Criminology unit 3 notes latest with
summary (100% well enlightened)
criminology Unit 3 Notes – Summary
AC 1.1 – Evaluate the Effectiveness of Personnel Involved in Criminal Investigations
Topics Covered:
1. Evaluate the effectiveness of personnel involved in criminal investigations
2. Assess the usefulness of investigative techniques
3. Explain how evidence is processed
4. Examine the rights of individuals in criminal investigations
5. Explain the requirements of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
6. Describe trial processes
7. Understand rules relating to evidence in criminal cases
8. Assess key influences affecting outcomes of criminal cases
9. Discuss the use of laypeople in criminal cases
10. Examine information for validity
11. Draw conclusions from information
Crime Scene Investigators (CSI)
Role:
Crime Scene Investigators collect and preserve evidence from crime scenes. Their
responsibility is to ensure evidence is not contaminated and remains admissible in court.
They gather evidence carefully, photograph the scene and surrounding areas, package
evidence correctly, and document everything so it is ready for forensic analysis. They may
also attend post-mortems.
Effectiveness:
• CSI work is valuable because they secure and preserve evidence at crime scenes.
, • They can help prove a suspect’s innocence through evidence such as DNA.
• Their careful documentation supports later forensic investigations.
Case Example – Amanda Knox:
• Amanda Knox, an exchange student in Italy, was investigated after her flatmate was
murdered.
• Problems included contamination of evidence, failure to document evidence
correctly, and accusations of planted evidence.
• This case highlights how poor crime scene management can affect investigations.
Strengths:
• CSI evidence can conclusively link suspects to crimes.
• Evidence can also clear suspects if fingerprints or DNA do not match evidence from
the scene.
Limitations:
• The role requires specialist skills such as forensic photography and evidence
handling.
• Mistakes in collecting or recording evidence can lead to contamination or wrongful
convictions.
• CSI staff may encounter hazardous materials including chemicals, firearms, bodily
fluids, knives, and hypodermic needles.
• The work can be emotionally stressful, contributing to staff shortages.
Forensic Specialists and Scientists
Role:
Once evidence has been collected by CSI teams, forensic scientists analyse and interpret it.
They examine evidence such as blood, hair, fibres, and DNA to identify links between
suspects, victims, and crime scenes.
Effectiveness:
Expertise:
• Forensic scientists possess specialist knowledge that helps interpret evidence
accurately.
• Their expertise is especially important in complex criminal investigations.
summary (100% well enlightened)
criminology Unit 3 Notes – Summary
AC 1.1 – Evaluate the Effectiveness of Personnel Involved in Criminal Investigations
Topics Covered:
1. Evaluate the effectiveness of personnel involved in criminal investigations
2. Assess the usefulness of investigative techniques
3. Explain how evidence is processed
4. Examine the rights of individuals in criminal investigations
5. Explain the requirements of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
6. Describe trial processes
7. Understand rules relating to evidence in criminal cases
8. Assess key influences affecting outcomes of criminal cases
9. Discuss the use of laypeople in criminal cases
10. Examine information for validity
11. Draw conclusions from information
Crime Scene Investigators (CSI)
Role:
Crime Scene Investigators collect and preserve evidence from crime scenes. Their
responsibility is to ensure evidence is not contaminated and remains admissible in court.
They gather evidence carefully, photograph the scene and surrounding areas, package
evidence correctly, and document everything so it is ready for forensic analysis. They may
also attend post-mortems.
Effectiveness:
• CSI work is valuable because they secure and preserve evidence at crime scenes.
, • They can help prove a suspect’s innocence through evidence such as DNA.
• Their careful documentation supports later forensic investigations.
Case Example – Amanda Knox:
• Amanda Knox, an exchange student in Italy, was investigated after her flatmate was
murdered.
• Problems included contamination of evidence, failure to document evidence
correctly, and accusations of planted evidence.
• This case highlights how poor crime scene management can affect investigations.
Strengths:
• CSI evidence can conclusively link suspects to crimes.
• Evidence can also clear suspects if fingerprints or DNA do not match evidence from
the scene.
Limitations:
• The role requires specialist skills such as forensic photography and evidence
handling.
• Mistakes in collecting or recording evidence can lead to contamination or wrongful
convictions.
• CSI staff may encounter hazardous materials including chemicals, firearms, bodily
fluids, knives, and hypodermic needles.
• The work can be emotionally stressful, contributing to staff shortages.
Forensic Specialists and Scientists
Role:
Once evidence has been collected by CSI teams, forensic scientists analyse and interpret it.
They examine evidence such as blood, hair, fibres, and DNA to identify links between
suspects, victims, and crime scenes.
Effectiveness:
Expertise:
• Forensic scientists possess specialist knowledge that helps interpret evidence
accurately.
• Their expertise is especially important in complex criminal investigations.
