Unit 3: Crime Scene Management - Forensic Science PDF

I BSFS Forensic Science 02ABSFS24111 Unit 3: Crime Scene Management  TOPICS COVERED IN THE UNIT Sub Unit 3.1: Basics of Crime scene- Types of crime scenes, Duties of first responders, Role of Investigation Officers at crime scene, Coordination between police personnel and forensic scie...

I BSFS Forensic Science 02ABSFS24111 Unit 3: Crime Scene Management  TOPICS COVERED IN THE UNIT Sub Unit 3.1: Basics of Crime scene- Types of crime scenes, Duties of first responders, Role of Investigation Officers at crime scene, Coordination between police personnel and forensic scientists at crime scenes, The evaluation of 5Ws (who?, what?, when?, where?, why?) and 1H (how?), Crime scene logs Sub Unit 3.2: Processing of crime scene- Securing and isolating the crime scene-Crime scene search methods, Safety measures at crime scenes, Legal considerations at crime scenes. Documentation of crime scenes– Photography, Videography, sketching and recording notes. Sub Unit 3.3: Classification of crime scene evidence – Identification of various evidences. Physical and Trace evidence, Collection and proper packaging of evidence based on the nature of exhibit. Labeling and sealing of evidence. Preservation of evidence Sub Unit 3.4: Chain of Custody- Maintaining chain custody. Reconstruction of crime scene, Report Writing, Court Evidence.  TYPES OF CRIME SCENES Indoor type Outdoor of locat Conveyance/Mobile ion Primary Site of Secondary crim e Murder Type Theft of crim Assault etc. e  DUTIES OF FIRST RESPONDERS Ensure safety Provide medical assistance Secure the crime scene Preserve evidence Document the scene Establish crime scene logs  ROLE OF INVESTIGATION OFFICERS AT CRIME SCENE Lead the investigation Collect evidence Interview witnesses Manage forensic experts Crime scene reconstruction  COORDINATION BETWEEN POLICE PERSONNEL AND FORENSIC SCIENTISTS AT CRIME SCENES Collaboration: Police secure the scene while forensic experts analyze it for evidence. Communication: Clear and constant exchange of information between law enforcement and forensic personnel to ensure the crime scene is processed effectively. Role clarity: Each member of the team knows their specific duties (e.g., police handle safety and control, forensic scientists focus on evidence collection and analysis).  EVALUATION OF 5W’S AND 1H Who?: Identifying the victim(s), suspect(s), or witness(es). What?: Determining the nature of the crime (e.g., homicide, burglary). When?: Pinpointing the time of the crime (time of death, time of theft). Where?: Locating where the crime occurred and if other scenes are involved. Why?: Understanding the motive or reason behind the crime. How?: Determining the method by which the crime was committed (weapon used, modus operandi).  CRIME SCENE LOGS 1. PURPOSE OF CRIME SCENE LOGS: Documentation of Access: The main function of a crime scene log is to record every individual who enters or exits the crime scene. This is important for maintaining a chain of custody and ensuring that evidence is not tampered with or contaminated. Accountability: By documenting the personnel present, investigators can later verify who had access to the scene at any given time. Chain of Custody: It helps establish who was in control of the scene and the evidence at all times, a key element in maintaining the admissibility of evidence in court. 2. DETAILS RECORDED IN CRIME SCENE LOGS: Name: Full name of the individual entering or exiting the crime scene. Rank/Position: The person's role (e.g., detective, forensic scientist, first responder, investigator, etc.). Agency or Department: The law enforcement or forensic agency the person represents. Time of Entry/Exit: Exact times when the individual entered and exited the crime scene. Reason for Entry: A brief explanation of why the person accessed the scene (e.g., evidence collection, securing the perimeter, examination of a body, etc.). Signature: The individual should sign or initial to verify the accuracy of their entry. 3. FORMATS OF CRIME SCENE LOGS: Paper Logs: Traditional handwritten logs are still commonly used. A designated officer is responsible for managing this log at the crime scene entrance. Digital Logs: Increasingly, digital logs are used via tablets or smartphones, which can automatically record time and allow for easier distribution of the logs for review. Combination Logs: Some teams may use a combination of both paper and digital systems to ensure accuracy and prevent loss of records. 4. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING THE LOG: Crime Scene Entry Officer: Often a police officer or designated crime scene security personnel will manage the entry/exit point and ensure the log is maintained. This individual is tasked with ensuring that all personnel follow the logging procedure. Scene Manager or Lead Investigator: In some cases, the lead investigator or crime scene manager may oversee the crime scene log process to ensure that no unauthorized personnel access the scene. 5. IMPORTANCE OF CRIME SCENE LOGS IN INVESTIGATION: Preservation of Evidence: By controlling access to the crime scene, the log helps ensure that no unauthorized individuals enter and potentially contaminate or alter evidence. Investigation Integrity: The log can later be used in court to show that the crime scene was protected from the time of discovery until evidence collection and processing were complete. Chain of Custody: A well-maintained log supports the chain of custody, linking evidence found at the scene directly to the individuals who handled it, preventing challenges in court regarding evidence tampering. Post-Investigation Review: Logs can be reviewed after the investigation to ensure that the procedures were followed correctly, identifying any potential lapses in crime scene security. 