Analysis of Bloodstain Patterns

In order to be an efficient bloodstain pattern expert (BPE), a tremendous amount of education in this field is necessary, as well as a lot of experience.  Many times bloodstain patterns overlap, the ability to determine this comes from the education and experience.  There are also a tremendous number of various bloodstain patterns at a single crime scene.  A BPE is crucial to this type of investigation but, it is important to weigh in all the evidence at the scene.  This includes firearms analysis, if present, bullet trajectories, DNA, and all crime scene photos.  (Young, 2011, pp. 287-289)

            As previously mentioned, there are a tremendous number of bloodstain patterns.  One of which consists of blood drops.  When a blood drop falls from the force of gravity alone; it can make many different size drops when striking a surface.  It is difficult to determine the length of the fall because you do not know what size the blood drop started with.  Another variation is the angle of the surface in which it strikes, the texture of the surface, such as, the absorbency of the surface and its ability to distort the drop.  When a blood drop is affected by a force other than gravity, it may change the characteristics of the blood drop as it strikes a surface.  (Young, 2011, p. 289)

            A blood drop in flight has slightly different characteristics than when affected by gravity alone.  Blood in flight is caused by a force other than gravity, but is also affected by gravity as all things are.  The velocity of the weapon directly affects the characteristics of the blood drops.  The direction the instrument was traveling to the point of impact.  A heavy blunt instrument can make blood spatters that are comparable to those of a bullet.  (Young, 2011, pp. 289-292)

            Now I will analyze the Molly Wright case.  David Hill claimed that he had found Ms. Wright’s body in the kitchen.  Mr. Hill had her blood on him which could be explained because he claimed that he had tried to revive her.  This could have been evidence that exonerated him.  The BPE in this case testified that he had blood spatters on him that could not possibly been made by the actions that he claimed that he had performed.  Therefore, without Samantha Warna’s testimony, justice may not have been served.  In my opinion, her testimony was extremely important in this case.  When a person bludgeons another person, blood spatters may be deposited on the perpetrator in the form of fine mist.  This depends on the weapon used and the force of the weapon at impact.  There could also be large deposits of blood, again, depending on the weapon and the force used.  (Young, 2011, pp. 297-298)

           

References

Young, T. (2011). Crime Scene Investigation: The forensic Technician's Field Manual. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education.

Firearms Processing

January 12

2013

This paper concerns some of the safety practices of processing firearms.

Safety During Firearms Processing

 

 

Firearms Processing

If you are not familiar with a weapon that you discovered at a crime scene, you should consult somebody that is familiar with it.  When rendering a firearm safe, you need to take special care not to point the weapon at anyone.  While pointing the muzzle down and away from everyone, unload the weapon to render it safe.  While doing this, you need to prevent making contact with any part of the weapon which may contain latent fingerprints.  After safely unloading the weapon, place a zip tie through the magazine port and the action to prevent the weapon from functioning.  On a revolver, place a zip tie through the cylinder after safely unloading it.  (Young, 2011, p. 263)

            When processing firearms evidence we need not forget about ammunition.  On a semi-automatic firearm, after removing the magazine and placing in a paper bag, we need to eject the round from the chamber and place in a separate container.  It is important to keep separate because the chamber may have inflicted certain marks which can possibly be used as evidence.  On a revolver, the round directly in front of the chamber is labeled as number 1; the rounds then are removed in a clockwise pattern, with each sequential cartridge numbered accordingly.  Long guns such as rifles and shotguns are no exception to the firearms safety rule.  (Young, 2011, pp. 263-267)

            Rifles like pistols make striations on the projectile caused by the lands and grooves in the barrel as well as any imperfections in the barrel.  Shotguns are a little different in that they do not contain rifling in the barrel.  Here we concentrate more on the casings to give us information about the firearm.  We look for a firing pin indention in the base of the shell; this can be a signature of the weapon.  (Young, 2011, pp. 267-271)

            As far as collecting firearms evidence; any particle left by the firearm is to be collected and labeled separately.   It is important for measurements and photographs be taken of all evidence.  If a bullet is lodged in a surface, the entire surrounding surface should be removed and transported as evidence.  When collection and processing of the evidence is done properly; it can help us link an expended projectile to a specific firearm.  This in turn allows us to connect the firearm to an individual.  It may also allow us to connect a specific firearm to an unrelated shooting.  The way this is done is to make a control shot with the firearm, then with a comparison microscope, make comparisons between the evidence projectile and the control projectile.  No two firearms make the exact striations on a projectile; therefore an expended projectile can be linked to a specific firearm.  (Young, 2011, p. 271)

