Criminal Investigation: Death Investigation
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of a criminal investigation?

  • To conduct a preliminary investigation (correct)
  • To identify the patrol officer's major responsibilities
  • To identify the main problems associated with death investigations
  • To identify the functions of the Medical Examiner

    • What is the role of the Medical Examiner in a death investigation?

  • To conduct the autopsy and determine the cause of death (correct)
  • To identify the type of death scene
  • To remove and dispose of the body
  • To notify the police of the death

    • What is the purpose of marking a body position at a crime scene?

  • To identify the type of death scene
  • To notify the Medical Examiner of the death
  • To document the position of the body for evidence collection (correct)
  • To identify the patrol officer's major responsibilities

    • Who is responsible for removing and disposing of the body at a homicide scene?

    <p>The coroner</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a preliminary investigation?

    <p>To gather evidence and identify the circumstances surrounding the death</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of identifying the questions to ask when investigating a death scene?

    <p>To gather evidence and identify the circumstances surrounding the death</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What determines the cause of death in a homicide investigation?

    <p>M.E. (Medical Examiner)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of homicide pattern involves a love-based motive and often targets an estranged spouse or lover?

    <p>Triangle Killing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the Gunshot Primer Residue (GSR) Test?

    <p>To associate a suspect with the use of a firearm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two chemical elements found in Gunshot Primer Residue?

    <p>Antimony and Barium</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most common pattern of homicide?

    <p>Anger Killing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of a positive Gunshot Primer Residue (GSR) Test result?

    <p>It proves the suspect was in the presence of a discharged firearm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of homicide involves a financial gain motive?

    <p>Killing for Profit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What determines who was responsible for causing death?

    <p>Police investigation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a control group in the Gunshot Primer Residue (GSR) Test?

    <p>To compare the level of Gunshot Primer Residue on the suspect's hands to a baseline level</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of a negative Gunshot Primer Residue (GSR) Test result?

    <p>It may be due to various factors, including the suspect washing their hands or the firearm not leaving residue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary concern when investigating a suicide by firearms?

    <p>Protecting the victim's hands</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal when responding to a death scene?

    <p>Protecting the crime scene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should an officer do when encountering a death scene that is unclear or suspicious?

    <p>Treat it as a homicide scene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the medical examiner in a death investigation?

    <p>Determining the cause and manner of death</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of death scene may involve a ruling of accidental death, which can have significant financial implications for the family of the deceased?

    <p>Accident</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term is used to describe a death that resembles a suicide but is actually an accidental death during sexual self-gratification?

    <p>Auto-erotic death</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary responsibility of the patrol officer at a homicide scene?

    <p>Protecting the crime scene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should an officer do upon arriving at a death scene?

    <p>Assess the scene and determine what type of death has occurred</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of noting all conditions, events, and remarks at a death scene?

    <p>To provide a detailed description of the scene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary concern when handling a suicide note?

    <p>Maintaining control of the note</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where do suicides tend to select for attack when using a knife?

    <p>Front of the body</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of a suicide with a firearm?

    <p>Shots to the forehead or temple</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is indicative of an assailant trying to discover a vital spot?

    <p>Presence of purposeless incisions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of a female suicide?

    <p>Tendency to avoid disfiguring the face</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of psychopathic self-mutilation?

    <p>Enucleating one's eyes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a way to determine whether a shooting was a suicide or not?

    <p>Direction of the wound</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of a suicide with multiple methods?

    <p>Indecision or insurance of one method by another</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a suicide with a knife?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of a suicide with a gun?

    <p>Shots to the forehead or temple</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a combination of methods?

    <p>Hanging and poisoning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a negative result in a GSR test indicate?

    <p>No conclusion can be drawn.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what circumstances should a GSR test be performed on a suspect?

    <p>If there are no witnesses to testify to his use of a firearm, no more than a few hours have elapsed, and the suspect has not washed his hands.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is used to collect GSR evidence from the hands of a suspect?

    <p>A 5 percent solution of nitric acid and a cotton-tipped applicator with a plastic shaft.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the control swabs in GSR testing?

    <p>To test for contamination.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the advantage of using SEM/EDX in GSR testing?

    <p>It provides a visual image of the residue particles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of suicide?

    <p>The killing of one's self.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main challenge in investigating a death?

    <p>Distinguishing between suicide, accident, and murder.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the best indicators in determining whether a case is one of suicide?

