The document provides an overview of crime scene investigation procedures. It discusses establishing the crime scene perimeter and securing evidence, documenting the scene through photography, sketching, and note taking, conducting systematic searches using standard patterns, collecting, packaging, and maintaining chain of custody of evidence, submitting evidence to labs for analysis, and the roles of various personnel including medical examiners. Crime scene investigation aims to reconstruct events and identify suspects through careful documentation and recognition of physical evidence.

1. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company1The Crime Scene

2. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company2Corpus Delicti“Body of the Crime”Authorities must prove:That a crime occurredThat the person charged with the crime was responsible for the crimeTop reasons for committing a crimeMoneyRevengeEmotion—love, hate, angerSource of evidenceBodyPrimary and/or secondary crime sceneSuspect(s)

3. Introduction to Crime Scene InvestigationThe purpose of crime scene investigation is to help establish what happened (crime scene reconstruction) and to identify the responsible person.

4. carefully documenting the conditions at a crime scene and recognizing all relevant physical evidence.

5. The ability to recognize and properly collect physical evidence is oftentimes critical to both solving and prosecuting violent crimes.

6. It is important to determine the full extent of a crime scene. A crime scene is not merely the immediate area where a body is located or where an assailant concentrated his activities but can also encompass a vehicle and access/escape routes.

7. In the majority of cases, the law enforcement officer who protects and searches a crime scene plays a critical role in determining whether physical evidence will be used in solving or prosecuting violent crimes.

8. Crime Scene VocabularyCRIME SCENE: Any physical location in which a crime has occurred or is suspected of having occurred. PRIMARY CRIME SCENE: The original location of a crime or accident.SECONDARY CRIME SCENE: An alternate location where additional evidence may be found.SUSPECT: Person thought to be capable of committing a crime.ACCOMPLICE: Person associated with someone suspected of committing a crime.ALIBI: Statement of where a suspect was at the time of a crime.

9. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company6Crime Scene TeamA group of professionals trained in a variety of special disciplinesTeam membersFirst police officer on the sceneMedics (if necessary)Investigator(s)Medical examiner (if necessary)Photographer and/or field evidence technicianLab experts

10. Crime Scene PersonnelPOLICE OFFICERS are typically the first to arrive at a crime scene. They are responsible for securing the scene so no evidence is destroyed and detaining persons of interest in the crime.The CSI UNIT documents the crime scene in detail and collects any physical evidence. The DISTRICT ATTORNEY is often present to help determine if any search warrants are required to proceed and obtains those warrants from a judge. The MEDICAL EXAMINER (if a homicide) may or may not be present to determine a preliminary cause of death. SPECIALISTS (entomologists, forensic scientists, forensic psychologists) may be called in if the evidence requires expert analysis. DETECTIVES interview witnesses and consult with the CSI unit. They investigate the crime by following leads provided by witnesses and physical evidence.

11. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company8Crime Scene InvestigationBased on the scientific method, the Locard Exchange Principle, logic, and forensic techniquesInvolves:Recognition—scene survey, documentation, collection Identification—classification of evidenceIndividualization—comparison testing, evaluation, and interpretationReconstruction—sequencing events, reporting, and presenting

12. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company9Processing a Crime Scene Isolate and secure the sceneDocument the sceneSearch for evidenceCollect and package evidence, maintaining the chain of custodySubmit evidence to the crime lab for analysis

13. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company10First Officer on the SceneA Assess the crime scene and assist the injuredD Detain the witnessA Arrest the perpetratorP Protect the crime sceneT Take notes

14. Investigators gather information to:Reconstruct sequence of eventsDetermine the modus operandiMO: the characteristic method of the crimeDetermine the motive of the crime

15. Processing the Crime SceneThere are 7 steps to processing a crime scene Secure and Isolate the Crime Scene Record the Scene Photograph, Sketch, Take Notes Conduct a Systematic Search For Evidence Collect and Package Evidence Maintain Chain of Custody Obtain Controls Submit Evidence to the Laboratory

16. The Crime SceneA place where a crime has taken place.

17. A starting point for a criminal investigation.

18. There is no "crime scene exception" to the Fourth Amendment.

19. That is, once the emergency is over, and police have secured the scene, then the police must comply with Fourth Amendment requirements.

20. guards against unreasonable searches and seizures

21. requires search and arrest warrants be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause

22. If the scene is a protected area such as a house or private part of a business, then a search warrant or consent must be obtained.

23. Of course officers can secure and protect the scene until these requirements are met (Flippo v. West Virginia). Law Enforcement Personnel on the sceneIn order for physical evidence to be analyzed and to tell its part of the story, it must first be properly collected.

