,FOR2605 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2025 - DUE 31 March 2025; 100% correct
solutions and explanations.
Question 1 [10] 1.1. It is important that witnesses who are found
on a scene be handled and managed in the correct, professional
manner so as not to contaminate evidence or the scene. Mention
ten important aspects that an investigator should consider when
dealing with witnesses on a scene.
When dealing with witnesses at a crime scene, an investigator
should consider the following ten important aspects to ensure
proper handling and management:
1. Identify and Secure Witnesses – Locate all potential
witnesses and ensure they remain at the scene until
statements are taken.
2. Separate Witnesses – Prevent witnesses from discussing
the incident among themselves to avoid contamination of
their testimonies.
3. Assess Witness Credibility – Evaluate their reliability,
possible biases, and state of mind at the time of the event.
4. Preserve the Witnesses' Safety – Ensure that witnesses
are protected from any potential threats or intimidation.
5. Avoid Leading Questions – Question witnesses in a
neutral manner to avoid influencing their responses.
6. Record Statements Accurately – Take detailed written or
recorded statements as soon as possible while the
information is fresh.
, 7. Observe Witness Behavior – Pay attention to body
language and signs of distress or deception that may affect
testimony.
8. Obtain Contact Details – Collect personal information
from witnesses for follow-up interviews if necessary.
9. Maintain Professionalism and Neutrality – Remain
impartial and ensure the witness feels comfortable and
cooperative.
10. Cross-check Information – Compare witness
statements with other evidence and testimonies to verify
consistency and accuracy.
Properly managing witnesses ensures credible evidence
collection and enhances the integrity of an investigation.
Question 2 [10] The labelling of insects that were collected on a
scene where a body was found is very important for maintaining
the continuity of possession. Discuss how the specimens that
were preserved after collection should be marked and labelled
and what details should be included in the covering letter.
Present your discussion under the following headings: 2.1.
Labelling 2.2. Information on the labels 2.3. Covering letter.
2.1 Labelling
After collecting insect specimens from a crime scene, proper
labelling is essential to maintain the chain of custody and ensure
,accurate forensic analysis. Each specimen should be placed in a
suitable preservation container, such as a vial with ethanol (for
DNA analysis) or a dry container (for morphological study).
Labels should be securely attached to the containers to avoid
mix-ups.
2.2 Information on the Labels
Each label must contain critical details to ensure proper
identification and traceability. The following information should
be included on the label:
Case number – A unique identification number assigned to
the case.
Date and time of collection – To establish the timeline of
decomposition.
Location of collection – Specific area where the insect was
found on or around the body.
Collector’s name and designation – The individual
responsible for the collection.
Type of specimen – Identifies whether the sample is a
larva, pupa, egg, or adult insect.
Preservation method – Indicates whether the sample is
stored in ethanol, pinned, or kept in a dry state.
Additional notes – Any relevant observations about the
specimen or environmental conditions.
The label should be written in waterproof ink or typed on
durable paper to prevent smudging or deterioration.
,2.3 Covering Letter
A covering letter must accompany the specimens when sent to a
forensic entomologist or laboratory for analysis. This letter
serves as a formal document providing details about the
specimens and their relevance to the investigation. The
following information should be included:
Case reference number – Matches the case details with
the specimens.
Date and time of collection – To establish a timeline for
forensic analysis.
Location and description of the crime scene – Provides
context for interpretation.
Details of the body (if applicable) – Basic information
about the body’s condition and position.
Collector’s information – Name, rank, and contact details
of the forensic investigator or crime scene officer.
Number and type of specimens collected – To ensure all
samples are accounted for.
Preservation methods used – Important for determining
the suitability for analysis.
Purpose of submission – Specifies whether the specimens
are for species identification, age determination, or other
forensic analysis.
Chain of custody details – Names and signatures of
individuals who handled the evidence to maintain legal
integrity.
This structured approach ensures the specimens remain legally
admissible and scientifically valid for forensic investigation.
, Question 3 [10] 3.1. Discuss common mistakes that investigators
make when they investigate scenes of incidents.
3.1 Common Mistakes Investigators Make at Crime Scenes
Investigating a crime scene requires meticulous attention to
detail, adherence to protocols, and proper evidence handling.
However, investigators often make mistakes that can
compromise the integrity of the investigation. Below are some
common errors:
1. Contaminating the Crime Scene
Investigators may inadvertently tamper with evidence by
failing to wear gloves, masks, or protective clothing.
Unnecessary movement within the scene can disturb crucial
evidence, such as footprints or blood spatter patterns.
2. Failing to Secure the Scene Properly
Allowing unauthorized personnel, including media,
bystanders, or other officers, to enter the crime scene can
lead to contamination.
Not establishing a secure perimeter early on can result in
the loss of valuable evidence.
