Criminal Investigation: Crime Scene Processing

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of the crime scene processing course?

Analyzing physical evidence in a laboratory

Processing and documenting evidence at a crime scene (correct)

Conducting interrogations at a crime scene

Identifying witnesses at a crime scene

What is the significance of physical evidence in a criminal investigation?

It is only used to corroborate eyewitness testimony

It is only used in cases involving physical violence

It is the primary method of solving crimes

It is important because it can provide objective evidence (correct)

What is the purpose of the practical exercise in the crime scene processing course?

To develop skills in forensic psychology

To process a simulated crime scene (correct)

To learn how to analyze physical evidence

To practice interrogation techniques

Who is responsible for protecting the crime scene?

The officer in charge Signup and view all the answers

What is the transfer of evidence theory?

The idea that evidence can be transferred from one location to another Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a crime scene investigation kit?

To collect and preserve evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is a common source of physical evidence?

A crime scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the theory that states that whatever two surfaces come into contact, there will be a transfer of material from one surface to the other?

The Transfer of Evidence Theory Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for minute or microscopic bits of materials that are transferred from one object to another?

Trace evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of physical evidence that can be transferred from a suspect to a crime scene?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of trace evidence?

To establish an offender's identity and to link them to a crime Signup and view all the answers

Why is trace evidence often overlooked by criminals?

Because of its small size Signup and view all the answers

What can be transferred from a vehicle to a pedestrian in a hit-and-run accident?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the process by which physical evidence is exchanged between two objects?

Transfer of evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a crime scene search?

To find evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a crime scene?

The location where a crime took place Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of photographing items of evidence at a crime scene?

To aid in the investigative process Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for marking evidence?

To identify it in court Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of physical evidence in an investigation?

It does not lie and is not affected by sensationalism Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for the preservation and collection of evidence at a crime scene?

The officer-in-charge of the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of documenting the location where evidence was found?

To aid in the reconstruction of the crime scene Signup and view all the answers

When is it necessary to remove evidence from a crime scene before processing?

When the scene is being processed by a specialized unit Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of packaging evidence?

To preserve and protect the evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of using a video camera in criminal investigations?

To provide an alternative to still photography Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an evidence receipt?

To document the chain of custody Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for collecting physical evidence?

To show the presence or identity of a suspect Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of searching a crime scene?

To look for clues and evidence Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the crime scene is not protected?

The search for evidence is compromised or negated Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in protecting a crime scene?

Sealing off at least twice the size of the apparent crime scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of collecting evidence from a suspect's clothing or effects?

To match it with traces of evidence found at the crime scene Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for protecting the crime scene?

The first officer on the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of sketching the crime scene?

To document the crime scene in its original condition Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of maintaining the chain of custody?

To ensure the integrity of the physical evidence up to the time of trial Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of videotaping the crime scene?

To document the crime scene in its original condition Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of processing the crime scene for latent impressions?

To develop fingerprints and other impressions Signup and view all the answers

What is typically found in a crime scene investigation kit?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a sketch at a crime scene?

To provide measurements and sizes of objects Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method of marking evidence?

Placing the officer's initials and DSN on an inconspicuous part of the evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of triangulation in diagramming a crime scene?

To measure the distance between objects Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence should be placed in a paper bag?

Wet or bloody clothing Signup and view all the answers

What information should be included on packaged evidence?

Officer's name and DSN, complaint number, victim's name, suspect's name, and date Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an evidence receipt?

To document the chain of custody of evidence Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to separate evidence gathered from different sources?

To prevent contamination Signup and view all the answers

What type of evidence should be placed in a pill box?

Trace evidence such as hair or paint chips Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a diagram at a crime scene?

To show the relationship between objects Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to retain original sketches?

In case they are needed in court Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of dividing a search area into zones?

To make the search process more efficient Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using the spiral or circle search method?

It is more thorough than other search methods Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the point-to-point search method?

To follow a chain of objects or evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using a crime scene investigation kit?

It provides a standardized set of tools and equipment for crime scene investigations Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the wheel search method?

To start in the center and move out in a straight line Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using the grid search method?

It is more thorough than other search methods Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the strip search method?

To go back and forth across the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using a magnifying glass in a crime scene investigation?

It allows the investigator to see small details more clearly Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using tweezers in a crime scene investigation?

To collect and handle small evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using a flashlight in a crime scene investigation?

