1. Processing the Crime Scene

2. First responders job: –SAFETY first (scene and victims) –Secure the scene People, press Don’t move body w/o consent of coroner Keep witnesses separate Gloves, goggles, shoe covers No eating, drinking

3. Are all crime scenes processed the same way? No, major work ups are done only for a) severe crimes b) big-time burglaries

4. Primary crime scene: site of crime –Ex. Murder scene Secondary crime scene: related to the primary scene –Ex. Site where body is dumped –Ex. Suspect’s house

5. Processing the Scene 1. Preliminary walk-through (survey) 2. Documentation 3. Proper collection (detailed search) 4. Packaging 5. Preservation 6. Scene reconstruction

6. Survey Be curious Be skeptical Identify the scope of the crime-scene and possible locations for evidence.

7. Be curious! Murder / Burglary? Murder or Suicide? Insurance Fraud? Arson to cover another crime?

8. Documentation Photos Sketches Notes Video

9. Photos Start from wide-angle view and move in # all evidence Picture with ruler/picture w/o ruler Video used but should not be narrated or edited

10. Sketches Rough sketch at scene Final sketch later Perspectives for sketches –A. Overhead (bird’s eye) –B. Elevation (side view)

11. Sketches Use at least 2 fixed points for each object Forensic surveyor may create 3-D models GPS may be used at large scenes

12. Notes Be VERY detailed. Need to make sense years later

13. Video Do not add sound Do not edit Low resolution compared to a camera Do not interrupt once you have started taping. General --> specific

14. Proper Search/Collection Daylight better than artificial light Oblique lighting – from an angle

15. Type of search Line or strip Grid Zone Wheel, ray Spiral

17. Packaging Package fragile first (fingerprints) Send whole articles of clothing Bloodstains A. scrape B. transfer to wet swab C. cut out

18. Packaging Forceps, pill bottles, envelopes, vials Druggist fold Do NOT put bloodstains in airtight cont. DO put charred fire debris in airtight container.

19. Controls Known standards for comparison to evidence

20. Examples of Controls Ex. Control paint from suspect vehicle in hit and run Ex. Control hair from victim/suspect Ex. Control…Blood or cheek swab from victim/suspect Ex. Control (Unburned) samples of wood or carpet

21. Packaging Submit to lab for testing Personal delivery Mail

22. Preservation Secure area Chain of custody

23. Chain of Custody Record of who handles the evidence –Case # –Description –Initials –Date –Time –Location –Evidence #

24. Scene Reconstruction Hypothesize the likely sequence of events using: Shoeprints Fingerprints Tool marks Blood Bullet trajectories Body