1. Forensic Science T. Trimpe 2006 http://sciencespot.net

2. CRIME SCENE: Any physical location in which a crime has occurred or is suspected of having occurred. Source: http://www3.sc.maricopa.edu/ajs/crime_scene_technician.htm PRIMARY CRIME SCENE: The original location of a crime or accident. SECONDARY CRIME SCENE: An alternate location where additional evidence may be found. ALIBI: Statement of where a suspect was at the time of a crime. ACCOMPLICE: Person associated with someone suspected of committing a crime. SUSPECT: Person thought to be capable of committing a crime. Crime Scene Vocabulary

3. Testimonial evidence includes oral or written statements given to police as well as court testimony by people who witnessed an event. Physical evidence refers to any material items that would be present at the crime scene, on the victims, or found in a suspect’s possession. Trace evidence refers to physical evidence that is found in small but measurable amounts, such as strands of hair, fibers, or skin cells. Source: http://www3.sc.maricopa.edu/ajs/crime_scene_technician.htm What will evidence collected at a scene do for the investigation? May prove that a crime has been committed Establish key elements of a crime Link a suspect with a crime scene or a victim Establish the identity of a victim or suspect Corroborate verbal witness testimony Exonerate the innocent. Give detectives leads to work with in the case Types of Evidence

4. POLICE OFFICERS are typically the first to arrive at a crime scene. They are responsible for securing the scene so no evidence is destroyed and detaining persons of interest in the crime. The CSI UNIT documents the crime scene in detail and collects any physical evidence. The DISTRICT ATTORNEY is often present to help determine if any search warrants are required to proceed and obtains those warrants from a judge. The MEDICAL EXAMINER (if a homicide) may or may not be present to determine a preliminary cause of death. SPECIALISTS (forensic entomologists, anthropologists, or psychologists) may be called in if the evidence requires expert analysis. DETECTIVES interview witnesses and consult with the CSI unit. They investigate the crime by following leads provided by witnesses and physical evidence. Source: http://science.howstuffworks.com/csi.htm Crime Scene Personnel

5. Step 1: Interview The first step in investigating a crime scene is to interview the first officer at the scene or the victim to determine what allegedly happened, what crime took place, and how was the crime committed. This information may not be factual information but it will give the investigators a place to start. Step 2: Examine The second step in the investigation of a crime scene, which will help identify possible evidence, identify the point of entry and point of exit, and outline the general layout of the crime scene. Step 3: Document The third step in the protocol involves creating a pictorial record of the scene as well as a rough sketch to demonstrate the layout of the crime scene and to identify the exact position of the deceased victim or other evidence within the crime scene. Step 4: Process This is the last step in the protocol. The crime scene technician will process the crime scene for evidence, both physical and testimonial evidence. It is the crime scene technicians responsibility to identify, evaluate and collect physical evidence from the crime scene for further analysis by a crime laboratory. Crime Scene Protocol Adapted from http://www.feinc.net/cs-proc.htm

6. Drug Chemistry – Determines the presence of controlled substances and the identification of marijuana Trace Chemistry - Identification and comparison of materials from fires, explosions, paints, and glass. Microscopy – Microscopic identification and comparison of evidence, such as hairs, fibers, woods, soils, building materials, insulation and other materials. Biology/DNA – Analysis of body fluids and dried stains such as blood, semen, and saliva. Toxicology – Tests body fluids and tissues to determine the presence of drugs and poisons. Latent Prints - Identification and comparison of fingerprints or other hidden impressions from sources like feet, shoes, ears, lips or the tread on vehicle tires. Ballistics (Firearms) – Study of bullets and ammunition through the comparison of fired bullets, cartridges, guns, and gunpowder patterns on people and objects. Toolmarks – Examines marks left by tools on objects at a crime scene or on a victim, such as a hammer used to break a door or a screwdriver used to pick a lock. Questioned Documents - Examination of documents to compare handwriting, ink, paper, writing instruments, printers, and other characteristics that would help to identify its origin. Investigating the Evidence Source: http://www.isp.state.il.us/forensics/ Forensic Science disciplines at the Illinois State Police Crime Labs

7. Mock Crime Scene: http://www.masss.govhttp://www.masss.gov What evidence would you collect?

8. Documentation 1. Notes The following should be included in notes: -Date -Location of crime -Time -Weather conditions -Description of crime -Location of evidence -Names of all people involved – Points of entry/exit -Type of Scene

9. Documentation 2. Photography Each photo must be numbered and written down in a photo log No person should be in any photo except a dead body (or bodies) Place evidence numbers to mark the location of evidence

10. Documentation 2. Photography Photos should include: –Overall view of scene At various angles Include near by areas –Evidence Start with general photos and get more detailed Include rulers for scale (if size is significant) Videography can also be used with narration.

11. Photography

12. Documentation 3. Sketches Done after photos are taken Used to supplement photos Rough Sketch –drawn at the crime scene –contains an accurate depiction of the dimensions of the scene Finished Sketch –precise rendering of the crime scene –drawn to scale

13. Documentation Measurement Method – Baseline 1.Choose a reference point and line 2.Locate items based on their distance and compass direction in relation to reference 3.Record distances in a measurement reference table

14. Documentation 3. Sketches (continued) Rough Sketches MUST include: Dimensions of rooms, furniture, doors, & windows Evidence Date, time, location, sketchers name, case number Show a compass heading designating north a top of sketch

15. Rough Sketch Hand drawn with notes.

16. Documentation 3. Sketches (continued) Final Sketches MUST include: All features listed for rough sketch Legend –Assign each item a number or letter and list it in the legend. Scale

17. Final Sketch Computer-aided drafting (CAD) is often used.

18. Search & Secure Evidence Grid method—basically a double-line search (effective, but time-consuming). Line or strip method—best in large, outdoor scenes. Zone method—most effective in houses or buildings (teams are assigned small zones for searching). Spiral method—may move inward or outward (best used where there are no physical barriers).

19. Systematic Search Methods

20. Taking Evidence Only one individual should be the evidence collector. Each item must be placed in a separate container, sealed, and labeled with date of collection + location of evidence. Most fragile is collected and packaged first. If evidence is lodged in a larger structure, part of that structure should be removed with the evidence.

21. Taking Evidence Items should be placed inside containers such as paper bags, plastic bags, canisters, packets and envelopes depending on the type and size of the evidence. *Everything must be properly logged!!!

22. Taking Evidence Chain of Custody = A written record of all people who have had possession of an item of evidence. The collector’s initials should be placed on the seal. If evidence is turned over to another person, the transfer must be recorded.

23. Medical Examiner vs Coroner A medical examiner is a medical doctor, usually a pathologist and is appointed by the governing body of the area. There are 400 forensic pathologists throughout the U.S. A coroner is an elected official who usually has no special medical training. In four states, the coroner is a medical doctor. Cyril Wecht

24. Autopsy The medical examiner carefully examines the victim to –Identify the deceased –Establish the time and date of death –Determine a cause of death –Classify the manner of death (Natural, Accidental, Suicide, Homicide, Undetermined) –Notify the next of kin