Unit 3 AC1.1 Evaluate the effectiveness of the roles of personnel Flashcards
SOCOs
SOCOs typically search for trace evidence such as gunshot residue, fingerprints, hairs and fibres. Should contamination occur, the evidence will be inadmissible in court. However, such a risk is minimised as SOCOs are trained and qualified in this area. They usually operate on an on-call system and are therefore always available to assist in an investigation.
However, there are times when the role produces limitations to solving a crime:
- SOCOs may be exposed to hazardous substances in the course of their role, such as contaminants contacting the skin or airborne substances that could enter the mouth.
CPS
This department was set up in 1986 to be an independent prosecution agency to take over from the police, as there would be a bias is the same agency were to prosecute and investigate the same case. The 2000+ crown prosecutors are all fully qualified barristers and solicitors. Consistency is provided by the tests they apply, which consider the evidence collected by police and whether or not it is in the public interest to prosecute.
However, there are limitations to the CPS. In the past it has been criticised for the number of cases that have collapsed due to lack of evidence and its relationship with the police has sometimes been difficult, for example, when the police provide evidence on more than one occasion but the CPS make the decision to refuse to prosecute.
Pathologists
Pathologists are medical doctors who perform autopsies to establish cause of death. Such information is vital in a criminal investigation, providing clues for other roles within an investigation. Pathologists are experienced and well-qualified practitioners with knowledge of many areas such as pathology, crime scene evaluation, anatomy and anthropology.
However, pathologists are limited in numbers and might have to work several cases at any one time; and the cost of a pathologist is very high, in the public sector a consultant can earn £100,000 a year and potentially more in the private sector.
Forensic scientists
Forensic scientists review evidence from a crime scene and produce information for a court. Evidence such as blood and other bodily fluids are analysed in a lab and interpreted. This information can assist a court in deciding and producing a just result. There are forensic scientists in a range of specialties, such as:
Fire, Computers, Toxicology, Psychology, Dentistry, Blood spatter etc.
However, there are limitations of this role. Some people believe that DNA analysis of a person can be against human ethics as it reveals private information. It can be very time consuming and expensive; and if care and attention are not given a miscarriage of justice could occur.
Police officers
The police play a key role in the investigation of criminal cases. They are the first personnel called to a crime scene and their initial action is very important. While their first job is to preserve life, they will also secure the crime scene in an attempt to conserve evidence. They are trained professionals who investigate crime and attempt to reduce it and the fear of it.
However, the limitations of the police service can be seen in several cases. Examples of institutional racism during investigations and inappropriately acting/behaviour in criminal investigations can occur.
Limitation
Limitation – a limiting rule or circumstance; a restriction.
Pathologists
Pathologist – a scientist who studies the causes and effects of diseases, especially one who examines laboratory samples of body tissue for diagnostic or forensic purposes.
Contaminations
Contamination – the action or state of making or being made impure by polluting or poisoning.
Investigation
Investigation – the action of investigating something or someone; formal or systematic examination or research.
Prosecution
Prosecution - the institution and conducting of legal proceedings against someone in respect of a criminal charge.
