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Umecit – University in Panama

RESEARCH SEEDHEAD

IN FIELD CRIMINALISTICS: "CRIMINAL ANALYSIS"

The Field Criminalistics Seedbed called «CRIMINAL ANALYSIS»  It is established as a research and practical application space dedicated to the study of the techniques and methodologies used in criminal investigation in the field. In an environment where crime and criminality present constant challenges to public safety, this hotbed is presented as a place to develop technical and scientific skills at the crime scene.

 

It is made up of students interested in the field of justice and criminal investigation, the seedbed aims to contribute to the development of capacities in field forensics, train future experts in the collection of clues at the scene.

In the Field Criminalistics Seedbed "CRIMINAL ANALYSIS", relevant topics such as the preservation of the crime scene will be addressed, of the signs, the recreation of criminal acts and the use of forensic technology in criminal investigation. Through practical exercises and crime scene simulations, the course will seek to develop observation, analysis, and teamwork skills, which are essential for success in criminal investigation.

OBJECTIVES OF THE SEEDBED

FIELD CRIMINALISTICS "CRIMINAL ANALYSIS"

Training in Criminal Investigation Techniques: Provide theoretical and practical training in criminal investigation techniques, including crime scene preservation, evidence collection, and proper data collection related to the punishable act.

Development of Forensic Analysis Skills: Develop skills to prioritize which laboratories to send evidence collected at a crime scene in order to utilize modern forensic tools and techniques.

Application of Technology in Criminal Investigation: To familiarize participants with the use of forensic technology, such as DNA analysis, forensic ballistics, and fingerprint analysis, to strengthen their criminal investigation capabilities.

CONCEPTUAL BASES FOR THE SEEDbed

FIELD CRIMINALISTICS "CRIMINAL ANALYSIS"

The Field Criminalistics Seedbed is based on solid conceptual and theoretical foundations, which include:

1. Principles of Criminal Investigation:

  1. Study of the fundamental principles of criminal investigation, such as the chain of custody, the recreation of facts and the integrity of the evidence, to ensure the validity and reliability of the investigative results.

2. Forensic Technology:

Analysis of the tools and  the use forensic technology to contribute to the development of criminal investigation, including DNA analysis methods, image analysis, and digital data analysis, to facilitate the identification and analysis of evidence.

3. Ethics in Criminal Investigation:

Reflection on the ethical and legal principles that guide criminal investigation, including respect for human rights, privacy and confidentiality of information, and impartiality in the analysis of evidence.

RESEARCH PROJECTS

THAT ARE IN EXECUTION

 

PROJECT TITLE

TEACHER MENTOR

CAMPUS

Errors Committed During the Reconstruction of Facts in Intentional Homicide Cases and Their Impact on Judicial Decision-Making

Sindy Masiel Ortiz 

Santiago 

Study of criminal patterns and factors influencing the increase in crime in the district of Santiago, Veraguas, Panama,

Sindy Masiel Ortiz 

Santiago 

Impact of environmental conditions on the decomposition of bodies

Sindy Masiel Ortiz 

Santiago 

Application of the principles of the chain of custody in forensics: its importance in the preservation of evidence in criminal proceedings.

Migdonio Munoz 

Santiago

Analysis of sociodemographic and economic factors related to criminal behavior in field research in the province of Chiriquí.

Sindy Masiel Ortiz 

David 

Differentiation between the place of the crime and the place of discovery in forensic investigations of missing minors in the province of Chiriquí.

Sindy Masiel Ortiz 

David 

Management in the preservation of evidence in tropical climates.

Sindy Masiel Ortiz 

David 

Ocular inspection in domestic violence crimes

Gabriel Caco 

chitre 

Relevance of the chain of custody in the preservation of evidence

Gabriel Caco 

chitre 

Analysis of physical evidence collected at the scene of gender-based violence crimes in Panama

Abel Guevara 

La Chorrera 

Forensic ballistics and its impact on case resolution in Panama

Abel Guevara 

La Chorrera 

Importance of bloodstain pattern analysis by the crime scene expert

Monica Gonzalez 

Panama 

Chemiluminescence, what is it and when is it applied?

Monica Gonzalez 

Panama 

Crime scene photography

Monica Gonzalez 

Panama 

MENTOR TEACHERS OF THE SEEDBED:

FIELD CRIMINALISTICS "CRIMINAL ANALYSIS"
Sindy Masiel Ortiz Torres (Santiago and David Headquarters)
Gabriel Caco (Chitré Campus)
Abel Guevara (La Chorrera Campus)
Mónica González (Panama Headquarters)
bibliografia

BASE BIBLIOGRAPHY

  1. Ávila, Ana G. (2021) Work of field criminology in Panama
  2. CATHEDRA Printed ISSN: 2304-2494 Electronic ISSN: L2644-397X. Year 10. Number 15.Recovered from: https://repositorio.umecit.edu.pa/entities/publication/0e7c2506-2f99-4c2f-bcbb-a7cd74b52ff9
  3. Costa, AM, & Silva, JR (2020). «Advances in forensic DNA analysis: A review». Forensic Science International: Genetics, 47, 102-111. DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102285
  4. Lee, HC, Gaensslen, RE, & Sutton, TP (2019). «Advances in forensic firearms examination techniques». Journal of Forensic Sciences, 64(1), 3-16. DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13855.
  5. Carracedo, Á. (2021). «The role of forensic genetics in criminal investigations». Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series, 10, 911-912. DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2021.08.017.
  6. Houck, M.M., & Siegel, J.A. (Eds.). (2019). Fundamentals of forensic science (3rd ed.). Academic Press. ISBN: 978-0-12-815456-1.
  7. Cattaneo, C. (2018). «Forensic anthropology: Developments of a classical discipline in the new millennium». Forensic Science International, 284, 187-193. DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.02.044.
  8. Rutty, G.N., Morgan, B., & Payne-James, J. (Eds.). (2020). Essentials of autopsy practice: Current methods and modern trends (2nd ed.). Springer. ISBN: 978-3-030-31196-4.
  9. Butler, J. M. (2021). "Forensic DNA typing: Biology, technology, and genetics of STR markers" (3rd ed.). Elsevier Academic Press. ISBN: 978-0-12-815067-9.
  10. Saferstein, R. (2020). Criminalistics: An introduction to forensic science (13th ed.). Pearson. ISBN: 978-0-13-447759-6.
  11. James, S.H., & Nordby, J.J. (Eds.). (2021). Forensic science: An introduction to scientific and investigative techniques (5th ed.). CRC Press. ISBN: 978-0-367-10826-6.
  12. Komar, D., & Tamashiro, H. (2022). «Forensic entomology: Advances and challenges in determining time since death». Annual Review of Entomology, 67, 35-51. DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-040821-105052.