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Criminal Justice 222

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Criminal Justice 222

Discuss some of the details that you should examine when investigating a death scene

Evidently, when a death is reported, and investigators arrive at the scene, there are

various details that they look out for with the aim of apprehending the culprits. First and

foremost, the crime scene instigation (CSI) team takes a picture of the scene before moving the

body. A sketch of the scene is drawn evaluating the possible stages or events that could have led

to the death. Comprehensive analysis of the body is done from the head, trunk, arms and the

legs. In this context, the investigators seek to identify the complexion of the deceased, flow

patterns, soles of feet, and looking under the body. At the same time, an examination and

description of the entrance and lock arrangements are done. In the event the body is retrieved

from a house, all rooms are described in detail and investigated thoroughly. Sketches of the

scene are made before moving or re-arranging the place (Techniques of Crime Scene

Investigation: Homicide Investigation, slide 11).

Markedly, other details that are examined include the stairs, passages and all the entries

to the scene. Besides, surrounding streets and yards in the vicinity of the death scene are

critically examined. Others include outer doors, windows, newspapers, mailboxes, lighting,

television and radio sets, kitchen, and any odors emanating from the house. Additionally,

contents of ashtrays if any should be examined. Drawers and compartments in study desks and

damages to the walls or ceilings are analyzed as well. In the event where the dead’s garments are

taken off, the CSI comb them for rape or physical assault evidence (Techniques of Crime Scene

Investigation: Homicide Investigation, slide 12). In cases where the body is completely

mutilated, the investigators examine clothing or other objects present at the scene for

identification.

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Describe the postmortem process of rigor mortis

Notably, when conducting the postmortem process of rigor mortis, CSI analyze the

typical signs. For instance, they look for possible changes in the eyes as the cornea becomes dull

and a film is likely to appear over the eye. Apart from that, the biochemical changes in the body

muscles begin to stiffen. The signs begin to manifest between 2 to 6 hours after death has taken

place. First signs of rigor mortis become prevalent in the small muscles such as jaws and fingers

which are evident within 12 hours after death (Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation:

Homicide Investigation, slide 20).

Discuss some of the initial questions that should be answered as soon as possible during

death investigation?

When conducting crime scene investigations, several questions must be sought to be

answered at the crime scene. First, who is the dead person? This question seeks to understand the

identity of the deceased as a prelude to the investigations. Secondly, when did the death occur? It

seeks to identify the date when the death took place. It fundamentally assists when determining

the cause by informing methods to be used. Thirdly, where did the death take place or where was

the body retrieved? This essential question seeks to set precedence for investigations. In this

context, if the body was found in a house, the investigators comb the house for evidence. On the

contrary, if the body is found outside, investigators look for evidence in the vicinity of the death

scene. Finally, how did the death take place and by what means? In this regard, investigators

seek to identify if the death is caused by natural causes, homicide, accident, or suicide.

Discuss the differences in appearance between an entrance wound in a contact shot and an

entrance wound in a distance shot.

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Bullets are some of the most common causes of deaths in most parts of the world. There

are two forms of gun wounds, close and distant, that are highly prevalent. Crime scene

investigators always look for the appearance of injuries to determine the range of the shooter. In

close shots, the gun muzzle is less than 18 inches from the victim body. However, in distant

ones, shooting is done at distances greater than 18 inches. Evidently, both close and distant bullet

wounds are different, and one can tell by mere observation. For instance, in close shots, the skin

of the dead is usually burnt with signs of bruising, blackening, and tattooing of areas around the

wound. Notably, the palms of the deceased are highly resistance to powder tattooing. Apart from

that, the blackening around the wound can be wiped by using a wet cloth. However, the tattooing

cannot be wiped off from the skin. On the contrary, distant injuries are irregular and have a

stellate appearance. In fact, an abrasion ring is absent, and the wound looks more like an exit.

The blackening and tattooing looks are lacking with the skin around it showing several zones

(Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation: Homicide Investigation, slide 30).

Discuss some of the most common ways that computer evidence is destroyed.

Fundamentally, digital evidence has dramatically revolutionized the field of crime

investigations. In the recent times, it has concluded high-profile cases that would not have been

resolved. There are several forms of digital evidence that is acceptable and admissible in a court

of law. They include child pornography, gambling, terrorism, fraud, trade secret theft, identity

theft, the crime of violence, and theft or destroying of intellectual property. There have numerous

cases of destruction of digital evidence that have been reported in the recent times. A

comprehensive analysis has revealed common ways in which evidence is destroyed. First and

foremost, an investigator handling a certain case may become impatient pushing him or her to

use methods that are not acceptable. For instance, the agent may look at the data using the

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primary startup and access procedures that may destroy the information. Notably, specific

procedures that are done with precision must be followed when retrieving digital information

(Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation: Digital Evidence, 6). Therefore, when an investigator

skips any of the steps, data is destroyed and in most cases irretrievable.

Secondly, digital evidence may be destroyed when a non-expert uses software to start up

a device containing the information. Evidently, crime scene investigations utilize complicated

equipment and software that must be handled by a professional. In the event an investigator with

lack of know-how of they operate, chances of destroying the evidence is high. Thirdly, when a

device containing digital evidence is mishandled at the crime scene, the evidence is destroyed.

Notably, devices such as hard drives and back-ups of CCTV cameras may be vandalized further

destroying the data. Finally, unauthorized persons may interfere with evidence destroying it. For

instance, an individual involved in the death may want to destroy evidence to avoid being

caught. Numerous cases of such acts have been reported in various parts of the world where

murderers seek to destroy evidence.

Discuss some types of crimes associated with digital evidence

Essentially, digital evidence is used in investigating a number of crimes as previously

discussed. For instance, it helps in apprehending culprits in the event of identity theft. The crime

refers to the use of someone else’s identity in a manner seeking to gain a monetary advantage or

obtain other benefits using another person’s name. This activity leads to loss of money or dignity

of the victim. The person whose identity has been stolen suffers adversely especially in the event

he or she is held liable for the actions of the perpetrator. Apart from that, fraud is another crime

related to digital evidence. It is the criminal or wrongful deception aiming to cause a personal or

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financial gain. Digital forensics plays a crucial role in apprehending criminals through the

process of identifying, collecting, preserving, and analyzing information from various media.

Finally, intellectual property theft is a crime associated with digital evidence (Techniques of

Crime Scene Investigation: Digital Evidence, slide 2). The crime involves robbing of people’s

ideas, creative expression, and inventions.

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References

“Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation: Digital Evidence.” (n.d.). [PowerPoint slides].

“Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation: Homicide Investigation.” (n.d.). [PowerPoint slides].

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