    <p>The cause of death.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the type of injury in determining whether a case is one of suicide?

    <p>It can establish to a degree the improbability of self-infliction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the importance of experience and fund of information in investigating a death?

    <p>It is important in distinguishing between suicide, accident, and murder.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to search adjoining areas if the weapon is not found near the body?

    <p>Because a mortally wounded person can travel a considerable distance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one reason why relatives might conceal a weapon?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might be a motive for suicide in certain occupations?

    <p>Anxiety and tension</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an important aspect to investigate during a death inquiry?

    <p>The victim's financial condition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might indicate a person's intention to commit suicide?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should the investigator focus on during interviews with the victim's acquaintances?

    <p>Factual information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to look for a diary or un-mailed letters?

    <p>To find evidence of suicide</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a typical communication indicating a person's intention to commit suicide?

    <p>A written note</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might a victim do to conceal a weapon?

    <p>Attach it to an elastic and have it disappear into a chimney</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a possible reason for a weapon not being found at the scene?

    <p>It was stolen by neighborhood boys</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of young suicide victims typically leave notes?

    <p>Less than 30%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason why girls are more likely to attempt suicide but less likely to succeed?

    <p>They use less lethal methods</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to handle a suicide note with care?

    <p>To prevent contamination with fingerprints</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should an investigator do when finding a suicide note?

    <p>Regard it with skepticism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are some suicides difficult to determine?

    <p>Lack of eyewitnesses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the estimated number of young people who attempt suicide in a typical year?

    <p>Between 70,000 and 80,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done with a suicide note that is found in a sealed envelope?

    <p>Leave it sealed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to obtain an additional handwriting sample for comparison?

    <p>To verify the authenticity of the note</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary concern when investigating a suicide by firearms?

    <p>Determining the authenticity of the note</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the general index of investigative suspicion in suicide cases?

    <p>A set of questions to ask during investigation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of paying attention to notes, past attempts, and mental condition in a suicide investigation?

    <p>To assess the general index of investigative suspicion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of finding traces of antimony, barium, and primer mixture in a gunshot residue kit?

    <p>It confirms the presence of gunshot residue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of referring to the handout on page 6 in a carbon monoxide suicide investigation?

    <p>To gather additional points to check in the investigation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary consideration when handling a suicide note?

    <p>To examine it for handwriting analysis and fingerprints</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of finding red blotches on the skin in a carbon monoxide suicide investigation?

    <p>It confirms carbon monoxide poisoning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of checking for traces of powder burns in a gunshot investigation?

    <p>To confirm the presence of gunshot residue</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of finding a rope or cord in an auto-erotic death scene?

    <p>It confirms the use of neck compression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of maintaining control and security of a suicide note?

    <p>To prevent tampering or loss of evidence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of finding evidence of prior auto-erotic activity in a death scene?

    <p>It indicates a history of auto-erotic behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of examining a suicide note for handwriting analysis and fingerprints?

    <p>To determine the authenticity of the note</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Death Investigations

    • Death scenes can be classified into three categories: homicide, suicide, and accident/natural causes
    • During an investigation, it is essential to identify the type of death scene and approach it accordingly
    • If there is any doubt, treat the scene as a homicide and process accordingly

    Investigative Questions

    • Are there signs of a struggle?
      • Overturned furniture
      • Broken items
    • Are there indications that the deceased attempted to defend themselves?
      • Defense wounds (hands, arms)
    • Are there indications that the deceased killed themselves?
      • Suicide note

    Types of Death Scenes

    • Homicide:
      • Murder/manslaughter
      • Self-defense
      • Accidental killing
    • Suicide:
      • Intentional killing of oneself
    • Accident/Natural Causes:
      • Disease
      • Medical problems
      • Accidents (e.g., fire, auto accident, drug overdose)

    Problems in Death Investigations

    • Removal of the body from the scene:
      • Alters the scene
      • Potential loss of evidence
    • Embalming:
      • Destroys evidentiary value of substances in the body
    • Burial:
      • Must obtain exhumation order
      • Passage of time may destroy or reduce the value of body evidence

    Patrol Officer's Responsibilities at a Homicide Scene

    • Proceed safely and promptly
    • Render assistance
    • Effect the arrest
    • Maintain the crime scene
    • Inform/notify specialized units
    • Note all conditions, events, and remarks
    • Arrange for evidence collection
    • Interview and interrogate
    • Report the incident fully and accurately

    Marking the Body at a Crime Scene

    • Photography
    • Sketching
    • Markers or cones
    • Silhouette chalking
    • Responsibility for the body: Medical Examiner has total authority over body disposition

    Homicide Investigation Questions

    • What was the cause of death?
    • What were the means that caused the death?
    • Was the homicide excusable or justifiable?
    • Who was responsible for causing the death?

