Forensic and the MODUS OPERANDI and Offender Signature

First of all, all criminals have a MODUS OPERANDI. The MODUS OPERANDI consists of different techniques, habits and peculiarities in behavior. They are performed with three objectives, (Complete the crime, affect escape, and avoid capture or investigation.) Serial offenders modify and perfect their MO as they become more adept at what they do. Where as; the OFFENDER SIGNATURE can be broken down into two separate interdependent halves: signature aspect and signature behavior. Signature aspect defines the theme or motive of an offense, and can include motivational categories such as profit, anger, retaliation, assertiveness, and sadism, (Turvey, 2002). Signature behaviors, on the other hand, are committed to satisfy the emotional and psychological needs of the offender and usually define the theme of a crime.

(http://policelink.monster.com)

Forensic Psychiatry

Forensic Psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry where the medical and legal words overlap. This branch of Psychiatry involves the application of medical psychiatry expertise in legal context. Forensic Psychiatrist, practice in a multidisciplinary environment. They can practice in the healthcare setting with nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other medical specialists. Forensic Psychiatrists can be called to court to share their expertise for many reasons.  

Moreover, Forensic Psychiatrists can also practice in a non-medical setting. Non-medical arenas include, but are not limited to: (Lawyers, Courts, Correctional Officers, and Parole Officers.) Their work environment is usually diverse. Hospitals, General Office Practice, Correctional Facilities, and Courts are a few environments Forensic Psychiatrists practice. In most cases, traditional hospital practice forms are a small component of the forensic psychiatric practice.

Furthermore, Forensic Psychiatry is comprised of three distinct overlapping areas that however, deal with many different issues. Such as; clinical criminology developmental delay Issues within the forensic mental health framework, impulse control disorders, interpersonal violence, major mental illness within the forensic framework (psychosis, schizophrenia, mood disorders, etc.), paraphilia's & sex offending, personality disorders with the forensic mental health framework, psychopathy, substance abuse within the forensic mental health framework, risk assessment and risk Management, and treatment programming within the forensic mental health framework.

However, Psychiatry and Law usually deals with the capacity: to consent to treatment, to manage property, to consent to emergency treatment, etc., treatment orders, consent - informed, consent to treatment, etc., consent and capacity board, confidentiality of patient records, duty of care, duty to warn, involuntary hospitalization, mental health act, in general, patient rights under the mental health act, and substitute decision making.  

Where as, Forensic Psychiatry also deal with criminal areas such as; expert witness and testifying,  dangerous or long term offender applications, fitness to stand trial, probation and parole review boards. Civil areas include: divorce and custody evaluations, negligence and malpractice, personal injury, workman's compensation boards, and workplace violence.

One way, a Psychiatrist would be called to court to share their expertise is in a missing persons case. The Casey Anthony trial is an example of a case where a Forensic Psychiatrist would be called upon to share their professional opinion. Another case example, would be when a mother applies for disability for a child the child is denied and the case is set to court. If necessary, the Psychiatrist would appear in court and recommend whether it is necessary or not for the child to receive disability services. However, there are many other cases in which a Forensic Psychiatrist may be called upon. In addition, their professionalism and expertise within Forensics has helped solve many cases.

(http://www.forensicpsychiatry.com)

Forensic Technology

Action taken by law enforcement before, during, and after an investigation can play a vital role in the resolution of any case. A careful, thorough investigation is the key to ensure potential physical evidence is not destroyed or a potential witness is overlooked. This is because; all crime scenes are unique. It is impossible to conduct a single, step-by-step procedure to approach every type of situation. However, there are principles of investigating a crime scene and preserving evidence that should be practiced in every case.

In addition, there have been cases where the first responding officer was not a police officer and had to call for help.  Likewise, there have also been cases in which the first responding police officer has to call for help during an electronic crime scene due to lack of experience. This is because; not all police officials are trained in the area of electronic crime scenes. Even though, a first responding officer may have to call for help there are still basic procedures the officer has to follow such as providing assistance to any victims, securing the scene, and taking suspects into custody.

Moreover, when it comes to a specialty trained electronic crime scene officer they are expected to follow eight basic guidelines.

1)       Secure the scene to minimize contamination.

2)       Protect the evidence.

3)       Evaluate the computer and electronic equipment.

4)       Observe whether any computers are turned on and if so follow precautions.

5)       Inform the crime scene supervisor in the event that the crime scene will require the use of   fingerprint powders.

6)       Take care in disassembling and packaging items for transport.

7)       Transport computers and other electronic instruments and evidence with caution.

8)       Store and maintain computers and electronic equipment in an environment conductive to preserving data contained in the equipment and that it is free from magnetic fields.

     Last, information collected in reference to any crime scene is very important to help solve a case, help victims, and detain criminals to help make the world a better place. Even though, many electronic crimes go un-noticed they are out there and

criminals are destroying families on a daily basis through the use of computers.  However, with the use computer forensic science

computer crimes will eventually fade away or lessen due to the fact criminals may be too paranoid they may get caught

Forensic Evidence

there are three categories of tool marks compression tool marks, sliding tool marks, and cutting tool marks. Tool marks are usually used by criminals to gain entry to a premises. Criminals such as my neighbor, whom attempted to force entry in my apartment with a screw driver, often leave behind evidence. Forensic evidence can be the key to solving the crime.

                Furthermore, the examination of tool marks, along with other evidence, is based on two characteristics. Class characteristics are characteristics that are common to a group of objects. For example, a crowbar has a distinctive shape and typical size. Individual characteristics are characteristics that are unique to a given object.  Tool mark impressions can vary in size and shape depending on the object that was used to force entry.

