Enacting forensics in homicide investigations

Abstract

This article, co-authored by an academic and a forensic practitioner, describes some of the gaps in current knowledge of the utility of forensic science support to homicide investigations. It also reflects on the experience of a recent pilot study of the use of forensic science in homicide investigations in an English police force to argue for new kinds of research capable of grasping the ways in which issues of temporality, agency and contingency are imbricated with one another in the typical trajectories of homicide inquiries, at least as far as the contribution of forensic science is concerned.

Practising crime scene investigation: trace and contamination in routine work

“…The above account of CSI work shows that crime scene practices involve a range of decisions and interactions where CSIs are far more than 'forensic dustmen' (Wayment 1982). A deeper understanding of how forensic science is enacted in the investigation of crime, 24 specifically including crime scene practices, would meaningfully contribute to an assessment of the value added by forensic techniques to police investigations more widely, as discussed by Williams and Weetman (2013). The account provided above documents the interplay between autonomous decision making and process work in trace practices and as trace moves between the investigative (police) and courtroom environments.…”

“…Even literature which aims to assess the contribution forensic science makes in the investigation of crime falls short of its goal. Williams and Weetman (2013) identify a number of reasons for this.…”

Utility of the clue — From assessing the investigative contribution of forensic science to supporting the decision to use traces

“…In particular, the roles and responsibilities of the actors in the system change depending on the system at hand. These concerns, the controversies in the definition of forensic science, the integration model as well as the use of purely quantitative, narrowed performance indicators ("forensic yield", "forensic matches", lack of validity and reliability), have already been raised by Williams and Weetman [26] when they described the weaknesses of the current measurement of support of forensic science to homicide investigation in the UK. The definition of forensic science and the integration model chosen are intertwined subjects and as such, are difficult to be changed.…”

“…Although this utility is indirect, it is of great importance to take into account when assessing the beneficial contribution of forensic science to the overall criminal justice process. Williams and Weetman [26] refer to this concept as "contextual utilities", and which measurement requires the "consideration of the necessary, typical and exceptional achievements" at each of the stages of the judicial process "as well as the practical contingencies to which they are subject" [26, pp.383-384].…”

E ‘value’ ating Forensic Science

“…The actors involved in an investigation need a general understanding of the benefits from particular outputs and the value towards investigations and outcomes. Most frequently, decision in investigations are made on the basis of technological availability and experience rather than knowledge of the value and contribution specific evidence can make to an investigation (Williams and Weetman 2013).…”