Saint Leo University Computer Forensics Discussion

6 Active Learning Discussions Separate response for each discussion question

Respond to the stated question, including any relevance to and implications on the field of criminal justice. Be sure to discuss the issue(s) to which the question pertains. Remarks can include your opinion(s), but must be based on experience, research, and/or prior learning. Use this exercise to foster a rich dialogue with your colleagues about issues that are important to the field of criminal justice.

Your initial posting must be no less than 200 words and is due no later than Thursday 11:59 PM EST/EDT. The day you post will count as one of your required four unique postings.

You will also be required to post responses to at least threeof your colleagues’ initial postings. Responses must be no less than 100 words, be posted on at least three unique days, and are due no later than Sunday at 11:59 PM EST/EDT.

Discussion 3

Deputy Jones received a call to respond to a domestic disturbance in the parking lot of a local Wal-Mart; there have been possible shots fired. When Jones arrives, she observes a woman lying in the parking lot in what looks to be a pool of fresh blood. It also appears that here may be a gun on the ground next to the female body. The contents of her purse appear to be scattered all over the ground next to her. There is a small crowd of people standing around the body of the woman. You are detective unit #1, and Jones has requested that you respond to the scene as soon as possible. You have advised that you are en route to the scene, and will arrive in several minutes. Jones, a rookie, is confused and a bit excited, and is asking you on the radio what to do. As a seasoned detective, what would your advise Jones, the first responding officer, to do until you arrive? Are there concerns regarding the loss or destruction of evidence? Are there safety concerns? What should the first responding officer do upon arrival at a crime scene?

Discussion 4

Explain the relevance of Locard’s Exchange Principle to a crime scene investigator who may be in the process of searching for trace evidence at a violent crime scene. How should Locard’s theory influence the investigator as the search begins? Do you believe that Locard’s Principle is valid?

Discussion 6

Do you believe that a “full service crime lab” should necessarily have each forensic discipline physically contained within the lab? Given the economic hardships that most labs are now experiencing, are there disciplines that are not utilized as frequently as others, say that of questioned documents examiner, that could be outsourced? Is there an obvious danger in outsourcing the examination and processing of evidence that may be utilized in a criminal prosecution?

Discussion 7

Computers have brought a world of advancement to the forensic arena. The value of computers to law enforcement and criminal justice in general is without question. But, this is a double edged sword in a sense. Criminals are quickly converting computers into a tool for criminal enterprise and criminal activity. Computer crime overwhelms most local police agencies that are without resources to investigate and prosecute “cyber criminals.” Computers cross local, regional, and international jurisdictions. A criminal with a computer in Australia can easily defraud a citizen living in North Carolina. The authorities, often lacking resources to even locate such criminals, also face other overwhelming obstacles—namely jurisdiction. North Carolina authorities cannot prosecute a criminal in Australia. It is not practical to consider extradition for such crimes. Given this dilemma, how do you see the enforcement and prosecution of cyber criminals being resolved in the future? Is the cyber criminal logistically and practically immune from prosecution as long as their crimes cross international boundaries? What are your thoughts on this issue?

Discussion 8

The methodologies utilized in the collection, documentation and use of fingerprints, tire and footprint impressions as evidence is rather simple and unsophisticated when compared to other types of evidence methodologies such as DNA. In your view, does this lack of sophistication and modern technology in the process of recovering and analyzing this type of evidence reduce the perceived value of these older and simpler forms of evidence; or do they still have validity in the forensic arena?