AC 1.1

• Who is usually the first to arrive at a crime scene?

  Police officers
• What is the primary role of police officers at a crime scene?

  To secure the crime scene for investigation
• What do police detectives do in criminal investigations?


  They lead the investigation into the crime.
• What is the role of crime scene investigators?

  To gather and preserve evidence from crime scenes for investigations.
• What do forensic scientists do with crime scene evidence?

  They examine, analyze, and interpret the evidence using their specialist knowledge.
• What is the specialty of forensic pathologists?

  Establishing the causes of suspicious deaths.
• What does the Crown Prosecution Service do?


  It decides whether to charge and prosecute a suspect.
• What is the 'golden hour' in criminal investigations?

  It refers to the period immediately after a crime is discovered when quick action is needed to preserve evidence.
• What are some limitations of police officers in securing crime scenes?

  They have been criticized for failing to secure crime scenes and preserve evidence.
• What can lead to failures in police investigations?

  Incompetence in handling evidence or discriminatory attitudes of individual officers.
• What is the role of crime scene investigators (CSIs)?

  To collect and process evidence from crime scenes.
• Why is it important for CSIs to preserve evidence in an uncontaminated condition?

  Because contamination can make the evidence inadmissible in court.
• What are the main activities of crime scene investigators?

  • Taking charge of the crime scene
  • Photographing crime scenes and evidence
  • Recovering physical or biological evidence
  • Packaging, storing, and documenting evidence
  • Assisting in post-mortem examinations
  • Advising police investigators on evidence
  • Giving evidence in court
• What are some strengths of crime scene investigators?

  They may gather evidence that links suspects to crime scenes and can prove a suspect's innocence.
• What are some limitations faced by crime scene investigators?

  They require specialist skills, and failure to collect evidence correctly can lead to wrongful convictions.
• What is forensic science?


  It involves applying scientific knowledge to crime and the legal system.
• How do forensic scientists analyze evidence?

  They use their scientific knowledge to analyze and interpret evidence recovered from crime scenes.
• What is the role of forensic pathologists in criminal investigations?

  To study the causes of disease and death, including examining dead bodies.
• What do forensic pathologists do during a post-mortem examination?


  They examine the body for signs of foul play and may analyze internal organs.
• What are some strengths of forensic pathologists?

  They can provide conclusive scientific evidence regarding the cause and time of death.
• What is a limitation of forensic pathologists?


  There is a shortage of registered forensic pathologists, which can delay investigations.
• What is the function of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)?

  To independently assess evidence and decide whether to prosecute a suspect.
• What are some functions of the CPS in relation to criminal cases?

  Advises police, decides whether to prosecute, prepares cases for court, and presents the prosecution case.
• What are some strengths of the CPS?

  It prevents bias by independently assessing evidence and ensures consistency in prosecutions across the country.
• What is a limitation of the CPS?

  It may rely on police investigations that are inadequate, leading to failed prosecutions.
• What are the roles of other investigative agencies in criminal investigations?

  • National Crime Agency (NCA): Deals with organized crime, smuggling, and cybercrime.
  • HM Revenue and Customs: Investigates tax evasion and fraud.
  • Specialist police forces: Responsible for specific locations like railways and ports.
• What is the former name of the National Crime Agency (NCA)?

  Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA)
• What types of crimes does the NCA focus on?

  Organized crime, smuggling, people trafficking, economic crime, and cybercrime.
• What is the role of HM Revenue and Customs in criminal investigations?

  To investigate and prosecute tax evasion and other tax frauds.
• What is the function of specialist police forces like the British Transport Police?

  To police specific locations such as railways and ports of entry to the UK.