Cheryl Brown is a senior police officer with the South Australia Police and has predominately worked in the delivery of forensic services. She engages in research with the Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforcement Studies (TILES) at the University of Tasmania. During her PhD candidature, Cheryl researched the effectiveness of forensic science in volume crime investigations through applying a what works methodology. Her research interests include collaborative interagency engagement for the delivery of effective criminal investigative processes. With 36 years policing experience Cheryl dedicated to the delivery of police services using an evidence-based approach.
Presentation
Strands in a Cable: Using Forensic Evidence to Investigate Volume Crime Effectively in the Australian Context
Dr Cheryl Brown1
1SAPOL, Adelaide, Australia, 2University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
Police have endeavoured to establish a knowledge base on effective control and prevention practices for volume crime, including offences such as burglary and motor vehicle theft, which have broad impacts across the community. A gap existed in police understanding of the most effective ways to address volume crime and the potential benefits of using fingerprint and DNA evidence in Australia. Research was conducted applying a mixed-methods approach, to combine quantitative and qualitative data sources and utilising an evidence-based approach with recommendations that align with the research philosophy of ‘what works’.
In total, data from over 10,000 volume crimes across Australia were analysed. The findings demonstrated that fingerprint and DNA evidence were effective in volume crime investigations, and their use was more effective than other investigative strategies alone. The findings suggest that police should take two pathways. First, focusing resources on high probity evidence will provide greater consistency in the processing of forensic evidence, and faster resolution of volume crime investigations. Second, a collaborative approach to sharing knowledge about the use of forensic evidence gained from experience, practice and research between police, forensic providers, and researchers will help to advance practice in volume crime investigations. Through consistent application of evidence-based approaches, forensic science can positively impact the effectiveness of policing volume crime offending. A change in mindset is required so that forensic science is viewed as a vital thread that can be woven through the entire range of investigative, intelligence and crime prevention strategies to support effective police performance.