Overview of the current structure and function of forensic services in the UK. The roles of the First Officer Attending (FOA) and Crime Scene Investigators (CSI) at the crime scene will be discussed, along with the fundamental principles of crime scene investigation, quality assurance, the importance of continuity of evidence, and an introduction to crime scene processing - protecting and documenting the scene (including digital sketches), search, recovery, packaging and labelling of physical evidence and digital evidence.

The content of the photographic material is basic principles, varieties and functions of lenses, focal lengths, depth of field, primer zoom lenses, basic camera movements, exposure, working with light, fundamentals of composition, viewpoint, shape and form, pattern and texture, still life, framing; use of digital cameras.

The crime scene photography will look at how photography is used to document the crime scene and any evidence found there in, by means of using overview, approach and close-up photographs. Demonstration of the different types of measuring and sketching methods available for documenting a scene, with discussion to identify their pro's and con's for given situations and/or locations along with the creation of contemporaneous notes and evidence sheets/logs.

1. Practically based sketching and photography portfolio to include assessing the ability to produce digital crime scene sketches and the understanding of the factors influencing the taking of photographs as well as the practicalities of doing so, along with completing an MG11 witness statement (outcomes 1 and 2)
2. Exam covering theory associated with crime scene processing, multiple choice and short answer (outcomes 3 and 4)

Across two semesters you will encounter lectures that introduce the concepts of imaging and scene processing. These will be supported by workshops and an opportunity to practice your skills in scenario-based activities.

1. FULLY DOCUMENT A CRIME SCENE (INCLUDING MEASURING, DIGITAL RECORDING, SKETCHING AND PRODUCTION OF CONTEMPORANEOUS NOTES AND EVIDENCE SHEETS / LOGS). 5) Problem Solving 6) Communication 7) Application
2. SHOW PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE OF ACQUIRING PHOTOGRAPHS IN THE FIELD AND DEMONSTRATE A BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY. 2) Learning 7) Application
3. APPRECIATE THE BREADTH AND COMPLEXITY OF CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, AND THE PRACTICAL CONSTRAINTS WITHIN WHICH INVESTIGATORS MUST WORK. 1) Knowledge and Understanding
4. EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVATION, CONTINUITY AND NON-CONTAMINATION OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE, AND QUALITY ASSURANCE IN FORENSIC ANALYSIS, AND HOW THESE ARE ACHIEVED. 1) Knowledge and Understanding

Access to the Crime Scene House
Digital cameras & Tape measures (available at the University)

Jackson, A. and Jackson, J., 2016. Forensic Science. Harlow: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Saferstein, R., 2017. Criminalistics. 12th ed., Pearson.

None

This module will provide you with a fundamental understanding of crime scene processing. During the module you will practise digital photography, utilising our Crime Scene House to give you a ‘real world’ setting to develop your skills. Alongside which we will give you the knowledge and skills you need to be able to protect a scene and fully document it through sketching, measuring and logs in addition to photography. You will also be introduced to the collection and appropriate methods of packaging for items of evidence. All of these skills will provide an excellent basis for a potential future career as a Crime Scene Investigator.