Crime Scene Investigation Overview

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Questions and Answers

Who is responsible for requesting the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)?

Only the police chief

The victim of the crime

A police officer may or may not be involved (correct)

A police call taker or control room (correct)

What is one of the criteria for prioritizing CSI attendance?

The number of witnesses available

The location of the nearest police station

The time of day when the incident occurred

The seriousness of the offense (correct)

What percentage of dwelling burglaries is a CSI expected to respond to according to attendance targets?

100% (correct)

90%

75%

50%

How do attendance criteria for CSI vary?

They depend on local policing and strategic factors (B) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of evidence recovery is a part of CSI expectations?

Recovering footwear marks at 95% of dwelling burglaries (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of scene examination?

To determine the series of events that occurred during a crime (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step involved in scene processing?

Victim interviews (D) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of scene examination is emphasized to avoid errors?

Bias and assumptions (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should be prioritized during the scene examination process?

Maximizing forensic recovery (C) Signup and view all the answers

How would you describe the examination processes for serious crimes compared to less serious ones?

They are more complex and take longer. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the scene assessment step in the examination process?

To plan the forensic examination strategy (A) Signup and view all the answers

In what way should information be collected during scene examination?

With systematic and methodical steps (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key risk associated with scene examination?

Accidental destruction of evidence (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of taking time to plan before examining a scene?

To devise a detailed approach to the examination process (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of the examination process outlined?

Communication with witnesses (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the quote 'Failing to plan is planning to fail' emphasize in the context of a scene examination?

Careful planning is crucial for effective evidence collection (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the planning cycle, what should be assessed before developing a scene examination plan?

The initial information received (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action that should be taken upon arriving at a scene?

Identify yourself and explain your presence (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do scene examination plans and evidence recovery plans differ?

Scene examination plans focus on analysis while recovery plans focus on collection (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why may reassessment of the scene examination be necessary?

Because circumstances change or further information becomes available (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the need to 'STOP' in the planning cycle?

Time to assess new information before proceeding (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of inquiries may provide information in major crime investigations?

Scene examination and ongoing real-time enquiries (A) Signup and view all the answers

What kind of information might prompt a reassessment in the planning cycle?

Initial details from the reporting person (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is crucial to remember when questioning individuals at a crime scene?

Observable facts should be prioritized, and assumptions must be avoided (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to recognize signs of a search at a scene?

To understand the context and potential tampering of evidence (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym OIC refer to in the context of communication at a crime scene?

Officer in Charge (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is vital when building a Modus Operandi (M.O) of the offender?

Unusual answers during questioning (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which question should be asked at a burglary scene to gather information about the entry point?

Where and how do you think entry has been gained? (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key guideline to follow when interacting with victims or witnesses?

Check everything provided by them for accuracy (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of a crime scene investigator not preserving evidence properly?

Contamination or destruction of evidence (A) Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for identifying hazards at a crime scene?

Everyone present at the scene (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of evidence is most vulnerable if proper preservation measures are not taken?

Latent evidence (A) Signup and view all the answers

What must be undertaken to ensure safety at crime scenes according to risk assessment procedures?

Take action to eliminate or control hazards (A) Signup and view all the answers

What category does the identification of key evidence types fall under?

Corroborative evidence (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of risk assessment at a crime scene?

To eliminate, reduce, or control hazards (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason why crime scenes are considered hazardous?

Involvement of law enforcement (D) Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of evidence can lead to contamination if not properly handled?

Latent evidence (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scene Processing Part 1

Scene processing is a series of processes, regardless of the scene type.
Complex scenes take longer.
Simple scenes, such as volume crimes, might be assessed quickly.
Planning is essential, particularly for major crimes.
A methodical, logical, and thorough approach (well-planned) is crucial.
Observations, communication, and problem-solving are critical.
Avoid biases and assumptions.
Focus on observable facts.
Prioritize minimizing contamination to maximize forensic recovery.
Record everything.

Session Aims

The aim is to understand the procedures needed for effective scene examination.
Review the techniques related to preserving the scene.
Determine the potential risks involved in scene examination.

Scene Examination - Communication

CSI's need to identify themselves and explain their presence at a scene.
At volume scenes, reporting persons are often contacted.
In major scenes, the scene guard is usually the point of communication.
Questions asked can be generic or specific, based on observations.
During questioning, communicate with the officer in charge (OIC).

Scene Processing

First response involves prioritizing life and limb safety.
Initial assessments help determine the scope of the incident.
Scene parameters, security, and protection are identified.
Scene assessment plans the examination strategy.
Details of the scene, including recording, forensic examination, and searches, are documented.
Risk assessment and contamination matrix, with dynamic processes, are key considerations.
Scene documentation and recovery are also outlined.

Scene Examination

Systematically identifying and recovering physical evidence is essential.
The steps involved help establish the series of events leading to the scene.

Planning Cycle

The process involves several stages—new information, stopping, assessing, planning, performing the task (DO), and reviewing.
Reassessment may be needed as more information arises, or circumstances change.
This is particularly relevant in volume crime scenes, where new evidence might emerge during the process.
In major crimes, real-time inquiries might provide new information.
A scene examination plan and an evidence recovery plan need to be developed.

Communication (Detailed)

Interviewing at the scene of a burglary involves questions like entry and exit points.
Items taken, moved, or touched are key considerations.
Uncovering any items that do not belong to the scene is important.
Be aware of potential misinterpretations during questioning.

Observation

Identifying key evidence areas is vital, as well as identifying key evidence types.
Points of entry/exit and vulnerable evidence are also important considerations.
Focus on both latent and identification evidence. Areas offenders might have visited are of interest.

Consequences of Lack of Preservation

Failure of CSI to adopt appropriate preservation procedures could significantly compromise the investigation.
Such negligence can result in contaminated or lost evidence.

Risks and Hazards

Crime scenes pose potential danger to personnel, due to various hazards and risks.
Assessing and mitigating the risks and hazards during an incident is important.
Everyone involved in the scene needs to identify the hazards.

Risk Assessment

To identify hazards, appropriate actions need to be planned to eliminate, reduce, or control any potential risks.
Effective risk assessments should ensure all parties involved are aware.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the protocols and criteria of Crime Scene Investigation (CSI). This quiz covers aspects like response prioritization, evidence recovery, and examination processes. Understand the critical steps involved in effectively assessing crime scenes.