1. Demonstrate an awareness of the personnel involved at specialist crime scenes

Knowledge and Understanding

2. Demonstrate an ability to manage and oversee the investigation of specialist crime scenes

Knowledge and Understanding

3. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge, critical understanding and application of the methods and techniques used to investigate a specialist crime scene including post-scene analysis and interpretation

Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Analysis, Problem Solving, Communication, Application

4. Critically appraise decisions made during the investigation of a specialist crime scene.

Knowledge and Understanding, Learning, Analysis, Problem Solving, Communication, Reflection

The group simulation exercise (75%) will take approximately 30 minutes and will provide students with the opportunity to manage and process a specialist crime scene in a live-brief situation. This will address learning outcomes 1-3. A group marks will be awarded based on the completion of proformas during the session, each relating to a different aspect of the scenario e.g. first officer attending, scene examination, laboratory analysis etc. This group mark will then be adjusted for each group member based on their level of input as observed by a member of staff during the simulation.

The critical appraisal (25%) will provide students the opportunity to reflect on their performance in the simulation exercise and provide justification for decisions made and/or suggestions for other paths that could/should have been taken. This should be no more than 1000 words and will address learning outcome 4. One of the taught sessions earlier in the semester will involve students individually writing a plan for their simulation that could then form the basis of their reflection after the simulation exercise has taken place.

This module explores the complexities and methodologies involved in investigating specialist crime scenes, focusing on incidents such as fires, explosions, and other terrorism-related crimes. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the forensic approaches, techniques, and legal considerations required when handling these high-risk and often highly volatile crime scenes. Emphasis will be placed on practical applications of criminal investigation, scene preservation, evidence collection, and inter-agency collaboration.

In this module, you will explore methodologies involved in investigating specialist crime scenes, focusing on incidents such as fires, explosions, and other terrorism-related crimes. You will learn about and demonstrate an understanding of the forensic approaches, techniques, and legal considerations required when handling these types of scene. The completion of this module will further your understanding of practical applications of scene preservation, evidence collection, and inter-agency collaboration

Interactive lectures will provide the core material relating to different types of specialist scene and the procedures and methodologies necessary for the management and processing of the scene as well as the subsequent laboratory analysis and interpretation.



Workshops will provide the opportunity to put theory into practice in mock scenarios as preparation for the assessed simulation activity.

Independent study will also be utilised, mainly through tutor-guided background reading of lecture handouts, textbooks and web pages that will help to consolidate the core material and broaden understanding.

Almirall, J.R. and Furton, K.G. (2004) Analysis and interpretation of fire scene evidence.

Beveridge, A., NetLibrary, I. and NetLibrary, I. (1998) Forensic investigation of explosions. London: Taylor & Francis.

Daeid, N.N. and Daéid, N.N. (2004) Fire Investigation. 1st edn. Baton Rouge: CRC Press LLC. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1201/9780203646953.

Fisher, B.A.J. and Fisher, D. (2012) Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation. 8th ed. Bosa Roca: CRC Press. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1201/b12124.

Pichtel, J. (2011) Terrorism and WMDs¿: awareness and response. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

Simulation suites in Ashley 2.