5 Steps For Processing Evidence at a Fire Crime Scene

Posted on May 15, 2013 by
Match_fire

Photo: Getty Images

The same scientific approach and attention to detail is applied to every type of crime scene.  However, a fire scene has a few different obstacles to overcome for the investigator, which differs from other crime scenes.  The scene has been heavily contaminated by firefighters extinguishing the blaze.  This makes any preservation of the scene next to impossible.  For the arrival of the fire investigator, it is not always immediately known if the fire was intentionally set or if it was an accident.

Where did the fire originate?

How did the fire start?

Was the cause of the fire an accident or was it intentionally set?

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Arson is the willful and malicious burning of property.

43,412 arson crimes were reported in 2011 and 8,627 were cleared or solved.

Nationwide, there were 18.2 arson offenses for every 100,000 inhabitants in 2011.

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There are five basic but important steps to process evidence at a fire scene.  Here is a quick overview:

1. Prepare a Solid Plan of Approach

At the fire crime scene, it is determined by the investigator how to safety access, search, and collect evidence.  Every crime scene is different.  It’s important to plan out the approach to document and process the scene.  There are many variables with structures, potential dangers, circumstances surrounding the area, and how many individuals entered the area.

2. Identify, Collect, and Preserve Evidence

Proper collection and packaging help to preserve the value of the physical evidence.

3. Prevent Contamination

Close attention to scene control and evidence collection help to prevent the least amount of contamination and ensures the integrity of the evidence.

4. Package and Transport Evidence

Adhere to detailed and approved packaging and transportation procedures, safeguards, and continued integrity of evidence.

5. Establish and Maintain the Chain of Custody

Maintain the chain of custody for the evidence from the collection until the final disposition at the appropriate lab.

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More articles:

Take a Page From a Crime Scene Investigator’s Diary

Heating up with Arson Investigations

When is a Crime Scene Staged?

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NEW RELEASE: DEAD BURN, An Emily Stone Thriller

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Author Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.com/
Crime Watch Blog: http://emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk:  http://blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase
Books: Compulsion  Dead Game  Dark Mind  Dead Burn Silent Partner  Screenwriting
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Five Human Face Genes Identified

Posted on May 11, 2013 by
Photo: Getty Images

Photo: Getty Images

Look around a crowded room at various people and study the shapes of their faces.  Some people have long or oval shapes faces, while others have rounder or heart-shaped faces.  After you study people for a while, it seems that there are similar shapes among the population the more you study people.

In writing crime fiction, I often imagine exactly what a character’s face looks like as I bring the reader through the events of the story.  I do not go into great detail because I want the reader to enjoy and imagine what the characters look like in their imagination.  I have often wondered what specific genes dictate face shapes.

A recent research study in genetics reported from the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia have discovered five identifiable genes for five facial shapes.  DNA_imageThis study was conducted with approximately 10,000 individuals on the behalf of the International Visible Trait Genetics Consortium.  They applied a genome-wide association (GWA) approach to find the DNA variants among the test group.  Portrait photographs and mapping of facial landmarks were also applied to the study.

It is not surprising that three of the five genes identified were linked by other approaches in vertebrate craniofacial development.  The other two genes were identified as “potentially represent completely new players in the molecular networks governing facial development”.

According to Professor Manfred Kayer from Erasmus University Medical Center in The Netherlands,

“These are the exciting first results that mark the beginning of the genetic understanding of human facial morphology.  Perhaps some time it will be possible to draw a phantom portrait of a person solely from his or her DNA left behind, which provides interesting applications such as in forensics.”       

It is amazing the scientific studies and applications that can be potentially applied to the field of forensics.  Take for example, DNA left at a homicide scene that could potentially identify the face of the perpetrator.  It sounds more like a page out of a science fiction novel, but it would make a great modern detective story twist.

It was unclear if scientists and researchers were working on the discovery of these genes in the United States.  Whether you’re a writer, scientist, or law enforcement officer, this new application has hope and potential in the way crimes might be solved in the future.

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More forensic articles:

Investigating Cold Cases with New Forensic Methods

Why Do We Cringe at Terrible Sounds?

