ISSUES INVOLVING CRIME SCENE CONTAMINATION

Authors

  • Titiksha J. Desai Scientist – Helik Advisory Ltd.

Keywords:

contamination, crime scene, protecting the crime scene, evidences, forensic science

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The biggest problem that is encountered by officers, at the crime scene is Contamination, usually by curious civilians and often by the official personnel themselves. The widespread trampling of the crime scene can cause severe damage to the integrity of the investigation.  Contamination can make or break a case. The potential of the evidences that are collected from the crime scene can be scrutinized in the courtroom, thereby jeopardizing the protocols of the investigation. The unawareness amongst the general public as well as amongst law officials, poses a problem for an investigation as potential evidence could be lost due to negligence. Correct protocols need to be followed in order to protect, secure and prevent the crime scene from possible contamination. Such issues will continue to pose a problem unless strong departmental policies are reinforced by a strong foundation in training. Moreover, it is also the responsibility of every departmental personnel to maintain a positive conduct and set a good example for the others, in order to drastically reduce contamination issues at the crime scene. 

References

Krishnamurthy R., Introduction to Forensic Science in Crime Investigation, 1st ed., Selective & Scientific Books Publication, India, 2010

Lee H.C., Palmbeach T., Miller M.T., Henry Lee’s Crime Scene Handbook, Elsevier Academic Press, London, 2001

James S.H., Nordby J.J., Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific And Investigative Techniques, 2nd ed., Taylor & Francis, London, 2005

Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for Law enforcement, Research report, US Department of Justice, Jan 2000

Baldwin H.B., http://www.feinc.net/cs-proc.htm Accessed 6th August 2014

Eliopulos, L.N., Death Investigator’s Handbook: A Guide to Crime Scene Processing, Forensic Evaluations and Investigative Techniques, 1993, Paladin Press, Boulder, Colorado

R. Saferstein, Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science, 2d ed. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 198.

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Published

2014-08-31

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 9 (2014): AUGUST 2014

Section

Articles

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