Crime Scene Reconstruction
Assignment Details
Crime scenes can contain any number of categories of evidence. Most laypeople think of firearms, blood, shattered doors, and bodies. The fact is that anything physical can become evidence if it were used, stolen, or placed at a crime scene. When you look at evidence, many times it is what you don’t see that is important.
Identify 3 types of evidence that you typically are unable to see until they are processed.
Identify how these types of evidence are critical in determining the facts concerning the crime scene that help identify what happened and who was involved in the scene at the time of the offense(s)
Sample Answer
Three types of evidence that are typically unable to be seen until they are processed are:
- Fingerprints: Fingerprints are latent impressions left by the ridges on the fingers. They can be found on a variety of surfaces, including glass, metal, and wood. Fingerprints are critical in determining the identity of the person who left them, as each person’s fingerprints are unique.
- DNA: DNA is the genetic material that is found in all living cells. It can be found in blood, semen, saliva, and other bodily fluids. DNA is critical in determining the identity of the person who left it, as each person’s DNA is unique (with the exception of identical twins).
- Trace evidence: Trace evidence is small pieces of material that can be found at a crime scene. It can include things like hair, fibers, glass fragments, and gunshot residue. Trace evidence can be used to link the suspect to the victim, to the crime scene, or to the weapon used in the crime.