Forensic Analysis and Interpretation

“Continuity of evidence” is essential in any criminal investigation which may result in
charges  being  heard  in  Court.  In  question 2  of  this  assignment,  you  are  asked  to
explain  procedures  to  be  practised  in  respect  of  items  of  evidence  which  can  be
expected  to  be  examined  and/or  analysed  by  forensic  scientists  operating  in  a
forensic science laboratory.
Q1 Define and briefly explain “continuity of evidence.”  (max 150 words)
Q2 Create a criminal investigation scenario at which there are at least 6 discrete items of
evidence.  Explain  the  procedures  to  which  these  items  would  be  subjected from  the  time
they are located at the crime scene by the investigator to the time those items are produced
in the Magistrates’ Court at the trial of a person or persons charged in relation to the offence
which gave rise to the crime scene you created. In particular, specify what records would be
kept, and by whom, in respect of each evidential item.  (max 1500 words)
The use of digital evidence in forensic investigations is increasing. Continuity is as important
for digital evidence as it is for other physical evidence.
Q3  “How would you identify, store and pass on digital images (eg. crime scene photos,
latent  fingerprint  photos,  crime  scene  videos)  taken  by  crime  scene  personnel  to  other
colleagues in the forensic laboratory to ensure that such digital images would be accepted
as evidence by a Court?”   (max 500 words)