Class Name,Instructor NameDate, SemesterChapter 3.docx

Class Name,
Instructor Name
Date, Semester
Chapter 3:
Recording the
Crime Scene
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*
© 2013 by Pearson Higher Education, Inc
Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458 • All Rights Reserved
Crime Scene Notes
Note-taking begins when the investigator is contacted and
requested to report to the crime scene.
The crime scene notes should begin with:
1)The identity of the person who contacted the
investigator
2) Time of contact and arrival at the crime scene
3) Preliminary case information
4) Personnel present on arrival and those being contacted

Crime Scene Notes Notes contain a personnel log, all
observations made by the investigator, and the time
observations were made.Notes are taken in a uniform layout,
concurrently as the observations are made.Notes are written in a
bound notebook in blue or black ink.
Crime Scene Notes
Investigators may choose to record crime scene notes on audio
tapes.This leaves the hands free to process the scene as the
notes are taken.Tape-recorded notes must eventually be
transcribed to a written document.
Photography
Photographs taken at a crime scene:
1) Show the layout of the crime scene
2) Show the position of collected and uncollected evidence
3) Show the point of view of victims, suspects, and
witnesses
4) Show the original condition of items of evidence at
the scene
PHOTOGRAPHY

*
Figure 3-4
Film PhotographyFilm consists of a sheet of silver halide grains
which “expose” when exposed to light.Film speed is a measure
of the light-gathering capacity of the film.Special types of film
include Polaroid film and Infrared film.
Digital Photography A digital photograph is made when a light-
sensitive microchip captures light on each of millions of tiny
picture elements, called pixels. The light is recorded on each
pixel as a specific electric charge which is read by the camera
as image information which is stored as a file on a memory
card.The number of pixels is directly related to the resolution of
the picture. Photographs with more pixels show increasingly
good resolution, or more detail and sharpness in photographs.
The number of pixels that a camera features is usually measured
in millions of pixels, or megapixels.
CamerasThe most commonly used camera at crime scenes
is the Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera or the Digital Single
Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera.SLR and DSLR cameras allow for
the use of various accessories such as lenses, flashes, and

filters. SLR and DSLR cameras also allow for manual
adjustment of camera settings, such as aperture and shutter
speed, that affect image quality.
DSLR ModesThe “auto mode” automatically selects an
appropriate f-stop and shutter speed for conditions being
photographed.The “sports mode” captures subjects in motion by
using a higher (faster) shutter speed.The “night mode” uses a
lower (slower) shutter speed to gather as much light as possible
to create the image.The “landscape mode” automatically selects
higher f-stops to improve depth of field.The “portrait mode”
selects lower f-stops to decrease the depth of field and make the
subject stand out clearly against a blurred background.
Lenses The camera lens bends light to focus an image on the
film or digital microchip.The lens’s focal length, the distance
between the lens and the image projected on the film or
microchip, determines the area shown in the resulting
photograph.Normal Lens
Focal length of 50-55m
Used for most photographs that need to be taken at a crime
scene because it can show as much area as half a wall
FiltersBarrier filters block one specific wavelength (color) of

light from reaching the film or microchip, making areas of that
color appear lighter in the photograph.
Bypass filters allow only a small range of wavelengths of light
to reach the film or microchip and block all others.
Lenses
Telephoto LensFocal length of 100 mm or greater Used to
magnify images
Wide-angle LensFocal length of 35 mm Used to show much
more area in one photograph than a normal lens
Macro LensFocal length of less than 50 mm Used for highly-
detailed close-up photographs
Multi-purpose LensFocal length from 28-80 mm used to take
normal, wide-angle, and telephoto photographs
Aperture and Shutter Speed The camera aperture is a
measure of the diameter of the opening of the diaphragm, which
allows light to reach the film or microchip.On film or digital
cameras, one adjusts the aperture by setting the f-number.
The lower the f-number setting, the wider the aperture and the
more light is allowed in. The shutter speed is the length of time
that the film or microchip is exposed to light.The shutter speed
is measured as a fraction of a second by factors of 1/2 (i.e. 1/2,
1/4, 1/8, etc).

