1. The Seven S’s of Crime Scene Investigation

2. I. Securing the Scene
The first responding police officer secures the scene to preserve the evidence (rope, tape, barricades, guards, etc.)
Lead investigator determines the boundaries of the scene and determines the perpetrator’s path of exit and entry.

3. II. Separating the Witnesses
To prevent witnesses inadvertently constructing a story by exchanging information/viewpoints.

4. III. Scanning the Scene Identify the primary scene
Identify the secondary scene
Develop a strategy for systematically examining and documenting the entire scene.

5. IV. Seeing the Scene Photos, video- taken from different angles.
Rulers are used to show the size of objects.
Three methods used to record the crime scene are:
1) Field notes: either written or using a voice recorder.
2) Sketches
3) Photography/Video

6. V. Sketching the Scene
The rough sketch is the initial sketch that accurately depicts the dimensions of the scene and the location of all objects. Distance measurements from 2 fixed points (walls, doors etc.) are included. Measurement must be accurate.
Numbers are used to designate an item in the sketch.

7. VI. Searching For Evidence
Using crime scene search patterns (grid, linear, quadrant/zone and spiral methods).
Different methods are used for different sized scenes and number of people searching.

8. VII. Securing and Collecting Evidence
Packaging
Description
Sealed
Labeled
Chain of Custody

9. Photography
Photograph the area where the crime took place and all adjacent areas.
Photograph points of entry and exit
Photograph from various angles
Indoors, photograph all walls and adjacent rooms
Photograph the body, its position relative to the entire crime scene

10. Photography Close up to show wounds
After body is removed, photograph the area under the body
Place rulers or other measuring scales in the photo as a reference
Videotape and voice recording can also be used