CRJS478IP5 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

CRJS478IP5 - Research Paper Example The first step in investigating the crime is to secure the crime scene. Securing the crime scene assists in reducing interference of physical evidence and reduces the chances of contamination to the crime scene. After securing the crime scene the next step is to conduct a preliminary survey of the area to establish the presence of any other evidence around the crime scene. At this stage it is indispensable to take photographs of the crime scene and collect evidence that may be incidental to the crime. After the preliminary survey is conducted, evaluation of physical evidence is conducted. The evaluation in this case will be to determine the position of the remains, if the remains have been moved by the initial respondents, the condition of the remains and other materials at the scene. After the evidence is evaluated, samples are collected from the remains at the scene. Samples of other biological materials at the scene should also be collected. When collecting the samples from the re mains it is important to safeguard against contamination. Contamination occurs when something that was not present is introduced to the crime scene or in the samples collected. Contamination can compromise the analysis and accuracy of samples collected. An effective way of reducing contamination is to limit access to the crime scene which is done by securing the crime scene until evidence is collected and documented. In doing so it is important to restrict the first responders and the law enforcement officers from further access to the scene as they can potentially contaminate the crime scene (Kobilinsky, Levine & Margolis-Nunno, 2009). DNA profiling is a technique employed by forensic analysts in establishing identification of unknown individuals. DNA analysis uses the DNA make-up of the remains to form a profile that can be used for identification. Because the remains at the scene have