Crime Scene Investigation Basics

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Questions and Answers

What is physical evidence? List some examples.

Physical evidence is any object or item that has relevance to the crime, such as fingerprints, hair, fibers, soil, documents, blood, DNA, glass, metals, powders, pills, etc.

In addition to the location where the crime was committed, what other places may be considered part of the crime scene?

Anywhere evidence that may help explain events can be found.

How does the investigator decide which evidence at the crime scene is significant and which evidence is not?

From experience and knowledge of processing crime scenes.

What is the first step taken in processing a crime scene?

Isolate and secure the scene. Signup and view all the answers

List four methods of documenting a crime scene.

Notes, sketches, photos, videotapes. Signup and view all the answers

Why take notes at a crime scene if photos are taken?

It forces the investigator to be more observant. Names, dates, and locations may be recorded; there may be information in recorded notes that does not appear in photos. Signup and view all the answers

What information can a sketch give that a photo does not?

Perspective, the whole layout of the scene, dimensions. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss one type of search method and where it may be used.

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Where does the questioned evidence come from?

The crime scene. Signup and view all the answers

Where do the controls come from?

Known sources such as the victim and suspects. Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence should be collected from the crime scene?

Blood, soil, glass, fingerprints, hair, fibers, notes. Signup and view all the answers

Make a list of the controls that would need to be collected in this case for comparison.

Samples from victim and suspects. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the type of packaging that should be used for each type of evidence in the scene. Explain your reasoning.

Fingerprints - dusted and lifted with tape. Broken glass - placed in rigid container. Soil, fibers, hair, note - envelopes/vials. Blood - dried and kept in freezer. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to maintain the chain of custody?

Keep viability in court. Signup and view all the answers

What steps should be taken in this case to maintain the chain of custody?

Who had contact with evidence and when. Keep everything sealed. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Physical Evidence

Physical evidence refers to objects relevant to a crime, including fingerprints, hair, fibers, soil, documents, blood, DNA, glass, metals, powders, and pills.

Crime Scene Locations

Besides the primary crime scene, any locations where informative evidence may be found are part of the investigation.

Determining Evidence Significance

Investigators assess evidence significance based on experience and knowledge regarding crime scene processing.

Initial Crime Scene Processing Step

The first action taken in processing a crime scene is to isolate and secure the area.

Crime Scene Documentation Methods

Documentation methods include taking notes, creating sketches, capturing photos, and recording videos.

Importance of Note-Taking

Note-taking enhances observer attentiveness and captures details such as names, dates, and locations that photos might miss.

Importance of Sketches

Sketches provide perspective, layout, and dimensions of the scene, which cannot be fully conveyed through photographs.

Evidence Source

Questioned evidence originates directly from the crime scene.

Control Evidence Sources

Control evidence comes from known sources, including samples from the victim and suspects.

Evidence Collection

Types of evidence to be collected include blood, soil, glass, fingerprints, hair, fibers, and notes.

Controls for Comparison

Controls to be collected for comparison include samples from both the victim and any suspects involved.

Packaging Evidence

Appropriate packaging includes:
- Fingerprints: dusted and lifted using tape
- Broken glass: stored in a rigid container
- Soil, fibers, hair, notes: placed in envelopes or vials
- Blood: dried and stored in a freezer

Chain of Custody Importance

Maintaining the chain of custody is crucial to uphold the integrity of evidence for court proceedings.

Steps to Maintain Chain of Custody

Document who had contact with the evidence and the timeline, ensuring all items are properly sealed.

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Description

This quiz covers essential concepts in crime scene investigation, including physical evidence, crime scene processing, and documentation methods. Test your knowledge on the significance of different types of evidence and foundational steps for effective crime scene management.