What is the proper way to handle evidence at a crime scene? Give specific examples.

Essential Question

Topic: Collecting Physical Evidence

Primary Crime Scene

Secondary Crime Scene

Macroscopic

Microscopic

DEFINING A CRIME SCENE

Physical Evidence is any object that can establish that a crime has been committed or can link a crime to its victim or its perpetrator.Can help verify a relationship between• VICTIM

• SUSPECT

• SCENE

• OBJECTS

PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

INFORMATION FROM EVIDENCE

Whenever two objects come into contact, a mutual exchange of matter will take place between them.

LOCARD’S EXCHANGE PRINCIPLE

METHODOLOGICALSYSTEMATICLOGICALAPPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE

SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Assist the victimSearch for / arrest suspectDetain witnesses / keep separatePROTECT CRIME SCENE / LOG

DO NOT SMOKE, DRINK, GO TO THE BATHROOM, WASH HANDS, OR EAT • Infect self•Contaminate sceneCommunicate all information to detectives

FIRST RESPONDERS

SECURE SCENESURVEY SCENE•Minimize contact by ALL personnel•Use Personal Protective Equipment•Note evidence•Protect evidence that may be lost•Note weather conditions•Use alternate entry•Record EVERYTHING

CRIME SCENE PROCEDURES

NARRATIVE: DESCRIPTION OF THE SCENE

NOTES

VIDEO

PHOTOGRAPHY

SKETCHES

CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION

NOTES•Immediate•Accurate•ContinuingVIDEO•3D Documentation of scene•Orientation of scene but no narrative•DO NOT EDIT

CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION

PHOTOGRAPH THE SCENE

PHOTOGRAPHY•BEFORE MOVING EVIDENCE•SYSTEMATIC•OVERVIEW•MIDRANGE•CLOSE-UP•LOG / CAMERA SETTINGS•SCALE

CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION

1. Overall2. Midrange3. Closeup

Three Types of Photographs

SKETCHES•Assign measurements to objects•Triangulation•Baseline•Polar Coordinates•Rough / finished•Legend

CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION

SKETCH THE SCENE

Rough Sketch

Finished Sketch

Search Patterns

EVALUATION OF THE PHYSICAL EVIDENCE AT THE SCENE

One CSI in chargePriority to easily destroyed evidencePrimary packaging•Contain and protectSecondary packaging•Seal and tamper resistant•INITIAL / DATE / TIME•Identity of item enclosed

COLLECTION & PRESERVATION OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

Paper bags Plastic bags Metal cans Plastic canistersPill bottlesCardboard boxesPaper Bindles

Common Packaging for Evidence

COLLECTION, RECORDING, COLLECTION, RECORDING, MARKING AND PRESERVATION MARKING AND PRESERVATION

OF EVIDENCEOF EVIDENCE

What constitutes a seal?What constitutes a seal? Initials on article or containerInitials on article or container Description of contentsDescription of contents Paper is our friend!Paper is our friend! Evidence BindleEvidence Bindle

Evidence Bindles(Druggist Fold)

Each item separateWet items•Temporary in plastic•Air Dry•Permanent in paperArson evidence – air tight containersControls

COLLECTION & PRESERVATION OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

FINAL FINAL SURVEY!!!SURVEY!!!

STOP AND THINK OF STOP AND THINK OF ANYTHING FURTHER THAT ANYTHING FURTHER THAT

MIGHT BE COLLECTED.MIGHT BE COLLECTED.

RELEASE OF THE CRIME SCENE