Crime scene investigation and forensics have their origins in the last century. At the beginning of the previous century, police officers already understood that the crime scene contained a lot of clues and clues with which to find the criminal. Forensic science was closely intertwined with biology and medicine from the first years of its development (Denver Police, 2016). Modern forensic science is unlike a hundred years ago, and current, complex equipment helps police quickly and accurately analyze blood, hair, saliva, and semen samples. Criminologists take pictures of the evidence, the crime scene, the environment, and the victim. Sometimes not photographic materials may be used, but full-fledged videos.
Crime scene investigation searches for clues that help build a suspected picture of the crime. The image describes how the victim behaved, whether there was a fight, and how exactly the victim was killed (if there was a murder). The evidence found forms the basis of preliminary information about a possible criminal. With the help of the materials found, policemen can find out the approximate age of the offender, gender, and race.
DNA analysis was a breakthrough in all forensics and greatly facilitated the work of the police. With the help of DNA analysis, the search for criminals became faster, although the equipment with which the police had to work became more complicated (Curtis, & Hereward, 2017). Working at the crime scene has always required high qualifications and knowledge in medicine and logic. Now, working with complex equipment has become a challenge for police officers, especially for veterans who have given decades of their lives to the service.
My choice was primarily influenced by television and the popularization of forensic science on some TV channels. I have also seen cases where journalists discussed how forensic investigations influenced the judge’s final decision. Often in a jury trial, the forensic analyst and the research results also strongly influence the final decision and sentencing (Rodre, 2019). People trust criminalists and consider them masters of their craft, logical and thoughtful people.
Before starting work as a crime scene investigator, the minimum training is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in this field. A degree in chemistry or biology may also be suitable, as knowledge in this area will significantly help a young specialist analyze biological materials and DNA samples (Curtis, & Hereward, 2017). It is necessary to learn how to work with complex and expensive equipment. In addition, young professionals or students can receive particular training cuts in time. During the training, they will learn how to reconstruct a crime scene, investigate and process the scene of fires or explosions, and analyze fingerprints and shoes. Even though it may seem that forensic scientists work exclusively in laboratories, this is a myth in the modern world. Modern and comprehensive criminologists can interrogate some witnesses and ask them clarifying questions. It applies primarily to very complicated cases or situations where witnesses are confused in their testimony or contradict what they have already said.
I consider crime scene investigation a real art that requires care and caution. Criminologists must be careful and, at the same time, persistent in their research. Modern forensic science is interdisciplinary and combines chemistry, biology, ballistics, engineering, physics, medicine, and many other areas (How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator, 2021). Only the best police can work in laboratories and carefully analyze the materials received from the crime scene (Viero, 2018). Their well-coordinated work will speed up the overall investigation and make it possible to detect the criminal with a minor mistake.
References
Curtis, C., & Hereward, J. (2017). From the crime scene to the courtroom: The journey of a DNA sample. The Conversation. Web.
Denver Police. (2016). Inside the crime lab: Crime scene unit [Video]. YouTube. Web.
How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator. (2021). Crime scene reconstruction jobs and certification options. How to Become a Crime Scene Investigator | CSI Education. Web.
Rodre, S., Hedlund, J., Liljeberg, J., Kristiansson, M., Masterman, T., & Sturup, J. (2019). Psychopathy-associated personality traits influence crime-scene behavior in male homicide offenders. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 73(8), 471–474. Web.
Viero, A., Montisci, M., Pelletti, G., & Vanin, S. (2018). Crime scene and body alterations caused by arthropods: Implications in death investigation. International Journal of Legal Medicine, 133(1), 307–316. Web.