            Not only do we compare projectiles, but spent cartridges can be compared and analyzed also.  The extractor or ejector can make identifying markings on the casings as well as the impression made by the firing pin.  (Young, 2011, p. 274)

            Other evidence we can collect from firearms is residue left on surrounding areas from unburned powder.  We can also find latent prints and DNA left on the firearm from the user.  (Young, 2011, pp. 274-277)

           

 

 

 

References

Young, T. &. (2011). Crime Scene Investigations: The forensic technician's field manual. Boston: Prentice Hall.

 

 

 

The Role of Forensic Photography

The main goal of forensic photography is to accurately depict and document a crime scene.  This helps eliminate errors made by faulty drawings and/or memory or inadequate hand written notes.  When photographing a crime scene, it should be done prior to disturbing the scene, or moving any items of evidence.  (Young, 2011, p. 18)

            During the processing of a vehicle related to a crime scene, the forensic technician should process it before it is removed from the crime scene.  Overall photographs should be taken in a manner, which accurately depicts the location of the vehicle in relation to the crime scene.  Close-up photos of the vehicle should include the VIN number and the license plate.  In order to process the inside of the vehicle, it is best to have it moved to where it can be done in a lab.  (Young, 2011, pp. 206-209)

            When investigating impression evidence, the photographs should show as much depth as possible.  They should be taken from all angles to compensate for the two-dimensional characteristics of photography.

 

References

Young, T. &. (2011). Crime Scene Investigations: The forensic technician's field manual.

 Boston: Prentice Hall.

Affirmative Action

 

As far as affirmative action goes, I believe it is necessary to an extent.  It would be nice if we could leave it up to the universities and employers to be fair in the process of admitting and/or employing, but apparently, there has to be a certain amount of intervention by the government to minimize discrimination in these processes.  Of course, if we could trust everyone to do what is right, we would not need laws and rules to start with.  Therefore, I believe the passing of legislation concerning discrimination is needed, however, when it is carried too far, or allowed to run amuck, it is as bad as not having any laws governing such.  When proper control is insufficient, it may prevent discrimination against a certain group, but it ends up discriminating against a different group.

           You cannot eradicate discrimination no matter what you do.  I believe it will always be present in our society, in one form or another, and to a certain degree, which may vary somewhat, but it will always be there.  As long as there is a group that is different from other groups, there will be prejudices.

 

State vs. Federal Rights

1.    Delegated powers are the powers that the Constitution grants to the federal government.  Most of the powers go to the legislative branch of the federal government while fewer powers are granted to the judicial branch.  Raising funding is one example of legislative power.  Implied powers are those powers not specifically mentioned in the Constitution, but are interpreted as such from the ones that are.  An example of this would be taxes.  This was made possible through legislation in the form of an Amendment to the Constitution, which, legislation, is a delegated power.

Medical Marijuana

 

There exists a huge controversy over the medicinal use of marijuana.  Should it be legalized?  Some states have legalized it, although, the federal government says otherwise.  One of the largest medical groups in the country endorsed the medicinal use of marijuana and is trying to elicit a favorable response from the federal government.  The American College of Physicians claims that marijuana is useful in treating symptoms of weight loss due to the AIDS virus and to help negate certain side effects of some applications of chemotherapy.  (NA, 2008)

            I have nothing against the medicinal use of marijuana, but the federal government says it is illegal and until the law is revised to make it legal I will treat it as such.  I do believe, however, that individual states should have jurisdiction over their own territory for legalization of its use.

 

References

 

NA. (2008). MD"s back use of medicinal marijuana. The Ottawa Citizen (Final Edition),

 A10.

