The practical elements of this module will be delivered on campus. In advance of attending the practical sessions, you will attend a virtual session where the module will be introduced. Guidance and a question-and-answer session about the criminalistics experimental write-up will commence during this session.

You will attend criminalistic related practicals, providing hands on experience of fingermark visualisation techniques from the Fingermark Visualisation Manual and the use of the DCS5 system. Fingermark identification will be supported with the University’s Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems. Fibres will be analysed using operationally valid microscopic techniques and the firearms practical will allow you to undertake operationally valid analysis in this area. Document analysis practicals will utilise Electrostatic Document Analysis (ESDA) and Raman Spectroscopy for the analysis of ink. You will analyse paints using various techniques, including FTIR and Raman Spectroscopy and SEM. The collection and analysis of glasses and fracture patterns, especially determination of refractive index by hot stage microscopy will commence

You will participate in a vehicle collision practical session and a digital forensic practical, which will include a discussion of the theoretical aspects and the application of mobile phone data extraction and its analysis.

You will attend and collect evidence from a simulated crime scene following an interactive learning session where staff will discuss the roles to be undertaken and processes to be followed at the scene.

Report (Criminalistics Laboratory) – Learning outcomes 1, 2 and 5

Attendance at the criminalistic practical sessions is required to complete the criminalistics experimental write up. During these sessions, you will use a range of forensic related instrumentation and interpret data that includes the comparison of mock crime scene samples to control samples.

Output (Crime Scene Documentation) - Learning outcomes 3 and 4

The crime scene documentation report should contain a record of all the documentation you created during the crime scene practical session. A reflective summary of the work undertaken, to include the packaging and recording of evidence should also be included.

Report (Vehicle Collision) - Learning outcomes 1, 3, 4 and 5

In a simulated vehicle collision scene you will work in small groups to undertake roles of the first attending officers and forensic collision investigators. From this you will produce a vehicle collision report, this should contain a record of the emergency traffic management measures put in place, a sketch of the scene and record of measurements collected in the scene. In the report, you will discuss potential contributing factors to the collision taking place. Depending on the scenario you will also undertake calculations to determine the speed of the vehicle(s). This may involve measurements conducted in the scene and generated data, typical of that, which would be provided by a forensic vehicle examiner.

Coursework (Streamlined Forensic Report) - Learning outcomes 1 and 5

The streamlined forensic report will assess your ability to extract and analyse mobile phone data, consistent with the reporting strategies used in operational police work.

The module makes use of Blackboard as the VLE where all learning materials will be stored. A 2-hour lecture to introduce the crime scene practical and related assessment will commence prior to the start of the module.

The practical sessions will take place over a two-week period, where attendance will be required each day. You will be able to discuss the assessment with staff at each of the relevant sessions. Prior to each criminalistic session, you will be set a pre-lab activity and reading to help them to prepare for the lab. You will also be encouraged to revisit the learning materials from earlier theoretical modules.

Module Learning Outcome

1. Proficiently use of a wide range of specialised equipment in a criminalistics laboratory

University Learning Outcome

Knowledge and Understanding
Enquiry

Module Learning Outcome

2. Interpret data and relate crime scene samples to control samples.

University Learning Outcome

Analysis
Problem Solving

Module Learning Outcome

3. Collect evidence correctly from a scene, paying due consideration to anti-contamination procedures, accurate packaging and complete recording.

University Learning Outcome

Learning
Analysis
Application

Module Learning Outcome

4. Work effectively as part of a team to analyse and critically appraise results

University Learning Outcome

Communication
Reflection

Module Learning Outcome

5. Produce reports containing critical analysis of results within the context of relevant information in the literature.

University Learning Outcome

Learning
Communication

Access to the internet and Blackboard as the VLE, by means of laptop or desktop computers.

Suitably equipped laboratory, which includes specialist software for mobile phone extraction.

Beafort-Moore, D. (2009) Crime Scene Management (Blackstone’s Practical Policing). Blackstone Press. Ashland.

College of Policing (2021) Investigating road deaths [Internet]. https://www.app.college.police.uk/app-content/road-policing-2/investigating-road-deaths/

Everett, B. (2015) Complete crime scene investigation handbook. CRC Press. Boca Raton.

Fisher, B., Fisher, D. (2012) Techniques of Crime Scene investigation. CRC Press. Boca Raton.

Jackson, A., Jackson, J. (2017) Forensic Science

Van Kirk, C. (2000) Vehicular Accident Investigation and Reconstruction. CRC press. Boca Raton

You will develop practical skills in the analysis and interpretation of a wide range of forensic evidence, such as glass, paint, fingermarks, fibres, document, firearms, mobile phone data and vehicle collision data. In practical sessions, you will use real-life forensic instrumentation to analyse mock forensic evidence and study as part of a team in a mock crime scene practical. At the scene, you will work together to photograph and sketch the scene before locating and recovering forensic evidence consistent with the operational work of a forensic investigator.