{"id":1365,"date":"2013-01-01T17:23:17","date_gmt":"2013-01-01T17:23:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/phosdev.com\/todaysveterinarypractice\/?p=1365"},"modified":"2022-02-18T16:55:10","modified_gmt":"2022-02-18T16:55:10","slug":"the-veterinarian-as-crime-scene-investigator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/veterinary-forensics\/the-veterinarian-as-crime-scene-investigator\/","title":{"rendered":"The Veterinarian as Crime Scene Investigator"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><i>The popularity of television shows, such as <\/i>CSI<i> and <\/i>Law &amp; Order<i>, have significantly increased interest in forensic science as well as heightened the expectations of lay people with regard to what can be accomplished through &#8220;crime scene investigation.&#8221;<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><i>As forensic science continues to evolve, its advances not only affect human crime cases but also those involving animals, such as animal hoarding, pet abandonment, or failure to obtain veterinary care. This series will examine the 3 important roles practitioners play when faced with these cases, participating in their own version of <\/i>CSI<i>.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s1\">WHAT IS FORENSICS?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s1\">Forensics is the scientific presentation of evidence to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Establish that a crime occurred<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Determine a crime&#8217;s timeline<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Assess elements of a crime<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Provide perspective regarding the nature of a crime<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Confirm or contradict events related or circumstantial to a crime.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">As a science, forensics does not determine guilt or innocence, right or wrong. Instead, evidence is used to provide an explanation and account for the events that occurred in relation to a crime.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"orange-box\">\n<h2><span class=\"s1\">JACK OF ALL TRADES WE ARE NOT<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"s1\">Veterinary investigators often gather evidence for analysis and classification by other types of forensic experts (eg, blood splatter, trace, ballistics, DNA). It would be difficult to present oneself as an expert in all, or even one, of the sub-specialties of scientific forensic evaluation in a court of law.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b>Our goal<\/b> is to collect important evidence relating to the crime scene and animal victim; then pass this information to other forensic scientists for evaluation and presentation in court. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b>Our strength<\/b> is evaluation of biological and physical evidence at the crime scene as it relates to cause of death or abuse in crimes against animals. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">We are able to use our education and experience to: <\/span>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">Gain an overall perspective of all evidence collected<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">Establish the nature of the crime, cause, manner, and method of abuse or death.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s1\">FORENSICS AND VETERINARY MEDICINE<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">All 50 states have criminal laws against animal cruelty, with penalties ranging from minimal fines to incarceration. Investigation of animal crimes must meet the same rigorous standards as other criminal infractions: individuals charged with crimes against animals are entitled to face their accusers, the evidence collected, and the elements of the crime of which they are being accused.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Therefore, law enforcement and prosecutors will often ask veterinarians to assist in criminal investigations involving animals. This assistance includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Providing expertise in clinical medicine, pathology, and surgery<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Ensuring collection of all possible biological and physical evidence<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Evaluating the significance of evidence to assist in successful prosecution.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s1\">LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">When working within the criminal justice system, veterinarians have the same accountability that applies to forensic investigators, criminalists, and law enforcement officers regarding <em>search and seizure and evidence collection<\/em>.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>1<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\">Search Warrants<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The primary legal consideration during crime scene investigation is the 4th Amendment: <em>The right against unreasonable search and seizure<\/em>.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>1-3<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">In some cases a search warrant may be required. This court-issued document stipulates:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">The type of search<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Where one may search<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">What type of evidence may be collected.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Failure to obtain a search warrant, when required, may result in inadmissibility of evidence, hindrance of prosecution, and may even lead to dismissal of charges.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\">Evidence Handling<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Failure to collect, package, document, and store evidence in a proper forensic manner may create <em>reasonable doubt<\/em> during criminal proceedings and result in an acquittal.<sup>4<\/sup> In general, when called to a crime scene, a veterinarian will have support and guidance from federal, state, municipal, or humane police regarding evidence seizure and collection. If in doubt at a crime scene, ask for guidance from a senior law enforcement official, criminalist, or prosecutor.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_3371\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/01\/CSI-Figure-1_cmyk.