The Future of Forensic Technology

The forensic technician must be concerned with factual evidence and refrain from expressing his or her personal opinions unless asked to do so.  A forensic technician must also do everything in their power to locate, collect, and maintain the integrity of forensic evidence.  They often respond to a crime scene to do just that.  They are also responsible for photographing the crime scene and usually report all findings of fact to the investigator responsible for investigating that particular case... (Young, 2011, pp. 1-5)   

The Court’s Ruling on Arizona Immigration Law

Illegal Immigration is an extremely important issue, especially in Arizona; this among other reasons is why I chose this particular issue.  People who are not from, or never visited Arizona, sometimes fail to appreciate the necessity of such laws governing immigration.  I will show its importance, as well as point out opposing views, to better equip those particular people with knowledge to better make an educated decision on the matter.

Political Beliefs

I have chosen the 2^nd Amendment to the U. S. Constitution to discuss in this assignment. 

“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed”

 

            I think this Amendment to the Constitution means that a law-abiding citizen has the right to bear arms for their own protection as well as family and our nation in time of need.  This Amendment protects the right of the people to keep this right and never lose it.  This Amendment also ensures the means of the people to keep this country a free country. 

Should Prisoners be Released Due to Lack of Funding?

I believe this presentation gets right to the point; therefore, it is immediate and tangible.  I also think that it draws the viewer into the presentation.  I am just hoping that there are not too many animations; I was trying to keep the distractions to a minimum.

Fingerprints

In order to study my own fingerprints, I used the graphite from my pencil to enhance my print.  I then placed it onto the top of a filing cabinet in my office.  I used my lift tape to lift the print and examine it.  I found that my print is of a plain whorl pattern.  I had some difficulty locating a latent print in my house.  I assumed there would be one on the kitchen counter.  I did not have the means of locating a latent print, so I just sprinkled some of my print powder on the counter.  I do not know if we were supposed to receive a fingerprint brush with our forensic kit, but I do have a magnetic applicator.  This applicator is hard to use.  I did not locate a latent print.  I pressed my hand on the counter and repeated the previous step, but I still could not locate a print.  I pressed my finger on a handheld mirror and had better luck with it.  I was able to lift the print with the help of some of the fingerprint powder.  It was not a very good impression on the tape, I do not know if I used too much powder or not enough.  I read in the textbook that it takes practice to do it properly, maybe that is the problem, lack of practice.  I have no ink to use for fingerprints, so I used the graphite from my pencil.  It works, but not very well.  The only prints that I was able to compare were my own.  I also only have black fingerprint powder, so I am limited to where I can lift prints.  I also have to be on a flat surface to use the magnetic applicator.  I am not sure if I am using it properly, there is limited instruction on its use in the text.  It seems to take forever to apply enough powder to lift the print.  Maybe you could shed some insight on this subject, I would really like to get this down, it is very interesting to me.

Types of Drugs

Opiates are a group of drugs that are considered painkillers.  These drugs work on the central nervous system.  This type of drugs would include drugs such as opium or one of its derivatives including morphine and heroin.  Heroin is preferred over morphine partially because it is easier to prepare for use and the effects are felt quicker.  Consequently, the affects are greater, but they do not last as long.  This contributes to the development of an urge for more frequent use.  Almost two-thirds of the composition of a bag of heroin is often unknown to the user.  (Safferstein, 2011, pp. 193-194)

Argument or Discussion?

Before I started this course, when I heard the word argument, I pictured two people yelling obscenities at one another and the argument possessing the potential of escalating into a fistfight.  After the third week of completing the assignments in this course, my perspectives on the subject were drastically changed.  Now when I hear the word argument, it brings to mind a couple of people, or a group of people, having a civil and intelligent conversation with opposing viewpoints in an attempt to come to some sort of agreement on their difference of opinions.  This can be one party winning over the opponent, or a mutual agreement on the issue.  I have also learned, taking a quote from our textbook, “Argument is everywhere”.   (Wood, 2009).  We encounter this phenomenon every day of our lives and are practically subjected to it, in one form or another, throughout the entirety of any given day.

The Importance of Trace Evidence

Trace evidence can prove to be invaluable to the forensic analyst.  Trace evidence comes in many varieties and is easily overlooked by those who are not familiar with where to look for it.  In the given scenario, we have several items, which we can classify as trace evidence.  The first item we will look at is the glass fragments found near the victim's head, which came from the driver side window. 

