Forensic sciences is the term given to an examination and investigation of a crime using scientific means. Forensic science is a fundamental instrument for the recognition or investigation of crime and the ruling of justice, depending on data and information about the evidence found at crime scene. The validity of those results relies on the knowledge, abilities, and experience of the forensic scientist attempting to get them. A forensic researcher must be equipped for incorporating learning and abilities in the examination, investigation, translation, reporting, and testimonial backing of evidence. Forensic examination of biological evidence depending on biotechnology strategies and methods is progressively important in criminal investigations.
Introduction This paper will explain how the evidence obtained during the investigation was legally obtained and used in this case by law enforcement investigators. In this paper it will discuss the crime scene investigation, steps and strategies involved in this investigation, the interview of all involved with the case and counter defenses to suppress the evidence by the defense. Reflections This case was very well handled from all involved from the first responding officer on the scene to the investigators. This was shown by the steps taken from the beginning starting with securing the scene with crime tape and additional patrols units until investigators arrived. Then the attention to detail for recording the crime scene by using
“A full-scale police operation yielded no concrete results” (Biography.com) up until April of 1985. “After the press demanded that the police do more to catch the killer, a dedicated task force comprised of hundreds of law-enforcement officers was established, and the FBI stepped in to assist” (Biography.com). After not finding much evidence after so many deaths and victims, the police felt the pressure from the media and developed a specific force to catch and stop Ramirez. “After a televised appeal, the car was found, complete with his fingerprints inside, and his criminal record enabled the police to finally put a name to the "Night Stalker"” (Biography.com). The police were able to get fingerprints out of the car and connect it to Ramirez.
Police officers usually get search warrants by convincing a neutral and detached magistrate in a written statements (affidavits) based on their observations, or police informants that they have probable cause to believe that criminal activity is occurring at the place to be searched or that evidence of a crime may be found there. In addition, the police officers are able to interrogate people in search for evidence or useful information regarding the offence committed or a suspected incidence likely to cause security threats among the
Furthermore, the psychology of criminal behavior, psychology, and criminology all have a primary objective of achieving an understanding of the variation in the criminal behavior of individuals (Andrews and Bonta , 2010). Empirically, the study of variation in criminal behavior is done by the studying of covariates (Andrews and Bonta , 2010). The primary covariates that PCC studies are biological, social, and psychological (Andrews and Bonta , 2010). Although, criminology tends to assess criminality at an aggregate level, in comparison to the psychology of criminal conduct’s focus on an individual level. Additionally, a psychology of criminal conduct involves applying what is learned by the studying of psychological information and methods to the predicting and influencing the propensity of criminal behavior on an individual
According to Kleck et al; (2006) “survey research is the dominant method of collecting information followed by use of archived data.’’ Furthermore, the most important sources of crime information in U.S criminal justice system are the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) and the BJS’ National Crime Victimization Survey. Keywords: research methods, survey methods, sampling, types of surveys Introduction During a research exercise the data collected can be either qualitative or quantitative gathered from observations. Examples of quantitative data recorded in numerical values are survey research, field research, evaluation
A comparison between the Due process model and crime control model Within the criminal justice system, there are two competing models: the crime control model and the due process model. These two models were constructed by Robert Packer and each represents a particular school of thought. In managing crime, there is the individual i.e. the suspect and there is the society. The due process model is seen to focus on the suspect whereas the crime control model focuses on the society.
The role of a criminal psychologist is not just to use their expertise to figure out the mind of a criminal, but it is also used for understanding, developing and improving the life of the people they deal with. When a person commits a crime that the police cannot fully understand or handle, they can call in the help of a criminal psychologist. Different methods of solving and understanding a situation can be used. Criminal psychologists are involved in many parts of the legal process, whether its interviews, assessments, therapy or prison life, they can have a huge input on a case. Example; a man is struggling with a divorce, his kids have no time for him now that his ex-wife hates him.
I continued to assist with the Depravity Standard Study, an ongoing project funded by the Panel to enhance fairness in criminal sentencing. I was primarily assigned to supervise interns as they reviewed case materials for evidence of depravity according to the Depravity Standard, 25 elements of a crime, based on public opinion, that merit more severe punishment. It is anticipated that the Depravity Standard will someday be used by judges and jurors to disregard extra-evidentiary factors when decision-making. Several months later, I applied for the Child Psychiatric Epidemiology Group internship program at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. I decided to become involved in their Stress and Justice Study, a longitudinal research project that investigated ways children are affected by stressful events, particularly parental contact with the criminal justice system.
However, the prosecutor will file charges on the suspect and will make the attempt to convict the offender in court. Meanwhile, the defense attorney is there to defend the accuser and as well as the suspect to prevent any conviction. The prosecutor will have to work as hard as the defense attorney to prove the fact the accuser is guilty of a crime by providing evidence and a witness before the court in other to convince the grand jury that the accuser is guilty. A prosecutor interaction with the police is can cause a major controversy within the criminal justice system. Most police officers more concern about the public safety and are expected to work under the guidelines of probable of the cause.