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3371\" class=\"wp-image-3371 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/01\/CSI-Figure-1_cmyk-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"CSI Figure 1_cmyk\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/01\/CSI-Figure-1_cmyk-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/01\/CSI-Figure-1_cmyk.jpg 534w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-3371\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Example of forensic packaging materials with chain of custody forms printed on the bags. The red evidence tape is specially prepared &#8212; once the tape is applied to seal a package, it cannot be removed without tearing. This security measure ensures evidence integrity; if the package or tape is compromised, the evidence will not be accepted by a forensic laboratory.<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"orange-box\">\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"s1\">WHAT IS EVIDENCE?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"s1\">Evidence is defined as <i>something that furnishes proof or something legally submitted to a tribunal to ascertain the truth of a matter<\/i>.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>5<\/sup><\/span><span class=\"s1\"> Much of the value of forensic evidence is based on Locard\u2019s Exchange Principle, which states <i>any physical contact between two objects will leave trace elements of the contact on adjacent surfaces<\/i>.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>4-6<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s1\">In a forensic criminal or civil investigation, evidence is any item that may, by scientific analysis or its presence at the crime scene, provide:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">Verification a crime has been committed<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">Illumination regarding the elements of a crime<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">Confirmation of the nature, time sequence, and events of a crime <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">Identification of individuals present at the scene.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"s1\">Additionally, evidence may tie an individual physically to a victim, crime scene, or other elements of the crime and establish contacts between items or persons that otherwise have been unexpected.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>7<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"s1\">Evidence exists in two forms:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><b><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b>Testimonial evidence<\/b> is the account of the sequence and nature of events by first-hand observers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b>Physical evidence<\/b> is classified into <i>class evidence<\/i> and <i>individual evidence<\/i>, which have very different weights in a court of law.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>1-3<\/sup><\/span><span class=\"s1\"> Additional categories of physical evidence include <i>latent<\/i> and <i>trace evidence<\/i>, which usually require special techniques for recovery, identification, and collection.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li><b><i><\/i><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b><i>Class evidence<\/i><\/b> relates evidence to a general category or class of items (eg, torn fibers related to a specific brand or manufacturer of clothing).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><i><\/i><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b><i>Individual evidence<\/i><\/b> relates evidence to a specific individual, either pet or person (eg, skin, hair, drop of blood).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><i><\/i><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b><i>Latent evidence<\/i><\/b> is usually not easily detected by visual observation. It may need to be developed by advanced chemical or physical techniques (eg, luminal for blood or cyanoacrylate fuming for ridge marks, such as nose prints or fingerprints).<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>4,7<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<li><b><i><\/i><\/b><span class=\"s1\"><b><i>Trace evidence<\/i><\/b> is often obtained by careful examination and includes fiber, glass, hair, paper, ash, plant material, or entomological materials.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>2,5<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>\u00a0APPROACH TO THE CRIME SCENE<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\">There are several methods of investigating a crime scene; however, any thorough, systematic, coordinated review of the crime scene is acceptable as long as no evidence is overlooked or remains undocumented.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The initial scene should be approached with a thorough understanding of the:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Suspected crime<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Number and approximate location of victims<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Circumstances surrounding the crime<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Law enforcement findings<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Information from witnesses and first responders.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Another individual (law enforcement official or other colleague) besides the investigating veterinarian should be designated to monitor the search as the scene is investigated, documented, and photographed and evidence collected. This person:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Protects the investigator from any allegations of impropriety during crime scene investigation <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Corroborates (and may record) location and condition of evidence during its collection.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\">Crime Scene Overview<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">In general, crime scenes should be initially evaluated from a wide-angle view, as an entire scene (often defined by crime scene tape or cones).<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>2,8<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Photography\/videography should begin on arrival and encompass all pertinent angles of the scene. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Be aware of lines of <em>ingress<\/em> (entrance) and <em>egress<\/em> (flight) of all potential victims or perpetrators; these areas should be evaluated and photographed from the wide-angle perspective, especially if the scene is an outside venue. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Protection and documentation of fragile or perishable evidence should be the first priority.