Crime scenes are the origin of forensic science, providing valuable data investigators have to systematically, scientifically, and legally collect. If investigators do not treat the crime scene professionally, the trace evidence might not only become useless but may point the scrutiny process in the wrong direction. Thus, they have to collect all crucial information from the crime scenes and document them for reconstructing the events and motives of the crimes. However, there exist diverse types of evidence that display distinguishable features. The distinction between natural, documentary, and demonstrative evidence is crucial in analyzing crime scenes to identify and convict criminals appropriately.
Difference between Types of Evidence
Pieces of evidence may be similar but differ according to the three categories depending on how investigators collect, presents them, and the rules to which they apply. Generally, there are four types of evidence: testimonials, where witnesses testify about a crime in front of a jury under oath (Miller, 2018). This physical evidence requires a prior affirmation from the witness to speak the truth. This scenario differs from documentary evidence: any records of businesses or contracts upon which the suspect stores information (Miller, 2018). Such evidence qualifies for the category if they provide clues in documents about the case and offer a tangible lead.
Moreover, objective evidence is anything three-dimensional and offers a physical impression of the trier of facts. This evidence must pass the jury’s first-hand impression of specific points to qualify as evidence (Miller, 2018). This fact differs from demonstrative evidence that depicts crime events and reconstructs the context. This way, it has to be a lead, such as photos and film footage.
The Importance of Recording Evidence from Crime
The main aim of evidence collection is to reconstruct events from any particular crime scene. Thus, records offer a permanent and chronological source of crime information (). The investigative process might be lengthy and stuffy depending on the amount of evidence that requires a constant reminder from the data record. Besides, the preservation of crime evidence helps jurists revisit cases of wrongful conviction (Miller, 2018). Investigators might overstate DNA or fingerprint matches leading to appeal for more scrutiny and comparisons. Otherwise, videos and photographs offer three-dimensional evidence more reliable information about crime location, suspects, and evidence location.
Variation of Evidences in Parole, Police, and Security
Evidence from the crime scene may also differ depending on the investigative unit under control of the stage. Police officers may consider the evidence as a lead to proving a suspect is responsible for a crime (Miller, 2018). This case might be different for parole which happens later after conviction when parole officers clarify unsettled instances. In this case, the evidence may offer a defense for the victim under parole to shorten their jail sentence by leading other suspects. Security officers such as the anti-bomb squad may use explosive residues to determine the source through serial numbers (Miller, 2018). This way, evidence may be similar but vary depending on how the professionals apply them.
The Concept
Writing things down makes people better problem solvers sine they can communicate what they mean and have records of the same content. If something is not in form does not exist, it is crucial as it implies all stakeholders should be on the same page (Dekker, 2017). The leader should communicate all expectations and remedies and have records of such proceedings for reference. This concept applies to many fields, including forensics, where investigators must record the evidence they see and collect from crime scenes. The lack of such records would render crimes non-existence.
References
Dekker, S. (2017). The Field guide to understanding ‘Human error’. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781317031833
Miller, M. T. (2018). Crime scene reconstruction. Crime Scene Investigation Laboratory Manual, 181-190. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-812845-9.00021-2
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