Crime scene management in detail

1. Crime Scene
Management

2. 
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Crime – An action or omission which is prohibited by criminal law and punished,
usually by fine or imprisonment. “ A crime is a wrongful act of such a kind that the
State deems it necessary, in the interest of the public, to repress it; for its repetition
would be harmful to the community as a whole”.
Causation of Crime
Causation in criminal law is verifies whether the defendant’s conduct contributed
sufficiently to the prohibited consequence to justify the criminal liability.
It is the causal relationship between the defendant’s conduct and the result. It is the
actus reus (an action) from which the incident or other effect arose and is combined
with mens rea (a state of mind) to comprise the elements of guilt.
Mens rea - mental representation of the crime (intention or knowledge of
wrongful doing)
Actus reus - physical representation of the crime (criminal act that is the result of
voluntary bodily movement)

3. Biological Theories
Lombroso and biological positivism
Sociological Theories
Social Disorganisation Theory
Anomie/Strain Theory
Subcultural Theory
Social Control Theory
Rational Choice Theory

4. Crime Scene - Any location that may be associated with a committed
crime which can provide potential evidence to an investigator. It may or
may not be where the crime was committed.
Crime Scene Examination- An examination where forensic or scientific
techniques are used to preserve and gather physical evidence of a crime.
Why investigate crime scene?
- To develop investigative leads for the detectives
- To locate possible evidence
- To develop specific information (evidence for further clarification)
- To locate significant information in the form of evidence to allow
successful and accurate reconstruction
- To link the crime to evidence

5. Causes of Crime
Mental disorder- not intentional act due to unsound mind.
Cultural conflict- religion, caste, race, increased modernisation, economic
rights etc
Mobility- industrialisation, migration, urbanisation etc
Family background- distressed parents, juvenile delinquency, family negligence
etc
Religious mis concepts- decreased or misconception of religious values,
crimes related to the morality of particular religion
Economic conditions- unemployment, poverty, educational defects
Political ideology- political motives leads to organised crimes
Ecological factors
Sub culture
Influence of media

6.  Objectives of crime scene investigation :
- Reconstruct the incident
- Ascertain the sequence of events
- Determine the mode of operation
- Uncover a motive
- Discover what property was stoles
- To develop the lost of suspects
- Recover physical evidence of the crime
Crime Scene
Indoor Outdoor Conveyance

7. Primary Crime Scene
It is the area which the incident of crime has taken place. Normally yield more
usable evidence than secondary crime scene.

8. Secondary Crime Scene
It is the area where physical evidence correlating to the primary crime
scene are found but not where the actual crime has occurred. Secondary
crime scene can be more than one in number.

9. Scene of Occurrence
It is identified from the account of the witness, corpus delicti, marks of a
struggle or disturbance, impressions and prints. Blood/ other body fluids or
strains, traces exchanged or left from the scene.

10. Indoor Crime Scene
Evidence are less susceptible to
environmental loss and deleterious
change
Multiple people engaging in crime
scene is large
Collecting known reference sample
from individuals with access to scene
Secure crime scene from external
invasion
When a combination of outdoor and
indoor crime scene is involved.
Outdoor should be given importance.
Outdoor Crime Scene
Evidence are the most vulnerable to
loss, contaminate and damage
Chance of biological evidence be
damaged are high due to
environmental conditions (heat, rain,
cold, snow and wind)
Evidence should be collected without
delay to maintain the integrity
Lack of sunlight can be a challenge in
evidence collection
Secure crime scene till sunlight

11. Crime Scene Management
(1)
(2)
Crime Scene Management- The initial step is to identify the crime scene
(step 1) and protection & preservation of the crime scene (step 2) Crime Scene
Survey
Crime Scene Investigation
Crime Scene Reconstruction
(1) Crime Scene Survey
-starts from the place and ascertain of the location
- Location
- Brief History (details of the victim and bodies associated with crime)
- Protection (do not contaminate the crime scene, use protective measures,
provide medical assistance to the victim, protect crime scene to avoid entry of
unauthorized person)