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>2,5,8<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"orange-box\">\n<h2>CRITICAL POINT<\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"s1\">Before entering the crime scene proper, avoid investigator cross contamination by putting new disposable booties and gloves on over shoes and hands. In areas with potential for biohazards (ie, chemicals, toxins, human blood-borne or animal diseases), such as hoarding scenes, use of a coverall suit, boots, gloves, and even an approved biohazard respirator is recommended.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>9<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Inside the Scene<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Once inside the scene:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Look again for lines of ingress or egress, including doors, windows, and other visible portals. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">It is important to note and photograph if any of these routes are open\/closed, locked\/unlocked, forced\/broken, or tampered with in any way. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Examination should extend to the floor, ceiling, furniture, and walls for signs of violent damage, weapon marks (including projectiles), ridge impressions (nose prints, paw prints, or fingerprints), blood drops or splatter, and any other signs of evidentiary importance.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>2,4,5,8<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\">Multiple Scenes<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Occasionally there may be primary, secondary, and even tertiary crime scenes. Based on forensic investigation, evidence may surface that suggests that crime scenes existed either prior or subsequent to the one being examined.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Consider the following example: An animal is shot at one location (primary scene). The injured animal is then transported via automobile (secondary scene) to a remote location where it is dumped and left for discovery (tertiary scene).<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">It is the investigator\u2019s responsibility to determine if additional crime scenes may exist beyond the one initially investigated.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>2<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s1\">COLLECTION OF EVIDENCE<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The veterinarian\u2019s investigation process includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Photographs<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Videography<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Crime scene notes<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Sketches<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>10<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_3372\" style=\"width: 212px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/01\/CSI-Figure-2_cmyk.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3372\" class=\"wp-image-3372 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/01\/CSI-Figure-2_cmyk-202x300.jpg\" alt=\"CSI Figure 2_cmyk\" width=\"202\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-3372\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Example of an appropriate crime scene photograph; note that the details (markings) on the firearm are easily distinguished. Use of the correct angle and lighting has ensured that shadows and glare are kept to a minimum.<\/p><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\">Initial Documentation<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Initial documentation should include: <\/span>\n<ul class=\"ul2\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Date and time of the call out<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Name and affiliation of officer or other individual requesting assistance. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">The most expedient way to find out who has access to the scene is to obtain business cards from those present.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">A copy of the crime scene registry, including the names, addresses, and contact information of witnesses, victims, and first responders, is often available from the investigation officer or agent in charge. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">All investigation\/crime scene notes should be maintained on a single pad or bound book and include: <\/span>\n<ul class=\"ul2\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Basic sketches<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Notes about evidence collection<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Notes on photographs <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Any other objective observations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\">Evidence Gathering<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Animal bodies<\/b> should initially be examined in place.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Bodies should be photographed from all sides and above before moving them for necropsy examination. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Any insect evidence (see <strong>Entomology<\/strong>) should be collected from the body and placed in a sterile vial or envelope.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Once examined and photographed the body should be placed or wrapped in a clean white pillow case or sheet. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Paws should have evidence bags placed over them to retain any evidence attached to, or trapped in, the interdigital areas.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>11,12<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Physical surfaces<\/b>, such as walls, floors, ceilings, or other indoor areas, related to the crime or criminal activity are photographed and sketched for completeness. <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Some surfaces must be dismantled for further evaluation in the laboratory setting. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Trace evidence (see <strong>What Is Evidence?<\/strong>) may be retrieved by using plastic thumb forceps, lint roller paper, or specialized evidence vacuums. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Each single piece of particulate matter should be folded in paper (druggists wrap); then placed in a manila envelope, which is sealed to ensure stored location and security.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>4,6<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Blood<\/b> <strong>splatters<\/strong> are photographed in place with orientation and relation to the crime scene and other pertinent evidence clearly noted.