Take a Walk Through a Body Farm

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Author Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.com/
Crime Watch Blog: http://emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk:  http://blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase
Books: Compulsion  Dead Game  Dark Mind  Dead Burn Silent Partner  Screenwriting
Posted in Forensic, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

DEAD BURN’S Thrilling Cast of Players

Posted on May 8, 2013 by

EmilyStone_close

Emily Stone – a covert, top alpha-female serial killer huntress on the trail of a serial arsonist.  She’s tough and resourceful, while she wrestles with her conscience of right and wrong.  Her expertise is in criminal profiling and crime scene investigation.  She never knows where her current case will take her, but her driving force is to save the victims before it’s too late.  But will Emily cross over into vigilantism?

Rick Lopez – an ex-police detective who found his way to Emily Stone as her covert partner.  He’s Emily’s rock during this investigation and life-threatening ordeal.  A man of a few well-placed words, strong, intelligent, extremely capable, and it’s a good thing that he’s one of the good guys.

Jordan Smith – a young man that seems vaguely familiar.  Almost everyone has known that wise-cracking, no holds barred, and not afraid to tell you the truth to your face kind of guy.  You found him.  An ex-FBI profiler and now is recruited into Emily’s covert team.  Can he keep his crush on Emily to himself or will he let everything hit the fan?

Angel – alone, independent, frail, diabolical, hyper-intelligent, and has a specific fire agenda.  Find out who he really is… Once you’ve been introduced to his handiwork, it will be impossible to forget him.

Red – a hitman, assassin, and contract killer are just a few labels this man goes by with today’s crime labels.  He crosses paths with Emily Stone.  But what’s his motive?

Mr. Bishop – a determined man with hidden agendas that heads up a contract government agency called GATE: Government Anti-Terrorism Enforcement.  Or, is it?

Detective Bobby Duncan – a dogged detective that has investigated serial crimes, but he is in his most difficult case just before his retirement.  Will it be a case that he can’t solve?

Fire Investigator Myers – carefree and full of grit.  His cavalier attitude about arson cases could get him in serious trouble.

Judge Christensen – The judge that proceeds over criminal cases.  He is forced to let a rapist go free due to insufficient evidence.  Is this the beginning of more cases like this?

Sarge – large, loveable, intelligent, and loyal with an extremely wet nose, which catches some of the action.  He’s Emily Stone’s four-legged Labrador.

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A recent 5 Star Review of DEAD BURN:

“…Dead Burn” is a gut-wrenching, nerve-wracking thriller that will keep you glued to the edge of your seat from start to finish. Multiple sub-plots threaten Emily’s life from directions she doesn’t even suspect until after she has managed to elude them. If you like thrillers, get this book, a bottle of antacid tablets, and clear your calendar for a few days so you won’t be interrupted. Advise your family that you are not to be disturbed, under penalty of your wrath if they do disturb you. Then prepare yourself for an emotional roller coaster that will challenge your stamina. This is a story you will not soon forget.”

Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers’ Favorite

To view the entire book review of DEAD BURN, please go to Readers Favorite.

Available NOW on AMAZON KINDLE:

US Amazon

UK Amazon

View Book Trailer

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Author Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.com/
Crime Watch Blog: http://emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk:  http://blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase
Books: Compulsion  Dead Game  Dark Mind  Dead Burn Silent Partner  Screenwriting
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Investigating Cold Cases with New Forensic Methods

Posted on May 2, 2013 by

Crime Scene Graphic

There are more than 14,000 murders committed every year across the United States.  That number averages out to about 38 murders every single day.  This number is based on crime statistical data from 2011 by the FBI Uniform Crime Reports.

The FBI Uniform Crime Reports are the collection of statistics and data from approximately 17,000 law enforcement agencies including city and town police departments, state law enforcement, tribal authorities and college and university police, on the violent crimes of murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery and aggravated assault. It also includes data on the property crimes of larceny, burglary and auto theft.

What is concerning about the number of annual homicides is that there are other violent crimes committed every single day as well, such as forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, which elevates the violent crime daily incidents.  When all of these types of investigations go cold, it piles up the cases exponentially.

clearance_rates2011The clearance rate of homicides, on yearly average , is approximately 60%, which includes clearance by arrest and exceptional means.  I take an exception to clearance by “exceptional means”, which means that they have identified the offender and have enough evidence, but either law enforcement cannot find the person or has run into some type of problem.  I don’t like statistics including an offender that has not been arrested for homicide as a cleared homicide case.  In addition, there is room for reporting errors along with distorted or skewed information from law enforcement agencies.

Based upon the above reported crime statistic for homicide, it means that there are more than 5,000 cold cases every year.  There are many reasons that a homicide case turns cold, such as lack of physical evidence and inability to identity the victim.  There just isn’t enough cold case units across the United States to address all of the cold cases waiting for closure.

