Exploring Forensic Entomology: Scene Recording and Collection

• Entomology
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Exploring Forensic Entomology: Scene Recording and Collection

26/03/2024

Learning Objective

B1. At the end of the lesson, you will be able to understand the essential techniques and equipment used in scene recording and mortuary collection in forensic entomology.

Scene Recording: Taphonomic Evidence

Preservation and packaging

1.  Preservation - Take measures to preserve any taphonomic evidence, such as clothing or objects associated with the body
2.  Packaging - Properly package and label collected items for transport to the laboratory

What information do we need to include on an evidence label?

What do you already know about scene recording and mortuary collection in forensic entomology?

Scene Recording: Taphonomic Evidence

Initial scene assessment

1.  Arrival - Evaluate scene conditions, noting any signs of disturbance, decomposition stages and the overall state of the body. 

Scene Recording: Taphonomic Evidence

Documentation

1.  Photographs and videos - Capture details to document the initial state
2.  Sketches or Diagrams - Create sketches indicating the position of the body, any disturbances, and notable environmental factors.

Scene Recording: Taphonomic Evidence

Body condition and location

1.  Examination - Examine the body for injuries, decomposition features and any signs of trauma
2.  Position - Document body's position, orientation and any changes observed since discovery
   
   
    Now it is your turn to make a body map! 
   

Description from Scene

1. Caucasian male in his 30s
2. Abrasion to left eyebrow ~2cm diameter
3. Swelling and discolouration to left side of face
4. Abrasion to left shoulder, 4x5cm 
5. Sharp force horizontal trauma wound 2.5cm length over left chest, 1cm above nipple
6. Abrasions to knuckles on both hands
7. Green discolouration to abdomen
8. Post mortem lividity posterior and to the left hand side
9. Bruising to upper right quadrant of the abdomen, covering 5cm diameter
10. Abrasions to both knees
11. 1cm sharp force trauma injury below left scapula 

Upload your body maps here

Scene Recording: Taphonomic Evidence

Soil and Plant Samples

1.  Soil Collection - Collect samples from around and beneath the body for soil composition and potential transfer evidence
2.  Plant Examination - Document types and condition of nearby vegetation, which may provide information about the scene history

So how does this help solve crimes? 

Scene Recording: Taphonomic Evidence

Time of Discovery

1.  Record Time - Document exact time body was discovered
2.  Condition changes - Note any observable changes in the body's condition or surroundings over time

Why are these changes important?

Scene Recording: Taphonomic Evidence

Documentation of Taphonomic Evidence

1.  Identification - Document preliminary identifications
   of taphonomic features (e.g. insect activity,
   scavenger marks, etc.)
2.  Numbers and locations - Record the numbers and
   locations of significant taphonomic indicators

Now it is your turn! 

Scene Recording: Taphonomic Evidence

Chain of continuity

1.  Personnel details - Record names and roles of
   individuals handling and documenting evidence
2.  Chain of custody form - Establish and maintain
   a chain of custody form for all collected items

Scene Recording: Taphonomic Evidence

Scene History

1.  Interviews - Conduct interviews to gather information about the history of the scene, and any relevant activities or events.

What can the study of taphonomic evidence reveal about a crime scene?

1. Details about the body's movement and decay
2. The perpetrator's motive
3. The victim's identity
4. The weapon used

Who is responsible for collecting taphonomic evidence at the scene?

1. Patrol officers
2. Witnesses
3. Forensic experts and crime scene investigators
4. Defense attorneys

Why is it important to document the location of taphonomic evidence?

1. To impress the jury
2. To avoid contamination
3. To speed up the investigation
4. To establish its spatial context

What type of evidence is typically collected at a taphonomic scene?

1. Ballistic evidence
2. Insect activity and plant growth
3. Fingerprint evidence
4. DNA evidence

Scene Recording: Entomological Evidence

So how does the process work for entomological evidence? 

1. Insect Sampling
2. Temperature and environmental conditions
3. Body examination
4. Time of discovery
5. Preservation and packaging
6. Documenting entomological evidence
7. Chain of custody
8. Laboratory analysis request
9. Scene history

Advantages and Disadvantages of Temperature Recording

4 groups to discuss temperature recording in forensic entomology. Then share with the class:

1. Probe Advantages
2. Probe Disadvantages
3. Infrared Advantages
4. Infrared Disadvantages

PPE and Collection Equipment

Research the PPE and equipment you would use in forensic entomology evidence collection. 

Record the list on the whiteboard

Sampling Techniques

Samples must be taken from:

1. All layers - base of grave and/or body
2. Each insect stage - Separately
3. Each insect location - Specific wound
   sites, under the body and surrounding
   areas 

Assessment and Euthanasia

Discuss the assessment of samples to be euthanized and the ethical considerations involved in forensic entomology.

Storage and Transport

Examine the proper methods for the storage and transport of live and dead samples in forensic entomology.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31256247/ 

Recap and Review

So what have we covered today? 

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.