It allows the investigator to see in low-light areas Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when delivering evidence to a lab?

Deliver the evidence to the lab in person or follow the lab's instructions Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to maintain the chain of custody?

To establish the integrity of the evidence and demonstrate authorized control Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of forensic science?

Applying science to law Signup and view all the answers

What type of laboratories can process a wide range of evidence?

Municipal, county, state, and federal crime labs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of crime scene photography?

To provide a permanent record of fragile or perishable evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of taking wide-angle photographs of the crime scene?

To establish the location of the scene and its surroundings Signup and view all the answers

What is crucial when turning evidence over to someone?

Getting a written receipt Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of taking close-up photographs of individual items of evidence?

To record each item or small sections of a larger surface Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when dealing with evidence and crime labs?

Compare reality with TV and movie portrayals Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of including a scale or measuring device in evidence photographs?

To provide a sense of the size of the evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration for the admissibility of photographic evidence in court?

The item pictured must be material and relevant to the case Signup and view all the answers

What type of photographs are used to reproduce shoe, tire, and similar impressions?

Evidence photographs Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of taking photographs of the exterior crime scene?

To establish the location of the scene and its surroundings Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of taking overlapping photographs of interior scenes?

It allows the jury to associate the area with the overall scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of taking photographs of the terrain adjoining the crime scene?

To establish the location of the scene and its surroundings Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to take multiple photographs of the crime scene from different angles and distances?

To provide a comprehensive and accurate record of the crime scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of photographers at a crime scene?

To create a visual representation of the crime scene Signup and view all the answers

Why must physical evidence be properly marked or labeled?

To identify it in court and prevent damage Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using video to record a crime scene?

It supplements still photographs and provides additional context Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the officer-in-charge of the crime scene?

To protect the scene prior to the arrival of the crime scene technician Signup and view all the answers

Why may an officer decide to move or remove evidence from the crime scene?

To prevent theft or contamination Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of noting the location of evidence on a sketch of the crime scene?

To recall the location of the evidence during testimony Signup and view all the answers

What must be done to properly maintain the integrity of physical evidence?

It must be maintained in its original state, and a chain of custody must be maintained Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to have a photographer or witness testify as to the authenticity of a photograph?

To establish the photograph as a true representation of the scene Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of recording a crime scene?

To document the crime scene and its physical evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using notes to record a crime scene?

They contain a great deal of information in the recorder's own words Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Crime Scene Processing and Documentation

Introduction

Crime scene processing involves identifying, collecting, preserving, and documenting evidence
The goal is to reconstruct the crime and determine the truth

Physical Evidence

Definition: any solid, semi-solid, or liquid material that can aid in determining the truth during an investigation
Examples: fingerprints, weapons, bullets, blood, hair, clothing, documents, and trace evidence
Importance: physical evidence does not lie, cannot be impeached, and is not affected by the sensationalism of the crime
Value: physical evidence can show the presence or identity of a suspect and link them to the crime

Transfer of Evidence Theory

Definition: when two surfaces come into contact, there is a partial transfer of material from one surface to the other
Examples: transfer of fibers from clothing to a surface, transfer of DNA from a person to an object
Importance: trace evidence can be used to link a suspect to the crime scene and establish their identity

Crime Scene Searches

Definition: a systematic search of the crime scene to locate and collect evidence
Types of searches: point to point, strip, grid, zone, and wheel searches
Importance: a thorough search of the crime scene is crucial to collecting all relevant evidence
Methods: searches may be conducted using various methods, including:
- Point to point: following a chain of objects
- Strip: searching in a linear pattern
- Grid: searching in a grid pattern
- Zone: dividing the area into sections and searching each section
- Wheel: searching in a circular pattern

Crime Scene Photography

Purpose: to provide a permanent record of the crime scene and supplement written reports
Importance: photographs can aid in the identification of people and provide a clear and convincing record of the crime scene
Types of photographs: wide (general) view, medium view, and specific crime scene pictures
Considerations:
- Exterior crime scene: photographing the scene from a distance to establish location
- Widening the scene view: photographing rooms and interior areas from typical observation points
- Close-up view: photographing individual items of evidence

Crime Scene Documentation

Importance: documenting the crime scene is crucial to preserving evidence and reconstructing the crime
Methods: documenting the crime scene may include:
- Writing a narrative description of the crime scene
- Sketching the crime scene
- Videotaping the crime scene
- Collecting, recording, marking, and preserving physical evidence
- Maintaining a chain of custody of physical evidence

