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THE CRIME SCENE

THE CRIME SCENE. “ Oh, how simple it would all have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo and wallowed all over it.” — A. Conan Doyle, in The Boscombe Valley Mystery , 1892. Types of Crime Scenes. Outdoor

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THE CRIME SCENE

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  1. THE CRIME SCENE “Oh, how simple it would all have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo and wallowed all over it.” —A. Conan Doyle, in TheBoscombe Valley Mystery, 1892

  2. Types of Crime Scenes • Outdoor • most vulnerable to loss, contamination and deleterious change of physical evidence in a relatively short period of time. • Individuals with access to the scene can potentially alter, destroy or contaminate evidence. Greatest risk is when the scene is not secured properly. • Destruction/deterioration of evidence due to environmental conditions (heat, cold, rain, snow, wind) can be problematic. • Nighttime crimes are especially problematic. Even if there is a light source, lack of sunlight can lead to investigators inadvertently destroying evidence. Scenes should be preserved and secured until daylight if possible.

  3. Indoor Scenes • Less susceptible to loss, contamination and deleterious change and easier to secure (shutting doors) • Contamination can still occur if crime scene is not limited to the amount of people let into the scene, however this is the case with any crime scene.

  4. Conveyance Scenes • * Conveyance is defined as "something that serves as a means of transportation." • Vehicle burglary, grand theft, car jacking, narcotics violation, sexual battery, homicide, etc) • * Important that the CSI recognize that physical evidence recovered from these scenes may extend well beyond the conveyance itself. • Shoe impressions leading away or beside car, items dropped by perpetrator, cigarette butts, etc. • * May be transferred to the lab for processing in order to preserve the conveyance.

  5. CORPUS DELICTI“Body of the Crime” • You must prove • that a crime occurred • that the person charged with the crime was responsible for the crime • Top Reasons for Committing a Crime • Money • Revenge • Emotion—love, hate, anger • Source of Evidence • Body • Primary and/or Secondary Crime Scene • Suspect(s) Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

  6. CRIME SCENE TEAM • A group of professional investigators, each trained in a variety of special disciplines. • Team Members • First Police Officer on the scene • Medics (if necessary) • Investigator(s) • Medical Examiner (if necessary) • Photographer and/or Field Evidence Technician • Lab Experts

  7. CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION • Based on the scientific method and the Locard Exchange Principle, logic and forensic techniques • Involves: • Recognition—scene survey, documentation, collection • Identification—comparison testing • Individualization—evaluation and interpretation • Reconstruction—reporting and presenting

  8. Seven S’s of Crime Scene Investigation • Securing the Scene • Separating the Witnesses • Scanning the Scene • Seeing the Scene • Sketching the Scene • Searching for evidence • Securing and collecting evidence

  9. Processing the Scene Always follow the same ‘SCRIPT’ S: Search - Secure & Isolate scene C: Chronicle - Document the scene R: Recover - Search for evidence I: Inventory – Collect evidence P: Package - package evidence, maintaining the chain of custody T: Transport - Submit evidence to the crime lab

  10. FIRST OFFICERON THE SCENE • A Assess the crime scene and assist those hurt • D Detain the witness • A Arrest the perpetrator • P Protect the crime scene • T Take notes

  11. First Responder Check points of entry: any signs of break-in? Record any open windows or doors. Photograph or videotape assembling crowd and passing traffic. Record and run license plates of anyone driving by or slowing down to observe activity. Important to realize role as First Responder: • First link in chain of custody. • Sets the tone for the investigation. • Proper preparation precludes poor performance.

  12. Recording Crime Scenes • Methods used to document the conditions, situations, and physical evidence at crime scenes include photographs, notes, and sketches. • Use of these three methods is essential at a homicide or accident scene because they document the story in a logical progression

  13. PHOTOGRAPHY • Photography • Digital camera should have 4 or more megapixels, close-up capabilities, and flash attachment(The more pixels, the more detail captured) • Differences in pixels are important in court because the greater the pixel the larger the print can be.

