Objective: You will be able to explain the basics of taking notes at a crime scene Do Now: Read “Secure and isolate the crime scene” on p. 34/35 What are the first things done when an officer arrives at a crime scene? Once secured, what does the lead investigator first do?

Physical evidence All objects that a crime has been committed All objects that provide link between crime and victim All objects that provide link between crime and its perpetrator

Notes Detailed description of scene with location of physical evidence found Must be detailed because coming back to it in months or years Record time evidence found and by whom Also need who and how it was packed and marked by Tape recording can also be useful Video allows for photo and notes at once but must be transcribed eventually

Objective: You will be able to discuss the methods used to photograph a crime scene. Do Now: Read p What is the main drawback of videotaping a crime scene? If a crime scene is videotaped, what needs to accompany the tape?

Photography Photograph evidence while it is unaltered If objects moved then pictures may not be admitted as evidence –If moved must be noted in report Pictures of entire scene including points of exit and entry Surrounding areas where important events occurred before or after crime If indoors all wall areas photographed and adjacent rooms

Photography If body then photos of body position and location relative to entire scene –Close-ups to show injuries and weapons Surface beneath body after it has been removed Each item at scene is photographed to show position relative to entire scene –Then close-ups to show details of itself –Include ruler or something to show size

Sketches Rough sketch shows dimensions of scene and location of all objects –Create a legend –Pertinent objects are located by two fixed points like walls –Compass pointing north Finished sketch is prepared with craftsman’s tools

Second floor X X = Body found

First floor A A = Blood stain B B = Knife C = Broken window C

You will be able to outline the safety protocols for investigators examining a crime scene Do Now: –Read “maintain chain of custody” on p –FULLY explain what is meant by the chain of custody

Collecting and packaging evidence Purpose is to prevent any changes between time it was removed and time received at lab Nothing should be tampered with until it reaches lab –Ex. Not pulling hair off of clothes Pill bottles, envelopes are good for storing small objects envelopes Clothes must be air dried and stored individually in a paper bag Stops mold and mildew from ruining evidence Marked with initials of collector, location of evidence and date of collection

Chain of custody It is the record of the handling of each piece of evidence

Crime Scene Safety AIDS and hepatitis B from body fluids Officers with contact must have had a hepatitis vaccination

Legality Can’t search unless a probable cause Exceptions: –Emergency situation –Need to prevent immediate loss of evidence –If made with a lawful arrest –Consent of all parties