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>10,13<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">The shape of blood drops impinging a solid surface may demonstrate the directionality of the blood splatter, giving additional insight as to the wounded victim or suspect&#8217;s activity during the assault.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>6,13,14<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">All significant biological or other forensic evidence is to be packaged as appropriate in either plastic (if dried) or rolled in paper (if wet), sealed with evidence tape, and submitted for analysis or stored in a secure locked location.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>14<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_3373\" style=\"width: 209px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/01\/CSI-Figure-3_cmyk.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3373\" class=\"wp-image-3373 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/01\/CSI-Figure-3_cmyk-199x300.jpg\" alt=\"CSI Figure 3_cmyk\" width=\"199\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-3373\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Passive blood splatter: This blood has impinged on this surface by gravity; this often suggests a victim was standing still at the time the drops hit the surface. Note that the drops are circular, with all drop spines radiating in an equally spaced 360\u00b0 pattern around the drop.<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_3374\" style=\"width: 209px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/01\/CSI-Figure-4_cmyk.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3374\" class=\"wp-image-3374 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/01\/CSI-Figure-4_cmyk-199x300.jpg\" alt=\"CSI Figure 4_cmyk\" width=\"199\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-3374\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Active blood splatter: This blood was actively projected against this surface, which may have been due to movement of the victim or surface, or represent cast-off blood after a secondary item has been covered in blood; then swung. Note the drops on the left are longer, with prominent spines (suggesting a more acute angle of impingement), while the drops on the right are elliptical, with smaller unidirectional spines. The arrow shows the blood droplet&#8217;s direction of travel as it hit the surface. Experts in the analysis of blood splatter analysis may be able to suggest a point of origin for each of the patterns of projected blood.<\/p><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span class=\"s1\"><b>DNA material<\/b> is often essential in criminal cases. There are many acceptable methods of collection; however, use of commercially prepared forensic DNA collection equipment is preferred because it eliminates many possible defense objections to cross contamination, improper collection, handling, or storage.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>2,5,15<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\">Investigative Sciences<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Toxicology<\/strong> is often an important part of the forensic investigation. Involvement of a poison or toxin may be determined through:<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>8,11,12,15<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Clinical\/forensic examination of the animal (further discussion of this topic will be provided in the next article\u2014<strong>The Veterinarian as Medical Examiner<\/strong>)<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Witness or owner statements about the events surrounding time of sickness or death<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Suspicion based on the nature of the evidence found at the crime scene or a second location. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"s1\"><strong>Entomology<\/strong> is becoming an important aspect of forensic investigations. <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Often insect larva, pupae, and other intermediate stages (maggots) can help determine time or location of death. <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Forensic entomologists analyze the significance of insect evidence with respect to the crime and crime scene.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>2,4,7,8<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>DNA evaluation<\/b>\u2014nuclear DNA (nDNA) or mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)\u2014should ideally be completed in an American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors\/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD\/LAB) laboratory approved for animal DNA evaluations. These laboratories have met the stringent legal and forensic criteria set forth as the acceptable standard in a court of law.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>2,15<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"orange-box\">\n<h2>CRITICAL POINTS<\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"s1\">Crime scene investigation often requires submission of evidence to a forensic laboratory for analysis. <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">Detailed evidence packaging and submission guidelines are available online or by written request from federal, state, and some municipal law enforcement agencies. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">Evidence placed in an appropriate receptacle must be sealed with tamper-resistant evidence tape.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">The date and investigator&#8217;s initials should be written in a manner that covers both the tape and package continuously; this ensures package security until analysis.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>9,15,16<\/sup><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"p4\">REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><em>Chain of Custody<\/em> is a legal document initiated by the investigator.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>6,12,15<\/sup><\/span><span class=\"s1\"> This document identifies a single piece of evidence as well as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Case number <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Date found and time<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Location<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Investigator who found it<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">All individuals who may have handled it<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Where\/when\/how it was packaged, transported, and stored. