AC1.1 Evaluate the effectiveness of the roles of personnel involved in criminal investigations
Scenes of crime officers (SOCOs)
These roles are often shown on television as CSIs or crime scene investigators and are
employed by the police service to preserve and protect a crime scene and to recover
evidence. Such evidence can be vital in criminal investigations.
Evidence at a crime scene must remain uncontaminated, and it is collected as soon as
possible to ensure reliable evidence in a criminal investigation. SOCOs usually search for
trace evidence including gunshot residue, fingerprints, fibres and hairs. If contamination
occurs, the evidence will be inadmissible in court. However, the risk is minimised as SOCOs
are trained and qualified in this area. They typically operate on an on-call system and are
always available to assist in criminal investigations.
Limitations
However, there are times when the role produces limitations to solving a crime:
SOCOs risk being exposed to hazardous substances in the course of their roles, such
as contaminants touching the skin or airborne substances that could enter the
mouth.
Risks are minimised by wearing protective clothing, including masks and glasses.
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
clothing on inside the house. This was used in court to suggest the evidence was collected
was very unreliable.
Forensic scientists
Forensic scientists analyse evidence from a crime scene and produce information for the
court. Evidence such as blood and other bodily fluids are reviewed in a laboratory and
interpreted. This information can assist a court in making a final decision and producing a
just result. One of the advantages of forensics is that it includes many specialist areas with
expertise such as:
Computers
Fire
Toxicology (drugs)
Dentistry
Psychology
Limitations
However, there can be limitations to this role:
Some people believe that DNA analysis of a person is against human ethics as it
reveals private information.
It can be expensive and time-consuming.
If care and attention are not present, a miscarriage of justice could occur.
Scenes of crime officers (SOCOs)
These roles are often shown on television as CSIs or crime scene investigators and are
employed by the police service to preserve and protect a crime scene and to recover
evidence. Such evidence can be vital in criminal investigations.
Evidence at a crime scene must remain uncontaminated, and it is collected as soon as
possible to ensure reliable evidence in a criminal investigation. SOCOs usually search for
trace evidence including gunshot residue, fingerprints, fibres and hairs. If contamination
occurs, the evidence will be inadmissible in court. However, the risk is minimised as SOCOs
are trained and qualified in this area. They typically operate on an on-call system and are
always available to assist in criminal investigations.
Limitations
However, there are times when the role produces limitations to solving a crime:
SOCOs risk being exposed to hazardous substances in the course of their roles, such
as contaminants touching the skin or airborne substances that could enter the
mouth.
Risks are minimised by wearing protective clothing, including masks and glasses.
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
clothing on inside the house. This was used in court to suggest the evidence was collected
was very unreliable.
Forensic scientists
Forensic scientists analyse evidence from a crime scene and produce information for the
court. Evidence such as blood and other bodily fluids are reviewed in a laboratory and
interpreted. This information can assist a court in making a final decision and producing a
just result. One of the advantages of forensics is that it includes many specialist areas with
expertise such as:
Computers
Fire
Toxicology (drugs)
Dentistry
Psychology
Limitations
However, there can be limitations to this role:
Some people believe that DNA analysis of a person is against human ethics as it
reveals private information.
It can be expensive and time-consuming.
If care and attention are not present, a miscarriage of justice could occur.
