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BTEC Forensic and Criminal Investigation Past Papers & Mark Schemes
Free Pearson BTEC Forensic and Criminal Investigation past papers. Evidence collection, crime scene investigation, and forensic science units. 43 resources.
📅January and June series📄0 resources available✅Free to download
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Evidence Science and Crime Scene Procedure in BTEC Forensic Investigation
BTEC Forensic and Criminal Investigation introduces students to the scientific principles and investigative procedures used to gather, analyse, and interpret physical evidence in criminal investigations, preparing them for careers in forensic science, policing, or law.
Unit 1 — Forensic Evidence Collection and Analysis covers the fundamental categories of forensic evidence: trace evidence (fibres, glass, hair, soils), biological evidence (blood, DNA, fingerprints, footwear impressions), document examination, and digital evidence. Students study the protocols for evidence recovery, packaging, continuity of evidence, and chain of custody.
Unit 3 — Crime Scene Investigation examines the investigative process from initial attendance through scene examination, evidence mapping, reconstruction, and reporting. Topics include scene types (indoor, outdoor, vehicle, digital), scene photography, sketch planning, search methods, and the roles of different specialists attending scenes.
Unit 5 — Forensic Science in Investigations applies laboratory techniques to forensic questions: chromatography for drug and ink analysis, serology, mass spectrometry, DNA profiling (STR analysis and CODIS matching), and ballistic and tool mark examination.
The 43 resources include question papers and mark schemes.
Exam Paper Structure
Unit 1No calculator
Forensic Evidence Collection and Analysis
⏱ 90 minutes🎯 60 marks📊 % of grade
Trace, biological, and digital evidence typesEvidence recovery and chain of custodyPackaging protocols and continuity
Unit 3No calculator
Crime Scene Investigation
⏱ 90 minutes🎯 60 marks📊 % of grade
Scene types and initial attendancePhotography, sketching, and search methodsSpecialist roles at crime scenes
Unit 5No calculator
Forensic Science in Investigations
⏱ 90 minutes🎯 60 marks📊 % of grade
Chromatography and mass spectrometryDNA profiling: STR analysisBallistics and tool mark examination
Key Information
| Exam Board | Pearson Edexcel |
| Specification Code | Pearson BTEC Level 3 Forensic and Criminal Investigation |
| Qualification | BTEC Level 3 |
| Grading Scale | P/M/D/D* |
| Assessment Type | External exams + internal units |
| Tiers | No tiers |
| Number Of Papers | 3 external units |
| Exam Duration | Unit 1: 90 min; Unit 3: 90 min; Unit 5: 90 min |
| Total Marks | Varies by unit |
| Calculator Status | Not applicable |
| Available Sessions | January and June series |
| Total Resources | 43 |
Key Topics in Forensic and Criminal Investigation
Topics you need to know
Categories of forensic evidenceChain of custody and admissibilityEvidence packaging protocolsCrime scene cordons and scene managementScene photography and sketch planningPOLSA search methodsDNA profiling: PCR and STR analysisMixed DNA profiles and contamination
Exam Command Words
| Command word | What the examiner expects |
|---|---|
| Identify | Name an evidence type, technique, or investigative procedure |
| Describe | Give an account of a forensic process or scene management procedure |
| Explain | Provide scientific reasons for a forensic procedure or analytical result |
| Analyse | Examine forensic data or a scene scenario to draw conclusions |
| Evaluate | Assess the reliability or significance of forensic evidence |
Typical Grade Boundaries
| Grade | Approximate mark needed |
|---|---|
| D* | 85–100% |
| D | 70–84% |
| M | 55–69% |
| P | 40–54% |
⚠️ Indicative grade boundaries for BTEC external units. Actual boundaries set per series.
Chain of Custody and Forensic Technique Principles for BTEC Forensic Investigation
Evidence collection questions in Unit 1 consistently test knowledge of the chain of custody concept — the unbroken, documented sequence of evidence handling from scene recovery to courtroom presentation. Understand why any break in the chain makes evidence inadmissible: contamination risk, tampering allegation, or unreliable attribution. Know the correct packaging requirements for different evidence types: paper bags for biological samples (to prevent moisture build-up and degradation), rigid containers for fragile items, anti-static bags for digital devices.
DNA profiling in Unit 5 requires understanding of how short tandem repeats (STRs) are used to produce a DNA profile. Know the stages: sample collection, extraction, PCR amplification, capillary electrophoresis, and profile interpretation. Understand what a mixed profile indicates (multiple contributors) and what contamination looks like in a profile.
Crime scene investigation scenarios in Unit 3 often describe a scene and ask you to prioritise actions. The APISO model (Assessment, Perimeter, Inner and outer cordons, Scene, Officer in charge) provides a systematic framework. Know why the inner cordon is established before detailed examination begins, and what a POLSA search team does compared with a forensic scene examiner.
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