The dissertation file is not currently available for this title.

Abstract

The aim of this research project was to explore the use of communication in the crime scene investigator (CSI) process and to identify the extent to which communication training is received by CSIs. Communication is extremely vital to an investigation (Fisher, 1995, p. 732). Although, information gained through communication and within a human’s memory can be easily biased and influenced (Loftus, 2019).
This project used two methods to research this subject area, an online survey, and face to face interviews. The online survey involved 78 respondents from the CSI Expert Network, and two interviews, one with a CSI and the other with a manager within the CSI process. The research project discovered that CSIs do communicate with victims/witnesses at a crime scene, they do not receive any formal/specific training on how to communicate, and that the majority of CSIs would want to have communication/interview training within CSI training in the future.
The police use interview techniques to support them in their communication with victims, witnesses and suspects to gain the most accurate and reliable information for their investigations (Bull, Fisher & Milne, 2011, p. 16). With the negative influences and biases communication can have on witness’s recall (Wells, 2006, p. 643), could CSIs potentially benefit from receiving interview training or learning a structure/technique to follow when communicating with victims/witnesses at a crime scene in the future?

Course: Criminology and Forensic Studies - BSc (Hons) - C2039F

Date Deposited: 2021-03-16

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13689.html