    Homicide Patterns

    • Anger killing
    • Triangle killing
    • Revenge/jealousy killing
    • Killing for profit
    • Random killing
    • Murder-suicide
    • Sex and sadism

    Gunshot Primer Residue (GSR) Test

    • Tests for the presence of gunshot residue on a suspect's hands
    • Collects evidence samples using a 5% solution of nitric acid
    • Tests for antimony and barium particles

    Suicide Investigations

    • Definition: The killing of oneself
    • Types of injuries:
      • Wounds on the front of the body
      • Choice of methods (e.g., gun, knife, poison)
      • Combination of methods
      • Extent of wounds
    • Difficulty of self-infliction
    • Awkward positions
    • Incapacitating sequence
    • Presence of weapon
    • Concealment of weapon
    • Motive and intent

    Importance of Protecting the Victim's Hands

    • In suicide investigations, it is essential to protect the victim's hands to preserve evidence### Investigating Suicides

    • The primary focus of the investigation should be on discovering any domestic, business, or financial troubles that may have contributed to the suicide.

    • Marital harmony, pregnancy, and love are not significant factors in determining motives for suicide.

    Historical Context

    • Between 70,000 and 80,000 young people (ages 15-24) attempt suicide annually, with around 5,000 succeeding.
    • Fewer than 30% of young suicides leave notes, and more girls attempt suicide, but more boys succeed.
    • The increase in young suicides is attributed to an inability to communicate and feelings of isolation and loneliness.

    Handling Suicide Notes

    • The suicide note should be picked up with a pair of tongs and placed in a transparent envelope to avoid contact with fingers.
    • The note should be photographed and transmitted to a laboratory or qualified agency, along with handwriting samples of the deceased, for comparison.
    • Precautions should be taken to avoid contaminating the note with fingerprints.
    • If the handwriting does not match the deceased, the note should be processed for fingerprints.

    Accidental Deaths

    • Fatal accidents that are not witnessed may involve injuries that suggest suicide.
    • In cases where eyewitnesses are absent or unreliable, it is crucial to investigate thoroughly to avoid misclassification.

    Types of Suicides

    • Motor Vehicle Suicide: often hard to determine without a note or background information.
    • Jump Suicide: pay attention to notes, past attempts, mental condition, and building line.
    • Overdose Suicide: mostly women and young girls, pay attention to notes, past attempts, mental condition, and containers.
    • Firearms Suicides: more common among men, pay attention to notes, past attempts, mental condition, and gunshot residue.
    • Carbon Monoxide Suicide: pay attention to notes, past attempts, mental condition, and the vehicle.
    • Poison Suicides: rare, pay attention to notes, past attempts, mental condition, and skin tone.
    • Incised (Cut) Wound Suicides: pay attention to notes, past attempts, mental condition, and object used.
    • Hanging Suicides: pay attention to notes, past attempts, mental condition, ropes, and security of premises.

    Auto-Erotic Deaths

    • Definition: deaths associated with solo sexual activity.
    • May resemble a suicide, but often involves males, and family members may alter the scene out of shame or embarrassment.
    • Methods include neck compression, airway obstruction, chest compression, and oxygen exclusion.
    • Common evidence includes bondage, sexually stimulating paraphernalia, mirrors, and evidence of fantasy.

    Procedure for Handling Suicide Notes

    • The originating agency with jurisdictional control will maintain control and security of the note.
    • Important handling procedures include:
      • Not handling the note with bare hands.
      • Not folding, spindling, or mutilating the note.
      • Examining the note for handwriting analysis, fingerprints, stains, and origination.
      • Treating the note as though it were a loaded weapon.
      • Using a cover sheet if mailed to prevent indented handwriting from being obliterated or added.

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    Description

    This lesson plan covers the primary objectives of a criminal investigation, including the procedures for conducting an investigation and the main objectives and steps of a preliminary investigation. The focus is on death investigations.

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