Ever wondered how crime scene investigators actually process all that...
Unit 3 Criminology Notes - AC 1.3









Blood Evidence Collection and Analysis
Blood evidence is absolutely crucial in criminal investigations, but it's also incredibly fragile and time-sensitive. Crime scene investigators have just 48 hours to get samples to the lab before they become useless - talk about working under pressure!
The collection process depends entirely on whether the blood is wet or dried. For wet blood, CSIs soak it up with gauze pads or collect entire clothing items if possible. Dried blood gets scraped into paper packets using clean, sharp tools. Everything gets photographed first, naturally.
Once collected, each sample goes into separate evidence bags to prevent contamination, then straight into refrigerated storage. DNA profiling and blood group analysis can reveal the suspect's sex, species, and blood type - pretty impressive for a few drops of blood.
Key Point: The Yorkshire Ripper case hinged on bloodstains found in Peter Sutcliffe's car that matched multiple victims - showing just how powerful blood evidence can be.

Semen Stains and Fingerprint Evidence
Semen stains require immediate collection using UV lights to detect them on clothing, bedding, or even victims' bodies. The "Christmas tree technique" helps scientists spot sperm cells under microscopes, which contain loads of DNA for identification.
Temperature control is absolutely critical here - samples must stay cool to avoid degradation. Each item gets sealed separately in sterile containers, then stored in databases that can instantly link crimes together.
Fingerprint collection involves photographing prints first, then using low-tack tape to lift them onto acetate sheets. Patent prints are obvious, but latent (hidden) prints need UV light, magnesium powder, or even superglue to reveal them.
Fun Fact: In the Blackburn baby murder case, police collected over 40,000 fingerprints from local men - and found their match on a bottle at the crime scene.

Shoe Prints and Bite Mark Analysis
Shoe print evidence tells investigators loads about criminals - how many there were, their entry and exit points, plus shoe type and size. CSIs photograph prints first, then build frames around outdoor impressions and pour in casting material.
These casts get digitised and shared between forces, helping track repeat offenders. The Night Stalker case cracked wide open when police discovered his rare shoe print in a garden bed - sometimes it's the unusual details that catch criminals.
Bite marks are incredibly unique evidence, especially when found on victims' skin. CSIs swab for saliva DNA, photograph everything, and sometimes take casts. Missing teeth, gaps, and crooked teeth make each bite pattern distinctive.
Gross but True: The "Vampire Rapist" Wayne Borden was caught because forensic odontologists matched his teeth to bite marks left on victims' breasts.

Fibres, Hair, and Trace Evidence
Fibre evidence from clothing, carpets, and car seats gets carefully lifted using low-tack tape and tweezers. Natural vs synthetic fibres, plus specific dyes, can provide rock-solid links between suspects and crime scenes.
In Leanne Tiernan's murder, pink carpet fibres with a unique dye pattern on her clothes matched the killer's home - whilst fibres from her jumper were found around his nail. Cross-contamination works both ways in investigations.
Hair samples reveal loads of information - race, body location, whether it was cut or pulled out, plus DNA and blood type. Hair testing can even detect poisoning or drug use. CSIs use tweezers, clear tape, or filtered vacuum devices for collection.
Remember: Casey Anthony's case focused heavily on a single hair found in her car boot that forensic experts said was consistent with a decomposing body.

Testimonial Evidence and Court Proceedings
Testimonial evidence comes from three main sources: eyewitnesses, expert witnesses, and defendants themselves. Unlike physical evidence, these written and spoken accounts can support either the prosecution or defence case.
Police collect testimonial evidence through video recordings, audio recordings, and written transcripts at stations. Everything gets stored in secure databases and shared with the Crown Prosecution Service and defence lawyers.
The tricky bit? All testimonial evidence gets cross-examined in court, where inconsistencies and lies often surface. Expert witnesses face particularly tough questioning about their methods and conclusions.
Reality Check: The Damilola Taylor case featured a fake 14-year-old eyewitness that the CPS failed to identify - showing why testimonial evidence needs careful verification.



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Unit 3 Criminology Notes - AC 1.3
Ever wondered how crime scene investigators actually process all that evidence you see on TV? From bloodstains to bite marks, every piece of physical and testimonial evidence follows strict procedures to ensure it can hold up in court and help...

Blood Evidence Collection and Analysis
Blood evidence is absolutely crucial in criminal investigations, but it's also incredibly fragile and time-sensitive. Crime scene investigators have just 48 hours to get samples to the lab before they become useless - talk about working under pressure!
The collection process depends entirely on whether the blood is wet or dried. For wet blood, CSIs soak it up with gauze pads or collect entire clothing items if possible. Dried blood gets scraped into paper packets using clean, sharp tools. Everything gets photographed first, naturally.
Once collected, each sample goes into separate evidence bags to prevent contamination, then straight into refrigerated storage. DNA profiling and blood group analysis can reveal the suspect's sex, species, and blood type - pretty impressive for a few drops of blood.
Key Point: The Yorkshire Ripper case hinged on bloodstains found in Peter Sutcliffe's car that matched multiple victims - showing just how powerful blood evidence can be.

Semen Stains and Fingerprint Evidence
Semen stains require immediate collection using UV lights to detect them on clothing, bedding, or even victims' bodies. The "Christmas tree technique" helps scientists spot sperm cells under microscopes, which contain loads of DNA for identification.
Temperature control is absolutely critical here - samples must stay cool to avoid degradation. Each item gets sealed separately in sterile containers, then stored in databases that can instantly link crimes together.
Fingerprint collection involves photographing prints first, then using low-tack tape to lift them onto acetate sheets. Patent prints are obvious, but latent (hidden) prints need UV light, magnesium powder, or even superglue to reveal them.
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Shoe Prints and Bite Mark Analysis
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These casts get digitised and shared between forces, helping track repeat offenders. The Night Stalker case cracked wide open when police discovered his rare shoe print in a garden bed - sometimes it's the unusual details that catch criminals.
Bite marks are incredibly unique evidence, especially when found on victims' skin. CSIs swab for saliva DNA, photograph everything, and sometimes take casts. Missing teeth, gaps, and crooked teeth make each bite pattern distinctive.
Gross but True: The "Vampire Rapist" Wayne Borden was caught because forensic odontologists matched his teeth to bite marks left on victims' breasts.

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Fibre evidence from clothing, carpets, and car seats gets carefully lifted using low-tack tape and tweezers. Natural vs synthetic fibres, plus specific dyes, can provide rock-solid links between suspects and crime scenes.
In Leanne Tiernan's murder, pink carpet fibres with a unique dye pattern on her clothes matched the killer's home - whilst fibres from her jumper were found around his nail. Cross-contamination works both ways in investigations.
Hair samples reveal loads of information - race, body location, whether it was cut or pulled out, plus DNA and blood type. Hair testing can even detect poisoning or drug use. CSIs use tweezers, clear tape, or filtered vacuum devices for collection.
Remember: Casey Anthony's case focused heavily on a single hair found in her car boot that forensic experts said was consistent with a decomposing body.

Testimonial Evidence and Court Proceedings
Testimonial evidence comes from three main sources: eyewitnesses, expert witnesses, and defendants themselves. Unlike physical evidence, these written and spoken accounts can support either the prosecution or defence case.
Police collect testimonial evidence through video recordings, audio recordings, and written transcripts at stations. Everything gets stored in secure databases and shared with the Crown Prosecution Service and defence lawyers.
The tricky bit? All testimonial evidence gets cross-examined in court, where inconsistencies and lies often surface. Expert witnesses face particularly tough questioning about their methods and conclusions.
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