Chapter 1 Observation Skills

Forensic Science PowerPoint on Observation Skills

1. Chapter 1. Observation Skills Forensic Science Ms. Watson

2. Chapter 1. Observation Skills Objectives Define observation and describe what changes occur in the brain Describe examples of factors influencing eyewitness accounts Compare the reliability of eyewitness testimony to what actually happened Relate observation skills to their use in forensic science Define forensic science Practice and improve your own observation skills Vocabulary Analytical skills Deductive reasoning Eyewitness Fact Forensic Logical Observation Opinion perception

3. Introduction Forensic investigators must be able to observe, interpret, and report observations clearly. Collects all available evidence, without making judgment The first step is careful and accurate observation.

4. What is Observation? We gather information through our senses (sight, taste, hearing, smell, and touch) We can not pay attention to everything at once (unconscious filter) Our perception is limited, and the way we view our surroundings may not accurately reflect what is really there – our brain fills in information that is not really there

5. What is Observation?

6. Observations in Forensics Forensics derives from the Latin word, forensis , which means “ of the forum ” Open forum to debate and discuss Forensic science is strictly concerned with uncovering evidence that stands as facts

7. What is Observation? Our brains apply prior knowledge we already have about our surroundings to new situations Criminal investigations depend on the observation skills of all parties involved – the police investigators, the forensic scientists, and the witnesses.

8. Observation by Witnesses One key component of any crime investigation is the observations made by witnesses. Perceptions of witnesses can be faulty Our emotional state influences our ability to see and hear what is happening around us

9. Observation by Witnesses Factors affecting our observational skills: Unusual situations (Ex. World Trade Center) Whether you are alone or with a group of people The number of people and/or animals in the area What type of activity is occurring around you

10. Eyewitness Accounts Eyewitness accounts of a crime-scene events vary considerably form one person to another Our memory fades with time, and our brains fill in details that we feel are appropriate by may not be accurate

11. Innocence Project Created by Barry C. Scheck and Peter J. Neufield in 1992 Use DNA to provide conclusive proof of guilt or innocence Faulty eyewitness accounts contributed to 87% of those wrongful convictions Must discriminate between fact and opinion The examiner tries to piece together the events preceding the crime in a logical order

12. How to be a Good Observer We know that we are not naturally inclined to pay attention to all the details of our surroundings We know that we are naturally inclined to filter our unimportant information. We know that we are naturally inclined to interpret what we see, to look for patterns, and make connections. We know that our memories are faulty

13. What Forensic Scientists Do Find, examine, and evaluate evidence from a crime scene Act as an expert witness They are trained to obtain good observations skills Analytical skills requires patience and and practice Use deductive reasoning to verify actual facts of the case

14. Chapter 1. Observation Skills Summary Our ability to observe is affected by our environment and the natural filters of sensory information in our brains. The observations of witnesses to crimes can be partial and faulty, but in some cases also precise The Innocence Project has found that 87 percent of wrongful conviction cases resulted from flawed eyewitness testimony. Police officers and crime-scene investigators are trained in good observation practices. Forensic scientists find, examine, and evaluate evidence from a crime scene and provide expert testimony to courts.

15. Chapter 1. Observation Skills Chapter 1 Review True or False The word forensic refers to the application of scientific knowledge to legal questions. Good observation skills come naturally to investigators; they do not need to be trained. If we remember seeing something happen, we can trust that it happened just as we think it did. Most wrongful convictions seem to be the result of faulty eyewitness testimony. The Innocence Project is an organization that seeks to get convicted killers our of prison. TRUE FALSE FALSE TRUE FALSE

16. Chapter 1. Observation Skills Chapter 1 Review Multiple Choice A forensic scientists is called to a court of law to provide Our state of mind affects how we observe our surroundings. What mental state is best for observing? The Innocence Project found that most faulty convictions were based on All of the following are ways to improve our observational skills except The forensic scientist has many duties. Which of these is not a job for a forensic scientist?