Depth of FieldThe depth of field shown in a photograph is the
amount of area in the foreground and background of an object in
focus that is also relatively in focus.
The smaller the aperture opening, the greater the depth of field
will be. This means that higher f-number settings will yield
higher depth of field.
Illumination The color temperature of a light source is “hot” if
it has a bluer hue, while a “cold” light source has a red-orange
hue.Light meters on film or digital cameras allow photographers
to measure the amount of light in a shot. A flash unit can
produce either direct reflective lighting or oblique lighting,
which is achieved by positioning the flash at an angle less than
90° to the surface to show detail.
Tripods
Using a tripod eliminates the possibility of blurred photos
resulting from unsteady hands.
For crime scene photography, it is useful if the tripod has:
1) Independently adjustable legs suitable for uneven
terrain
2) A level to ensure 90º images of evidence

Crime Scene Photography Log
A detailed log of each photograph taken at the crime scene is
kept by the crime scene photographer.
The top of the photography log form includes:Case numberType
of sceneDateLocation of sceneDescription of the camera and
lenses being usedFilm type and speed (if applicable)The
photographer’s name and title
James O'Sullivan (JO) - If possible add a photo of a Crime
Scene photography log. Would be easier for the students to
understand.
Crime Scene Photography Log
For each photograph, the log records:Date and time the
photograph was takenThe location of the pictureThe f-stop and
shutter speed settingsThe lighting used and the lighting angle
(if applicable)A brief description of the subject of the picture
Basic GuidelinesPhotograph scene in unaltered conditionFill the
frameAvoid shadows in the photographMaximize depth of
fieldPhotograph scene in a logical sequenceKeep a log
Crime Scene Photography

The four minimum photographs required at a crime scene are:An
overview photographA medium range photographA close-up
photographA close-up photograph with a scale
Overview photographs of the entire scene and surrounding area,
including points of exit and entry, are taken first.
Taken from the outside borders of the scene and from various
anglesIf the crime scene includes a body, photographs must
show the body’s position and location relative to the entire
scene.Include a “visual tag,” an object recorded in multiple
overview photographs, to help visually piece the scene together.
Medium-range photographs show the layout of smaller
significant areas of the crime scene.
Taken with evidence markers in place to show the spatial
relationships between and among pieces of evidence in greater
detail than the overview photographs.Include at least one
photograph of the “center” of the scene.In violent crimes, this
usually includes the site where the victim was found and the
surrounding area.

Close-up photographs are taken last and show greater detail of
individual objects or evidence.
Taken at a 90º angle to the object, with and without evidence
markers and scales.Scales should be placed as close to the
evidence as possible without affecting it in any way.After the
90º photographs have been taken, photographs from other angles
may be taken.The most important close-up photographs are
those depicting injuries and weapons lying near a body. After
the body is removed from the scene, the surface beneath the
body should be photographed.
Special Crime Scene PhotographyNight photography
requires the use of external lighting or “painting with
light.”Indoor photography requires photographs of the
neighborhood, points of entry and exit, and all walls, floors, and
ceilings.Outdoor photography requires location of photographs
to be recorded by a Global Positioning Device or measurements
from landmarks.
May include aerial photographs
James O'Sullivan (JO) - If possible add examples of the various
types of Special Crime Scene Photography
Special Crime Scene Photography Arson photography