12. Then the procedure follows documentation (step 3), search (Step 4) and recording of
the crime scene (step 5), evidence collection (step 6), evidence analysis (Step 7). The 7
step protocol is a general guideline used for securing and processing a crime scene.
(2) Crime Scene Investigation
- Preliminary walk through
- Documentation ( Recording of the crime scene, photography, videography, sketching,
taking field notes)
- Searching for evidence
- Submission of evidence and analysis
(3) Crime Scene Reconstruction
- Documentation
- Hypothesis creating and testing
- Final reconstruction

13. Modus Operandi
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
WHAT?
It is a Latin word meaning “mode of operation”. Crime can be committed in
characteristics individual model or in a similar pattern. Usually a criminal adheres
to one form of crime which is safest to perform.
“the actions taken by a criminal to perpetrate a crime successfully. A criminal’s
Modus Operandi is comprised of learned behaviours than can evolve and more
confident”
WHY?
An offender choose a particular modus operandi to ensure success, protect
identity, for proper line of approach, to facilitate escape.
TYPES?
Offense location selection
Use of weapon to commit crime
Offenders precautionary acts
Offenders mode of transportation

14. INFLUENCE:
- it is a learned behaviour and hence dynamic and malleable
- affected by space and time
- changes as per the effectivity and ease of implementation
- successful implementation results in repetition of the behaviour
- makes the offender expert and skilful
- control substance can alter or change completely the behaviour
IMPORTANCE
- helpful in investigation (gather evidence) and prosecution (stages in case)
- strong and persuasive similarity can be observed between the crime charged
and other crimes committed before .
Case analysis : Vampire of Sacramento (1978)

15. Facts in Modus Operandi
(1) Entry: gives details of exact entry pattern (roof top, window sides)
(3) Means: method used by the offender to gain entry and the tools used for
the entry
(4) Object: the characteristics of stolen item (information that can be
identified by the third party, information/property assessed by the affected
party)
(5) Time: time of crime committed (day of the week, month, occasion)
(6) Style: method of entry into the crime scene
(7) Tale: story narrated about himself
(8) Associate: an associate in committing crime
(9) Transport: trace of vehicle as evidence
(10) Trademark: unique patterns and characteristics of the offender

16. Modus Operandi Bureau (M.O)
- The bureau is situated in New Delhi
- Under the hold of NCRB
- Modus Operandi Index card (Major and Minor classification)
Class 1- Offences attended with violence Class 2- House breaking and theft
Class 3- Ordinary thefts Class 4- Counterfeiting
Class 5- Cheating Class 6- Receiving/possession of stolen
property
Class 7 - Criminal breach of trust or misappropriation
Role of Modus Operandi Bureau
- to maintain records of interstate and inter district criminals
- to maintain complete history of related criminals
- to complete monthly diaries and further submission, to NCRB
- to disseminate information regarding crime

17. How to Locate a Crime Scene
Accounts of eye witness
Marks of struggle
Corpus delicti
Physical evidence
Traces carried or left
Video recordings
A scene of crime (occurrence) is the place where the crime is committed or
those sites which are connected with the crime or where the evidence thereof
is found or exchanged.
Disturbance in the scene indicates the pattern of the events. The scene of
occurrence changes rapidly and it cannot be preserved forever. Hence the
scene needs immediate protection and processing.

18. Evaluation of a Crime Scene
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
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Protection
Photography
Sketching
Search
Handling Clues
Recording
Modern Handling
(1) Protection of the crime scene
Check the bodies for signs of life and if needed medical emergency should
be given
Expel all unauthorized person from the crime scene

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Barricade the scene of crime, enclose a larger area so that no clues are possibly
left out
Segregate the suspect and the witness
Arrest or detain the suspect if he is identified
Do not start independent searches and inquiries
The concern authority should be informed of the scene of crime and seek help
from experts
Do not leave the scene unguarded and do not discuss the case with anybody
Get information of the informer
Do not use utilities in the crime scene and try to smell the alcohol, tobacco,
perfumes, explosives etc
Do not move anything from the scene
Do not clean the scene of crime even if it’s a complete mess.

