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Distinction Between CSI and Detectives

This document provides an overview of forensic science and the roles of crime scene investigators and detectives. It defines crime scene investigators as law enforcement members responsible for identifying, collecting, preserving, and packaging physical evidence at crime scenes. Detectives, in contrast, conduct interviews, observe suspects, obtain warrants, and write reports. The document also lists famous figures in the history of forensic science like Orfila, considered the Father of Toxicology, and Galton, the first to study and classify fingerprints.

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Laura Stephanie
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85 views3 pages

Distinction Between CSI and Detectives

This document provides an overview of forensic science and the roles of crime scene investigators and detectives. It defines crime scene investigators as law enforcement members responsible for identifying, collecting, preserving, and packaging physical evidence at crime scenes. Detectives, in contrast, conduct interviews, observe suspects, obtain warrants, and write reports. The document also lists famous figures in the history of forensic science like Orfila, considered the Father of Toxicology, and Galton, the first to study and classify fingerprints.

Uploaded by

Laura Stephanie
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

“Justice through Forensic Science”

-PNCPL- Lesson Objective: After the lesson and interactive discussions, the students will be able to:

1. Distinguish between criminal investigation and criminal detection;

2. Explain how Forensic Science plays a pivotal role in the legal system.

3. Distinguish between a crime detective from crime scene investigator;

4. Identify the purpose of criminal investigation, and

5. Draw a conclusion why crime investigation is in tandem with Science.

AN OVERVIEW

Special Crime Investigation deals with the study of major crimes based on the application of

special investigative technique. The study concentrates more on physical evidence, its collection,
handling, identification and preservation in coordination with the crime laboratory. It is worthy to note

that Special Crime Investigation involves a close relationship between the prober in the field and the

crime laboratory technician. They work together as a team, reacting to and extending one another’s

theories and findings both working patiently and thoroughly to solve a crime from their investigative

discoveries. The present criminal justice system in our country, the court relies more on physical

evidence rather than extra-judicial confession. It is worthy to note that homicide detectives and crime
scene investigators are two different

professions/functions, from two different departments. In order to become a detective (called

investigator-on-case in the Philippine setting), you must first be a police officer and must have

undergone rigid training of crime investigation and detection. To become a Crime scene investigator
(CSI) or Scene of the crime operative (SOCO) in the

Philippine setting, you must be a police officer. However, there are many departments who train their

police officer and detectives to be crime scene investigators, and vice versa. This depends heavily on

geographic location and needs of a particular agency. Smaller municipalities may have a handful of
police officers and even fewer detectives. Some of

them are trained to process crimes scenes when needed, but when a murder case springs up in their

community they usually utilize other impartial law enforcement agencies, like the Crime Laboratory.
Distinction Between a Detective and a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)

Crime Scene Investigator:

A crime scene investigator is, more often than not, a member of law enforcement who is

responsible for identifying, collecting, preserving, and packaging physical evidence at the scene of a

crime. Although it is often believed that crime scene investigators are also the professionals performing

tests on the physical evidence, those jobs, in fact, are reserved for forensic scientists and other forensic
professionals. A select few crime scene investigators may also perform laboratory forensic work,
although the majority of crime scene investigators perform their work at a crime scene, where they
collect everything from firearms and fingerprints to DNA samples and photographic evidence. A crime
scene investigator is a rather broad title, as this professional may be a:

 Crime scene leader

 Crime scene technician

 Forensic photographer

 Forensic sketch artist

 Ballistic expert

 Fingerprint expert

 DNA expert

A Crime Scene Investigator is also responsible for performing standard physical evidence collection and
preservation duties, while other CSIs perform more specialized tasks, such as DNA and latent print
recovery. However, in general, a CSI may be responsible for:  Working with law enforcement to secure
the scene as to prevent the contamination of evidence  Identifying and marking the areas of the crime
scene  Collecting, preserving, and packaging the physical evidence  Maintaining detailed reports, logs,
and other tracking data  Using scientific equipment to collect and analyze evidence  Maintaining and
repairing scientific equipment  Testifying in court with regard to collected evidence  Transporting
physical evidence to the forensic laborator

