Ms. Engle Forensics Class Collection Notes Ms. Engle Forensics Class

Crime Scenes and Evidence As a crime scene investigator: After a crime: First responder Give aid Interview witnesses Secure and protect the integrity of the crime scene Prevent others from disturbing the evidence

Documentation Photography Notes Video Taping Sketches

Crime Scene Search Patterns Line method Strip method Grid method Wheel method Spiral method Zone method Link method

Patterns

When searching for evidence Look beyond the obvious Search methodology Search Pattern Record Evidence- Chain of Custody Preventing Contamination SMID

Types of Evidence Various definitions: Now: ???“Animal, mineral or vegetable”??? Now: Chemical, biological or microscopic

Types of Evidence Expert Evidence Testimonial Evidence In or out of court, opinions Testimonial Evidence Interviews, statements, etc. Physical Evidence Trace, blood, fibers

Evidence Protocols Important because: Sets a standard Leaves little room for error Difficult to challenge

Collection of Physical Evidence Get the whole object Wet Let Dry!!!! Primary AND Secondary Survey Fresh or rested eyes 2nd set of eyes Scientific-ness

Reconstruction of Evidence How the act occurred  base on evidence, not Skepticism Use the end result to look at the past Look at components: Crime Scene & Evidence Forensic Lab Tests Logic and Reasoning EXPERIENCE