20. 1.
2.
3.
Securing the Crime Scene
First, Secure the crime scene as the event transit to an inactive event with a
strategic investigative response. If the evidence cannot be protected in tactical
investigative response mode, the court will accept this as reality or practical
difficulty.
Locking down the crime scene - A physical barrier usually a police tape, is
placed around the outside edges of the crime scene defining the edges of
the crime scene is known as establishing a crime scene perimeter. Defining
the edges of the crime scene with tape is known as establishing the process
of isolating the crime scene inside a perimeter is known as locking down
the crime scene.
Setting up crime scene perimeters – This defines the size of the crime scene,
it is usually the area where the criminal acts have taken place.
Establishing a path of contamination – There will be one controlled access
point for the path of contamination. With the recorded information the
investigator can establish a baseline or status of existing contamination
and get an acceptable analysis of that particular item if the contamination
can be explained and quantified.

21. 4. Establishing crime scene security - A security
system to monitor unauthorized access to
crime scene. A crime scene security officer
is assigned to regulate access and record the
activities of authorized persons. “ Crime
Scene Activity Log” is established for
this purpose.

22. Division of Crime Scene
POINT OF ENTRY
LINE OF APPROACH
ACTUAL SCENE
LINE OF RETREAT
POINT OF EXIT

23. (2) Photography
- bring the scene of occurrence to the court room
- accurate than the verbal and written description
- helps in evidence identification of the IO have overlooked certain details
- biased approach (influence of third party, preconceived theory) can be
avoided
- permanent record which can be verified at later stage
- the evidence which cannot be protected for long (skid marks, tyre marks, foot
and footwear marks) can be recorded instantly
- perishable evidences (wounds on dead body, traces of resistance, swollen
flesh, strangulation marks) are recorded and preserved

24. I.
II.
III.
Basic steps to be taken care of :
A minimum of four photographs should be captured for the general view
(corpus delicti & items of evidences)
Close-up photographs along with a scale to indicate dimensions
Record of the items covered, positions of the cameras and types of
illumination used
- the main site of the scene of occurrence
- the route of approach of the offender
- start from the entry point
- try to include all the evidence from different possible angles
- the location of the corpus delicti
- the position and identity of the corpus delicti
- the evidence on the deceased (injuries, weapon, hair, fibres)
- the marks of struggle(bloodstain, disturbed scene, bedding)

25. - the evidence left by the offender (weapon, bullets, cartridge case, cigarette
buds, fingerprints, footmarks, bullet holes, tool marks etc)
- the point of exit
- the route of departure
Types of photography in forensic science
- simple manual and digital photography
- Manual &Digital SLR photography
- Filter photography (blood stain on red background)
- Colour and b/w photography (fingerprint on document)
- Infrared (latent impression, blood stain), ultraviolet
- Highspeed (trace down the path of bullets)
- Surveillance photography & videography
- Crime scene photography

26. Basic things to be considered while forensic photography
Selection of objects – everything cannot be evidence but anything can be
evidence.
Selection of camera- 35mm of film plane (the maximum aperture of
camera film)
Camera setting
Lighting – Artificial light (flash guns), Natural light (daylight,
nightlight)
- the amount of natural light entering the camera should be considered
- in dim situation more light should enter the camera by decreasing the
shutter speed.
- the amount of artificial light should also be in control

27. Aperture setting
- As aperture controls the amount of light into camera, in case of dim
situation the aperture should be increased so that more light can enter the camera
and vice versa.
Shutter speed – in good light (125 fraction/sec)
- in dim light (60 fraction/sec)
- the zoom is not affected by the amount of light
- focus stop (5.6)
- Shutter speed (12.5 fraction/sec)
- the camera angels can be selected from 0° to 180°
- pay attention to camera angels
- take complete series of picture
- take photographs with reference scale

28. Importance of photography
- demonstrate invisible traces, visually unrecognisable clues, stains and like
- photography with ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, X-ray, coloured filters,
macro photography, photomicrography, microphotography, digital
photography and photogrammetry
- a complete series of picture should be taken (an overview, a midrange
and a close up)
- pictures showcase relationship between the objects placed in the crime
scene
- holography is used to photograph prints and impression even on carpets
and grass
- the photography should be free from distortions, glares and shadows
- maintain proper perspective and tonal relation

29. - the standard size is 10 × 15cm to 20 × 30cm photograph.
- the photograph provided as evidence should be relevant and minimal in
number to avoid confusion and false judgement
Recent Development
Ariel photography- better appreciation of the position of the objects
Video filming
Use of markers- flags or circles made with a chalk piece to indicate the position
of small items.
Photogrammetry- the technique dispenses with the measurement of inter-
distances and preparation of sketches.