A crime scene investigator is called upon to utilize scientific data and technical expertise to:  Evaluate
the crime scene without destroying evidence  Develop a plan for collecting physical evidence  Ensure
evidence is properly documented

 Ensure evidence is properly collected, handled, preserved, and transported

A Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) is a professional who has a thorough knowledge and a keen

understanding of scientific observation and methods, the criminal justice system, and how crime scene

investigation merges Science with law. A crime scene investigator needs to possess extensive knowledge
in the natural sciences, as well as law enforcement and crime scene processing. Professional Crime
Scene Investigators (CSIs) who want to concentrate their careers in a forensic science specialty, such as
ballistics or DNA, for example, also often need to acquire additional education/training. A Crime Scene
Investigator should possess the ability to cope with difficult situations. Beyond dealing with a potentially
unnerving crime scene, these professionals must also possess keen observation and technical skills, as
they are called upon to identify and collect even the smallest amounts of physical evidence – evidence
that may mean the difference between an unsolved crime and a successful conviction. Crime scene
investigators must also be able to work both independently and as part of an investigative team. In
often-chaotic crime scene situations, these professionals must be able to seamlessly complete the job
through effective communication and a strong understanding and appreciation of accepted protocol.
Because the job of a CSI also means constantly learning, these professionals must be open to being
introduced to new skills and technologies. They must also be organized and effective at both written and
oral communication. Finally, CSI professionals must be prepared to work in less-than-ideal work
environments, and they must be prepared to arrive at the scene of a crime, regardless of the time of day
or night. A. Detective:

 Conducts interview with suspects and witnesses

 Observe the activities of suspects

 Obtain warrants and arrests suspects

 Write detailed reports


THE FAMOUS PERSONS IN THE HISTORY OF FORENSIC SCIENCE

Mathieu Orfila (1787 - 1853): Considered as the Father of Toxicology

Alphonse Bertillon (1853 – 1914): Established the first scientific system of personal identification by a
series of bodily measurements. It was later replaced by fingerprints in the early 1900s.

Francis Galton (1833 – 1911): First to study fingerprints and classify them for filing. Leone Lattes (1887 –
1954): Discovered that blood can be categorized into four groups.

Calvin Goddard (1891 – 1955): Determined the comparison of bullets in guns – Ballistics.

Albert S. Osborn (1858 – 1946): Developed principles of document examination. Walter C. McCrone
(1916 – 2002): Developed advances in microscopic techniques to solve crimes and analyze evidence.

Hans Gross (1847 – 1915): Studied and developed principles of criminal investigation.

Edmond Locard (1877 – 1966): Had a background in medicine and law, and was the first one to use
scientific methods for criminal investigation.

Common questions

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Detectives and crime scene investigators complement each other by combining investigative acumen with rigorous scientific analysis. Detectives focus on the broader investigation, including interviewing witnesses and suspects, obtaining warrants, and arresting suspects . They develop hypotheses and follow investigative leads comprehensively. On the other hand, CSIs concentrate on the meticulous collection, preservation, and documentation of physical evidence at crime scenes, a scientific task essential for generating data detectives use to form narratives and identify suspects . This coordination between deductive investigation and forensic science ensures a thorough and accurate criminal investigation process .

Forensic science plays a pivotal role in both criminal investigation and criminal detection, but it serves distinct functions in each context. Criminal investigation focuses on solving specific crimes through the systematic collection, preservation, and analysis of evidence, whereas criminal detection involves the broader identification and apprehension of suspects. In forensic science, its application in criminal investigation is more about the practical and technical analysis of physical evidence, often guiding investigators to clues and leads . For criminal detection, forensic science aids in the identification processes using more theoretical and protocol-driven oversight, such as fingerprint and DNA analysis to confirm the identity of individuals involved in crimes .