Tool mark impressions are caused by the interaction of two objects. Impressions can be distinguished in several different ways.

1.       Compression or static marks are when a tool is pressed in to a softer material such as a screw driver impression on a piece of wood.

2.       Dynamic or sliding marks are made when a tool slides or scratches across a surface. An example of a sliding/dynamic mark is: (My back door).

3.       Cutting marks are a result of pressure being applied at both sides of an object and are often associated with scissors etc.  

4.       Multi-stroke marks are caused by repetitive action such as a saw moving back and fourth.   

       Last, tool mark examination is conducted when a tool is recovered that is suspected to have caused the damage.  If a tool is found on the scene, it is taken to the lab for further analysis.  The Forensic Scientist will make test marks using the suspect implement.  The test mark and the mark recovered from the crime scene will then be compared.  The Forensic Scientist will examine and compare the striation patterns using the comparison microscope. By comparing and matching the striations the scientist can prove whether the tool is responsible for the impression.  Tools can also have trace evidence, such as paint flakes adhering, or in the case of a human victim, blood or other body fluids. This evidence greatly assists in the investigation of a crime.

(www.spsa-forensics.police.com)

(Nordby)

"Forensics" Fingerprints

The history of fingerprints is also known as dactylography. The use of fingerprints is definitely not a new technique. As a matter of fact, in different countries such as Babylon people used fingerprints to sign their identity on clay tablets dating back to about 1750 years BC. Moreover, the uniqueness of fingerprints makes it convenient to identify people especially when it comes to forensic science.

Furthermore, when it comes to forensic science fingerprints are primarily used to help locate, identify and eliminate suspects in criminal cases (Nordby Pg. 355). However, even if there is no suspect their fingerprints may still be able to tell a story. This is because; every fingerprint is unique to an individual. Prints can develop leads, and possibly provide clues about the suspect's size, sex, and occupation. Small prints are usually made by a small person, and if found on a wall they can even help determine a suspect's height.

Moreover, construction workers usually have rough hands, and musicians tend to develop calluses on the tips of their fingers. It's important not to rely too heavily on these clues since they are not facts. Prints can substantiate or disqualify the story of a victim or witness by locating their prints where they said they where. Even the absence of prints may be a key factor. Suicide scenes, for example, should never show any attempt at wiping prints away.

Last, there are several methods used to detect fingerprints. Powder and tape are the most well-known method of detecting latent prints; Magna Brush is a magnetic wand that attracts iron. Next, cyanoacrylate fuming method, also known as the superglue fuming method, has proved to be another very useful way of detecting latent prints. Likewise, Ninhydrin is a method of fingerprint detection where the chemical ninhydrin is used. When utilizing Iodine Fuming, Iodine crystals are placed in a glass tube known as a fumier. Silver Nitrate is a less toxic way of detecting prints on paper and Amido Black is a chemical used to develop fingerprints in blood.

What ever the method of detecting fingerprints may be, once they are detected they are placed in a data base. The use of fingerprints has cracked many cases in the past and will break many cases in the future. Nine times out of ten a criminal will leave some type of evidence behind.

(Forensic-medecine.info)

(Nordby Chapter 18)

"Forensics" Phadebas test

A Phadebas test is a very accurate method of testing when conducting an investigation where suspicion of cunnilingus is involved. This is because; the Phadebas Forensic Press test is used for detecting and identifying hidden saliva stains. Locating saliva stains is a challenging task to perform. This is why; the area of choice I would determine would be the inside of the panties.  In addition, to the Phadebas testing I would also use light sources. Even though, saliva stains can not always be seen using light sources if something was to show, I would have a better idea where to use the Press test. Furthermore, it is always good to conduct other of methods of testing, especially in a complex case. As a matter of fact, a study has shown that as many as 40% of saliva stains on garments go undetected (Wikipedia). Phadebas is a great method of testing in a case like this. Because, Phadebas testing  is capable of locating saliva on any item or surface. Allegedly, Phadebas Forensic Press test is selective, the reason being that alpha-amylase activity in saliva is typically several orders of magnitude higher than in other body fluids. The methodology isn't new, as this has been implemented in many forensic labs world wide for many years. The earliest use of the Phadebas test was first used in 1970 ( Wikipedia).

"Forensics" The First Responding Officer

The first responding officer and witness are a very important part of an investigation. This is because; the first responding officer is the first to see the scene at its most original state. Likewise, a witness has important information that would be useful to an officer to start the process of investigation. Furthermore, officer's actions at the scene form the basis of the investigation. It's important for the first responding officer to properly perform their duties. Experience is an important factor. If a mistake is made by an officer their mishap can throw the whole investigation off.

  The duties of the first responding officer include;

      1.  Assisting the victim and to prevent changes to the victim.

          2. To search for and arrest the suspect if that person is still on the scene.

           3.   To detain any witnesses to collect information. However, the witness is to be separated to preserve their objectivity, and the witness is not to return to the scene if at all possible.

           4.   To protect the crime scene. Begin the crime scene security measures. Example: by the use of barrier tape, official vehicles (Nordby) etc. Establish a crime scene security log to record any additional information such as; persons who enter/exit the scene. Do not smoke, eat, drink within the secured premises and prevent any unnecessary officials or persons from entering and contaminating the scene.

             5.    All movements, alterations, or changes are to be recorded and communicated with any (Nordby) officials conducting the investigations/ crime scene investigators.

 

Works Cited

Nordby, S. H. (n.d). Forensic Science.