30. Crime Scene Search
Crime scene search scenarios involve significant teamwork. Each team
member should be assigned a specific duty during the crime scene processing.
Explorers handle the crime scene as if they are the actual evidence
technicians collecting and processing the evidence.
Each explorer should make clear their assignment, then follow through with
the task. Explorers should be able to process a scene, have a clear
understanding of what has happened and take appropriate action.
Locating evidence at the scene may require the use of multiple methods and
approaches. The search technique vary from one scene to another.

31. Search Methods
1.
Six basic crime scene search patterns are:
Line /strip method
The scene of crime is divided into strip of
convenient width and each strip is examined
in turn, carefully. crime scene personnel walk
a path from one end of the crime scene, over
to the other side of the room or area, and then
return in the direction from which he or she
first started. Every lap brings the investigator
closer to the centre of the room or space being
searched. Used in large outdoor crime scene.
The members of the search group are assigned in
regular intervals.
- Stakes and string can also be used to create
“lanes” for which each explorer would be
responsible.

33. 2. Grid/cross-hatch method
This method is used in large crime scenes such
as fields or woods. The officers move alongside
each other from one end of the area to be
searched to the other. The search is carried out
two dimensionally (double-line search). First the scene
is covered length wise (as in strip method) and the width
wise. This helps in double examination of the same spot.

34. - The method is considered to be more effective
- As the search is two dimensional it is more time consuming
Grid/cross-hatch method

35. 3.
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Zone/quadrant Method
- The method is usually applied in indoor
crime scene. The scene is divided into small
zones (quadrant)and each zone is examined
in turn.
- Separate officer is designated to search
each section and more than one team can
search the specified (allotted) zones.
The team them swap and re cover the
areas to ensure no evidence has been
missed.

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4. Spiral method
A search method in which the investigator move in an inward spiral from
the boundary to the centre of the scene or in an outward spiral from the
centre to the boundary of a scene.
It is more effective if there is no physical barriers.
Commonly used when looking for an object that is suspected to be a
specific distance from another. For e.g.: shell casing from a gun or an
object thrown by hand from a specific location, but thrown in an unknown
direction.
A stake in the centre with a string
attached will assure proper distance
and avoid overlapping already
searched areas or missing areas
not yet searched.

38. 5.
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Wheel/ray Method
A search method employed by several crime scene personnel moving
from the boundary straight toward the centre of the scene (inward) or
from the centre straight to the boundary (outward).
Starting in the middle of an imaginary circle, each investigator moves in a
direction straight out from the centre, or "hub" of the wheel, much like
the spokes of a bicycle wheel.
More effective on small and circular crime scene

39. 6. Link Method
This method is used mostly in indoor crime scene. This method is not easily
definable in a geometrical pattern. Association between the evidence is the
lead of the case. Investigators evaluate the scene and then proceed through
the area in a systematic and logical fashion.
- This method can to be used in conjunction with any of the other five crime
search methods
-It involves observation, analysis and deductive reasoning
B E
A D
C

40. Sketching
Sketches are handy in depicting important evidence and in combination with
the photographs, the sketches provide an ideal presentation of the scene.
It accurately portrays the physical facts.
The indicate inter-distance and position of the relevant evidentiary clues.
It relates to the sequence of events at the scene.
It helps to create a mental picture of the scene for those not present.
It is a permanent record of the scene.
It usually is admissible in court.
It assists in interviewing and interrogating.
It assists in preparing the written investigative report.

41. It assists in presenting the case in court
The draftsman have necessary training and experience in preparing plans and
drawings
The general outline of the crime scene is drawn in black ink and the IO fill the
evidence observed in red ink.
Two types of sketches are produced with regards to crime scene
documentation: (1) Rough sketches (2) Final sketches.
Rough Sketches
- It is developed while on-scene, typically during the crime scene
assessment/preliminary scene evaluation phase.
- The sketch is not done to scale
Final Sketches
- usually prepared for courtroom presentation and often will not show all
measurements and distances originally recorded on the rough sketch.