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Other documents required to be available to prosecution and defense attorneys include but are not limited to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Initial documentation, including records of personnel in attendance at the crime scene and crime scene notes and sketches<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Photographic and videography inventory<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Necropsy notes, conclusions, and photographs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">All written records including emails and letters are subject to discovery or examination by the defense; however, telephone communication and face-to-face meetings are not subject to discovery.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>2,9,15<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"orange-box\">\n<h2 class=\"p1\">CRITICAL POINT<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Many municipal, state, and federal crime laboratories will not accept evidence, no matter how expertly collected, if the materials are not packaged appropriately, securely sealed, or lack the appropriate chain of custody documents.<\/span><span class=\"s2\"><sup>4,9,15,16<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"p1\">PROSECUTION<\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Permission to obtain forensic analysis and, therefore, proceed to prosecution is often governed by the financial resources of the law enforcement agency, expectations of a successful prosecution, and availability of judges and prosecutors knowledgeable in the area of animal crime statutes and laws. Communication among investigators, law enforcement, and prosecutors is essential to ensure a thorough investigation has been completed and evidence documented and packaged appropriately; thus, allowing the best chance for pursuit of analysis and prosecution.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"orange-box\">\n<h2>CRITICAL POINT<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">No piece of evidence is insignificant and evidence can never be over documented (e.g., photography, videography, notes, sketches).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">Once the scene is released to owners or residents, it and any uncollected evidence are considered compromised; therefore, missed evidence cannot be retrieved without risking damage to the prosecution\u2019s case. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span class=\"s1\">The rule of thumb is: It is always better to have the evidence and not need it than to need it and not have it.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s1\">IN SUMMARY<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">In general, the approach to the crime scene should be structured and comprehensive. Most crime scenes will have law enforcement or forensic support available upon arrival of the investigating veterinarian. When entering the crime scene, the veterinarian should:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"ul1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Acknowledge other police and crime scene professionals<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Obtain names, department affiliations, and contact information<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Follow the directions of the authorities on scene <\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Conduct the entire investigation with minimal interference with other forensic personal.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Overall, use of investigation techniques and documentation are very similar to techniques used in the establishment of a diagnosis. Veterinarians, by virtue of our education, experience, and inquisitive scientific acumen, are in a perfect position to be effective forensic scientists.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"orange-box\">\n<p class=\"p1\">For a detailed, real-life case study that demonstrates the techniques discussed in this article, click here to read <i><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/clinical-resources\/\"><strong>The Case of the Shot Cat<\/strong><\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"p1\">Read Part 2 of our medical forensics series, <a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/veterinary-forensics-the-veterinarian-as-medical-examiner\/\">The Veterinarian as Medical Examiner<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"p7\"><span class=\"author-bio\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/07\/c04_rogers.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7193\" src=\"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2013\/07\/c04_rogers.png\" alt=\"c04_rogers\" width=\"100\" height=\"113\" \/><\/a>Ernest Rogers<\/strong>, DVM, PhD, is the Consultant Forensic Veterinarian to the New Jersey SPCA Humane Police, who enforce Title 4 statutes related to animal cruelty, and has worked with various police agencies in New Jersey for over 10 years, completing such tasks as projectile recovery, expert witness reports, forensic necropsies, crime scene evaluation, and courtroom expert testimony. He also works on cases outside of New Jersey, acting as an expert witness and reviewing the science and medical data presented as prosecution discovery for defense attorneys. In addition, he is the president of the company, Animal Forensic Investigations, and owns and remains active in his general practice, Maplewood Animal Hospital, in Maplewood, New Jersey. He received his DVM from Tuskegee University and his PhD from Virginia Tech; he has completed advanced courses in criminal investigation and criminal justice.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The popularity of television shows, such as CSI and Law &amp; Order, have significantly increased interest in forensic science as well as heightened the expectations of lay people with regard to what can be accomplished through &#8220;crime scene investigation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2699,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"iawp_total_views":536,"footnotes":""},"categories":[376],"tags":[13],"class_list":["post-1365","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-january-february-2013","tag-peer-reviewed","column-features","clinical_topics-veterinary-forensics"],"acf":{"hide_sidebar":false,"hide_sidebar_ad":false,"hide_all_ads":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Veterinarian as Crime Scene Investigator | Today&#039;s Veterinary Practice<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" 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