1.1
Scenes of Crime officers
These roles are often depicted on television as CSIs or crime scene investigators and are employed by
the police service to preserve and protect the crime scene and recover evidence.
It is essential that the evidence at a crime scene remains uncontaminated and is collected as soon as
possible to provide reliable evidence in a criminal investigation. SOCOs (Scene of Crime Officers) search
for trace evidence such as Gunshot residue, fingerprints, and hairs and fibres.
Limitations
SOCOs may be exposed to hazardous substances during their role, such as contaminates
contacting skin or airborne substances that could enter the mouth
Such risks are minimised by the wearing of PPE
Case Study – Amanda Knox
There are cases where contamination of evidence at a crime scene has occurred, such as in the murder
of Meredith Kercher and trial of Amanda Knox. Here detectives wore shoe covers outside of the house,
while others failed to have any protective PPE on inside the house. This was used in court to suggest
that evidence collected was unreliable.
Forensic Scientists
Forensic scientists review evidence from a crime scene and produce information for a court. Evidence
such as blood and other body fluids are analysed in a Labatory and interpreted. This information can
assist a court in deciding and producing a just result.
Computers
Fire
Toxicology
Psychology
Dentistry
Limitations
Some people believe that DNA analysis pf a person can be against human ethics as it reveals
confidential information
It can be expensive and time consuming
If care and attention are not present an injustice could occur.
Police Officers
The police play a key role in the investigations of criminal cases
, They are the first personnel to be called to a crime scene and their initial action is important
While their first job is to preserve life, they will also secure the crime scene to conserve
evidence
They are trained professionals who investigate crime and attempt to reduce it and the fear of it
There are specialist Units within the police service including the Criminal Investigation Department, CID,
CID officers are trained to investigate a wide range of crimes and can call upon the assistance of various
specialist sections such as firearms or underwater teams
Limitations
Stephen Lawrence case: the MacPherson report 1999, issued because of the Lawrence case, said
the police had institutional racism and made 70 recommendations to improve the service
Hillsborough disaster also shows that the police can act inappropriately in criminal
investigations. The inquest in 2016 concluded that blunders by the police caused or contributed
to the disaster and that victims had been unlawfully killed.
Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
Department was set up in 1986 to be an independent prosecution service to take over from the police.
The CPS works with the police to review cases and decide if it is appropriate to prosecute. CPS is
effectively a law firm and their 2,000+ crown prosecutors are fully qualified barristers and solicitors.
Consistency is provided by the tests they apply, which consider the evidence collected by the police and
whether it is in the public interest to prosecute,
Limitations
In the past it has been criticised for the number of cases that have collapsed due to the lack of
evidence
Its relationship with the police has sometimes been difficult. Example, Case of hate preacher
Abu Hamza, who was found guilty on inciting murder. However, prior to this the police put
evidence to them on more than one occasion, but the CPS refused to prosecute.
Case Study – Damilola Taylor
Reputation of the CPS was damaged because of this case, there was heavy reliance on evidence from
the 14-year-old girl. The girl’s evidence was thrown out of court when it was shown she has lied. The
CPS was widely condemned as it was said that the lies were extremely obvious, and the CPS should have
known they would be exposed.
Pathologists
Pathologists are medical doctors who perform autopsies to establish cause of death. Such information is
vital in a criminal investigation, providing clues for the other roles within an investigation. Pathologists
are experienced and well-qualified practitioners with knowledge of many areas such as pathology, crime
scene evaluation, anatomy, and anthropology
, Limitations
Pathologists are extremely limited in numbers and might have to work on several cases at any
one time.
The cost of pathologists is extremely high, in the public sector a consultant can earn £100,000
per year and potentially more within the private sector
Case study – Anthony Hardy
Limitations of the role of a pathologist in criminal investigations can be seen in the case of Anthony
Hardy, also known as the Camden Ripper. Here, the pathologist, Freddy Patel, decided that a victim had
died from natural causes despite the way her body was found in a locked room in Hardy’s flat. There
were blood stains on her clothes, the bedding and on the wall. As the police had no crime to investigate
nothing further could be done and Hardy went on to kill 2 other women. He was later convicted of the
murder of all 3 women and Patel was suspended from his role following comments by the General
Medical Council Disciplinary Panel, who said his actions were irresponsible and not of the standard
expected of a competent pathologist.
1.2
Use of intelligence databases to investigate crime
The police use many databases to help them store and access information to help in the fight against
crime. Examples include the UK National DNA Database and Police National Computer or PNC (Police
National Computer), which holds extensive information on people, vehicles, crimes, and property.
Crimint, run by the Metropolitan Police Service of Greater London, stores information on criminals,
suspected criminals, and protesters. Also, there are databases that contain information from witnesses,
informants, and agents.
Forensics
Today's world of forensic science is hugely different from 100 years ago. In the past, when police had to
attend a crime scene, they would be alone until a doctor arrived to confirm death and carry out a very
quick review of the body. In today's world of forensic science:
• The police are accompanied by a range of forensic experts to help in the investigations.
• The police discuss actions and usefulness of various forms of evidence with the other experts.
• There is limited access to a crime scene and protective clothing is required to be worn, to avoid
contamination.
• The police recover evidence scientifically, which is then considered by a range of experts in many
different fields.
Case Study - PITCHFORK
One of the most useful forensic techniques is that of the use of DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid. The first
criminal conviction using DNA evidence was that of Colin Pitchfork in 1986. Pitchfork was found guilty of
the 1983 murder of Lynda Mann and of the 1986 murder of Dawn Ashworth. At the time of the second
Scenes of Crime officers
These roles are often depicted on television as CSIs or crime scene investigators and are employed by
the police service to preserve and protect the crime scene and recover evidence.
