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:– ???“Animal, mineral or vegetable”???

Now: – Chemical, biological or microscopic

Types of Evidence

Expert 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