requires photographs of the point of the fire’s origin and use of
special equipment or techniques to provide maximum contrast in
photographs of charred areas.
May also include photographs of crowd outside scene because
arsonists commonly return to sceneSexual assault photography
requires photographs of all wounds and clothing while showing
discretion to the victim.Impression photography requires
oblique lighting to show details and a scale to later create a 1:1
scale photograph for comparison to footwear or tire samples.
Special Crime Scene Photography Bloodstain
photography requires photographs of all pertinent stains and
determined area of convergence or area of origin.
Bloodstains treated with luminol photographed in complete
darknessLatent fingerprint photography require photographs
with a 1:1 scale using a special latent fingerprint camera or a
regular camera fitted with an adapter.
Black and white film used to show greater contrast
Digital Crime Scene Photography Digital images are easily
manipulated using computer programs and may not show an
accurate depiction of the crime scene.Digital images may lose
image data or details through compression.Digital images are
preserved by either lossy or lossless compression.
Lossy compression condenses files by discarding some image
information. The information lost during this compression is
irretrievable.
Lossless compression condenses files without discarding

information so no important image information is lost. For this
reason, all digital crime scene photographs should be saved by
lossless compression to avoid losing any important information
contained in those images.
Digital Crime Scene Photography
Law enforcement agencies ensure the admissibility of digital
crime scene photographs by:Developing Standard Operating
Procedures that must be followedSaving images to writable (not
rewritable) disks by lossless compressionSaving enhanced or
altered images as separate filesKeeping a detailed and accurate
photography logSubmitting testimony from the crime scene
photographer as to the accuracy of the digital images
Videotaping Crime ScenesAs with still crime scene
photography, the crime scene video must include overview,
medium-range, and close-up images.A narrated crime scene
video combines photography and notes.
However, it is important that only one person narrates and no
side conversations are captured on the video.Some video
cameras can produce still photographs, but the quality is often
poor.
Therefore, still photographs from a film or digital camera are
still required.

Sketching the Crime Scene
Crime scene sketches
1) Clearly show the layout of a crime scene
2) Illustrate the relationship in space of all significant
items and features
3) Clarify objects and features already described in notes
or shown in photographs
4) Show measurements over long distances and topography
of outdoor scenes
5) Depict possible paths of entry, exit, and movement
through the scene
6) Demonstrate whether the account of a victim, suspect,
or witness is feasible
The Finished Crime Scene Sketch
A rough sketch is created at the crime scene and contains an
accurate depiction of the dimensions of the scene and shows the
location of all pertinent objects and features.
All rough sketches include:
1) Title block with information on the case, crime scene,
and person creating the sketch
2) Legend with identity and dimensions of objects in the
sketch
3) Compass showing the North direction
4) Body containing the sketch itself
Points of reference for objects can be shown by the rectangular,
triangulation, baseline, or polar coordinates method.

The Rough Crime Scene SketchThe finished sketch is
created from the information in rough sketch, but it is drawn to
scale with care and concern for appearance.The current standard
method utilizes Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) programs to
create the finished sketch.CAD programs also allow for the
creation of three-dimensional finished sketches.
Class Name,
Instructor Name
Date, Semester
Chapter 1:
The Crime Lab
*
*
Definition of Forensic Science
Forensic science is the application of science to criminal and
civil laws.
This book emphasizes the application of science that are
enforced by police agencies in a criminal justice system.

Definition of Forensic Science
Major Contributors in the Field Mathieu Orfila:
the father of forensic toxicology. Alphonse Bertillion: devised
the first scientific system of personal identification in
1879.Francis Galton: conducted the first definitive study of
fingerprints and their classification.Leone Lattes: developed a
procedure to determine blood type from dried
bloodstains.Calvin Goddard: used a comparison microscope to
determine if a particular gun fired a bullet.Albert Osborn:
developed the fundamental principles of document examination.
Major Contributors (continued)Walter McCrone: utilized
microscopy and other analytical methodologies to examine
evidence. Hans Gross: wrote the first treatise describing the
application of scientific principles to the field of criminal
investigation.Edmond Locard: incorporated Gross’ principles
within a workable crime laboratory.
Locard’s Exchange Principle states that when a criminal comes
in contact with an object or person, a cross-transfer of evidence
occurs.Sir Alec Jeffreys: developed the first DNA profiling test
in 1984.

