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Questioned Forensic Evidence

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Questioned Document Have you ever wondered how a document corresponds to a crime scene? Well it may be much more important than one must think. Questioned documents evidence has been around for ages, and is still used in understanding what occurred at a crime scene. However, the evidence must be properly cared for a preserved. A questioned document is defined as a document that is partly or entirely suspicious in regard to the authenticity or origin (James, Nordby, Bell). A questioned document can be various types of documents found at a crime scene, such as a letter, check, receipt, or a ransom note (Hilton, 1940). Therefore, a document that may seem unimportant may very well be the sole piece of evidence to break the case. Similar to several …show more content…

Whether the document being preserved is a check or letter, a crime scene investigator must not be marked on, folded, bent, or transported improperly for any period of time. Instead, the questioned document must be kept into the proper evidence collection envelopes and folders and kept dry (Hilton, 1940). Following these steps helps to ensure that the document is not distorted in any way. For instance, if a crime scene investigation is at the scene of a crime and the individual was to find a ransom note, this would be key information. However, if the crime scene investigator decides to write or draw on the document, it could be considered as contaminated evidence and may not be allowed in the court as evidence. After the questioned document evidence has been collected and preserved carefully and properly, it is then brought to the crime lab where a forensic scientist can process the document. Different types of tests are then ran on the submitted documents by a trained professional to decipher or restore the writing (Hilton, 1940). If identifying evidence is found on the documents, it can be used to marrow down suspects and produce the actor of the crime. For instance, if a daughter is stealing cheeks from her mother, and signing the mothers name as if she was the one furnishing the checks, a great way to look at this questioned document would be to compare handwriting samples. Since everyone has their own unique style of writing it would be rather simple to determine that this document was forged making questioned document collection, preservation, and examination an essential step in the investigation process. Therefore, collecting and preservation document are key elements in the processes of crime scene work. Even thought, this technique of evidence has been around for a while, it still proves to work wonders in the investigation process. Follow the necessary steps to be successful

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Such as presenting the evidence of the two garbage cans were Herring allegedly hid the stolen stereo and car equipment form Peter’s Mustang. The CPD investigator opened two large sealed boxes containing the garbage cans that were located in the alley. The investigator explained the science to the jurors on finding fingerprints on the cans. The police apply a super glue to the areas of the cans where they think might have fingerprints and then use an LAS system which is a laser light they use to find and see fingerprints on objects. The investigator explaining the procedures on collecting the evidence did so in the simplest and clearest way possible.

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Interview witnesses the facial expression, which quiet make easy to collect the evidence. It opens the channel of communication. Documentary evidence is gathered which includes written statements (checks, invoices, bills, emails) and computerized document trails, any items that may be considered physical

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However, the way the glass evidence at the crime scene was documented, collected, and preserved absolutely would have had an impact on the examination results at the lab. The glass evidence was mishandled as it was reportedly transferred from an envelope to a plastic bag during the investigation, which could have resulted in further loss or contamination of the evidence. Overall, the mishandling of significant evidence compromised the reliability and admissibility in court. Again, this example of mishandling of evidence posed as another contention point within the case and resulted in much

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How did document examination help or crack the case? The evidence was not strong enough without the handwritten note. Final Findings? Hauptmann was guilty and was electrocuted. The kidnapping was made a federal offense.

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Evidence found at the place of the crime can give investigators clues to who committed the crime. For example, investigators can find footprints, fingerprints, or even the murder weapon. In fact, a hatchet was found on property, which detectives believe is the murder weapon(Allard,2013). This is important because the hatchet gives clues to who committed the crimes.

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Doing this, helpws protect the evidence and prevent cross contamination. The crime scene is the physical area where a crime is thought to of occurred and where the evidence of the said crime is thought to reside. Vital evidence to a case, can be found at a crime scene. This includes, fingerprints, DNA, foot prints, bullets, bullet casings, fibers, etc. It is important to determine if a crime has in fact been committed, if so, the officer must initiate enforcement action, by arresting or pursuing the offender or dispatching apprehension information.

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Remember to process it properly. For the fingerprints and footprints, figure out the unique characteristics of each print. This would make it easier for investigators to match the features between the print from the crime scene and the database. Whether or not you have a match, record your results and write a

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During this process the investigators should carefully search for all forms of potential electronic evidence that they do have permission to take such as: USB (Universal Serial Bus) storage media, optical discs, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, SD (Secure Digital) and similar cards, NAS (Network-Attached Storage). Other forms of forensic evidence should be also considered such as: fingerprints and DNA before collection of devices, passwords, notes, paper documents, and other information relevant to the investigation. The process of dead forensic is simple, reliable and thorough.

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The search of the crime scene and its capacity is considered the most significant stage of the investigation. The Investigator should keep in mind that physical evidence is the most credible kind of evidence and according to the Locard Exchange Principle “every contact leaves a trace”. It is because of this reason that the investigator’s obligation is to see to it that the crime scene is instantaneously conserved. Precaution must be taken so that the people within the vicinity of the crime scene do not contaminate the scene by leaving footprints or fingerprints or by disturbing the crime scene. Prior to the walk-through, the investigator must stop and scrutinize the area as a whole, making notes of everything possible before going into the actual crime scene to conduct a more detailed assessment.

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