6. CHALLENGES IN MAINTAINING CRIME SCENE LOGS: Multiple Entry Points: If a crime scene is large or spans multiple areas, managing logs for different points of entry can be difficult. In such cases, a system for multiple logs or strict control over the number of entry points is needed. Busy Crime Scenes: In cases involving many investigators, forensic specialists, or outside experts, it can be challenging to ensure that everyone signs in and out. Human Error: Logs maintained manually are subject to human error, such as forgetting to sign out or inaccurately recording the time of entry or exit. 7. LEGAL IMPORTANCE OF CRIME SCENE LOGS: Court Admissibility: If evidence is contested in court, the defense may scrutinize the crime scene log to look for possible breaches in security or lapses in the chain of custody. A properly maintained log helps strengthen the prosecution’s case by demonstrating that the crime scene was properly secured. Cross-Examination: During trials, defense attorneys often question the integrity of the investigation. A detailed log ensures that investigators can account for every person at the scene, reducing the chances of errors or accusations of evidence tampering. 8. DIGITAL INNOVATIONS IN CRIME SCENE LOGS: Biometric Authentication: Advanced crime scene logging systems may include biometric scans (fingerprints or facial recognition) for added security. Real-Time Updates: Some systems are connected to databases or servers, allowing real-time updates of the log, and ensuring that investigators back at the station can monitor who is on-site at any given moment. Electronic Signature: Some digital logs also use electronic signatures to verify entry and exit, reducing the risk of falsified records. Crime scene logs are fundamental to ensuring the smooth operation of a crime scene investigation and maintaining the chain of custody. They help in safeguarding the evidence and uphold the integrity of the investigation process.  COLLECTION OF TRACE EVIDENCE Trace evidence is collected in a variety of ways, including with the use of forceps, by hand, tape lift or even vacuuming. If possible, the entire item containing the suspected evidence should be collected and preserved for later analysis. When collecting trace evidence, the crime scene investigator must document and collect not only the questioned samples, but also collect known samples for comparison purpose. It is important for crime scene investigators to understand the mechanisms of primary and secondary transfer. The following are important considerations to keep in mind at the crime scene. Elimination hair and/or fiber samples may need to be obtained from personnel conducting the search Prioritize the order of evidence collection. Collect large items first and then proceed to the trace evidence. Once the trace evidence is collected via vacuuming, taping, remove bullets, dust for fingerprints and so on. Processing the crime scene for fingerprints prior to trace evidence collection is not recommended. When collecting most types of trace evidences personnel typically make use of a druggist pharmacist fold as primary method of evidence preservation. The primary packaging should then be placed into secondary packaging The following equipment may be used in the evidence collection process: Latex gloves/nitrile gloves Forceps. Tweezers. Scalpels. Swabs. Paper bags. Plastic bags. Cardboard boxes. Wrapping paper. Hand tools.  COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF GLASS EVIDENCE: Shoes and clothing of victims or suspects to be processed for glass particles should be packaged individually in sealed containers. All broken glass from the scene or suspect's vehicle in the case of a hit and run must be collected. Further breakage of the pieces can be prevented by careful packing with padding. The larger pieces of glass can be marked for identification with a felt tip marker or by placing a small piece of tape on them to provide a writing surface. Broken glass from different locations should be packaged separately and identified as to the location found.  COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF PAINT EVIDENCE Items with paint chips or smears adhering to them should be packaged in such a way as to protect the evidence from loss or alteration. Tools must never be placed in the same container with samples of the painted surface. Evidence or comparison paint chips should be placed in small vials or circular cardboard pill boxes. Envelope are unsatisfactory containers. Comparison samples should be collected immediately adjacent to the tool mark or impact area. Samples should be lifted or flaked off the surface by bending the surface or by using a razor blade. A complete description as to the source and nature of each paint sample collected is necessary before the laboratory can derive meaningful information from the evidence. In a two-vehicle hit and run, for example, four separate paint samples must be collected: A. Suspect's paint from victim's vehicle (suspect - transfer) B. victim's paint from suspect's vehicle (victim - transfer) C. victim's paint from the area adjacent to the damaged area on his vehicle (victim - control) D. Suspect's paint from the area adjacent to the damaged area on his vehicle (suspect - control)  COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION OF SOIL SAMPLES: 1. Shoes with dried mud adhering to them should be marked and sealed in a plastic bag. 2. Soil adhering to objects that are not convenient to impound should be removed, placed in a plastic bag, carton or vial then sealed and marked. 