The Crime LabThe development of crime laboratories in the
United States has been characterized by rapid growth
accompanied by a lack of national and regional planning and
coordination. At present, approximately 400 public crime
laboratories operate at various levels of government—federal,
state, county, and municipal.Many crime laboratories have
“evidence technicians,” trained by the crime lab staff, on 24-
hour call for evidence collection at crime scenes.Training
ensures all pertinent evidence will be recognized and collected
properly.Where no formal training exists, familiarity can be
gained through lectures, tours of the lab, and evidence
collection manuals.
The Crime Lab
3 reasons for the increase in the number of crime laboratories:
Supreme Court decisions in the 1960s responsible for police
placing greater emphasis on scientifically evaluated evidence
Crime laboratories inundated with drug specimens due to
accelerated drug abuse
The advent of DNA profiling
Technical Support
The technical support provided by crime laboratories can be
assigned to five basic services:Physical Science Unit: identifies
and compares physical evidence. Biology Unit: investigates

blood samples, body fluids, hair, and fiber samples. Firearms
Unit: investigates discharged bullets, cartridge cases, shotgun
shells, and ammunition. Document Examination Unit provides
the skills needed for handwriting analysis and other questioned-
document issues. Photography Unit applies specialized
photographic techniques for recording and examining physical
evidence.
Technical Support
Optional Services by Full-Service Labs
Toxicology Unit examines body fluids and organs for the
presence of drugs and poisons.Latent Fingerprint Unit processes
and examines evidence for latent fingerprints.Polygraph Unit
conducts polygraph or lie-detector tests.Voiceprint Analysis
Unit attempts to tie a recorded voice to a particular
suspect.Crime Scene Investigation Unit dispatches specially
trained personnel to the crime scene to collect and preserve
physical evidence.
Special Forensic Science ServicesForensic Psychiatry
examines the relationship between human behavior and legal
proceedings. Forensic Odontology involves using teeth to
provide information about the identification of victims when a
body is left in an unrecognizable state. Also investigates bite
marks.Forensic Engineering is concerned with failure analysis,
accident reconstruction, and causes and origins of fires or
explosions.Forensic Computer and Digital Analysis Unit
examines digital evidence.

The Scientific MethodFormulate a question worthy of
investigation.Formulate a reasonable hypothesis to answer the
question.Test the hypothesis through experimentation.Upon
validation of the hypothesis, it becomes suitable as scientific
evidence.
Skills of a Forensic Scientist A forensic scientist must
be skilled in applying the principles and techniques of the
physical and natural sciences to the analysis of the many types
of evidence that may be recovered during a criminal
investigation. A forensic scientist may also provide expert court
testimony. An expert witness is an individual who the court
determines possesses knowledge relevant to the trial that is not
expected of the average person.
Skills of a Forensic Scientist (continued)The expert
witness is called on to evaluate evidence based on specialized
training and experience that the court lacks the expertise to do.
The expert will then express an opinion as to the significance of
the findings. Forensic scientists also participate in training law
enforcement personnel in the proper recognition, collection, and
preservation of physical evidence.

The Frye Standard
The Frye v. United States decision set guidelines for
determining the admissibility of scientific evidence into the
courtroom. To meet the Frye standard, the evidence in question
must be “generally accepted” by the scientific community. 1993
- Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceutical, Inc., the U.S.
Supreme Court asserted that the Frye standard is not an absolute
prerequisite to the admissibility of scientific evidence. Trial
judges were said to be ultimately responsible as “gatekeepers”
for the admissibility and validity of scientific evidence
presented in their courts, as well as all expert testimony.
Daubert Criteria for Admissibility Whether the scientific
technique or theory can be testedWhether the technique has
been subject to peer review and publicationThe techniques
potential rate of errorExistence and maintenance of standards
Whether the scientific theory or method has attracted
widespread acceptance within a relevant scientific community
Class Name,
Instructor Name
Date, Semester
Chapter 2:

