The examination of crime scenes, including dealing with the injured party, dynamic risk assessments, developing a forensic strategy, scene triage and crime scene management. Specialist techniques required when processing scenes such as digital crime scene recording, alternative light sources, low light and tripod photography, and remote sensing of scenes. Skills required when processing specialist scenes such as those including firearms, explosives, external, public or underwater locations. Techniques for location, enhancement and recovery of evidence such as fingermarks, biological evidence, textile damage and trace particulates. Recovery of evidence from detained persons, searching and seizing property. Research informed best practice in crime scene investigations including developments in sexual offence examinations, fibre evidence and evidence packaging. Recovery and presentation of evidence from digital sources such as CCTV and mobile devices. Crime scene reconstruction and identification of altered evidence. Production and verification of crime scene reports.
The legal requirements imposed and techniques utilised by the Police and other investigative bodies in relation to the interview of witnesses and victims of crime, including young and vulnerable persons. Role play exercises will be utilised to support the theoretical principles of interviewing victims and witnesses, together with the production of a police officer's statement of evidence addressing issues of arrest, searching property, exhibit recovery, interviewing the witnesses and victims.

9 x 2hr lectures, 9 x 2hr practical sessions, 2 x 2hr workshops and 3 x 2 hr feedback sessions. 1 x 2hr Moot Court session.

252 hours non-contact independent study will involve background reading and preparation of coursework assignments.

Ackley, C.N. (2011) Investigative and forensic interviewing: a personality-focused approach. London, CRC Press.

Bull, R. (2009) Handbook Of Psychology of Investigative Interviewing - Current Developments and Future Direction. Oxford, Wiley - Blackwell.

Petraco, N. (2005) Illustrated Guide to Crime Scene Investigation. Boca Raton, CRC Press.

Fisher, B.A.J. and Fisher, D.R. (2012) Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation. Boca Raton, CRC Press.

Redsicker, R. (2001) The Practical Methodology of Forensic Photography. Boca Raton, CRC Press.

Module Handbook, Blackboard VLE, Lecture Theatre, Crime Scene House, Specialist Photography Equipment, PCs, Alternative Light Sources, Laboratories, Interview Rooms and Audio/Visual Recording Facility.

1. Students will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the techniques involved in processing and managing crime scenes. (Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Enquiry).

2. Students will be able to apply specialist techniques for processing crime scenes, injured parties and forensic evidence to mock scenarios. (Application, Problem Solving, Analysis, Communication).

3. Students will be able to apply a forensic strategy and evaluate quality assurance processes in forensic investigations. (Application, Analysis)

4. Understand and demonstrate the skills and techniques of interviewing witnesses and victims of crime within legal requirements and to critically evaluate outcomes of such interviews. (Application, Enquiry, Knowledge and Understanding, Reflection, Forensic Science Subject Specific 1, Communication).

Portfolio: Assessment based on the production of practical worksheets from the forensic photography, evidence enhancement and processing workshops in Semester One. This portfolio will be assessed in an open-book examination in (January) 50% weighting

Case File: A case file containing a victim statement, witness statement, scene of crime officer statement and scene documentation (sketch / Photographs) to be submitted at the end of Semester Two. [30% Weighting]

Attendance at a Moot Court to verbally present evidence obtained through the development of your portfolio. This attendance will comprise giving your evidence in chief and a cross-examination by a lecturer role playing a defence barrister. (20% weighting). Attendance at the Moot Court provides the opportunity to demonstrate the skills required for Learning Outcomes 1,2 and 3 as specified in the module descriptor. The Moot Courts will be held in teaching week 25 commencing Monday 8th April 2019. You will be notified of your time and date in due course. Feedback will be provided within 20 working days of your assessment in accordance with University policy (final).

Assessment 1 – Learning outcome 1 – 3

Assessment 2 – Learning outcome 4

Assessment 3 – Learning outcome 1- 3

None

In this module, students will develop forensic investigation skills through the examination of crime scenes, including dealing with the injured party, dynamic risk assessments, developing a forensic strategy, scene triage and crime scene management.

You will learn specialist techniques required when processing scenes – such as digital crime scene recording, alternative light sources, low light and tripod photography, and remote sensing of scenes. – and the skills required when processing specialist scenes, such as those including firearms, explosives, external, public or underwater locations.

Part of forensic investigation involves carrying out research informed best practice in crime scene investigations (including developments in sexual offence examinations, fibre evidence and evidence packaging) and crime scene reconstruction and identification of altered evidence and the verification of crime scene reports. You will learn techniques for location, enhancement and recovery of evidence such as fingermarks, biological evidence, textile damage and trace particulates, as well as the recovery of evidence from detained persons (searching and seizing property) and the recovery and presentation of evidence from digital sources such as CCTV and mobile devices.

You will also learn about the legal requirements imposed and techniques utilised by the Police and other investigative bodies in relation to the interview of witnesses and victims of crime, including young and vulnerable persons. Role play exercises will be utilised to support the theoretical principles of interviewing victims and witnesses, together with the production of a police officer's statement of evidence addressing issues of arrest, searching property, exhibit recovery, interviewing the witnesses and victims.