LEARNING UNIT 1
The forensic investigation of crime, irregularities, and the transgressions
1.1 Learning outcomes
1.2 Introduction
1.3 Learning material
1.4 Learning unit overview
1.5 Activity 1
1.6 Conclusion
1.7 Self-assessment
1.1 LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completing this learning unit, you should be able to:
• apply the investigation process and the investigationcycle and its application to the
investigation of crimes, irregularities, and transgressions.
• investigate selected crimes, irregularities and transgressions using specific
methods and techniques as required.
1.2 INTRODUCTION
The forensic investigation of crime, irregularities and the transgression process involve more
than mere investigation. Forensic investigation is first recognised as a science. During an
investigation, the natural sciences play a pivotal role in solving crimes or incidents, for example
through DNA analysis, but the human sciences also play a role. The human sciences include
the science of policing, which, in turn, includes the scientific process followed by an investigator
in the investigation of a crime, incident, irregularity or transgression. For example, a scientific
process is followed to analyse the scene of an incident (which encompasses making use of the
natural sciences), and then the investigator selects the most effective interviewing techniques
that suit the personality of the suspect, witness, or complainant (which encompasses utilizing
the human sciences).
, FOR3704
To investigate something or someone is an immense responsibility and one that investigators
must undertake to the best of their ability. It is a responsibility that demands dedication and a
commitment to continuous learning because changes occur daily in the fields of technology,
legislation, policy, and the sciences. However, the field of investigation is not the only one in
which the investigator needs to grow. The forensic investigation of crime, irregularities and
transgressions also incorporates aspects and elements from the management discipline. If
investigators do not know how to manage themselves, their resources, or their time, and if they
do not know how to identify a strategy and develop a plan to implement that strategy, they will
be walking on a very rocky road.
1.3 LEARNING MATERIAL
The study information in the learning unit can be found in chapter 1 of the prescribed book
on pages 2 to 40 of Dintwe, S & Zinn, R. 2015. Forensic Investigation: Legislative
Principles and Scientific Practice.
Please read through chapter 1 in the textbook which explains the basic knowledge and skills
needed when investigating crimes, transgressions, or irregularities.
1.4 LEARNING UNIT OVERVIEW
Learning unit 1 is covered fully in your prescribed textbook, Dintwe, S & Zinn, RJ (eds). 2015.
Forensic Investigation: Legislative Principles and Investigative Practices. Cape Town: Juta. The
topics dealt with in the relevant part of your prescribed textbook are the following:
• terminology
• society and the rules that govern society
• understanding crime investigation
• constitutional foundation for investigations
• purpose and objectives of an investigation/inquiry
• types of investigators
• criminal versus forensic investigation
2
The forensic investigation of crime, irregularities, and the transgressions
1.1 Learning outcomes
1.2 Introduction
1.3 Learning material
1.4 Learning unit overview
1.5 Activity 1
1.6 Conclusion
1.7 Self-assessment
1.1 LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completing this learning unit, you should be able to:
• apply the investigation process and the investigationcycle and its application to the
investigation of crimes, irregularities, and transgressions.
• investigate selected crimes, irregularities and transgressions using specific
methods and techniques as required.
1.2 INTRODUCTION
The forensic investigation of crime, irregularities and the transgression process involve more
than mere investigation. Forensic investigation is first recognised as a science. During an
investigation, the natural sciences play a pivotal role in solving crimes or incidents, for example
through DNA analysis, but the human sciences also play a role. The human sciences include
the science of policing, which, in turn, includes the scientific process followed by an investigator
in the investigation of a crime, incident, irregularity or transgression. For example, a scientific
process is followed to analyse the scene of an incident (which encompasses making use of the
natural sciences), and then the investigator selects the most effective interviewing techniques
that suit the personality of the suspect, witness, or complainant (which encompasses utilizing
the human sciences).
, FOR3704
To investigate something or someone is an immense responsibility and one that investigators
must undertake to the best of their ability. It is a responsibility that demands dedication and a
commitment to continuous learning because changes occur daily in the fields of technology,
legislation, policy, and the sciences. However, the field of investigation is not the only one in
which the investigator needs to grow. The forensic investigation of crime, irregularities and
transgressions also incorporates aspects and elements from the management discipline. If
investigators do not know how to manage themselves, their resources, or their time, and if they
do not know how to identify a strategy and develop a plan to implement that strategy, they will
be walking on a very rocky road.
1.3 LEARNING MATERIAL
The study information in the learning unit can be found in chapter 1 of the prescribed book
on pages 2 to 40 of Dintwe, S & Zinn, R. 2015. Forensic Investigation: Legislative
Principles and Scientific Practice.
Please read through chapter 1 in the textbook which explains the basic knowledge and skills
needed when investigating crimes, transgressions, or irregularities.
1.4 LEARNING UNIT OVERVIEW
Learning unit 1 is covered fully in your prescribed textbook, Dintwe, S & Zinn, RJ (eds). 2015.
Forensic Investigation: Legislative Principles and Investigative Practices. Cape Town: Juta. The
topics dealt with in the relevant part of your prescribed textbook are the following:
• terminology
• society and the rules that govern society
• understanding crime investigation
• constitutional foundation for investigations
• purpose and objectives of an investigation/inquiry
• types of investigators
• criminal versus forensic investigation
2
