Crime Scene Investigation Basics

Questions and Answers

What should be done if it is impractical to complete scene examination reports at the scene?

Send the report to the Investigating Officer immediately.

Prepare a summary of the findings for later submission.

Take contemporaneous notes to attach to a later statement. (correct)

Request permission from a superior to delay the form.

During what time period should the numbering of scene examination reports commence?

At the beginning of every month.

After the end of each quarter.

On the first day of the Financial Year. (correct)

Each time a new case is opened.

Who is responsible for monitoring the training and re-certification of Crime Scene Investigators?

The Crime and Intelligence Steering Group.

The Detectives in CID.

The Divisional Crime Scene Investigator. (correct)

The Force Forensic Manager. (correct)

What is the role of the WSBA DCM?

To serve as the Force Forensic Manager. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a duty of Crime Scene Investigators attached to CID?

Conducting regular training sessions. Signup and view all the answers

What type of reports should Crime Scene Investigators complete during a scene examination?

Self-carbonated forms in duplicate. Signup and view all the answers

What document should a Crime Scene Investigator forward to the Investigating Officer after a scene examination?

The pink copy of the scene examination report. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the job description responsibilities of a Divisional Crime Scene Investigator?

To perform duties detailed in respective job descriptions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of a Crime Scene Investigator when attending a crime scene?

To ensure the integrity of forensic evidence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a task performed by Crime Scene Investigators during scene examination?

Conducting psychological evaluations Signup and view all the answers

In the context of crime scene investigation, what does the term 'chain of custody' refer to?

The sequence of people who handle evidence Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of forensic evidence handling is crucial for ensuring its integrity in court?

Properly packing and labeling evidence Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for a CSI to photograph and/or video record the crime scene?

To document conditions and evidence for court Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents the role of a Divisional CSI?

Overseeing all crime scenes in a district Signup and view all the answers

What is typically included in the table of document details for a crime scene investigation?

Approval and review dates of the document Signup and view all the answers

Which item listed is crucial for ensuring that physical evidence is preserved?

Proper packing and labeling of evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'Last Revised Date' listed in the document details?

Shows when the document was last updated Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary duty of a CSI when investigating a crime scene?

To gather, package, and submit exhibits for forensic examination Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is the attendance of a CSI mandatory?

Incidents involving the use of firearms Signup and view all the answers

What must a CSI always keep updated?

Records of findings and statistics on crime Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT considered when deciding to call a CSI?

The history of the neighborhood Signup and view all the answers

Which responsibility is explicitly outlined for a CSI?

Assisting in the collection of forensic and biological samples Signup and view all the answers

When evaluating a scene for forensic opportunities, which is it essential for a Duty Officer to consider?

If pertinent forensic materials are likely to be present Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a criterion for calling out a CSI?

The presence of law enforcement at the scene Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Duty Officer or DCM play in relation to the CSI?

They call out and ensure the attendance of a CSI when necessary Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scene Examination Reports: Completion, Numbering, and Filing

CSI must complete scene examination report forms (SBAP CSI 1 and SBAP CSI 2) in duplicate and self-carbonated during scene examinations.
Each report receives a consecutive job number, starting from the first day of the Financial Year.
The original report (white copy) is maintained by the CSI for court use, while the pink copy is sent to the Investigating Officer and filed in the investigation docket.
If immediate completion of the form is not feasible, CSI should take contemporaneous notes and attach them to a subsequent statement.

General Provisions

CSIs, including Assistant CSIs, report to the Divisional Crime Manager (DCM) and are included in the monthly call-out list.
CSIs assigned to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) perform duties of a Detective Constable (DC) as specified in their job description.
Training and re-certification for CSIs are monitored by the Divisional CSI in collaboration with the Force Forensic Manager (FFM) and the Crime and Intelligence Steering Group.

Force Forensic Manager

The FFM, currently the WSBA DCM, oversees the overall forensic management and strategic direction for crime scene investigations.

Divisional Crime Scene Investigator

Each division has a designated Divisional CSI responsible for local crime scene investigation protocols and adherence to best practices.

Call-Out Criteria for CSIs

CSIs are called out for incidents involving:
- Death or serious threats to life
- Terrorist or hostage situations
- Firearms or explosives use
- Sexual offences
- Aggravated robbery, burglary, and malicious damage
- Arson and major fires
- Instances where forensic material or fingerprint evidence may be present
Before calling out a CSI, factors such as the seriousness of the offence, scene preservation, elapsed time since the offence, and forensic opportunities must be considered.

CSI Duties and Responsibilities

Key duties of CSIs encompass:
- Gathering, packaging, and submitting forensic exhibits
- Investigating various crime scenes and serious accidents
- Assisting in post-mortem examinations by collecting samples
- Documenting incidents with photography and video
- Preparing submission forms for forensic examinations and liaising with labs
Responsibilities include maintaining records of crime statistics and findings related to scientific examinations.

Abbreviations

ATO - Ammunition Technician Officer; trained in explosives and weapons.
CID - Criminal Investigation Department.
DC - Detective Constable.
DCM - Divisional Crime Manager, overseeing CID operations.

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Test your knowledge on crime scene investigation techniques and protocols. This quiz covers essential concepts and practices used in forensic science. Ideal for those interested in criminology and law enforcement.