7 Questions
Which step of crime scene investigation involves identifying the primary crime scene and any related secondary crime scenes?
Scan the Scene
What is the purpose of separating the witnesses at a crime scene?
To keep them from working together to create a cover story and/or share details about the situation with one another
What is the purpose of sketching the crime scene?
To provide a visual aid for investigators to recreate the crime scene at an alternate location
Which step in a crime scene investigation involves identifying any evidence that may have been overlooked in the previous steps?
Search for Evidence
What is required for evidence to be admissible in a court of law?
Chain of custody
According to the Fourth Amendment, when do investigators need a warrant to search for and collect evidence from a crime scene?
Always
In which situation is a search warrant not needed?
If an object is plain view of an officer or investigator
Study Notes
Crime Scene Investigation Steps
- The initial step of crime scene investigation involves identifying the primary crime scene and any related secondary crime scenes.
- Identifying any evidence that may have been overlooked in the previous steps is part of the follow-up investigation.
Witness Management
- Separating witnesses at a crime scene is done to prevent them from contaminating each other's accounts.
Documentation
- Sketching the crime scene is done to create a visual representation of the scene.
Evidence Admissibility
- For evidence to be admissible in a court of law, it must be relevant, material, and competent.
- The evidence must also be collected and preserved in accordance with legal procedures.
Search and Seizure
- According to the Fourth Amendment, investigators need a warrant to search for and collect evidence from a crime scene unless it is a situation where consent is given or exigent circumstances exist.
- A search warrant is not needed when consent is given or in situations where exigent circumstances exist, such as when there is a risk of evidence being destroyed.
Test your knowledge on the fundamental steps of crime scene investigation with this quiz. Learn about the 7 S's that law enforcement and investigators follow to ensure a thorough and effective crime scene analysis.
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