I found an interesting forensic article published in October 2012 that addressed the scientific need to identity the thousands of John/Jane Doe cold cases by using a multidisciplinary approach to identifying the remains.

A Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory research team has found a scientific approach to identifying the remains of missing persons.  They use a “bomb pulse” radiocarbon analysis combined with anthropological analysis and DNA techniques.  They used their application to identify the remains of a body from 41 years ago.  The radiocarbon analysis of two teeth helped to determine more of a precise birth date of 4 ½ year old child, which had been thought to be a 7-9 year old child.  The DNA analysis determined the child to be male and a mitochondrial profile concluded a match to a living relative.

Every effort and scientific application should be implemented into cold case investigations, not only to bring the perpetrator to justice, but also to give families closure.

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More forensic articles:

Forensics and Criminology: How’d They Do That?

Sister’s DNA Solves Missing Persons Case After 37 Years

6 Mistakes to Avoid at a Crime Scene Straight From a Cold Case Detective

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Author Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.com/
Crime Watch Blog: http://emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk:  http://blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase
Books: Compulsion  Dead Game  Dark Mind  Dead Burn Silent Partner  Screenwriting
Posted in Forensic, Police | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

HEATING UP with a New Book Release: DEAD BURN, An Emily Stone Thriller

Posted on April 27, 2013 by

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***OFFICIAL BOOK RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENT***

From the Award Winning EMILY STONE THRILLER SERIES comes a new serial killer crime novel:

Terrified California residents face the shocking dilemma of yet another serial killer roaming freely in their neighborhoods. However, this time it is an evolving serial killer anomaly that relentlessly searches for, hunts down, and ingeniously traps his victims before unleashing his fiery rage. 160196113_8Always two steps ahead of the cops and fire investigators, the killer hones in on the next sinful target leaving a trail of bones and ashes behind as evidence. It rocks the criminal justice system to the core as a string of arson murders hits inside their turf.

Vigilante detective Emily Stone hunts serial killers and child abductors, covertly and under the law enforcement radar, with her intrinsic skills of criminal profiling and forensic investigation. 108226049_8With Stone’s toughest case yet, the arson serial killer immediately crosses her radar and sends her into the dark territory of a lethal pyromaniac’s mind – to the point of no return.

While following the clues of the relentless firebomber, Stone grabs the attention of a government anti-terrorist organization called GATE that oversees all law enforcement cases across the U.S., which now focuses their sights on her proven abilities. 158754747_8They have very specific plans for her, whether she likes it or not.

Everything teeters on the edge of reality, as Stone must battle for her life between a hired assassin and an arson serial killer. Lines are drawn on both sides of the law. Friendships and lovers are tested.

Everyone sins… but are you willing to pay for yours?

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Available NOW on AMAZON KINDLE:

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View Book Trailer

COMING SOON to PAPERBACK and ADDITIONAL E-READER FORMATS!

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Author Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.com/
Crime Watch Blog: http://emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk:  http://blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase
Books: Compulsion  Dead Game  Dark Mind  Silent Partner  Screenwriting
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Exploring the Missing Link in Psychopaths

Posted on April 24, 2013 by

hands-bar

We know that psychopaths lack remorse, empathy, ethics, and a conscience.  They lie with absolute clarity for whatever appeases them and their lifestyle. They are almost like an unscrupulous chameleon showing their mask of normalcy for most of the world to see, but wait for the opportunity to strike out against unsuspecting victims.

Crime seems to be a logical choice for many of these types of individuals – of course not all.  I think it’s extremely important to study the habits and signatures of psychopaths in relation to crimes being committed.  That means all types of crimes, not just the violent ones.  There is much more to learn about this “subculture” of our society.  If we pay close attention, psychopaths will allow us glimpses into their personality and impulses.

  • The recidivism rate of psychopaths is approximately double compared to other offenders.
  • The violent recidivism rate of psychopaths is approximately triple compared to other offenders.
  • Psychopaths are responsible for more than 50% of the serious crimes committed.
  • According to the 1992 study by the FBI, 44% of offenders who killed police officers were psychopaths.
  • Psychopaths are more likely to commit violent crimes both in and out of prison.

It seems for the most part, criminals have some type of code among themselves, but psychopaths don’t show any loyalty to groups, codes, or principles.

