Marking Period Two

Class vs. Individual Evidence 

Explanation 

• What the task is: In this assignment we were tasked to consider each unique situation and refer to the evidence in question. We analyze the situation and  determine whether it is class or individual evidence. We then had thoroughly explain how the crime scene evidence can be individual to the evidence at the suspect's house, or why it is class evidence.   

• What the objective of the assignment was: The objective of the assignment was to identify crime scene evidence as class or individual evidence. Additionally we had to understand the importance and difference between class and individual evidence. 

• How the assignment fit in to the overall unit: This unit covers how to process a crime scene including securing, recording, and searching the crime scene, packaging physical evidence, chain of custody, health and safety standards at the crime scene, and court decisions regarding a crime scene. Identifying evidence as class or individual helps in the entire investigation process. It helps establish how to use the evidence and analyze the evidence. Class evidence helps narrow down suspects meanwhile individual evidence can reveal DNA that leads directly to a person. These pieces of evidence all contribute to crime scene investigation. 

• What you learned by completing the assignment: Before this assignment I did not know that there were such classifications as class or individual evidence. Class evidence can be associated with group of items that share properties or characteristics this includes soil, hair, etc. This type of evidence is able to narrow down suspects. Individual evidence can be related back to single source including DNA, fingerprints, etc. This type of evidence is able to point towards a particular suspect.  

Reflection 

• How the assignment showcases your strengths: In this assignment I thoroughly went through each situation presented. The assignment presented various situations where we had to classify the evidence for each respective situation as class or individual evidence. I was able to go through each situation and explaining my reasoning. Through this assignment I was able to showcase how I went about analyzing a problem and how I justified my conclusion. 

• How the assignment represents important themes in the course: This assignment involves classifying crime scene evidence which compliments the overall theme in the course which dealt with crime scene investigation. One component of investigating a crime scene is identifying evidence and knowing how to use it to the investigation's advantage.  

• Why you enjoyed or appreciated the assignment: I appreciated this assignment because it required me to put in a lot of effort. I liked the way this assignment introduced real world situations that occur in forensic science. It gave us a glimpse of situations that real forensics scientist encounter. Based on my knowledge I was to attempt to identify evidence, an important aspect of crime scene investigations.  

• How the assignment connects to the larger world or community: This assignment connects to the real world because the work done, classifying evidence is done by real forensic scientist. Additionally the skills used to get the assignment done including process of elimination and reasoning are used often in school work, crime scene investigations, and other jobs. In school we need to be able to come to a solution find the closest answer we can and be able to explain ourselves. Crime scene investigators have to classify evidence and they need to be able to explain how they came to that analyzes. 

Evidence Collection Activity: Who killed Clara Carter  

Explanation 

• What the task was: This assignment involved looking over a forensic science case. There was an open case investigating who killed Clara Carter. We had to explore difference scenes and find several types of evidence including footwear/tire impressions trace evidence (hair, fiber soil, paint chips, etc.), bullets, guns, documents, tool marks, tools, blood, accelerants, and fingerprints. While compiling evidence we learned how to each piece of evidence is collected and what information it can tell us. Through this assignment we learned about the medical examiner's job. We had to opportunity to review each person of interest's statements on the case. In the end we had to create a timeline and give our opinion based on the evidence of who is the murder. 

• What the objective of the assignment was: The objective of this assignment was to go through and learn about the crime scene investigation process. Learn about types of evidence and the information each type reveals. Be able to come to a conclusion based on all the gathered information. 

• How the assignment fit in to the overall unit: This assignment fits into the overall unit of crime scene investigation because it goes over all the aspects of the forensics progress. 

• What you learned by completing the assignment: I learned about the extensive process forensic investigators go through to come to a conclusion. There are various steps that need to get done in order to go through an investigation from collecting evidence to testimonies to building a timeline. 

Reflection 

• What was challenging about the assignment: This assignment was challenging because it involved investigating an entire forensic case. I had to look through crime scenes find evidence, learn about the information presented by the evidence, how evidence is collected, read testimonies, analyze statements, create a timeline, and find a murder. There were multiple components in this one assignment that became a little overwhelming. 

• How you would improve the assignment: I could organize and summarize the information better. There was a lot information presented therefore it was difficult to paraphrase. 

• What have you learned from redo-ing the assignment: I did not have to redo this assignment.