Forensic Science

Major Case Investigation

The LOSER Principle

Listen, Observe, Search, Evaluate, Record

Listen
Depending on the part you play in the investigation, will determine who you have to listen to, so lets review the roles of the players and possible contributors of that information: ???
Observe
Even before you get to the scene you should be attentive to surroundings, especially vehicles and people in the general area, so lets once again discuss what we see and how it is interpreted: ???
Search
Before we search lets secure the area if it has not already been done, so what do we use: ??? Depending on the size of the area to be searched will dictate the type of procedure we utilise so lets talk about standard practices and obviously the amount of personnel available to assist:???
Evaluate
What information have we gathered since notified of the incident, what has changed, what has happened, what do we hope the outcome will be so once again lets review what we have but remember we have only one chance to get it right, so do it right the first time: ???
Record
  • I have a good memory, so why do I have to record what I am doing and what method do you want me to use ?
  • Lets consider it may be three to four years before this case gets to court and if you think that it will be the only one you are involved with, good luck.
  • How do we keep track of any evidence that is seized or developed and who is responsible for it’s security ?

    • What is a ‘Major Case’?

    The following criteria offences are deemed to be major cases:

    Major Case Identification System

    The process of early detection & linkages.

    Achieved through:

    ViCLAS

    Automated case linkage system designed to capture, collate and compare crimes of violence through the analysis of victimology, offender/suspect description, modus operandi, forensic and behavioral data

    Forensic Services & Coroner’s Complex

    Centre of Forensic Sciences
    Provide scientific laboratory services in support of the administration of justice and public safety
    Office of the Chief Coroner
    Central repository of all death reports that have been investigated by all Coroners throughout the Province of Ontario

    DNA Data Bank

    National repository for DNA profiles of unknown DNA samples from crime scenes and profiles of offenders convicted of designated offences (Results as of 31 January 2017).

    Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC)

    National repository of data on charged, wanted, missing persons, stolen vehicles, property and other crime-related data

    Power Case

    Ministry approved - Major Case Management Software

    Serial Predatory Crime Investigator (SPCI)

    Responsible for the review, development and coordination of multi-jurisdictional and single jurisdiction investigations of linked major cases

    When “a reasonable likelihood” exists that the same person(s) has committed the crimes. When that criterion is met, the SPCI co-ordinator is notified and becomes part of the probe.

    Daren Millard is a prime example of this area of responsibility

    Ontario Sex Offender Registry

    Provincial legislation which requires convicted offenders to, on court order, report and supply local police services with their current address and notify police of any address change

    Christopher’s Law
    April 23, 2001 –Ontario first and only to establish registry

    Bill 163 (2013), amended legislation, adding:

    Inter-disciplinary Approach

    Death Investigation Case

    Public service functions

    Pronouncing Death

    Time of Death

    The time of method is only an estimate, and used in conjunction with other methods.

    Stages of Death Postmortem Changes Time Since Death
    Rigor mortis Stiffening 4hrs; 24-36hrs
    Livor mortisㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ Settling ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ Minutes; 36hrs (fixed at 12hrs) ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
    Algor mortis Cooling Variable

    Team Players

    Canadian Coroners

    There are two systems.

    Do not determine civil or criminal responsibility, rather that make and offer recommendations. Why?

    Ontario Coroners

    Coroner vs Pathologist

    Coroner Pathologist
    Oversee / governing body Conducts autopsy
    Determine cause of death Provides autopsy report to Coroner
    The coroner will consider the pathologist’s report and other investigative findings, in determining the cause and manner of death Specialized doctors

    Ontario Forensic Pathology Service

    The Investigation

    Autopsy

    Postmortem examination - a process whereby a pathologist or forensic pathologist examines the decedent’s body to help determine cause of death.

    Manners of Death

    Natural
    Death that is due to a natural disease or a complication
  • Disease (not injury) is the sole cause of death
    • Accident
    Death due to an incident or injury
    Suicide
    Death resulting from an intentional act & personal act
    Homicide
    Death resulting from an intentional act at the hands of another
    Undetermined
    Conflicting or lack evidence
    Natural Trauma Drugs & Alcohol
    Ischemiaㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ Mechanicalㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ Alcoholsㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
    Hemorrhage Thermal Street
    Infection Chemical OTC
      Electrical Prescription

    Traumatic Deaths

    Mechanical Traumatic Death

    Sharp Force Trauma
    Produces incised wounds
    Blunt Force Trauma
  • Non-firearm
  • Fierarm: low, medium, high velocity

    • Chemical Traumatic Death

    Chemical deaths can be from various causes such as:

    Indicators of chemical death include:

    Thermal Traumatic Death

    Electrical Traumatic Death

    Asphyxias

    Patterns and Impression Evidence
    Trace Evidence