Doctoral Thesis
Sexual Assault crime scene specialisation: Best practice for seminal stain location and visualisation utilising ALS; in-field vs laboratory
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Murdoch University
2022
Abstract
Sexual assault crimes pose many important aspects surrounding the location and analysis of physical evidence, particularly pertaining to biological fluids. A comprehensive approach to review current research in the field of sexual assault crime scene processing was undertaken. The revelation of seminal fluid in a sexual assault crime is of key importance due to its presence corroborating the claim of a sexual aspect to the crime. The presence of seminal fluid also raises the opportunity for DNA extraction with the aim to identify the suspect. The articles reviewed illuminate current research that has been done on the primary techniques used for locating seminal fluid at crime scenes. The preliminary tool used to screen a scene for seminal stains is the use of ALS, the current research on ALS describes that specific wavelengths of light and coloured filters are used in conjunction to optimise contrast between the stain and its background. The review of literature available on the best practice for sexual assault crime scenes revealed a plethora of research and review opportunities, at this point in time there is no set right way or “best practice” for implementing techniques used at crimes scenes. The research project outlined proposes a preliminary framework for determining best practices for a range of techniques used in crime scene processing, specifically pertaining to sexual assault crimes. The first component of the project will focus on the location of seminal stains using ALS in blind type testing. The seminal stains will be photographed to the best ability to capture a clear detailed image with optimal lighting and contrast. This exercise will be carried out in a mock crime scene and in a laboratory setting to determine whether a controlled laboratory environment will produce superior results.
Details
- Title
- Sexual Assault crime scene specialisation: Best practice for seminal stain location and visualisation utilising ALS; in-field vs laboratory
- Authors/Creators
- Lillian M Ryan
- Contributors
- Brendan Chapman (Supervisor) - Murdoch University, School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
- Awarding Institution
- Murdoch University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Identifiers
- 991005546866807891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education; School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
- Resource Type
- Doctoral Thesis
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