Research Paper on Crime Scene Profiling

Introduction

To determine who has been in the complex, the forensic scientists would require human DNA from the crime scene. DNA collection needs a meticulous study of the area to locate dead cells, human hair, blood, etc. Given a large number of homeless people that have been through the scene, it would be illogical to rely on DNA evidence since the results would be largely extensive and at the same time agonizing to sift through. According to Harbison, and Walsh, (2001) homeless people often do not reside in one area for a long duration of time. The complex could, therefore, have hosted numerous homeless people as they come and go. Some homeless people are born in the streets and therefore may not have their DNA information in the FBI database (Sherman, Gartin, & Buerger, 1989). A more reasonable approach, however, would be to use crime scene profiling of the area. Crime scene profiling involves assessing and coming up with a criminal profile of the perpetrator, based on various factors such as motive, occupation and known adversaries.

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Blood Evidence Collection

Since blood evidence may contain vital information that could solve the case, it is indispensable to collect, preserve and document such information correctly. Properly conserved blood evidence can be critical in linking victims as well as perpetrators to a crime scene (Steadman, 2000.). Firstly it is essential to ensure that all the members of the forensic team handle the door with gloves to prevent contamination. Since the door contains fingerprints, it should be taken frozen and taken as a whole back to the laboratory. During transportation, the door should not be kept in a plastic bag. If the sample is still moist, the moisture contained in plastic bags can cause the action of microorganisms (Buckle, & Travers, 2000). It is recommended to carry blood samples in brown bags or boxes. A sample of the blood on the door should be collected using a sterile cotton cloth or a gauze pad. The blood sample should be dried completely at room temperature and then tested.

Handling and Storage of Evidence

Postmortem toxicology analysis involves collecting blood, saliva and urine samples from deceased people to determine the cause of death. Some pitfalls may be associated with toxicology analysis in cases where a pathologist is not appointed. The most common problem related to forensic toxicology is contamination of samples. Contamination of toxicology samples may occur at various locations and stages of the test (Hodgson, & Goldstein, 2001). An accredited laboratory may possess the necessary lab equipment to conduct the analysis; however, the staff may not possess the required knowledge on handling and storing of the samples. E.g., temperature effects such as excessive cooling result in loss of carboxylic acid that may cause misleading results (Poinar, 2003). As a crime scene manager, I would recommend the local police force to get adequate training from a professional pathologist on how to handle and store the samples.

DNA Profiling

Detection of semen is critical in sexual assault cases. In this case, it would difficult to prove the stepfathers guilt solely due to the source of DNA. Even if DNA from the boy's sheets matches the stepfathers, it would be difficult to determine that he was the one who assaulted the boy since the sample semen was not collected from the boy's body (Virkler, & Lednev, 2009). It could be argued that the stepfather in recent days had engaged in sexual intercourse with someone else on said bed, and is therefore innocent.

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