R. Martin, 2011).
Law enforcement has made great strides; they have avoided hiring people with low ethical standards, and have identified employees who might compromise the integrity of the department. Unethical conduct still continues to occur by the nation’s police departments large and small. Research has offered some understanding for the phenomenal police corruption, hoping to root out the behavior that undermines the legitimacy of law enforcement. There is a theory that a person’s own natural tendency to engage in unethical behavior and the negative influence of the officers department is an explanation of police corruption. (R. Martin, 2011).
“First of all, the discussion of ethics as related to law enforcement must begin with a definition of the word integrity”. (R. Martin, 2011). Ethics begins with integrity in law enforcement, the sum of virtues required bringing protection and service to the public. There is a list of characteristics that officers must possess to have integrity. (1). Prudence: To be able to discern conflicting virtues and the ability to take the best action. (2). Trust: To be loyal and truthful with officers, citizens, supervisors, this is needed to not exploit authority. (3). Courage: What it means to be cowardice and foolhardiness. (4). Intellectual honesty: Being humble and courageous to admit not knowing something. (5). Justice: Adjust what is owed to a citizen even if it contradicts what is owed. (6). Responsibility: Do the right thing be clear on what is right, and aware of alternatives for taking responsibility rather than making excuses for mistakes. (R, Martin, 2011).
Policing and being a crime scene investigator takes perfection and ethics, also a level of knowledge and a devotion to moral excellence. Perfect ethical conduct is needed for all departments it would be disastrous if less. Even though officers are human and make mistakes, ethical misconduct cannot be tolerated.
The failure to process evidence right will contaminate evidence.
Owensboro Police Department: Evidence collection unit:
In criminal investigations you have to prove physical evidence, of a crime scene. This is the reason for the collection and forensic examination of fingerprints, hair, soil, blood, fibers, etc.is practiced. Criminals walk or drive leaving or entering a crime scene, this when shoe or tire impressions are collected which is used for physical evidence. (J. Parham, n.d.).
The evidence collection unit (ECU) collects, and processes the crime scene with photographs, and examines evidence as well as collecting footprint, tool, and tire impressions. (J. Parham, n.d.).
FBI crime scene processing report as noted below is evidence to the prosecution and investigation of crimes.
“It is clear that the investigators identify the physical evidence at a crime scene so that it can be sent for further analysis. The investigator is in management of the crime scene and has to have the competence to record everything as required. Everything must be done in the highest level and with integrity”. (J. Parham, n.d.).
Searching in stages to prevent destruction of evidence at a crime scene:
Level One Search: This is the basic search, a zone search would be for a small apartment, and a grid search would be for the outdoor area. In a level one search is only for items that can be detected without moving anything at the crime scene. Once evidence is collected and packaged correctly it is time to move to level two search.
Level Two Search: This search is more thorough with some intrusion at the scene moving items, such as opening closet doors, and looking under furniture.
Level Three search: This is the highest level of intrusion. Every draw is searched all the clothing in the closet even looking through the dirty clothes. This is the level where you would do latent print searches, and if you have to take out wall sections or carpet sections. This is also the level to use chemicals for blood detection. (G. Dagnan, 2007).
There are probably more wrong ways than right ways to process a crime scene, but being professional and ethical preserving the integrity of evidence will be a good guide for every crime scene.
In conclusion:
We have discussed how a crime scene investigator has to have a strong mind, diligence, integrity and high moral character. A crime scene is complex and gruesome needing high attention to detail to proper processing of evidence. “A thing does not have to be true just because someone dies for it”. (Oscar Wilde)
Being a crime scene investigator they have to work with death and the pain associated with it. Sometimes the investigator has to detach his self from the truth of the gruesome facts of death, rape, robbery. In the end this job is rewarding because it helps to bring closure and a peace of mind to so many and also helps to keep the community safe.
Employers prefer to hire investigators with a bachelor degree and internship. Once hired on the job come prepared for each crime scene. Keep your vehicle stocked and never be too proud to ask for help. Always gather as much information as you can when assessing a crime scene, then it is time to photograph the scene, take fingerprints and look for hairs and fibers.
It is important to have integrity and ethics. Have the ability to take the best action, be loyal and truthful. Be responsible, do the right thing and be clear on what’s right. The moral of the story is it takes perfection and ethics of the highest level to be a crime scene investigator. There are no alternatives for making excuses for mistakes.
References
Cush, C. (n.d.). Want to become a crime scene Investigator? Here 's the real story. Retrieved from http://www.crime-scene-investigation.net/realstory.html
Dagnan, G. (n.d.). Searching in stages to prevent destruction of evidence of crime scene. Retrieved from http;//www.crime-scene-investigator.net/searchingstages.html
Heyntsen, A. (2013). Crime Scene Investigation Requirements. Retrieved from http://www.criminaljusticeschoolinfo.com/crime-scene-investigator-requirements.html
Martin, R. (2011). Police corruption: An analytical look into police ethics. Retrieved from http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/law-enforcement-bulletin/may-2011/law-en
Parham, J. (n.d.). owensboro police department: Evidence collection unit. Retrieved from http://www.owensboro.org/police/?page-id-98
Reese, J. (2013). Ouotable Quote. Retrieved from http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/391232-there-are-certain-clues-at-a-crime-scene-which-by
Wilde, O. (n.d.). Quotes about death Retrieved from http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag
Warrington, D. (2009). preparation and crime scene processing. Retrieved from http://www.forensicmag.com/articles/2009/12preparation-and-crime-scene-processing