NCJ Number
150507
Journal
CJ Europe Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: (July-August 1994) Pages: 11-15
Date Published
1994
Length
5 pages
Annotation
In Poland, the science of criminalistics deals with collecting physical and testimonial evidence and is viewed more broadly than it is in the United States.
Abstract
Criminalistics in Poland encompasses knowledge about technical and tactical procedures applied to detecting crime, apprehending suspects, and gathering evidence. Criminalistics is not limited to laboratory research applied to physical evidence; it includes all tactical work of law enforcement agencies. Technical aspects of police work, encompassing chemical, physical, biological, serological, and toxicological methods and DNA fingerprinting and tool mark techniques, play a significant role in criminal investigation. Criminalistics also provides police officers, prosecutors, and judges with tactical procedures for many legal proceedings and undercover operations, including guidelines for psychological problems in interrogations and confessions, methods examining crime scenes, searches of persons and premises, and methods of cooperation between criminal investigators and expert witnesses. Physical evidence in Poland is divided into three categories: objects for examination, traces, and criminal circumstances and facts. Physical evidence can generally be obtained from crime scenes, suspects, and victims. Legal problems associated with physical evidence are considered, along with the roles of forensic specialists and expert witnesses. 14 notes