3. comparison samples from the suspected source should be collected not only from the point of contact but also from a number of adjacent areas. These samples from the surrounding area will enable the laboratory to determine the variability of the soil in that area. They should be collected at comparable soil depths that the questioned soil sample would have been picked up on the shoes or tires. Packaging methods Evidence Security Bags  PAPER EVIDENCE BAGS - SMALL, MEDIUM, LARGE, TALL Paper Evidence Bags are preprinted and include all the information required for proper evidence submission to the crime laboratory, including a chain of custody section. These evidence bags are made from a heavy-duty kraft paper stock, which is "breathable" and makes them ideal for a wide variety of evidence - from clothing containing body fluids to damp marijuana.  PLASTIC WEAPON STORAGE BAGS - ANTI- RUST TREATED These heavy-duty 4 mil. thick, heat-sealable, specially-treated polybags emit an odorless, invisible, and nontoxic vapor that prevents oxidation from developing on ferrous surfaces of knives, handguns, rifles, etc. These bags provide an excellent way to protect weapons during long-term storage. The vapors emitted from the bag will not stick to or damage weapons.  NYLON ARSON EVIDENCE BAGS Nylon has long been the preferred material for collection and storage of evidence which may contain solvents found in accelerants. Unlike "plastic" bags, solvents will not break down the nylon material of our Nylon Arson Evidence Bags, preventing the loss of flammables and hydrocarbons. These bags can be closed in the field using cable ties or permanently sealed back in the laboratory using a heat sealer.  METAL EVIDENCE CONTAINERS Metal Evidence Containers are ideal for packing and protecting small, fragile evidence. These containers come with a white paper write-on label on the lid for marking. They are excellent for bullets, shell casings, paint chips, glass shards, etc. and are easily sealed with evidence security tape or seals.  PLASTIC-POLYSTYRENE JARS These wide-mouth jars are excellent for all types of fragile evidence such as cartridges, bullets, paint chips, glass shards, etc., and are available in a large selection of sizes.  EVIDENCE COLLECTION TUBES These large, clear plastic Evidence Collection Tubes can be used for collecting and protecting a variety of evidence. These tubes are 12" long and 3" in diameter and come with two tuff-pak caps that will not pop off of the clear plastic tube. Our Collection Tube can be purchased with a closed- cell polyethylene insert for securing syringe needles, knife points, etc. Tubes are also available without inserts for other types of evidence.  EVIDENCE CARTON/BOX SEALING TAPE Seal packages containing evidence with bright red, pressure-sensitive, tamper-evident tape. Bold repeating message printed in black identifies cartons and boxes as evidence. This is an economical way to safeguard and label evidence in transit or in storage. This durable, 2" W x 165' L, 2 mil. tape features a strong adhesive that securely adheres to all cardboard cartons and boxes.  SEALING EVIDENCE Sealing evidence properly is a requirement of most crime labs Issues: Type of seal Need for identifying mark Where seal(s) is to be placed Ways evidence can be sealed Heat seal (redoxide wax) Tape seal Lock seal (kora cloth)  PANCHANAMA or MAHAZAR Has significance value but not defined anywhere in law. It is document Courts look into to check the veracity and truthfulness of action taken by public officers. In Sanskrit “panch” means respectable person and “nama” means written document. Indirectly mentioned in section 100 and 174 of Criminal Procedure Code, 1973. Document written by respected person is simple, truthful and unambiguous.  CONTENTS OF PANCHANAMA Name and place of police Station, Name and rank of officer commencing panchanama, Name, age and address of panchas, Details of particular place or persons, Detail list of articles found in that place or from the person which are incriminating, Record of time when it was commenced and when it ended, Signatures of that officer and both of panchas. After preparation of panchanama the panchas should read its contents.  If the panch is illiterate then such panchanama should be read over to him and there should be endorsement that the contents of panchanama were read over to them. KINDS OF PANCHANAMAS SPOT PANCHANAMA :- In this panchanama there is details about the crime scene. MEMORANDUM PANCHANAMA :- The statement made by accused in police custody is recorded before panchas. SEIZURE PANCHANAMA :- During investigation the investigating officer finds articles which he thinks important for investigation. He seizes that articles in presence of panchas and draws panchanama. INQUEST PANCHNAMA  ARREST PANCHANAMA VEHICLE INSPECTION PANCHANAMA EVIDENTIARY VALUE OF PANCHANAMA. It is to be noted that there could be panchanama other than the above list as the above list is not exhaustive. Sometimes panchanama are also found in civil cases. The panchanama can be used as corroborative piece of evidence. It is not substantive piece of evidence.  MAHAZAR MUST BE SELF EXPLANTORY Why When Where What Who Which How  MAHAZAR WITNESS Genuine witness Minimum 2 persons Male/female Address ID Mobile number Signature Witness can be examine before trial- Evidence Act 159.