  14. Photography • Two photos should be taken of each shot in case one is blurred.  • There are three 3 general categories of photographs: • 1. Overview(gives general locale and approach route) • 2. Mid-range(mid-range (10-20 feet) tell a story that helps establish the modus operandi(MO)ofthe offender.) • 3. Close-up (essential for establishing the corpus delictiof a criminal act.) • *corpus delicti– the body of facts that show a crime was committed, includes the physical evidence and/or the body

  15. Photography 1. Overview 2. Mid-range 3. Close-up

  16. Photography • There are two 2 general methods of photography: • (1) overlapping: which is a series of photos taken in a circular or clockwise direction, overlapping each slightly to show the overall scene • (2) progressive: which starts from a fixed point, photographs each piece of evidence as the photographer moves toward it, and progressively gets closer in the pictures.

  17. Photography • Bodies are photographed from five angles: • (1) head to feet • (2) right side • (3) feet to head • (4) left side • (5) straight down from above

  18. Photography • Provides a visual record of the crime scene • The crime scene should be recorded in it’s original & uncontaminated state • Photograph evidence “as is” before collection • Think about replicating the scene for a jury • Process scene from general to specific (long range, mid range, close-up, & identification quality) • Video footage is sometimes taken but does not replace still photos • Notes should be recorded that correspond with photography

  19. Photography Long Range • Also known as an overview • 360° view of scene • outside of crime scene – link photos to show panoramic view with 30% overlap • Include photos leading up to crime scene (ex: from exterior to interior of a structure • Include entrance/exit(s) Long Range Photo

  20. Photography Mid Range • Shows relationships between evidence • Vary point of view and perspective • Relationship of internal structures Mid range photos

  21. Photography Cont. • Close-up – fill the viewfinder with the subject, photograph serial numbers and/or other identification markers (must be reliable), use of scales, evidence cards • Identification quality – camera is parallel to subject, proper use of scale, fill viewfinder, a tripod may be necessary Use of tripod & scale for identification

  22. Crime Scene Photography Extras Camera Tripod Demonstrating Proper Technique – 90° angle Photographing scale

  23. NOTES (written observations) • Constant • Detailed • Location • Time • How and by whom item was packaged • Disposition of the item • Tape-recorded • Videotape

  24. Notes • Notes should be taken constantly during investigation & processing the crime scene • A log of individuals entering the crime scene should begin with the first responder and continue throughout the investigation & included as notes (also as evidence) • Notes can be voice recorded or video recorded but still have to be transcribed as written documentation • Notes may be the only record to help refresh someone’s mind months or years after the crime as taken place • Usually one person is designated as a note taker

  25. Notes Cont. • Information to be included in notes • Description of the scene, one room at a time • Accurate list of recovered evidence plus where, when, & whom found the evidence • Who transported evidence to crime lab • Identify & comment on every photo taken at the scene • Impressions such as time, smells, signs of struggle, lighting, weather conditions, injuries, suspects/complainants descriptors • Cannot be destroyed as they are considered to be evidence (most important form of documentation) • Notes should be written using proper writing skills: punctuation, capitalization, proper grammar • Notes should NEVER include opinions

  26. Begin with rough sketch Accurate dimensions Location of all objects having a bearing on the case Letters/numbers assigned to items and include legend Compass heading north Finished sketch Drawn carefully Drawn to scale Computer aided drafting CRIME SKETCHES(drawn observations)

  27. ROUGH SKETCH Date: August 14, 2005 Criminalist: Ann Wilson Time: 11:35 am Location: 4358 Rockledge Dr, St. Louis, Mo. N

  28. Finished Sketch Finished-sketch diagram of a crime scene. Courtesy Sirchie Finger Print Laboratories, Inc., Youngsville, N.C., www.sirchie.com.

  29. Practical measuring techniques 1. Rectangular coordinates: This is the easiest and most used method for most crime scene specialist. Measurements are taken from 2 fixed areas at right angles of each other. 2. Triangulation coordinates: This method is designed to measure to an item from 2 fixed points by forming a triangle.

