Complexity of scientific evidence in environmental forensic investigations
| Date | 07 December 2015 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRPP-07-2015-0031 |
| Pages | 223-232 |
| Published date | 07 December 2015 |
| Author | Val Spikmans |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology |
Complexity of scientific evidence in
environmental forensic investigations
Val Spikmans
Dr Val Spikmans is based at
School of Science and Health,
Western Sydney University,
Penrith, New South Wales,
Australia.
Abstract
Purpose –Environmental forensic investigations rely on the collection, analysis and interpretation of
evidence from an environmental scene to assist in identifying the party responsible for the introduction of
exogenous material. These investigations also try to elucidate if the environment and/or human health have
been affected. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach –Environmental forensic investigations are considered a sub-category of
the forensic sciences. The potential scientific evidence is subjected to the same rigour as for other forensic
science disciplines, including quality control, accreditation, chain of custody and evidence integrity. The
manner in which evidence is analysed and interpreted is also similar. Even though strong similarities can be
drawn between environmental forensic investigations and the general forensic sciences, some important
differences need to be understood.
Findings –Environmental forensic investigations can be more complex than they first appear and identifying,
analysing and interpreting scientific evidence is not always straightforward. It is crucial in the comprehension
of the complexities of the environmental forensic discipline to understand the intricacies of the investigations,
including the limited sample numbers, complex matrices, wide range of exogenous materials encountered,
often large size of the scene, changes to the scene and, above all, the potential for degradation or
transformation of evidence. In addition, scientific evidence is frequently used to gather intelligence rather than
to provide knowledge that can be brought forward to determine guilt or innocence of an accused party.
Originality/value –This paper explores the complexities of the discipline and discusses the difficulties that
are encountered during environmental investigations.
Keywords Intelligence, Forensic science, Environmental forensics, Environmental investigations,
Evidence complexity, Scientific evidence
Paper type Viewpoint
Introduction
Environmental forensic investigations are investigations that aim to determine if exogenous
material has been introduced into the environment, and if so, the likely origin of the exogenous
material. Depending on the case, the investigation will also determine the level of environmental
harm and/or risk to human health that the exogenous material currently presents or might
present in the future if the material is allowed to remain in the environment. Exogenous material
is generally referred to as pollutants or contaminants that can have a negative effect on
environmental media, including air, water, soil and biota. Environmental forensic investigations
play an important role not only to bring to justice those who pollute, but also as a deterrent for
those considering polluting (e.g. the illegal dumping of hazardous waste) (Vives-Rego, 2004).
Environmental harm or risk to human health can be a result of accidental release of toxic
materials or can be due to a wilful act of illegally disposing of pollutants, generally for financial
gain. Environmental forensic investigations are conducted independent of whether the incident
Received 30 July 2015
Revised 30 July 2015
Accepted 3 September 2015
DOI 10.1108/JCRPP-07-2015-0031 VOL. 1 NO. 4 2015, pp.223-232, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 2056-3841
j
JOURNAL OF CRIMINOLOGICAL RESEARCH, POLICY AND PRACTICE
j
PAGE223
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