Semester 1 2025 - DUE 31 March 2025; 100% correct
solutions and explanations.
Question 1 [10] 1.1. It is important that witnesses who are found
on a scene be handled and managed in the correct, professional
manner so as not to contaminate evidence or the scene. Mention
ten important aspects that an investigator should consider when
dealing with witnesses on a scene.
When dealing with witnesses at a crime scene, an investigator
should consider the following ten important aspects to ensure
proper handling and management:
1. Identify and Secure Witnesses – Locate all potential
witnesses and ensure they remain at the scene until
statements are taken.
2. Separate Witnesses – Prevent witnesses from discussing
the incident among themselves to avoid contamination of
their testimonies.
3. Assess Witness Credibility – Evaluate their reliability,
possible biases, and state of mind at the time of the event.
4. Preserve the Witnesses' Safety – Ensure that witnesses
are protected from any potential threats or intimidation.
5. Avoid Leading Questions – Question witnesses in a
neutral manner to avoid influencing their responses.
6. Record Statements Accurately – Take detailed written or
recorded statements as soon as possible while the
information is fresh.
, 7. Observe Witness Behavior – Pay attention to body
language and signs of distress or deception that may affect
testimony.
8. Obtain Contact Details – Collect personal information
from witnesses for follow-up interviews if necessary.
9. Maintain Professionalism and Neutrality – Remain
impartial and ensure the witness feels comfortable and
cooperative.
10. Cross-check Information – Compare witness
statements with other evidence and testimonies to verify
consistency and accuracy.
Properly managing witnesses ensures credible evidence
collection and enhances the integrity of an investigation.
Question 2 [10] The labelling of insects that were collected on a
scene where a body was found is very important for maintaining
the continuity of possession. Discuss how the specimens that
were preserved after collection should be marked and labelled
and what details should be included in the covering letter.
Present your discussion under the following headings: 2.1.
Labelling 2.2. Information on the labels 2.3. Covering letter.
2.1 Labelling
After collecting insect specimens from a crime scene, proper
labelling is essential to maintain the chain of custody and ensure
,accurate forensic analysis. Each specimen should be placed in a
suitable preservation container, such as a vial with ethanol (for
DNA analysis) or a dry container (for morphological study).
Labels should be securely attached to the containers to avoid
mix-ups.
2.2 Information on the Labels
Each label must contain critical details to ensure proper
identification and traceability. The following information should
be included on the label:
Case number – A unique identification number assigned to
the case.
Date and time of collection – To establish the timeline of
decomposition.
Location of collection – Specific area where the insect was
found on or around the body.
Collector’s name and designation – The individual
responsible for the collection.
Type of specimen – Identifies whether the sample is a
larva, pupa, egg, or adult insect.
Preservation method – Indicates whether the sample is
stored in ethanol, pinned, or kept in a dry state.
Additional notes – Any relevant observations about the
specimen or environmental conditions.
The label should be written in waterproof ink or typed on
durable paper to prevent smudging or deterioration.
,2.3 Covering Letter
A covering letter must accompany the specimens when sent to a
forensic entomologist or laboratory for analysis. This letter
serves as a formal document providing details about the
specimens and their relevance to the investigation. The
following information should be included:
Case reference number – Matches the case details with
the specimens.
Date and time of collection – To establish a timeline for
forensic analysis.
Location and description of the crime scene – Provides
context for interpretation.
Details of the body (if applicable) – Basic information
about the body’s condition and position.
Collector’s information – Name, rank, and contact details
of the forensic investigator or crime scene officer.
Number and type of specimens collected – To ensure all
samples are accounted for.
Preservation methods used – Important for determining
the suitability for analysis.
Purpose of submission – Specifies whether the specimens
are for species identification, age determination, or other
forensic analysis.
Chain of custody details – Names and signatures of
individuals who handled the evidence to maintain legal
integrity.
This structured approach ensures the specimens remain legally
admissible and scientifically valid for forensic investigation.
, Question 3 [10] 3.1. Discuss common mistakes that investigators
make when they investigate scenes of incidents.
3.1 Common Mistakes Investigators Make at Crime Scenes
Investigating a crime scene requires meticulous attention to
detail, adherence to protocols, and proper evidence handling.
However, investigators often make mistakes that can
compromise the integrity of the investigation. Below are some
common errors:
1. Contaminating the Crime Scene
Investigators may inadvertently tamper with evidence by
failing to wear gloves, masks, or protective clothing.
Unnecessary movement within the scene can disturb crucial
evidence, such as footprints or blood spatter patterns.
2. Failing to Secure the Scene Properly
Allowing unauthorized personnel, including media,
bystanders, or other officers, to enter the crime scene can
lead to contamination.
Not establishing a secure perimeter early on can result in
the loss of valuable evidence.
