The use of rapid identification information at the crime scene; similarities and differences between English and Dutch CSIs

Abstract

The use of rapid identification information at the crime scene; similarities and differences between English and Dutch CSIs de Gruijter, Madeleine; de Poot, Christianne J.

Understanding crime scene examination through an ethnographic lens

“…This clear articulation of the purpose of scene examination in England and Wales reflects other findings of experimental studies (e.g., de Gruijter & de Poot, 2018). Discussing the influence of rapid identification technologies on the practices of CSEs at crime scenes, these authors observed differences between English and Dutch CSEs, framing the Dutch CSEs positively through their work to reconstruct the event with English CSEs said to be "biased towards obtaining identifications of individuals" (de Gruijter & de Poot, 2018, p. 17).…”

“…It may be that it leads you to intelligence‐based information or it may be for the prosecution (Crime Scene Examiner).This clear articulation of the purpose of scene examination in England and Wales reflects other findings of experimental studies (e.g., de Gruijter & de Poot, ). Discussing the influence of rapid identification technologies on the practices of CSEs at crime scenes, these authors observed differences between English and Dutch CSEs, framing the Dutch CSEs positively through their work to reconstruct the event with English CSEs said to be “biased towards obtaining identifications of individuals” (de Gruijter & de Poot, , p. 17). While this emphasis on identification is reflected in the ethnographic work described above, the quotation from Wilson‐Kovacs' study (2014, p. 771) and wider ethnographic work provide detailed accounts and insights into why this might be the case.…”

“…An ethnographic lens allows us to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of existing and emerging practices with detailed inclusion and acknowledgment of the local context of work. The thick descriptions and analysis facilitated through ethnographic study, used in conjunction with other methods of inquiry, such as more quantitative and or experimental methods (e.g., de Gruijter & de Poot, 2018), have the potential to help support, contextualize and develop CSE education and accreditation programs, and explore the implementation of new techniques and technologies into routine CSE work. In short, an ethnographic lens has a lot to offer the academic and practitioner literature on crime scene examination.…”

Cognitive challenges at the crime scene: The importance of social science research when introducing mobile technologies at the crime scene

“…This scenario may influence the way new incoming information is interpreted, due to well-known cognitive processes such as confirmation bias and belief perseverance [11]. Recent research indicates that CSIs attach great importance to obtained database-matches [7]. The risk here lays in the fact that such results may become leading in the investigation when they are provided too soon, while alternative explanations for the findings should still be considered.…”

“…Depending on the context information provided and the expectation of the observer, traces or clues are interpreted consistent with either one or the other scenario [4,5]. Furthermore, important traces appear to be frequently overlooked when they are left at unexpected places [6,7].…”