Becoming a detective typically requires an individual to first serve as a police officer and undergo rigorous training in crime investigation and detection . In contrast, a crime scene investigator must have a comprehensive understanding of scientific observation, methods, and the legal system, often requiring education in natural sciences in addition to law enforcement training . CSIs need specialized training to process and manage crime scenes, often requiring additional knowledge in specific forensic disciplines such as DNA analysis or ballistics . Thus, while both roles demand a strong law enforcement background, CSIs require a deeper scientific expertise .

An effective crime scene investigator must possess a range of skills and qualities that enable them to meticulously collect and assess evidence under challenging circumstances. Key skills include keen observation, attention to detail, and a sound understanding of scientific methods . CSIs must be able to work both independently and collaboratively within a team, often in high-pressure situations. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are vital for documenting findings and testifying in court. Additionally, adaptability to new technologies and procedures, organizational skills, and resilience in the face of potentially distressing crime scenes are crucial for success in this field .

Smaller municipalities often handle major crime investigations differently from larger ones due to resource constraints. They typically have fewer police officers and detectives, which means they need to be more versatile, often cross-trained to handle various roles including crime scene investigation . In cases requiring specialized forensic analysis, smaller municipalities often rely on assistance from larger, impartial law enforcement agencies with more comprehensive crime laboratory capabilities . This dependence on external resources can affect the speed and efficiency of investigations, but also ensures impartiality and access to a higher level of technical expertise, compensating for their limited local facilities .

Crime scene investigators serve as a crucial bridge between scientific methods and the legal requirements of criminal justice. They must have extensive knowledge in the natural sciences and a thorough understanding of law enforcement and criminal justice systems . Their responsibilities include securing crime scenes, collecting and preserving physical evidence, and ensuring the scientific integrity of evidence for court proceedings . CSIs also document crime scenes meticulously and often testify as expert witnesses, thus merging empirical data with legal interpretations and ensuring that scientific findings are communicated effectively in a legal context .

Several key historical figures have greatly influenced forensic science development. Mathieu Orfila is considered the Father of Toxicology for his work studying poisons . Alphonse Bertillon developed the first scientific system of personal identification using bodily measurements, which was later replaced by fingerprinting . Francis Galton and Calvin Goddard made significant contributions in the study of fingerprints and ballistics, respectively, while Edmond Locard established principles for scientific criminal investigation . These individuals laid the foundations for modern forensic methodologies, integrating scientific processes into the criminal justice system .

The increased use of physical evidence in the justice system has shifted the focus away from reliance on eyewitness testimonies and confessions, which can be unreliable and subjective. Physical evidence, analyzed scientifically, offers objective data that can accurately corroborate or refute claims made during investigations or court proceedings . The shift towards physical evidence ensures higher accuracy and fairness in trials, as it provides concrete proof rather than relying on potentially flawed personal accounts . This change reflects an evolving legal framework that prioritizes empirical data over human recollection, aiming to improve conviction integrity and reduce judicial errors .

Crime scene investigators face several challenges that can impact the success of an investigation. These include securing the scene to prevent contamination, which is crucial for maintaining evidence integrity . The chaotic nature of crime scenes might disrupt evidence collection and documentation processes, potentially leading to loss or contamination of key evidence . CSIs must also cope with stressful and often less-than-ideal environments, remaining focused while meticulously collecting evidence under pressure. Failure to effectively overcome these challenges can compromise the quality of physical evidence, which significantly impacts subsequent analysis and the overall investigation outcome .

Technological advancements have greatly enhanced the capabilities of crime scene investigators, especially in specialized tasks like DNA and ballistic analysis. Modern analytical equipment allows for more precise and rapid analysis of evidence, facilitating accurate matching of DNA profiles and identification of ballistic marks on bullets . Automation and improved data analytics provide CSIs with tools to handle larger volumes of data efficiently, increasing both speed and reliability of forensic results. These technological breakthroughs enable specialists to solve complex cases that were previously difficult or impossible to unravel and underscore the growing intersection between technology, science, and criminal justice .

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