Securing and
Searching the
Crime Scene
*
*
Arrival at the Crime Scene
The responsibilities of the first officer at the scene are:
1) Acquiring medical assistance for injured
victimsMedical personnel avoid disturbing
evidence and approach the victim by an indirect
route.
2) Detaining any potential suspects or
witnessesStatements are taken from victims,
witnesses, and suspects
Arrival at the Crime Scene
3) Securing the crime scene to the greatest extent possibleThe
boundary is sealed off, and guards are posted at the entry to the
crime scene if needed.All civilians and unauthorized personnel
are excluded from the crime scene.
4) Calling for any additional personnel needs, such as
other officers and/or forensic investigatorsThe personnel
required depends upon the nature of the crime
scene.

Securing the Crime Scene The boundaries of the crime
scene must be secured with crime scene tape, ropes, or cones.
The secured area should include the area where the crime took
place and the surrounding area where physical evidence may be
located.
Once the boundaries are secured, guards may be posted to
restrict access to the crime scene.
Securing the Crime Scene A detailed log is kept
of personnel movements in and out of the crime scene. This log
includes personnel names and time of entry or exit.
Investigators should never do anything that might alter the
crime scene including smoking, eating, drinking, or littering.
Surveying the Crime Scene
The Walkthrough: initial survey of the crime scene
1) Perpetrator’s point of entry and exit are located.
2) Indirect path is taken to the center of the crime scene.
3) Obvious items of evidence are located and documented.
4) The conditions of the scene are observed and
recorded.Special attention is paid to items or conditions
that suggest timing of the incident or do not appear to belong.

Surveying the Crime Scene
At the Command Center
1) Investigators receive their assigned tasks from the lead
investigator.
2) Investigators store their equipment.
3) Investigators meet to discuss aspects of the crime scene.
4) Investigators and law enforcement personnel
communicate with personnel at other crime scenes.
Searching the Crime Scene The search for physical
evidence at a crime scene must be thorough and systematic. The
search pattern selected will normally depend on the size and
locale of the scene and the number of collectors participating in
the search.For a factual, unbiased reconstruction of the crime,
the investigator, relying upon his or her training and experience,
must not overlook any pertinent evidence. Physical evidence
can be anything from massive objects to microscopic traces
Searching the Crime Scene
James O'Sullivan (JO) - Add figure 2-2 from text

*
ADD FIGURE 2.2 FROM TEXT
Line/Strip Search Pattern
One or two investigators start at the boundary of the crime
scene and search in straight lines across to the other side of the
crime scene.
Grid Search Pattern
Two or more investigators form a grid by searching in line
patterns that overlap and are perpendicular to each other.
Spiral Search Pattern
One investigator searches in a spiral path from the center of the
crime scene to the boundary (outward) or from the boundary of
the crime scene to the center (inward).
Wheel/Ray Search Pattern
Several investigators search in straight lines from the center to
the boundary (outward) or from the boundary to the center
(inward).
Quadrant/Zone Search Pattern
The crime scene is divided into smaller sections (zones). One or
more investigators are assigned to search each zone.

Vehicle SearchesInvestigators search interior and exterior of
vehicle.The vehicle may be searched at the crime scene or at the
police department or crime laboratory garage.
Night SearchesInvestigators avoid carrying out outdoor or dark
indoor crime scene searches at night.If possible, the crime scene
is secured and guarded until morning.
Departing the Crime Scene The experienced lead
investigator decides when all pertinent physical evidence has
been recorded and collected at the crime scene.
A final survey is undertaken to visually review the scene and
collect all evidence and equipment.
Following the final survey, the crime scene is released to the
proper authorities.
Class Name,
Instructor Name
Date, Semester
Chapter 4:
Collection of
Crime Scene
Evidence

