1. Death Scene Processing
PLTW Biomed - Unit 1.1

2. What is our job? Preserve the integrity of the scene.
Document relevant items/information.
Determine Manner of Death
Determine Cause of Death

3. Crime Scene Preservation
Look, don't touch.
The placement of every item could be key in solving the mystery of how the decedent perished.
Trace evidence could be left by touching materials at the scene.

4. 5 Steps To Process A Scene
Collect Evidence
Sketch The Scene
Photograph
Interview
Examine the Evidence

5. Evidence Collection/ Search Procedures
Search Method
Pattern of Search
Appropriate For...
Link Method
No specific Pattern.
Investigator makes logic links between pieces of evidence and follows that trail.
Obvious clue trails.
Small or large areas
Indoor or outdoor
Line (Strip) Method
Large outdoor scenes.
Search team is arranged at regular intervals, usually at arms length.
Search in straight lines.

6. Evidence Collection/ Search Procedures
Search Method
Pattern of Search
Appropriate For...
Grid Method
Large outdoor scenes
Searches follow line method, then rearrange perpendicular to the original search.
Zone Method
Areas with predefined zones such as houses or buildings.
Each search team is assigned a different zone. Other methods are incorporated.

7. Evidence Collection/ Search Procedures
Search Method
Pattern of Search
Appropriate For...
Spiral Method
Scenes with no physical barriers.
Can begin at scene of death and move out or vice-versa.
Wheel/Ray Method
Small, circular crime scenes.
Team starts at critical point and travels outward.

8. Sketching the Scene A proper scene sketch includes 3 things:
Proper Scale
Key
Legend

9. Sketching the Scene - Scale
The scene should be measured and a proper scale should be determined.
Scale allows investigators to determine distances from your sketch.
Hint: Our paper allows for 1 square = 6"

10. Sketching the Scene - Key
A key should be included, marking the location and name of all objects found at the scene.

11. Sketching the Scene - Legend
A legend provides data about the scene. You should always include:
Date
Time
Location
Weather conditions

12. Meet Triangle Man! The easiest way to sketch a body.
Be sure the body has realistic proportions!
(No 50' women)

13. Photography
Crime Scene photography can help recreate the scene once it has been broken down.
A ruler should always be included to show the scale of the object being photographed.

14. Interviews Establish the theory of the case. Looking to find out:
What happened?
Did a crime take place?
How was the crime committed?

15. Heart Attack, Stroke =/= Manner of Death
One of Five Circumstances that result in death.
NOT CAUSE OF DEATH.
Heart Attack, Stroke =/= Manner of Death

16. Manner of Death Natural - Result of a natural process of disease.
Accident - Result of activity or action that is not intended or expected to lead to death.
Suicide - Taking of one's life through deliberate action.
Homicide - The taking of another's life through action or inaction.
Undetermined.