Shadow of an Atom - Periodic Table of Videos

The Search for Causes of Crime

There are a great number of theories that attempt to explain the reason for crime.  Some of these theories are concerned with the reasons for criminal behavior, some concern themselves with the reason for crime, and still others focus on the victims.  I would like to focus on the reasons for criminal behavior.  Within this category there are also a number of theories, some are very similar, yet others are very different.  In my opinion no one theory does the job of explaining all these reasons.  There have been numerous studies and experiments concerning criminal behavior.  I believe the better theory would be Social Learning Theory. 

Criminal Justice System

An individual formally enters the criminal justice system with the commission of a crime.  Once in this system, there is a progression of steps which ideally end in the conviction and punishment of the individual(s) for the crime that they committed.  I will examine each of these steps in the order in which they occur.  Bear in mind that each step could be the end of the process resulting in prosecution or acquittal of the individual(s) who allegedly committed the crime.  (Champion, 2008, p. 5)

The Criminal Investigation

In the very beginning of a criminal investigation, it is very important to know the meaning of relevance.  This means that any evidence collected in a criminal investigation has to be relevant (connected) to the crime committed or it is inadmissible in a court of law.  Evidence is considered material if it is capable of influencing the outcome of the trial, if not then it is called immaterial.  Any search for evidence must be reasonable, such as a warrant or probable cause.  If any of the evidence was obtained illegally, then the judge will disallow the evidence in the trial. (Lushbaugh, 2012, p. 18).

Mark Fuhrman was one of the detectives who investigated the Brown-Goldman murders of which O. J. Simpson was suspected of committing.  Detective Fuhrman was also known for his racist views.  Detective Fuhrman was suspected of compromising the investigation by allegedly planting incriminating evidence at the Simpson residence.  The Justice Department decided not to charge Detective Fuhrman for the alleged assault and mistreatment of minorities.  The statute of limitations, which is five years, had run out.  During the Simpson trial it seemed that the main emphasis was placed on Furman’s racism rather than Simpson’s guilt or innocence.  This, in my opinion, destroyed the credibility of Fuhrman’s testimony and led jurors to suspect that Fuhrman was capable of performing the act of planting evidence to help sway the verdict of this case..  Fuhrman also perjured himself on the witness stand because he later admitted lying when asked about his involvement in misconduct concerning the mistreatment and verbal abuse of blacks. (Ostrow, 1998).  Fuhrman, during an interview that was audio taped, uttered the “N” word repeatedly.  In fact the manner in which he spoke the word makes it believable that he is in a habit of using that word frequently. (Daly, August 20, 1995)

Radioactivity

Radioactivity is the decay of unstable isotopes of an element.  Atoms with the same number of protons, but varying numbers of neutrons are said to be isotopes of one another.  There are several ways that this can occur.  They are called; alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma rays.  These three processes are similar in some ways and are different in other ways.  They are similar in that each of these processes results in an emission of radiation in one form or another.  They are different in the effects they have on the original element and/or its individual atoms or nuclei.

Circumstances Surrounding the Brown/Goldman Murders

 Simpson was arrested on June 17, 1994, following urging from his attorney Robert Shapiro; Simpson turned himself in to police.  Simpson had fled when he learned that a warrant had been issued for his arrest. (Johnson, 2012)

I support the decision made by the U. S. Supreme Court in the case of Weeks v. United States in that, the Supreme Court was right in ruling that there was an error in the trial court's judgment because basically the trial court's judgment stated that it does not matter how the evidence was obtained, it was admissable in court.  The manner in which the evidence was obtained violates the defendant's constitutional rights; therefore, the evidence should not have been admissable in court. (Weeks v. United States, 1914)  The police could have used the following beliefs to apply for a search warrant; they could have said that there was probable cause in that there would very possibly be stolen lottery tickets, or papers revealing evidence of the illegal sale of lottery tickets.  This would have given them reason to file for a search warrant.  The warrant would most likely have been issued on these beliefs. (Weeks v. United States, 1914)  I do not see any other way the officers could have entered Week's residence other than forcing their way in.  I think this would have raised more issues concerning the defendant's constitutional rights.  The officers could very well have lied about the circumstances, only they know.  I think the legal requirements for an officer for telling the truth are the same regardless of the circumstances, officers should tell the truth at all times (Lushbaugh, 2012,pp.17-35)
References:
Lushbaugh, C. A. (2012. Criminal Investigation: Basic Perspectives, Twelfth Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education
Weeks v. United States, 232 &. S. 383(1914)(U. S. Supreme Court Feb 14, 1914)