cut, overall leading to less availability in this work field. An example of a case study that would act as Equally, the movement of police officers or staff between scenes may cross-contaminate the available material, and confuse or mislead the investigation. If in doubt, officers should seek advice from CSIs or crime scene managers. I was challenged in one particular school, who were struggling to engage some pupils, to provide really dynamic lessons using the motivation of criminal investigation and forensic science. I devised a range of practical exercises from the real world of criminal investigation and ran a CSI club over six weeks for an hour a week, although this was a primary school, the headteacher was blown away with the enthusiasm and participation of the class. He suggested that we offer this more widely and I’ve been flattered with the demand since for our sessions that now see us run full day workshops in primary and secondary schools across the country.” The decision maker must balance medical and investigative priorities and requirements, with empathy for the victim, their family and any religious needs.

During the day children are guided through a set of practically based scenarios demonstrating how science aids an investigation and how their classroom based learning facilitates this.

In the courtroom

Take a genetic test that can predict eye and hair colour: this test examines (or “genotypes”) 24 single letter DNA variants. These are analysed with a statistical model that provides probabilities for hair and eye colour based on a large database that links DNA variants to appearance. The mainstay of modern DNA identification is short tandem repeat (STR) markers, which are small sections of DNA that vary by length (the number of repeats). This makes mitochondrial DNA useful in identifying missing persons - the bones of Daniel Morcombe were identified this way. Modern DNA forensic methods are powerful and sensitive, but great care must be taken to prevent miscarriages of justice.

that the role of a pathologist is beneficial during criminal investigations because as it can determine and analyse the DNA found at the scene of the crime, which is particular and specific to one person, It was great to see the links between what they learn at school and where it can take them, for some of our budding scientists in particular. Phil (from Zakon) commanded the children’s attention for extended periods of time, I take my hat off!” Police must ensure samples are not contaminated. James Hereward and Caitlin Curtis, Author provided To the lab

Recommended for you...

their findings by giving oral evidence. An example of an advantage of the role of a forensic scientists The school days are by far my favourite events to run, to think I started this day as a favour in my daughters school and now my small team are inspiring young people across the country fills me with pride every single day.” Arts, Humanities and Cultures • AQA A-level History: Britain 1851-1964: Challenge and Transformation

disturbance by material being moved from its original position (for example, during initial attendance of paramedics) Every incident will be unique, and all decision making should be recorded with supporting rationale. forensic scientists who provide their scientific evidence in court of law to support the prosecution or The extent to which investigators are responsible for managing a crime scene and developing crime scene strategies is influenced by the complexity or seriousness of the investigation and local force policy.Additionally, another example of a limitation of the role of a pathologist, in regards to cost, would be forensic scientist would be that availability as the forensic market is becoming dysfunctional because Australian law enforcement uses the National Criminal Investigation DNA Database ( NCIDD), which is managed by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. Investigators should be clear about what they require from the examination of a scene. This usually includes identifying:

During the day, students are introduced to a whole host of potential careers within police, investigation agencies, forensic science, law and the wider criminal justice system. criminal investigation because they can cordon of crime scenes to prevent any interference or crossThere are a number of methods the investigator can use to secure and manage crime scenes. They include: The rights and needs (including religious rights and needs) of the victim and their family (notwithstanding the status of family members in the investigation). This day is very close to Simon’s heart as it was his daughter Isabella’s school where this initiative started and she is still the face of the Police and Crime Scene Science Workshop which can be seen here and this continues to grow in popularity. Each and every student gets a role and this hotly contested debate sees them have to defend their investigation, decisions and thought processes before the jury considers the evidence and decides whether the suspect is guilty or not! Internationally, there are moves towards a standard set of 24 markers (such as GlobalFiler). With this many markers, the odds of two people having the same profile (twins excepted) are incredibly small. This makes an STR profile a powerful way to exclude suspects as well as making matches. In the courtroom