Crime Scene Investigation Procedure

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of a preliminary investigation in a sexual assault case?

To document the crime scene

To identify the perpetrator

To provide support to the victim

To gather evidence for prosecution (correct)

What is the significance of a suspect being a 'Secretor' in a criminal investigation?

It determines the suspect's motive

It indicates a higher likelihood of conviction

It reveals a suspect's alibi

It affects the reliability of DNA evidence (correct)

What is the initial duty of the first responding officer at a sexual assault scene?

To administer medical aid

To interview the victim

To apprehend the suspect

To secure the crime scene (correct)

What type of information should the first responding officer or investigator collect during the initial investigation of a sexual assault?

Both witness statements and physical evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to locate and identify physical evidence at a sexual assault scene?

Conduct a thorough search of the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred environment for interviewing a sexual assault victim?

A quiet, private room with minimal distractions Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'two-interview process' in sexual assault investigations?

To avoid victim re-traumatization Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to prepare a thorough and complete police report in sexual assault cases?

To facilitate prosecution Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a Victim Rape Kit?

To locate trace evidence left by the suspect Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Suspect Rape Kit?

To locate trace evidence left by the suspect Signup and view all the answers

What is a secretor in the context of forensic science?

An individual who secretes their blood type through their saliva Signup and view all the answers

What is the first priority of a first responding officer in a rape case?

To provide aid to the victim Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conducting a canvass of the area?

To gather information from neighbors and onlookers Signup and view all the answers

What type of information should be obtained from the victim as quickly as possible?

Suspect, vehicle, and time element information Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to identify evidence at a sexual assault crime scene?

Have the victim remain at the crime scene if no medical emergency Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence is commonly found at sexual assault crime scenes?

Fingerprints, semen, and blood Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with the victim's clothing if it may contain evidence?

Seize it as evidence Signup and view all the answers

Why should the officer explain the importance of gathering information quickly to the victim?

To ensure the victim's cooperation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of collecting a suspect's cigarette butts at a crime scene?

To identify the brand of cigarettes smoked by the suspect Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of having the reporting officer or investigator transport the victim to the hospital?

To prevent evidence from being lost in an ambulance Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the investigator's interview with hospital personnel concerning the victim's condition?

The victim's injuries, evidence found on the victim, and statements made to hospital personnel Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to interview the victim in a quiet room or area at the hospital?

To reduce distractions and interruptions Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the initial interview at the location where the assault occurred?

To gather basic information about the crime and suspect Signup and view all the answers

What should be the primary consideration when conducting the initial interview with the victim?

Ensuring the victim's medical needs are met Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach to interviewing the victim at their residence?

Avoid interviewing in areas where the assault took place and exclude others from the interview Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using a composite sketch or photo ID of the suspect?

To facilitate the investigation by providing a visual representation of the suspect Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of locating evidence at the crime scene, including residential structures and other buildings?

To locate any property or items belonging to the victim or suspect Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach to conducting multiple interviews with the victim?

Conduct an initial interview at the crime scene and a follow-up interview at the hospital or another location Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a professional interview with the victim before they are transported or start to shut down?

To obtain valuable information related to locating evidence Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to rope off the area where the assault occurred and an extensive additional area?

To prevent contamination of the crime scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for writing a complete and thorough police report?

To facilitate communication with follow-up investigators Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of not documenting all information during the initial investigation?

Information may be forgotten by the victim, witnesses, or officers Signup and view all the answers

Why is a complete report essential for courtroom testimony?

To meet the elements of the crime Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of reporting adult victims of human trafficking to the Missouri Department of Social Services?

To determine the victim's eligibility for state or federal services Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the incident involves a child under the age of 18?

Contact the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of seizing and towing a vehicle involved in an assault?

To preserve potential evidence Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sexual Assault Investigation

Victim and Suspect Rape Kits:
- Victim Rape Kit: performed by medical personnel, seized by investigating officer, and conveyed to crime lab for trace evidence left by suspect
- Suspect Rape Kit: performed by crime scene officer, seized and conveyed to crime lab for trace evidence deposited by victim
Secretor: an individual who secretes their blood type through saliva, blood, urine, and eye fluid; about 30% of population are secretors
Duty of First Responding Officer:
- Provide aid to victim with care and concern for recovery process
- Protect victim from further harm and onlookers/media
Initial Information Obtained by Officer/Investigator:
- Suspect, vehicle, and time element information from victim
- Conduct area canvass, gather information from neighbors and onlookers
Physical Evidence at Crime Scene:
- Fingerprints: point of entry, exit, and throughout the crime scene area
- Semen: at location of sexual assault, on victim's clothing, and in hospital examination
- Blood: if suspect was injured during assault
- Cigarette butts: tobacco products for DNA and secretor status
- Hair: head, body, and pubic hair from suspect
- Skin: found under fingernails of victim
- Composite Sketch or Photo ID of Suspect: obtained from victim and witnesses
Best Mode of Transportation for Victim to Hospital:
- Reporting officer or investigator transport victim for continuous interviewing and evidence preservation
Duties of Investigator at Hospital:
- Obtain victim rape kit from hospital
- Interview hospital personnel about victim's condition
Interview Environment with Victim:
- Conduct interview in a quiet room or area without family members or friends present
- Use a professional and confident approach to gain victim's trust
The Two-Interview Process with Victim:
- First interview at location where assault occurred for basic information and evidence
- Second interview at hospital or other location for in-depth information
Three Types of Locations where Sexual Assaults Most Commonly Occur:
- Residential structures or other buildings
- Vehicles
- Outside areas (parks, common ground areas, etc.)
Process for Locating Evidence at Crime Scenes:
- Residential structures: walk around entire structure, locate point of entry and exit, and look for property or items belonging to victim or suspect
- Vehicles: treat entire vehicle and area around vehicle as a crime scene
- Outside areas: rope off area where assault occurred and extensive surrounding area
Importance of a Thorough Police Report:
- For benefit of follow-up investigators and future use
- Facts documented for prosecutor and courtroom testimony
Reporting Adult Victims of Human Trafficking:
- Report to Missouri Department of Social Services using web address https://apps.dss.mo.gov/HumanTrafficking/
Reporting Child Victims of Human Trafficking:
- Contact the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-3738

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Description

This quiz covers the procedures to follow when investigating a crime scene, including searching for evidence and processing vehicles. It emphasizes the importance of interviewing victims and examining the area around the crime scene.