Crime Scene Investigation Kit

Contents: various items, including:
- Vehicle equipment: spotlight, hand-held axe, shovel, ropes, etc.
- Camera equipment: camera, strobe/battery pack, film, etc.
- Evidence kit: tweezers, scribe, metal, inspection mirror, etc.
- Documents: maps, extra notebooks, search warrant forms, etc.
Importance: having a crime scene investigation kit ensures that investigators have the necessary tools and equipment to collect and document evidence.### Using Business Cards as Measuring Devices
Officers can use their business cards with a "ruler" printed on the reverse side as a measuring device.

Clarifying Physical Evidence

Officers can use descriptive language to clarify the appearance of physical evidence that is difficult to describe.

Reproducing Impressions

Officers can reproduce shoe, tire, and similar impressions that cannot be recorded in any other way before attempting to lift or cast.

Admissibility of Photographic Evidence

Each trial court determines the admissibility of photographic evidence for that trial.
The item pictured must be material, competent, and relevant to the point in issue.
The photo must not be inflammatory or appeal to the emotions or tend to prejudice the court or jury.
Judges may suppress photos of mutilated bodies, blood-stained clothes, or human genitalia.
Photos must be free from distortion and not misrepresent the scene.
The photographer or other witness must state that the photo is a true representation of the scene.
Proper chain of custody must be followed, as with any other type of evidence.

Video Evidence

Video is an additional resource to use for recording and documenting a crime scene.
Video cannot replace still photography but can supplement the investigator's work.
Video is typically used to:
- Record crime scenes
- Record re-enactments
- Record confessions
- Supplement still photographs

Evidence Collection

Proper discovery, collection, and handling of evidence are necessary for the evidence to be used in a case investigation and prosecution.
Always put the time, date, location, and your initials on every piece of evidence.
Take care when collecting physical evidence to maintain its original condition and prevent alteration or damage.
Four things must be done to properly maintain the integrity of physical evidence:
- Maintain the evidence in its original state and avoid alteration.
- Maintain a chain of custody of the physical evidence, complete, and short as possible.
- Properly package the evidence to prevent damage and maintain its original state.
- Properly mark the evidence to be identified in court and to prevent damage.

Officer Responsibilities

The officer assigned to the crime scene is responsible for the preservation and collection of evidence.
The officer-in-charge of the scene is responsible for protecting the scene prior to the arrival of the crime scene technician to preserve its integrity.
Evidence should be left where found until processed, but an officer may decide to move or remove the evidence in certain circumstances (safety factors, possibility of theft, weather contamination, or other contamination).

Documenting the Crime Scene

There are various ways to record a crime scene, including:
- Notes: Can contain a great deal of information in the recorder's own words, but may require great detail.
- Photographs: Camera records every detail, but may not give distances or sizes of objects, and may not show the true relationship between objects.
- Sketches: Provide measurements, sizes, distances, and show the relationship of objects; may use symbols; and are used for court testimony.

Marking Evidence

Evidence is marked so that it can be identified at a later time, such as in court.
The generally accepted method of marking evidence is to place the officer's initials and DSN on an inconspicuous part of the evidence.

Packaging Evidence

The purpose of packaging evidence is to ensure that it will retain its original condition until it is processed by the crime scene laboratory or presented in court.
Evidence gathered from different sources (scene, suspect, victim) must be packaged separately to prevent contamination.
Various evidence containers are used, including:
- Cardboard boxes
- Evidence bags
- Pill boxes
- Coin envelopes
- Paper bags
- Plastic bags
- Mason jars
- Handgun envelopes
- Metal cans
Information to be placed on packaged evidence includes:
- Officer's name and DSN
- Complaint number
- Victim's name
- Suspect's name
- Date
- Contents

Transporting Evidence

The custody of the evidence must be traced for every person who had possession of that evidence from seizure to court disposition.
Transporting evidence to and from the lab, agency, court, etc. requires maintaining the chain of custody to establish the integrity of the evidence and demonstrate only authorized persons had control of it.

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Description

This course covers the elements of crime scene processing, including identifying evidence sources, search methods, collection, preservation, and packaging. Trainees will practice processing simulated crime scenes.