24. In order for the proper collection to take place, the crime scene, must be properly secured, protected, and preserved.

25. Scene security, protection, and preservation is the responsibility of any and all law enforcement personnel who come in contact with the scene, the suspect, and/or the victim. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company15Crime Scene ReconstructionStagesData collectionHypothesis formationExamination, testing, and analysisDetermination of the significance of the evidenceTheory formulation

26. Crime Scene Investigation TeamTeam Leader

27. Photographer and Photographic Log Recorder

28. Sketch Preparer

29. Evidence Recorder/Evidence Recovery Personnel

30. Specialists Team LeaderAssume control - ensure safety of personnel and security at scene, use of appropriate protective equipment to avoid any health hazard from blood or any other human body fluid. Conduct initial walk-through to make a preliminary survey, evaluate potential evidence, and prepare a narrative description. Determine search patterns, and make appropriate assignments for team members. Designate command post location and ensure exchange of information between search and investigative personnel. Coordinate and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies Ensure that sufficient supplies and equipment are available Control access to the scene and designate an individual to log everyone into the scene. Continuously reevaluate efficiency of search during entire course of operation. Release the scene after a final survey and inventory of the evidence has been done.

31. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company18Crime Scene SurveyWalk-through—performed by the crime scene investigator, the first officer, and sometimes the lead detectivePurpose:Mentally prepare a reconstruction theoryNote any transient or conditional evidence that could change over timeNote environmental and weather conditionsNote points of entry or exit, as well as paths of travel within the crime sceneRecord initial observations of who, what, where, when, and howIdentify special needs within the crime scene for personnel, precautions, or equipment and notify superior officers or other agencies

32. Crime Scene Search PatternsPurpose of a search:

33. locate, identify, and collect evidence

34. Standard search patterns used at a crime scene, especially when the scene is very large. These patterns include: spiral, grid, strip or linear, wheel or ray and quadrant or zone search

35. Important things to do during a search:

36. Search from the general to the specific for evidence.

37. Be alert for all evidence.

38. Search entrances and exits.

39. Discuss the search with all personnel.Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company20Search MethodsLine or strip method—best in large, outdoor scenesGrid method—basically a double-line search; effective, but time-consumingZone method—most effective in houses or buildings; teams are assigned small zones for searchingWheel or ray method—best on small, circular crime scenesSpiral method—may move inward or outward; best used where there are no physical barriers

40. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company21DocumentationNotes—date, time, description of the location, weather and environmental conditions, description of the crime, location of the evidence relative to other key points, the names of all people involved, modifications that have occurred, and other relevant informationPhotography—photos of scene and surroundings; mid-range to close-up photos with various angles of each piece of evidence; photos as viewed by any witnessesSketches—inclusion of date; time; scale; reference points; distance measurements; names of investigators, victims, suspects; a legend (key)Videography—allows for narration (non-subjective) and different perspectives

41. Recording the Crime SceneDocumentation

42. transient and conditional details

43. lighting (on/off), drapes (open/closed), weather, or furniture moved by medical teams.

44. The scope extends to possible arguments which might be made in this case (suicide/self defense) and documenting conditions supporting or refuting these arguments.

45. Recognize absence of objects

46. what should be present at a scene but is not (victim's vehicle/wallet) and objects which appear to be out of place (ski mask) and might have been left by the assailant. Photographer/Photographic RecorderPhotograph entire area before it is entered. Photograph victims, crowd, and vehicles. Photograph entire scene with overall, medium and close-up coverage, using measurement scale when appropriate. Photograph major evidence items before they are moved Photograph all latent fingerprints and other impression evidence before lifting and casting are accomplished. Prepare photographic log and sketch.

47. Photographing the Crime SceneYou can never take too many pictures. Utilize a flash if necessary.

48. Move evidence for better photographs only after the "as is" photograph has been taken and is necessary for additional identification. Photographing the Crime SceneDigital photography

49. HUGE step and cost effective

50. You can never take too many pictures.

51. Utilize a flash if necessary.

52. Move evidence for better photographs only after the "as is" photograph has been taken and is necessary for additional identification. Photography and SketchesUsed togetherSketched give photographs perspectivesHelp investigators notice and remember details

53. Sketching the Crime SceneDocumentation of physical evidence locations, as well as measurements showing pertinent size and distance relationships in the crime scene area.SketchesAccurate rough sketchAll objects should be measured against 2 immovable landmarksLabel NorthProvide a scale¼ in = x feetAnything in vicinity of CS should be includedDoors, windows, furnitureOutdoor CSPosition of trees, hedges, vehicles, other structuresMore accurate sketch needs to be made later to be utilized in courtComputer programsSketches need to include Case number, date, location, name of investigator