*
*
Crime Scene EvidenceAs automobiles run on gasoline, crime
laboratories “run” on physical evidence.
Physical evidence encompasses any and all objects that can
establish that a crime has been committed or can provide a link
between a crime and its victim or a crime and its perpetrator.
But if physical evidence is to be used effectively for aiding the
investigator, its presence first must be recognized at the crime
scene laws.
Crime Scene Evidence
Forensic science begins at the crime scene.
If the investigator cannot recognize physical evidence or cannot
properly preserve it for laboratory examination, no amount of
sophisticated laboratory instrumentation or technical expertise
can salvage the situation.
Here, investigators must recognize and properly preserve
evidence for laboratory examination.
It must be emphasized that the techniques of crime-scene
investigation are not difficult to master and certainly lie within
the bounds of comprehension of the average police officer.

Physical Evidence Physical evidence encompasses any and
all objects that can establish that a crime has or has not been
committed or can provide a link between a crime and its victim
or a crime and its perpetrator.
But if physical evidence is to be used effectively for aiding the
investigator, its presence first must be recognized at the crime
scene.
If the investigator cannot recognize physical evidence or cannot
properly preserve it for laboratory examination, no amount of
sophisticated laboratory instrumentation or technical expertise
can salvage the situation.
Types of Physical Evidence
Blood, semen, and saliva
Documents
Drugs
Explosives
Fibers
Fingerprints
Firearms and ammunition
Glass
Hair
Impressions
Organs and physiological fluids
Paint
Petroleum products
Plastic bags

Plastic, rubber, and other polymers
Powder residues
Soil and minerals
Tool marks
Vehicle lights
Wood and other vegetative matter
Procedures for Collection
Often, many items of evidence are clearly visible but others
may be detected only through examination at the crime
laboratory.
For this reason, it is important to collect possible carriers of
trace evidence, such as clothing, vacuum sweepings, and
fingernail scrapings, in addition to more discernible items.
Procedure for Collection Investigators handle and process
physical evidence in a way that prevents changes to the
evidence through contamination, breakage, evaporation,
accidental scratching or bending, or through improper or
careless packaging.
The use of latex gloves, disposable forceps, and sanitized
equipment reduces the chance for contamination.
Whenever possible, one should keep evidence in its original
condition as found at the crime scene.

Packaging
Each different item or similar items collected at different
locations must be placed in separate containers. Packaging
evidence separately prevents damage through contact and
prevents cross-contamination.
The well-prepared evidence collector will arrive at a crime
scene with a large assortment of packaging materials and tools
ready to encounter any type of situation.
PackagingDisposable forceps and similar tools may have
to be used to pick up small items.
Unbreakable plastic pill bottles with pressure lids are excellent
containers for hairs, glass, fibers, and various other kinds of
small or trace evidence.
Alternatively, manila envelopes, screw-cap glass vials, or
cardboard pillboxes are adequate containers for most trace
evidence encountered at crime sites.
Ordinary mailing envelopes should not be used as evidence
containers because powders and fine particles will leak out of
their corners.
Packaging
Small amounts of trace evidence can also be conveniently
packaged in a carefully folded paper, using what is known as a

“druggist fold.”
Evidence from arson scenes should be packaged in airtight
metal or glass containers to prevent the loss of accelerant
vapors.
PackagingIf biological or bloodstained materials are stored
in airtight containers, the accumulation of moisture may
encourage the growth of mold, which can destroy the evidential
value. In these instances, the material should be allowed to air-
dry before being packaged in wrapping paper, manila envelopes,
or paper bags. Contamination is a key concern during the
collection of DNA-containing specimens such as blood, saliva,
sweat or skin cells. Contamination can occur either by
introducing foreign DNA through coughing or sneezing onto
evidence or if items of evidence are incorrectly placed in
contact with each other during packaging. To prevent
contamination, the evidence collector must wear a face mask
and use disposable latex gloves and disposable forceps when
collecting evidence that may contain DNA.
Chain of Custody
Chain of Custody: a list of all persons who came into possession
of an item of evidence.
Continuity of possession, or the chain of custody, must be
established whenever evidence is presented in court as an
exhibit. Adherence to standard procedures in recording the

