Crime Scene Investigation Points to Know

Highlights The first responder must secure the scene All unauthorized personnel must be excluded from the scene You secure a scene so that evidence won’t be rendered valueless Lead investigator assigns tasks Forensic scientist’s role begins at lab.

Recording a scene Photography – Close ups and overviews – The scene, the evidence and surrounding areas Sketches – Rough Sketch – Final Sketch Notes – Description, location of evidence, time items were discovered, who discovered the item, Packaging of item and disposition of items

Searches Spiral Line Grid Quadrant/Zone How to proceed depends on: – Location – Size – Actions of suspect and victim

Collect and package Prevent a change in the evidence. – Contamination, breakage, evaporation, loss, careless packaging. Attempt to keep the item on the item that bears it.

Collection Trace evidence – not readily apparent to the naked eye. Evidence is best maintained in its original state. Each item collected must be placed in a separate container Pill bottles, Manila Envelopes, Vials, evidence bags NO regular envelopes

Collection Containers Blood evidence = airtight containers – Because moisture = mold Charred debris from arson must be in an airtight container. – Prevents evaporation of petroleum residues.

Chain of Custody A list of all persons that have come into contact with the evidence

Obtain Standard Or Reference Samples Compare evidence with a known/reference sample. Blood evidence accompanied by a Whole Blood or buccal swab

ETC. Prevent disease transmission Get a search warrant.