STANKIEWICZ

CriminologyCriminal Investigations, Crime Scene

Investigations, and Evidence CollectionLesson 7

Essential Questions and Learning

• What is the purpose of criminal Investigation?• What are the basic steps in criminal investigations?• What are the basic steps involved in crime scene

investigations?• How do investigators collect evidence?

Purpose/Goal of Criminal Investigations

• The criminal investigations always challenging

• ____________________________________

• The eventual goal of criminal investigations ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reference: US Department of Homeland Security

Warning

This lesson is for educational use only. Do not attempt investigations on your own

Law enforcement should always “Follow Agency Policies!”

Actions taken should be performed in accordance with department policies and procedures and federal and state laws

Jurisdictional, logistical or legal conditions may preclude the use of particular procedures explained

_________________________________________!

Crime Scene Investigation Steps According to the National Institute of Justice

•_____________________________________•_____________________________________•_____________________________________•Completing and __________________________________________________________________________

Reference: National Institute of Justice: A Guide for General Crime Scene Investigation. National Institute of Justice Website - http://nij.gov/topics/law-enforcement/investigations/crime-scene/guides

The National Institute of Justice

The National Institute of Justice — the research, development and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice — is dedicated to improving knowledge and understanding of crime and justice issues through science. NIJ provides objective and independent knowledge and tools to __________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Website: http://www.nij.gov/about/welcome.htm

NOTE

When we go through the steps please realize that this is by no means a complete “How to Lesson”

There is a great deal for any investigator /Law enforcement personnel to know prior to any investigation

This information is very basic. Thorough investigations are conducted by highly trained individuals. This information only scratches the surface

_______________________________________

Arriving at the Crime Scene – 1Basic information

________________________________Law enforcement must be cautious and

methodical______________________________________________

______________________ and should not disturb physical evidence

____________________________________

Arriving at the Crime Scene – 2Basic information

Follow safety procedures. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Arriving at the Crime Scene – 3Basic information

Be aware of ______________________________________________________________________________________________________Approach the scene cautiously,

_____________________________, and note any possible secondary crime scenes

Make initial observations (look, listen, smell) to ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Arriving at the Crime Scene – 4Basic information

_________________________________________________________________ until it has been assessed and determined to be otherwise

Arriving at the Crime Scene – 5Basic information

Control all individuals at the scene _______________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Arriving at the Crime Scene – 6Basic information

Identify all individuals at the scene, such as: Suspects. __________________________________________ _______________________. Secure and separate Bystanders.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Victims/family/friends. _________________________________ Medical and other assisting personnel

Arriving at the Crime Scene – 7Basic information

_____________________________________________________________________ (e.g., law enforcement officials not working the case, politicians and ____________)

Documenting the Crime Scene – 1

Once the investigator in charge of the crime scene arrives, he or she should:

___________________________________________ Conduct a scene walkthrough and ___________________

Documenting the Crime Scene – Conducting a Crime Scene Assessment - 1

Step 1Conduct a scene assessment

_____________________________________________________ Share preliminary information _____________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Documenting the Crime Scene – Conducting a Crime Scene Assessment - 2

The investigator(s) in charge should:

_________________________________________ about observations and activities

Evaluate safety issues that may affect all personnel entering the scene(s)

Documenting the Crime Scene – Conducting a Crime Scene Assessment - 3

Evaluate search and seizure issues to determine the necessity of obtaining consent to search and/or obtaining ______________________________________________

Evaluate and ______________________________ to the scene that can be utilized by authorized personnel

___________________________________________

Documenting the Crime Scene – Conducting a Crime Scene Assessment - 4

Determine the number/size of scene(s) and prioritize which should be investigated first

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Documenting the Crime Scene – Conducting a Crime Scene Assessment - 5

If multiple scenes exist, ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Establish a secure area __________________________________ storage in accordance with rules of evidence/chain of custody

Documenting the Crime Scene – Conducting a Crime Scene Assessment - 6

Request additional investigative resources as required (e.g., personnel/specialized units, legal consultation/prosecutors and/or equipment)

____________________________________________ (e.g., document entry/exit of authorized personnel and prevent _______________________________________

Documenting the Crime Scene Conducting a Crime Scene Assessment - 7

Ensure that witnesses to the incident are identified and separated. ____________________________________________________

Ensure the surrounding area is canvassed and the results of this canvassing are documented

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Crime Scene Walkthrough - 1

Step 2______________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Provide careful written and photo documentation

Crime Scene Walkthrough - 2

During the scene walkthrough, the investigator(s) in charge should: _______________________________________ Prepare preliminary documentation of the scene Identify and protect _________________________ ___________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

General Crime Scene Investigation: Processing the Scene

The steps ___________________________________________ Control evidence contamination Document the scene ___________________________________________ Collect, preserve, inventory, package, ________________,

and submit evidence

Completing and Recording the Crime Scene Investigation

The steps• ___________________________________________• Complete a scene debriefing • ___________________________________________• Document the crime scene

Crime Scene Debriefing Team

Includes: ___________________________________________ Other investigators _______________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Final Survey of the Crime Scene

• Each area identified as part of the crime scene is inspected

• ________________________________________________________________________

• The crime scene is released in accordance with jurisdictional requirements

Document the Crime Scene- 1

The investigator(s) in charge must make sure that ___________________________________________________________________________________________ compiled into a case file

Document the Crime Scene-2

The case file should be a record of actions taken and evidence collected at the scene

Documentation should allow for independent review of the work completed

Collecting Evidence - 1

ImportantNo contamination______________________

______________________________________________

Documentation essential

Collecting Evidence - 2

Types of evidenceBlood and liquidsFingerprints_________________Physical at sceneDocumentaryAll must be treated

with utmost care

Summary

References - 1

a) US Department of Homeland Security, Federal Law enforcement Center Training Workshop Website - http://www.fletc.gov/osl/tuition-free-training-programs/basic-criminal-investigations/

b)National Institute of Justice Website - http://nij.gov/topics/law-enforcement/investigations/crime-scene/guides/