location of evidence, marking it for identification, and properly
completing evidence submission forms for laboratory analysis is
critical to chain of custody.This means that every person who
handled or examined the evidence and where it is at all times
must be accounted for.
Obtaining Reference Samples
Standard/Reference Sample: Physical evidence whose origin is
known, such as blood or hair from a suspect, that can be
compared to crime-scene evidence.
The examination of evidence, whether it is soil, blood, glass,
hair, fibers, and so on, often requires comparison with a known
standard/reference sample.
Although most investigators have little difficulty recognizing
and collecting relevant crime-scene evidence, few seem aware
of the necessity and importance of providing the crime lab with
a thorough sampling of standard/reference materials.
Submitting Evidence Evidence is usually submitted to the
laboratory either by personal delivery or by mail shipment.
Care must be taken in packaging evidence that will be sent by
mail in order to prevent breakage or other accidental destruction
during transit to the laboratory.
Most laboratories require that an evidence submission form
accompany all evidence submitted. Case information provided
on this form enables the laboratory analyst to make an
intelligent and complete examination of the evidence.

Crime Scene Safety
Crime scenes frequently present the investigator with biological
specimens of unknown origin; the investigator has no way of
gauging what health hazards they may contain. One must use
caution and protection at all times.
The Hot zone is the active crime scene area, which means
contaminates and probable evidence exists in this region. In the
Hot zone, all Crime Scene Technicians should be suited up with
Personal Protection Equipment, also known as PPE, such as
masks, foot protections, eye protections, and gloves.
Crime Scene Safety
It is recommended that personnel always wear double-gloved
latex gloves and possibly chemical resistant clothing, Tyvek-
type shoe covers, a particle mask/respirator, goggles, or face
shields when potentially infectious material is present. Gloves
should be changed often.
Personnel should maintain a red biohazard plastic bag for the
disposal of contaminated gloves, clothing, masks, pencils,
wrapping paper, and so on.
Crime Scene Safety

When processing and collecting evidence at a crime scene,
personnel should be alert to sharp objects, knives, hypodermic
syringes, razor blades, and similar items.
Eating, drinking, smoking, eating, and chewing gum are
prohibited at the immediate crime scene.
Crime Scene Safety
Updates of current Crime Scene Safety regulations and
education should be made annually by a designated Crime Scene
Safety Coordinator.
Health inspections should also be part of the job requirements
for the use of certain safety equipment utilized at the crime
scenes.
Search and Seizure Protocols
The removal of any evidence from a person or from the scene of
a crime must be done in conformity with Fourth Amendment
privileges:
“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses,
papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizure,
shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon
probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and
particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons
or things to be seized.”

Search and Seizure Protocols
The United States Supreme Court has determined that search
and seizure without a court-approved warrant is justified in four
cases:
1) The existence of emergency circumstances
2) The need to prevent the immediate loss or destruction
of evidence
3) A search of a person and property within the
immediate control of the person provided it is made
incident to a lawful arrest
4) A search made by consent of the parties involved
Search and Seizure Landmark Cases
In the case of Mincey v. Arizona, the Court dealt with the
legality of a four-day search at a homicide scene and
determined that the evidence was illegally seized because a
warrant was never issued and the circumstances of the case did
not justify a warrantless search.
In Michigan v. Tyler, fire destroyed a business establishment
leased by Loren Tyler and a business partner. The court decided
that evidence obtained from the initial search was legally
seized, but evidence obtained from searches 4, 7, and 24 days
after the incident were illegally seized.

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