How can this type of individual that lacks impulse control that has an egocentric view of the world be successful at committing crimes?

Many of them commit crimes ranging in a broad spectrum of embezzlement, theft, assault, extortion, armed robbery, murder, and crimes against the state such as espionage, treason, and terrorism.

Psychopaths have an uncanny readiness to take advantage of any situation.  They have a combination of lack of internal control, namely a conscience, and living for the moment that makes for a perfect formula of crime.

Why you ask, do I prefer to study and write about such individuals?

I find it fascinating that a group of people can cause so much distress among all areas of society.  I believe that there’s more to learn and that we’ve just scratched the surface into their motivations and impulsive nature.  Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any shortage of psychopaths for study.

You can read how I incorporated this type of behavior into my EMILY STONE THRILLER SERIES.

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More articles to explore:

Are There Two Varieties of Psychopaths?

Can Brain Scans Really Show Specific Abnormalities in Psychopaths?

Psychopaths Hide Behind a Mask of Normalcy

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Author Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.com/
Crime Watch Blog: http://emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk:  http://blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase
Books: Compulsion  Dead Game  Dark Mind  Silent Partner  Screenwriting
Posted in crime, Criminology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Characters That Make a Lasting Impression

Posted on April 18, 2013 by

2089-linda_terminator

Everyone has their favorite leading characters from movies and books.  I know that I seem to gravitate towards strong, no-nonsense, kick butt female leads like Sarah Connor in the Terminator trilogy.  These characters make you cheer when they overcome their struggles and obstacles thrown their way.  However, some of my favorites may surprise you.

Here are a few of my favorite memorable characters in no particular order:

1.      Sarah Connor, Terminator series (movies)

2.      Lincoln Rhyme, Jeffrey Deaver series (books)

3.      Harry Potter, JK Rowling (books & movies)

4.      Odd Thomas, Dean Koontz series (books)

5.      Jack Reacher, Lee Child series (books)

6.      Miss Marple, Agatha Christie Mysteries (books & movies)

7.      Clarice Starling, Silence of the Lambs (book & movie)

8.      Lt. Viktor Burakov, Citizen X (movie)

9.      Officer John McClane, Die Hard series (movies)

10.  Detective Jane Rizzoli, Tess Gerritsen series (books & TV series)

Why do we love these memorable characters?  These type of characters seem to stick with us after we finish a great book or watch an exciting movie.

Here’s my big three for what draws me to a particular character:

  • Likeability – characters have to be likeable for me, whether they are good or bad by nature or circumstances, there must be something that draws me to them.
  • Superhuman Abilities – I’m drawn to a character that does big feats that we can only dream about, breaking the silence, doing what’s right, or even fighting alien monsters.
  • Voyeurism Concept – Let’s face it, we love to watch others struggle in their day-to-day life, overcome the odds, and battle bad guys so we can cheer.

As we read or watch a particular story, we want to feel a part of the storyline.  We want to feel engaged, interested, and to be able to use our imagination.  It’s important to feel or relate to a certain situation that the main character is struggling with during the book or movie.  Even if the character is out to save large group of hostages in a Los Angeles high-rise as in the movie Die Hard, we still feel fear, pride, confidence, and want to see the hero prevail.

When I sit down to create a character for my own books, I try to imagine all of the triggers that make you want to read on and cheer for the character to succeed.  In my books Compulsion and Dead Game, my heroine Emily Stone was a fun character for me to create as she hunts down serial killers anonymously and then covertly emails the cops the information.  I enjoy this character because she’s doing the right thing and she’s also providing assistance to the already overworked police departments.  I imagine all of the dangerous and tight predicaments that she might get herself into to find the killer, pedophile, or lost child.

I remember hearing a screenwriter/professor tell his students, “Create characters worth caring about.”  I think that has always stuck with me as a writer and movie enthusiast.

Creating characters that are wonderfully flawed, strong, weak, confident, and triumph no matter what, will keep readers and movie-goers coming back for more.

Who are some of your favorite and most memorable characters?

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More articles that may be of interest:

Write in the Moment and Take That Fantastic First Plunge

Is There any Truth to those Things that go Bump in the Night?

Readers Have Spoken Loud and Clear – Top Blog Posts of 2012

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Author Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.com/
Crime Watch Blog: http://emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk:  http://blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase
Books: Compulsion  Dead Game  Dark Mind  Silent Partner  Screenwriting
Posted in Thriller Thursday, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments