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The Crime Scene

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Corpus Delicti“Body of the Crime”

Authorities must prove:That a crime occurredThat the person charged with the crime was

responsible for the crime

Top reasons for committing a crimeMoneyRevengeEmotion—love, hate, anger

Source of evidenceBodyPrimary and/or secondary crime sceneSuspect(s)

Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation

The purpose of crime scene investigation is to help establish what happened (crime scene reconstruction) and to identify the responsible person. carefully documenting the conditions at a crime scene and

recognizing all relevant physical evidence. The ability to recognize and properly collect physical evidence is

oftentimes critical to both solving and prosecuting violent crimes. It is important to determine the full extent of a crime scene. A crime

scene is not merely the immediate area where a body is located or where an assailant concentrated his activities but can also encompass a vehicle and access/escape routes.

In the majority of cases, the law enforcement officer who protects and searches a crime scene plays a critical role in determining whether physical evidence will be used in solving or prosecuting violent crimes.

CRIME SCENE: Any physical location in which a crime has occurred or is suspected of having occurred.

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

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Crime Scene Team

Team membersFirst police officer on the sceneMedics (if necessary)Investigator(s)Medical examiner (if necessary)Photographer and/or field evidence

technicianLab experts

A group of professionals trained in a variety of special disciplines

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 (entomologists, forensic scientists, forensic 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.

Crime Scene Personnel

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Crime Scene Investigation

Based on the scientific method, the Locard Exchange Principle, logic, and forensic techniques

Involves:

Recognition—scene survey, documentation, collection

Identification—classification of evidence

Individualization—comparison testing, evaluation, and interpretation

Reconstruction—sequencing events, reporting, and presenting

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Processing a Crime Scene 

Isolate and secure the scene

Document the scene

Search for evidence

Collect and package evidence, maintaining the chain of custody

Submit evidence to the crime lab for analysis

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First Officer on the Scene

A Assess the crime scene and assist the injured

D Detain the witness

A Arrest the perpetrator

P Protect the crime scene

T Take notes

Investigators gather information to:Reconstruct sequence of

eventsDetermine the modus

operandiMO: the characteristic method of the crime

Determine the motive of the crime

Processing the Crime Scene

There are 7 steps to processing a crime scene

1. Secure and Isolate the Crime Scene 2. Record the Scene Photograph, Sketch, Take

Notes 3. Conduct a Systematic Search For Evidence 4. Collect and Package Evidence 5. Maintain Chain of Custody 6. Obtain Controls 7. Submit Evidence to the Laboratory

The Crime Scene A place where a crime has taken place. A starting point for a criminal investigation. There is no "crime scene exception" to the

Fourth Amendment. That is, once the emergency is over, and

police have secured the scene, then the police must comply with Fourth Amendment requirements. 

guards against unreasonable searches and seizures requires search and arrest warrants be judicially sanctioned and

supported by probable cause

If the scene is a protected area such as a house or private part of a business, then a search warrant or consent must be obtained.  Of course officers can secure and protect the

scene until these requirements are met (Flippo v. West Virginia).

Law Enforcement Personnel on the scene

In order for physical evidence to be analyzed and to tell its part of the story, it must first be properly collected.

In order for the proper collection to take place, the crime scene, must be properly secured, protected, and preserved.

Scene security, protection, and preservation is the responsibility of any and all law enforcement personnel who come in contact with the scene, the suspect, and/or the victim.

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Crime Scene Reconstruction

Stages

Data collection

Hypothesis formation

Examination, testing, and analysis

Determination of the significance of the evidence

Theory formulation

Crime Scene Investigation Team

Team Leader Photographer and Photographic Log

Recorder Sketch Preparer Evidence Recorder/Evidence

Recovery Personnel Specialists

Team Leader1. Assume control - ensure safety of personnel and security at scene, use

of appropriate protective equipment to avoid any health hazard from blood or any other human body fluid.

2. Conduct initial walk-through to make a preliminary survey, evaluate potential evidence, and prepare a narrative description.

3. Determine search patterns, and make appropriate assignments for team members.

4. Designate command post location and ensure exchange of information between search and investigative personnel.

5. Coordinate and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies 6. Ensure that sufficient supplies and equipment are available 7. Control access to the scene and designate an individual to log everyone

into the scene. 8. Continuously reevaluate efficiency of search during entire course of

operation. 9. Release the scene after a final survey and inventory of the evidence has

been done.

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Crime Scene Survey

Walk-through—performed by the crime scene investigator, the first officer, and sometimes the lead detective

Purpose:Mentally prepare a reconstruction theoryNote any transient or conditional evidence that could change

over timeNote environmental and weather conditionsNote points of entry or exit, as well as paths of travel within the

crime sceneRecord initial observations of who, what, where, when, and howIdentify special needs within the crime scene for personnel,

precautions, or equipment and notify superior officers or other agencies

Crime Scene Search Patterns Purpose of a search:

locate, identify, and collect evidence

Standard search patterns used at a crime scene, especially when the scene is very large. These patterns include: spiral, grid, strip or linear, wheel or ray and quadrant or zone search

Important things to do during a search: Search from the general to the

specific for evidence. Be alert for all evidence. Search entrances and exits. Discuss the search with all

personnel.

                                                                                      

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Search Methods

Line or strip method—best in large, outdoor scenes

Grid method—basically a double-line search; effective, but time-consuming

Zone method—most effective in houses or buildings; teams are assigned small zones for searching

Wheel or ray method—best on small, circular crime scenes

Spiral method—may move inward or outward; best used where there are no physical barriers

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Documentation

Notes—date, time, description of the location, weather and environmental conditions, description of the crime, location of the evidence relative to other key points, the names of all people involved, modifications that have occurred, and other relevant information

Photography—photos of scene and surroundings; mid-range to close-up photos with various angles of each piece of evidence; photos as viewed by any witnesses

Sketches—inclusion of date; time; scale; reference points; distance measurements; names of investigators, victims, suspects; a legend (key)

Videography—allows for narration (non-subjective) and different perspectives

Recording the Crime Scene Documentation

transient and conditional details lighting (on/off), drapes

(open/closed), weather, or furniture moved by medical teams.

The scope extends to possible arguments which might be made in this case (suicide/self defense) and documenting conditions supporting or refuting these arguments.

Recognize absence of objects what should be present at a

scene but is not (victim's vehicle/wallet) and objects which appear to be out of place (ski mask) and might have been left by the assailant.

Photographer/Photographic Recorder

1. Photograph entire area before it is entered. 2. Photograph victims, crowd, and vehicles. 3. Photograph entire scene with overall, medium

and close-up coverage, using measurement scale when appropriate.

4. Photograph major evidence items before they are moved

5. Photograph all latent fingerprints and other impression evidence before lifting and casting are accomplished.

6. Prepare photographic log and sketch.

Photographing the Crime Scene

You can never take too

many pictures.  Utilize a flash if necessary.

Move evidence for better photographs only after the "as is" photograph has been taken and is necessary for additional identification.

Photographing the Crime Scene Digital photography

HUGE step and cost effective You can never take too many

pictures.  Utilize a flash if necessary.

Move evidence for better photographs only after the "as is" photograph has been taken and is necessary for additional identification.

Photography and SketchesUsed togetherSketched give photographs perspectivesHelp investigators notice and remember

details

Sketching the Crime Scene

Documentation of physical evidence locations, as well as measurements showing pertinent size and distance relationships in the crime scene area.

SketchesAccurate rough sketchAll objects should be measured against 2 immovable

landmarksLabel NorthProvide a scale

¼ in = x feetAnything in vicinity of CS should be included

Doors, windows, furnitureOutdoor CS

Position of trees, hedges, vehicles, other structuresMore accurate sketch needs to be made later to be

utilized in courtComputer programsSketches need to include Case number, date, location,

name of investigator

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Crime Scene SketchDate: August 14, 2005 Criminalist: Ann Wilson

Time: 11:35 am Location: 4358 Rockledge Dr., St. Louis, Mo.

N

5 ft

Evidence Collector/Custodian

1. Have significant evidence photographed before collection.

2. Describe evidence and its location on appropriate bag or envelope.

3. Sign and date evidence container/maintain chain of custody.

4. Appropriately collect and package evidence to maximize evidence integrity.

5. Maintain evidence log. 6. Use appropriate protective equipment (gloves)

and methods when dealing with potentially infective evidence (blood).

Collecting Physical Evidence

Any collected evidence should have its location and condition documented before it is removed

Evidence should be collected in appropriate containers, wearing gloves

Containers/envelopes should be sealed with tamper-proof tape

Seals should be signed Chain of Custody must be

maintained

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Collecting and Packaging Evidence

One individual should be designated as the evidence collector to ensure that the evidence is collected, packaged, marked, sealed, and preserved in a consistent manner, maintaining the chain of custody.

Each item must be placed in a separate container, sealed, and labeled.

The most fragile evidence is collected and packaged first.

Different types of evidence require specific or special collection and packaging techniques.

The body is the property of the coroner or medical examiner; collection of evidence on the body is done by that department.

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Packaging

Most items should be packaged in a primary container and then placed inside a secondary one.

Pill bottles, vials, manila envelopes, and plastic bags are good for most evidence.

Trace evidence may be placed on a piece of paper which is then folded in a particular way called a “druggist’s fold.”

These are then placed inside other containers such as paper bags, plastic bags, canisters, packets, or envelopes, depending on the type and size of the evidence.

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Chain of Custody

There must be a written record of all people who have had possession of an item of evidence, beginning at the time of collection.

The evidence container must be marked for identification.The collector’s initials should be placed on the seal.If evidence is turned over to another person, the transfer must

be recorded.

Chain of CustodyRecord of individuals who have had physical possession of

the evidence. Documentation is critical to maintaining the integrity of the

chain of custody. Maintaining the chain of custody is vital for any type

of evidence. In addition, if laboratory analysis reveals that DNA evidence was contaminated, it may be necessary to identify persons who have handled that evidence.

Court purposes Need to know who has been responsible for the evidence from

the time it was collected to the time it ends up in courtShows:

Who collected evidence Who had contact with evidence, at what time, and under what

circumstance If any changes were made (if any were at all)

Frequently a label on the evidence package itself

Information On Evidence Packaging

The following information should be included on evidence packaging:

1. Location of crime scene

2. Location of evidence at scene and time of collection

3. Personnel who collected the evidence

4. Condition of item at time of collection

5. Chain of Custody log

Obtaining Controls from the Crime Scene

Controls are physical evidence whose origins are known, such as carpet fibers from a suspects home, that can be compared to crime scene evidence.

The crime lab must have a thorough sample of control materials for comparison.

Submitting Evidence to the Crime Lab

Evidence can be submitted to the crime laboratory by a crime scene investigator personally or via the mail

Chain of Custody must be maintained at all times

Many labs require specific documentation before they will process evidence

Evidence evaluated by the lab may take a long time to process, or be held due to back log.

Securing and Collecting Evidence

Evidence must be properly packaged, sealed, and labeled

Liquids and arsonsAir tight, unbreakable container

Biological evidenceBreathable containers so evidence can dry outPrevent mold, kept in freezer

Placed in Paper bindleBindle placed in plastic/paper containerSealed with tape, signature on topEvidence log and chain of custody attached

Evidence Log

Contains the following infoCase #Item Inventory #Description of evidenceName of suspectName of victimDate and time of recoverySignature of person recovering evidenceSignature of any witness present during

collection

Packaging Evidence Size of bindle depends on evidence

SmallPiece of sheet paper

LargeLarge sheet of wrapping paper

Packaging techniques Choose appropriate size of sheet paper for bindle Crease paper (9 squares) Place evidence in center square Fold left and right sides in Fold in top and bottom Insert top flap into bottom flap and tape closed Place bindle into plastic or paper evidence bag and fold bag closed Place seal over folded edge of evidence bag Have collector write their name over the folded edge

Wet evidence Place in paper container and allow to air dry Wet evidence should NEVER be packaged in plastic container when

wet (any DNA will degenerate and evidence may become moldy and useless)

Controls must be obtained from victim and crime scene and package accordingly

Specialists It is sometimes necessary to bring in expertise from an outside agency. The field of forensic science is so broad today that no agency will have

every form of specialty service available from among its ranks. Typically, specialists are brought in from industry, the academic

community, private scientific laboratories, and similar concerns. Some items to consider when dealing with outside specialists:

1. The competence and reliability of the specialist.

2. The ability of the specialist to work at a scene within law enforcement guidelines.

3. The role of the specialist in presenting expert testimony in court.

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The Medical Examiner and the 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.

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Medical Examiner’s Responsibilities

1. Identify the deceased2. Establish the time and date of death3. Determine a medical cause of death (the injury or disease

that resulted in the person dying)4. Determine the mechanism of death (the physiological reason

that the person died)5. Classify the manner of death

1. Natural2. Accidental3. Suicide4. Homicide5. Undetermined

6. Notify the next of kin

Cause of death •Disease or event (injury) that lead to death • What process led to death • Any injury that causes a pathological alteration or condition in the body

that leads to death• Ex. Blunt force trauma to the head, gunshot wound to the thorax

Manner of death • Why the cause of death came to be

Natural Accidental suicide homicide undetermined

Mechanism of death • biochemical or physiological changes that lead to the individual dying• asphyxiation, hemorrhaging, intoxication, infection, arrythmia

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The Corpse

“The way I see it, being dead is not terribly far off from being on a cruise ship. Most of your time is spent lying on your back. The brain has shut down. The flesh begins to soften. Nothing much new happens, and nothing is expected of you.”

—Mary Roach, Stiff, W. W. Norton & Company, 2003

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People in the News

Dr. Michael M. Baden is a renowned pathologist and was the Chief Medical Examiner in New York City and for Suffolk County.

Dr. Baden was on the panel that investigated the assassinations of president John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He has been involved as an expertin forensic pathology in many cases of international interest, including:The remains of Tsar Nicholas of Russia and his familyThe Claus von Bülow murder trialExpert witness for the defense in the O. J. Simpson trialReautopsy of Medgar Evers, civil rights leaderReexamination of the Lindbergh kidnapping and murderAutopsies of the victims of TWA Flight 800

Dr. Baden is the host of HBO’s Autopsy series and is featured on many of the crime talk shows.

Crime Scene InvestigationScientific methodLocard PrincipleLogicForensic techniquesInvestigators must:

Process crime scene, recognize and document the scene, collect evidence

Identify and classify evidenceIndividualization is always the goalUses comparison testing, evaluation, and interpretation of

evidenceReconstruct the crime sceneDetermine sequence of eventsReport and present all findings

Crime Scene Investigation Projects

Groups of 3-4

Piece of Paper, Group members names

and Case #_____

1. The Manson murders

2. The OJ Simpson Case

3. The Enrique Camarena Case

4. The JonBenet Ramsey Case

5. The Jeffery MacDonald Case

6. The Sir Harry Oates Case

Synopsis of the crime Date Location (general and specific) Time People/witnesses Victim Suspects Manner and Mechanism of Death City/Town/Department investigating Weapons (if any) Any other relevant information

Creative story re-creating the crime Sketch of the Crime Scene(s) Key Evidence Collected (classify) Transient/conditional evidence Units used (or should have been used) to analyze

evidence Explanation as to how the crime scene was

“botched” Analysis of how the crime scene should have been

processed Crime Scene search pattern that was used (or

should have been used) Pictures (victim, suspects, crime scene, evidence) Outcome of the case