There Are Several Types Or Classifications Of Evidence How E

There Are Several Types Or Classifications Of Evidence How Evidence I

There are several types or classifications of evidence. How evidence is collected or packaged may vary from one classification to another. You are an intern at a forensic Crime Scene Response Unit (CSRU) and as part of your duties, the unit manager has asked you to develop a presentation on evidence for a Citizens’ Academy class. Develop a short presentation about the classification of evidence assigned. Your presentation will comprise slides containing visuals and bullet points, as well as narrating content. You can use PowerPoint to create your presentation using this UAGC web page Presentations or any other presentation software and record yourself narrating it with Screencast-O-Matic. You are not required to be on camera but may choose to do so if you please. Your assigned topic is: D through E: Fingerprints. Your presentation must address the following elements: description of the type(s) of evidence included in this category, an overview of how that type of evidence emerged, how it was first used and any historical significance, current uses, how it should be documented, packaging methods, explanation of why this methodology is used, potential admissibility issues in court. Support your presentation with examples from this week’s required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources and properly cite any references either in the text, on bullet points, or in the notes section. The presentation should have a minimum of five content slides (excluding cover and reference slides) and be at least three minutes long. Include a cover slide and a references slide. In the notes section of the references slide, indicate how the work was divided. The file for the presentation should be attached or embedded in your post for your peers to review, and include the link to your screencast recording.

Paper For Above instruction

The classification of evidence, particularly fingerprints, plays a pivotal role in criminal investigations and forensic science. Fingerprints are a distinct type of evidence that has revolutionized the way law enforcement agencies identify and apprehend suspects. This presentation provides an overview of fingerprints as a classification of evidence, discussing how they emerged historically, current uses, documentation, packaging, and potential challenges in court admissibility.

Description of Fingerprints and Evidence Type

Fingerprints are unique patterns of ridges, sweat pores, and friction ridges found on the fingertips. These patterns are classified into three main types: arch, loop, and whorl. As evidence, fingerprints can link a suspect to a crime scene or object with high certainty due to their uniqueness. They are classified as individual evidence because they are unique to each person and do not change over time.

Historical Emergence and Significance

The scientific study of fingerprints began in the late 19th century. Sir Francis Galton was among the first to systematically study fingerprint patterns and establish their uniqueness. The adoption of fingerprinting by law enforcement gained prominence after Sir Edward Henry developed the Henry Classification System in the early 20th century, which standardized fingerprint classification for criminal records. Fingerprint evidence marked a turning point in forensic science, offering a reliable means of identification that replaced more subjective methods such as witness testimony.

Current Uses

Today, fingerprint analysis is a routine part of criminal investigations. Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) enable law enforcement to rapidly compare and match fingerprints against a vast database. Fingerprints are used in various settings including criminal arrests, immigration procedures, and background checks. Their forensic utility is enhanced by advancements in digital imaging and pattern recognition technologies.

Documentation and Packaging Methods

Proper documentation of fingerprint evidence involves photographing the prints in situ, lifting them using adhesive powders or chemicals, and preserving them on suitable backing cards or in digital form. Packaging methods include using tamper-evident envelopes or containers that prevent contamination or loss. Evidence transportation must maintain the chain of custody, documented via logs and detailed labeling, including information about collection date, location, and collector’s identity.

Methodology and Why It Is Used

The methodology for fingerprint collection and analysis relies on meticulous techniques that enhance the clarity and integrity of the prints. Dusting powders, chemical reagents such as ninhydrin or cyanoacrylate fumes, and digital scanning are employed to visualize and preserve prints. This methodology is used because it maximizes the chance of retrieving identifiable fingerprints, minimizes contamination, and facilitates analysis accuracy.

Potential Admissibility Issues in Court

While fingerprint evidence is generally highly regarded, potential admissibility issues arise from questions about the collection process, contamination, or analysis errors. Courts require proof that the evidence was collected, preserved, and analyzed following proper protocols. Expert testimony is critical to establish that the fingerprint analysis meets scientific standards. Challenges may include disputes over the reliability of automated systems or the credibility of fingerprint expert witnesses.

In conclusion, fingerprints are a vital classification of evidence that has a rich historical significance and continues to serve as a cornerstone in forensic investigations. Proper documentation, packaging, and adherence to methodology are crucial for the evidence’s integrity and admissibility in court. As technology advances, the reliability and effectiveness of fingerprint evidence are likely to increase further, cementing its role in criminal justice.

References

• National Research Council. (2009). Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward. The National Academies Press.
• Saunders, T. (2018). Forensic Fingerprint Analysis: Techniques and Challenges. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 63(2), 157-165.
• Steffen, C. (2016). The Evolution of Fingerprint Technologies. Forensic Science Review, 28(3), 123-136.
• Henry, E. R. (1900). Classification and Identification of Fingerprints. London: British Museum.
• Brimacombe, C. (2015). Digital Fingerprint Analysis and Database Systems. Forensic Science International, 257, 12-20.
• National Institute of Justice. (2020). Fingerprint Evidence Collection and Preservation. NIJ Journal, 281, 45-52.
• Champion, H., & Rowe, G. (2019). Challenges in Fingerprint Evidence Admissibility. Law and Forensic Science, 7(1), 44-56.
• Turvey, B. (2015). Criminal Profiling: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis. Academic Press.
• James, S. H., & Nordby, J. J. (2014). Forensic Science: An Introduction to Scientific and Investigative Techniques. CRC Press.
• Meuwly, D., & Van Der Kaap, H. (2021). Advances in Automated Fingerprint Recognition. Journal of Biometrics, 58, 187-196.