  30. SEARCH METHODS • Line or strip method—best in large, outdoor scenes • Grid method—basically a double-line search; effective, but time-consuming • Zone method—most effective in houses or buildings; teams are assigned small zones for searching • Wheel or ray method—best on small, circular crime scenes • Spiral method—may move inward or outward; best used where there are no physical barriers

  31. Search Methods • Line or strip method—best in large, outdoor scenes • Grid method—basically a double-line search; effective, but time-consuming

  32. Search Methods • Zone method—most effective in houses or buildings; teams are assigned small zones for searching • Wheel or ray method—best on small, circular crime scenes • Spiral method—may move inward or outward; best used where there are no physical barriers • Aerial – conducted by plane or helicopter to cover large expanses of land

  33. Evidence Collection • One individual should be designated as the evidencecollector to ensure that the evidence is collected, packaged, marked, sealed, and preserved in a consistent manner • Each item must be placed in a separate container, sealed, and labeled

  34. Evidence Collection • Most fragile is collected and packaged first • Different types of evidence require specific or special collection and packaging techniques • Swabs • Biological materials • Paper vs plastic • The body is the property of the coroner or medical examiner. Any collection of evidence on the body is done by that department

  35. Evidence Collection • Fingerprints – photographed, lifted or transferred • Tool marks, shoe prints, tire marks – photographed then lifted or cast

  36. Evidence Collection • Fibers & hair – found using alternative light sources then picked up with tweezers • Carpet & Furniture – vacuumed with fresh bag for each area • Saliva – lightly moisten swab, rotate & swab area then allow samples to air dry • Buccal (Saliva) Swabs – swab inside of cheek area using 2 swabs while rotating, allow to air dry & package together

  37. Evidence Collection • Fingernail Scraping/Clippings – Collect only when told to do so, clip fingernails into clean paper with clean clipper; scrape underside of each nail onto a clean paper & package with scrapers • Other techniques may include swabbing, cutting, scraping, collecting entire object

  38. PACKAGING • Types of packaging – paper bags, pill boxes, envelopes, paint cans, cardboard boxes, glass jars, plastic bags, & druggist folds • Techniques – package items separately when recovered separately, package items together if found together (clothing in a pile) • Plastic – used for ballistic evidence, firearms, anything that is not biological/serological & does not require drying

  39. PACKAGING • Paper (bags, envelopes, boxes) is preferred especially for serological & biological evidence and dry items • Evidence that is wet should be allowed to air dry prior to packaging; items very wet can be placed in plastic during transportation and air-tried ASAP • Minimizing interior movement protects DNA evidence

  40. Packaging Labels • Name/Initials of collector • Each person in chain of custody • Date of collection or transfer • Agency & case # • Victim or Suspect name • Brief description of item • Include hazards or warnings (sharp or biohazard)

  41. Sealing Packages • Prevents things from falling out • Extra measure of security (seal broken to access evidence) • Seal with tape • Scotch • Packaging • Evidence tape • **never use masking tape or staples • Initial & Date across seal

  42. CHAIN OF CUSTODY There must be a written record of all people who have had possession of an item of evidence. • The evidence container must be marked for identification • The recording of the location of evidence • The collector’s initials should be placed on the seal • If evidence is turned over to another person, the transfer must be recorded (notes & forms – should be kept to a minimum number of individuals)

  43. Obtain Standard / Reference Samples • Standard/Reference Samples – act as a comparison for crime scene evidence & physical evidence that has a known origin • Can be obtained from suspect, victim, or other know sources (possibly from investigator) • Samples are derived from various sources such as buccal swabbing, collection of substrate controls • Items such as tire and shoe prints can be identified by databases compiled & used by forensic scientist

  44. Submit Evidence to the Laboratory • Submitted by personal delivery most of the time • Deliverer should be familiar with case to answer any questions by the lab • Sometimes evidence is shipped by mail (postal regulations restrict shipment of certain items) • Evidence submission forms accompany all submitted evidence & must include a list of all items submitted for examination • The type of examinations/testing should be noted for each piece of evidence

  45. CRIME SCENE RECONSTRUCTION Stages • Data collection • Hypothesis formation(subjective) • Examination, testing and analysis • Determination of the significance of the evidence • Theory formulation

  46. If you do the CRIME, expect to do the TIME

  47. PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Dr. Michael M. Baden is a renowned pathologist and was the Chief Medical Examiner in NY City and for Suffolk County. Dr. Baden was on the panel that investigated the assassinations of president John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He has been involved as an expert in forensic pathology in many cases of international interest including: • The remains of Tsar Nicholas of Russia and his family • The Claus Von Bulow murder trial • Expert witness for the defense in the O.J. Simpson trial • Re-autopsy of Medgar Evers, Civil Rights leader • Re-examination of the Lindberg Kidnapping and murder • Autopsies of the victims of TWA Flight 800 Dr. Baden is the host of HBO’s Autopsy series and is featured on many of the crime talk shows. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company

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