Criminology

Investigators at a crime scene are immediately aware of the need to answer the most pressing questions, which are what crime was committed, by whom, why and how ( HYPERLINK httpwww.amazon.comVernon-J.-GebertheB001HP0M32refntt_athr_dp_pel_1 Geberth, 1996). By applying modern crime detection techniques, the investigators are able to narrow down the suspects. Further interrogation of possible suspects can lead to apprehension of the guilty person.

The first task is to secure the crime scene from any contamination. This usually involves cordoning off the area and calling in the scene of crime specialists to collect as much evidence as possible. In homicides cases, this involves taking detailed pictures of the corpse, the area where the body was found, telling signs of struggle and incriminating blood stains. 

It is only after thorough investigations that it can be established whether the homicide falls under first degree murder, second degree murder or manslaughter. First degree murder is a premeditated act ( HYPERLINK httpwww.amazon.comBarry-A.-J.-FishereB001ITYOQ8refntt_athr_dp_pel_1 Fisher, 2003). The killer plans the act meticulously and decides on the opportune time to execute the person. Second degree murder occurs when an offender causes the death of another person due to provocation or reckless behavior. This classification of homicide can be either intentional or unintentional.
Manslaughter usually refers to those murders described as crimes of passion. The killers in these cases are provoked by circumstances to kill another. Under normal circumstances they would not be violent or anticipate such actions. Examples of such homicides include a spouse killing an unfaithful partner after catching them red handed with their lover. Homicide differs from suicide in that suicide is murder performed by the victim while homicide victims are killed by others.

Coroners need to perform a postmortem to establish the cause of death, the weapon used or the technique employed ( HYPERLINK httpwww.amazon.comVernon-J.-

GebertheB001HP0M32refntt_athr_dp_pel_1 Geberth, V. (1996). DNA evidence has become very important in revealing the identity of the perpetrator while highly sophisticated forensic techniques can identify not only the time of death but the exact weapon used to commit the murder. Hairs and body fluids found on the corpse can identify the murderer through DNA analysis

By mapping the modus operandi of various murders, the investigators are able to determine with a degree of certainty if a particular crime was committed by the same person since most murderers have signatures that identify a murder as their work ( HYPERLINK httpwww.amazon.comBarry-A.-J.-FishereB001ITYOQ8refntt_athr_dp_pel_1 Fisher, 2003). This narrows down the list of suspects and gives the law enforcers a head start in their investigations.

In conclusion, investigations into general crimes and especially homicide cases require diligent work by scene of crime specialists to try and recover all the evidence. The coroner performing the post mortem should be keen on any clues that could lead investigators to the murderer. Modern investigative procedures assist greatly in identifying the offender through the use of DNA analysis and forensic tests.