UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA (UNISA)
COURSE NAME: INVESTIGATIVE PRINCIPLES FOR
POLICING IIIA
COURSE CODE: OVM3701
ASSIGNMENT 3
SEMESTER: Semester 1, 2026
DUE DATE: April 2026
Complete Answers with Explanations
Discuss the value of expert assistance at the crime scene and explain the fields of forensic science that
are applicable to the above case study.
, Expert assistance at a crime scene is critical because it ensures that evidence is properly identified,
preserved, and interpreted. Specialists bring scientific knowledge and technical skills that ordinary
investigators may not possess.
Key Values:
a)Accurate Evidence Collection
Experts ensure that physical evidence (fingerprints, blood, weapons) is collected without contamination.
b)Preservation of the Crime Scene
They follow strict procedures to maintain the integrity of evidence for court use.
c)Scientific Analysis
Experts apply principles from Forensic Science to interpret evidence objectively.
d)Reconstruction of Events
Specialists help determine what happened, how it happened, and possibly who was involved.
e)Credible Court Testimony
Expert witnesses strengthen the prosecution’s case by presenting scientific findings in court.
Fields of Forensic Science Applicable to the Case depending on the nature of the case, various forensic
disciplines may be used:
a) Forensic Pathology
Determines cause and time of death.
Examines injuries on victims.
b) Forensic Biology / DNA Analysis
Identifies suspects through blood, saliva, or hair samples.
COURSE NAME: INVESTIGATIVE PRINCIPLES FOR
POLICING IIIA
COURSE CODE: OVM3701
ASSIGNMENT 3
SEMESTER: Semester 1, 2026
DUE DATE: April 2026
Complete Answers with Explanations
Discuss the value of expert assistance at the crime scene and explain the fields of forensic science that
are applicable to the above case study.
, Expert assistance at a crime scene is critical because it ensures that evidence is properly identified,
preserved, and interpreted. Specialists bring scientific knowledge and technical skills that ordinary
investigators may not possess.
Key Values:
a)Accurate Evidence Collection
Experts ensure that physical evidence (fingerprints, blood, weapons) is collected without contamination.
b)Preservation of the Crime Scene
They follow strict procedures to maintain the integrity of evidence for court use.
c)Scientific Analysis
Experts apply principles from Forensic Science to interpret evidence objectively.
d)Reconstruction of Events
Specialists help determine what happened, how it happened, and possibly who was involved.
e)Credible Court Testimony
Expert witnesses strengthen the prosecution’s case by presenting scientific findings in court.
Fields of Forensic Science Applicable to the Case depending on the nature of the case, various forensic
disciplines may be used:
a) Forensic Pathology
Determines cause and time of death.
Examines injuries on victims.
b) Forensic Biology / DNA Analysis
Identifies suspects through blood, saliva, or hair samples.
