This site provides the learner with an extensive look inside the world of as the author states, "The Art and Science of Criminal Investigation." The first page introduces the reader to: "Crime Scene Protection." On the left side of this page are the Contents, where the reader will find such diverse subjects as, "Crime Scene Investigation," various types of evidence such as: "Fingerprint, Physical, Demonstrative, Digital, Testimonial, and Behavioral." Next, "Death Investigation" is examined, then, "Unsolved [Cases], Missing and Wanted [Persons]." "Afterwards" looks at Expert Testimony, Ethics, and offers Editorial Commentary, and finally, a "Training Calendar" is offered that provides the learner with a schedule of current "Crimes and Clues" courses for example, "Forensic Dental ID and Forensic Science," being offered around the country. Each subject listed in the Contents has a number of links that provide additional articles, background information, and web sites, giving the learner a vast amount of material needed to fully comprehend the subject matter.
Type of Material:
Reference material
Recommended Uses:
This site can be used in class or online by an individual or in groups, or, as a standalone lecture.
Technical Requirements:
I.E., Safari, Adobe Reader, Quicktime, Real Player.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
The learner will develop a deeper understanding of the Criminal Investigative process, what it takes to protect a crime scene, how to identify, collect, preserve, and process evidence, all while acquiring scientific knowledge in the field of Forensic Science and learning about Forensic Anthropology and Forensic Entomology, both, branches of Forensic Science.
Target Student Population:
Undergraduate/graduate law enforcement students
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
None
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
This is a very interesting article about protecting a crime scene. It offers sound advice for departments dealing with this issue to prevent problems in the future. It also provides proper documentation of sources.
Concerns:
This is just one article on this topic. A better way to provide it on Merlot, in my humble opinion, is to list the entire category or entire "Crime and Clues" site. This specific article is just a small piece of the information provided on this issue.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
It gives students studying to be law enforcement officers a good idea of what not to do regarding crime scenes, and it could provide a useful tool to start a discussion about this issue and ways to deal with the problem.
Concerns:
I think rather than this specific page, the entire site Crime and Clues should be listed in MERLOT as a learning object, or each page/menu item separately. As a totality, instructors could use this site as a textbook on crime scene processing. The one page on protection is interesting, but not especially useful on its own as a teaching tool. Also, students arent really the optimal audience for this site. It is created for and most useful for police administrators and crime scene investigators working in the field.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The material presented is easy to use and is of high quality. Navigation is easy and when a link or page is not found or not available, the user is so informed.
Concerns:
The site isn't engaging or interactive. It is simply a series of links to articles.
The link to the video in the page about fingerprint collection is problematic. I was unable to download the video and it wouldn't respond when I tried to close the page. This happened even after I downloaded QuickTime updates. There are also various other links throughout the various categories that aren't active.
Other Issues and Comments:
None.
Creative Commons:
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