3 answers
Jeryana
Student
Bland, VA
1
Question
Updated
412 views
#spring23 In forensics, how do you know when to look into something or when to leave it alone or how to gage its significance?
I love forensics and I always get caught up in the details that don't really have significance in the case, but I'm not sure how to tell if a detail is significant in that particular matter.
3 answers
a perez
Law enforcement police officer
47
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
a’s Answer
Look at scene see what is out of the ordinary snd not logical one case had a woman who allegedly suffocated herself but by experts looking at scene noticed the very dark marks in her neck but if she did do it herself she would have isssed out before she died and let go of item she used to choke herself so the deep bruises showed someone had been choking her and applying enough to do it
Kevin Czora
Law enforcement
23
Answers
Amherst, New York
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
When I would conduct investigations, whether a burglary, homicide, sexual assault, etc, I tried to not only prove theories, but at times disprove some as well. You must look at the investigation as a whole, and determine what is "possible" and what is "improbable". Keeping this in mind, all aspects of the investigation must be turned over to defense, even if it is not used in an arrest or at trial. Much of this is learned thru experience.
As you hone your skills, you'll be able to "read" a crime scene and determine what is, or could be, relevant evidence.
Hope this answers your question. Good luck!
As you hone your skills, you'll be able to "read" a crime scene and determine what is, or could be, relevant evidence.
Hope this answers your question. Good luck!
gabriel bernadettshapiro
AI research
7
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
gabriel’s Answer
This advice is mainly applicable for computer forensics.... which I assume is what this question is about. Forensics is an efficiency game - the biggest problem with forensics is that there is never enough expertise to go around. You need to focus on being very efficient at task completion - unless the investigation lead is asking you to look into it you are better off focusing on task completion. To maintain focus try the following:
Relevance: Always consider whether the detail or evidence is directly related to the case at hand. If not you should move on.
Probative value: Assess the potential of the evidence to prove or disprove a fact or theory in the case. If the detail can help establish a timeline, identify (or exclude) a suspect, or provide insight into the motive or method of the crime, it is significant, if not then its not.
Credibility: Evaluate the source and authenticity of the evidence. Does the detail comes from a reliable source and can be verified or corroborated by other evidence?
It is essential to maintain a balance between thoroughness and efficiency in forensic investigations, however it's really crucial not to get caught up in insignificant details which can waste time and resources. As you gain more experience in the field, you'll develop a better sense of which details are likely to be important and which ones can be set aside.
Relevance: Always consider whether the detail or evidence is directly related to the case at hand. If not you should move on.
Probative value: Assess the potential of the evidence to prove or disprove a fact or theory in the case. If the detail can help establish a timeline, identify (or exclude) a suspect, or provide insight into the motive or method of the crime, it is significant, if not then its not.
Credibility: Evaluate the source and authenticity of the evidence. Does the detail comes from a reliable source and can be verified or corroborated by other evidence?
It is essential to maintain a balance between thoroughness and efficiency in forensic investigations, however it's really crucial not to get caught up in insignificant details which can waste time and resources. As you gain more experience in the field, you'll develop a better sense of which details are likely to be important and which ones can be set aside.
Thank you so much. This is really helpful.
Jeryana
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