Recreating the reality of violent crimes is an essential goal of prosecutors and law enforcement professionals who are committed to advancing justice for victims, offenders, and communities. The critical work begins at the crime scene(s) with the assistance of a forensic analyst or crime scene investigator. These professionals assess crime scenes for potential evidence, including blood patterns, ballistics, DNA, fingerprints, trace evidence, and other physical evidence.

As a case develops, prosecutors and detectives engage in ongoing conversations with the analyst, which helps establish linkages between the offender and/or victim and the crime scene. Close collaboration with analysts can also help prosecutors and detectives develop theories for how the crime was perpetrated. This presentation provides an overview of forensic and physical evidence, which is first identified at the crime scene and then analyzed in the context of behavioral and testimonial evidence. It focuses on how prosecutors can present all admissible evidence in a compelling manner at trial to recreate the crime for judges and juried. The presenters also underscore the benefits of collaboration between detectives, prosecutors, and crime scene analysts. 

Objectives:

• Identify critical evidence at the crime scene(s) and its utility from a forensic perspective 
• Utilize best practices for collecting and preserving evidence and documenting the chain of custody 
• Collaborate with forensic analysts as a case(s) develop
• Effectively present forensic evidence, in conjunction with behavioral and testimonial evidence, at trial