42. The sketch should be clutter-free and should accurately depict all pertinent
items of evidence.
- Use oflegend - it is a note of explanation, outside of the sketch area, which
relates to a specific item, symbol, or information contained within the
graphical representation of a sketch.
A final sketch should include the following:
Title (What does the sketch represent?)
Legend (What do symbols within the sketch mean?)
Case Information (date, time, place, case number)
Initials/Name (person who drew the sketch)
Indication of a direction
Scale (e.g.: 1” = 1’).

43. Measurement table (If measurements are not represented within the
confines of the sketch, an accompanying measurement table should be
included to explain the distances and measurements associated with it)
There should be a notation following the scale or measurement table stating:
“All Measurements are Approximate.”
Different crime scene (a) the bird’s eye or overhead view (b) the elevation or
side view, and (c) the three-dimensional (3D) view perspectives can be
represented within a sketch

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Crime Scene Mapping
The basic types of mapping methods utilized for crime scene sketching and mapping are:
(1) Baseline Mapping (Method)
Run a baseline from one fixed point to another(north/south line from the furthest most point, from
which measurements are taken at right angle. Each piece of evidence is measured from the baseline.
This can be an existing area ( edge of a roadway, a wall, fence ) or it can be developed by personnel by
placing a string or tape measure through the scene and conducting measurements from there.
Quick and easy to use
Work best for outdoor crime scene
The most basic mapping method
The base line is like a number line where
the object would make a 90 degree angle
The least accurate method

46. -
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(2) Triangulation Mapping (Method)
Requires two fixed points of reference to form a “base line”. Uses straight line
measurement from two fixed objects to the evidence to create a triangle with
evidence to the angle formed by two straight lines. Measure the location of the
evidence (X,Y; here its point 3) from fixed points (A,B). Use a protractor or
instrument to measure the angels.
More accurate
Time consuming
A fixed flat surface is not required
Common in outdoor scene

47. (3) Rectangle Method
Measurement is taken from two fixed flat surfaces by making a 90 degree
angels between the surface and the objects.
- Use two adjacent walls as baselines and measure the right angle to the object.
- commonly used method
- effective for interior crime scene

48. (4) Polar/Grid Coordinate Mapping
This is a two-dimensional system that indicates the location of an object
by providing the angle and distance from the fixed or known point.
- Compass is necessary to measure the angles and polar directions.
- This method is best utilized in large outdoor scenes with very few
landmarks (e.g., a plane crash in forest or large field).
- the central point is called the pole
- Requires a single fixed reference point
- Measure the distance of object from reference point

49. (5) Cross projection (exploded view)
This method is useful when the items are
on or in the walls or in an enclosed space.
It is the flattened view of the scene as
though the scene was a box with its sides,
top and bottom flattened.
Useful in case where the walls, ceilings and
floors have important evidence (bloodstain
pattern, bullet defects etc)
Software packages
Compuscene
Autosketch

50. (6)Advanced Mapping Techniques
Some departments may have the ability to make better utilization of
modern technology, such as global positioning systems (GPS) and Total
Stations, which are mapping systems that can take measurements in polar
coordinates and then convert the measurements into grid coordinates. The
benefit of this technology is that they both are able to provide precise
electronic distance measurements and are extremely useful in mapping
large-scale scenes and events.

51. 
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Basic Principles
The sketch of the scene should be prepared at the scene of crime
The distance should be measured with the help of a tape and not by paces or
guessed.
A suitable scale should be used and indicated on the sketch.
- for indoor scene : 1:5 to 100
- for building and outdoor: 1:50 to 500
- for large areas : 1:1000 to 10,000
The direction should be indicated.
A compass may be used to find out the direction.
Superfluous items should not be introduced in the sketch
Sketching includes measuring tape, drawing board, ruler, set of triangles, graph,
drawing paper, pencil, eraser
Symbols, letters or digits and a legend should be used to avoid crowding

52. Conventional Symbols

54. Note taking