It is essential that the evidence at a crime scene remains uncontaminated and is collected as soon as
possible to provide reliable evidence in a criminal investigation. SOCOs (Scene of Crime Officers) search
for trace evidence such as Gunshot residue, fingerprints, and hairs and fibres.
Limitations
SOCOs may be exposed to hazardous substances during their role, such as contaminates
contacting skin or airborne substances that could enter the mouth
Such risks are minimised by the wearing of PPE
Case Study – Amanda Knox
There are cases where contamination of evidence at a crime scene has occurred, such as in the murder
of Meredith Kercher and trial of Amanda Knox. Here detectives wore shoe covers outside of the house,
while others failed to have any protective PPE on inside the house. This was used in court to suggest
that evidence collected was unreliable.
Forensic Scientists
Forensic scientists review evidence from a crime scene and produce information for a court. Evidence
such as blood and other body fluids are analysed in a Labatory and interpreted. This information can
assist a court in deciding and producing a just result.
Computers
Fire
Toxicology
Psychology
Dentistry
Limitations
Some people believe that DNA analysis pf a person can be against human ethics as it reveals
confidential information
It can be expensive and time consuming
If care and attention are not present an injustice could occur.
Police Officers
The police play a key role in the investigations of criminal cases
, They are the first personnel to be called to a crime scene and their initial action is important
While their first job is to preserve life, they will also secure the crime scene to conserve
evidence
They are trained professionals who investigate crime and attempt to reduce it and the fear of it
There are specialist Units within the police service including the Criminal Investigation Department, CID,
CID officers are trained to investigate a wide range of crimes and can call upon the assistance of various
specialist sections such as firearms or underwater teams
Limitations
Stephen Lawrence case: the MacPherson report 1999, issued because of the Lawrence case, said
the police had institutional racism and made 70 recommendations to improve the service
Hillsborough disaster also shows that the police can act inappropriately in criminal
investigations. The inquest in 2016 concluded that blunders by the police caused or contributed
to the disaster and that victims had been unlawfully killed.
Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
Department was set up in 1986 to be an independent prosecution service to take over from the police.
The CPS works with the police to review cases and decide if it is appropriate to prosecute. CPS is
effectively a law firm and their 2,000+ crown prosecutors are fully qualified barristers and solicitors.
Consistency is provided by the tests they apply, which consider the evidence collected by the police and
whether it is in the public interest to prosecute,
Limitations
In the past it has been criticised for the number of cases that have collapsed due to the lack of
evidence
Its relationship with the police has sometimes been difficult. Example, Case of hate preacher
Abu Hamza, who was found guilty on inciting murder. However, prior to this the police put
evidence to them on more than one occasion, but the CPS refused to prosecute.
Case Study – Damilola Taylor
Reputation of the CPS was damaged because of this case, there was heavy reliance on evidence from
the 14-year-old girl. The girl’s evidence was thrown out of court when it was shown she has lied. The
CPS was widely condemned as it was said that the lies were extremely obvious, and the CPS should have
known they would be exposed.
Pathologists
Pathologists are medical doctors who perform autopsies to establish cause of death. Such information is
vital in a criminal investigation, providing clues for the other roles within an investigation. Pathologists
are experienced and well-qualified practitioners with knowledge of many areas such as pathology, crime
scene evaluation, anatomy, and anthropology
, Limitations
Pathologists are extremely limited in numbers and might have to work on several cases at any
one time.
The cost of pathologists is extremely high, in the public sector a consultant can earn £100,000
per year and potentially more within the private sector
Case study – Anthony Hardy
Limitations of the role of a pathologist in criminal investigations can be seen in the case of Anthony
Hardy, also known as the Camden Ripper. Here, the pathologist, Freddy Patel, decided that a victim had
died from natural causes despite the way her body was found in a locked room in Hardy’s flat. There
were blood stains on her clothes, the bedding and on the wall. As the police had no crime to investigate
nothing further could be done and Hardy went on to kill 2 other women. He was later convicted of the
murder of all 3 women and Patel was suspended from his role following comments by the General
Medical Council Disciplinary Panel, who said his actions were irresponsible and not of the standard
expected of a competent pathologist.
1.2
Use of intelligence databases to investigate crime
The police use many databases to help them store and access information to help in the fight against
crime. Examples include the UK National DNA Database and Police National Computer or PNC (Police
National Computer), which holds extensive information on people, vehicles, crimes, and property.
Crimint, run by the Metropolitan Police Service of Greater London, stores information on criminals,
suspected criminals, and protesters. Also, there are databases that contain information from witnesses,
informants, and agents.
Forensics
Today's world of forensic science is hugely different from 100 years ago. In the past, when police had to
attend a crime scene, they would be alone until a doctor arrived to confirm death and carry out a very
quick review of the body. In today's world of forensic science:
• The police are accompanied by a range of forensic experts to help in the investigations.
• The police discuss actions and usefulness of various forms of evidence with the other experts.
• There is limited access to a crime scene and protective clothing is required to be worn, to avoid
contamination.
• The police recover evidence scientifically, which is then considered by a range of experts in many
different fields.
Case Study - PITCHFORK
One of the most useful forensic techniques is that of the use of DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid. The first
criminal conviction using DNA evidence was that of Colin Pitchfork in 1986. Pitchfork was found guilty of
the 1983 murder of Lynda Mann and of the 1986 murder of Dawn Ashworth. At the time of the second
