FORS214

A study of the methods and techniques of scientific crime scene investigation and analysis using principles from biology, chemistry and physics to document, recognize, preserve and collect physical evidence. The principles of forensic science, specifically the various types of physical evidence, classification of evidence and the role of physical evidence in a criminal investigation are emphasized. Topics include: class and individual characteristics of evidence, security and protection of a crime scene, documentation of a crime scene, photography, sketching, proper search techniques, evidence collection, fingerprint processing and enhancement, and release of the crime scene. The legal requirements of a crime scene, chain of custody and crime scene equipment are additional topics. Prerequisite: FORS 100 with a C or better; Co-requisite: FORS 224