CSI: Beyond the Yellow Tape Workbook. Mike Maiocco

Transcription

1 CSI: Beyond the Yellow Tape Workbook By Mike Maiocco

2 CSI: Beyond the Yellow Tape Workbook By Mike Maiocco No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher and authors. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and authors assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein. Published by Police and Fire Publishing 1800 N. Bristol #C408 Santa Ana, CA Visit our website at: Cover design by Michael Jo Printed in the United States of America October 2011 ISBN

3 QR (Quick Response) codes QR (Quick Response) codes incorporate advanced technology to deliver a reality-based application beyond the textbook. The subject matter comes to life through a video clip, complete with the sights and sounds unique to each chapter; each QR code offers a broader perspective of the material being taught and a better understanding of how it is applied in the field. QR codes can be quickly accessed with a cell phone and are tailor-made for quick and easy linking to content on smart phones. Simply point the phone s camera at the QR code you wish to scan. There are a number of apps in the iphone App Store that can read QR codes, including the free QR Reader. Most Android phones and Blackberries read the codes right out of the box, as can newer Nokia headsets. For older Androids and Blackberries, download free QR reader applications. Windows Mobile users can download Quick Marks. This amazing technology is available to everyone, even if you do not own a smart phone. Visit in your web browser and access all QR codes pertaining to Police and Fire Publishing books by simply clicking on the book title. Utilizing supplemental media has never been easier!

4 Table of Contents Introduction...10 Chapter 1: Overview...11 What is Crime Scene Investigation? Who are Crime Scene Investigators? Where are Crime Scene Investigators found? CSI: Las Vegas, New York, Miami vs. Reality Chapter 2: Personnel at a Crime Scene...18 Police Officers Supervisors Brass Scribes Fire/EMS Personnel Crime Scene Investigators Forensic Scientists Coroner/Medical Examiner Detectives Advocates/Chaplains PIO-Public Information Officer News Media Other Resources Scenario Real Investigations Chapter 3: Hazards of a Crime Scene...31 Biological Hazards Chemical Hazards Physical Hazards Terrorism Stress Civil Liability /Scenario

5 Chapter 4: Commonly Used Equipment...45 Recording and Documentation Equipment Measurement Tools Labeling Tools Collection Equipment Fingerprinting Equipment Evidence Search Equipment Personal Protective Equipment Crime Scene Protection Chapter 5: Frequently Encountered Injuries...53 Bruises Abrasions Welts Gunshot Wounds Stab Wounds Ligature Strangulation Burns Real Investigation #1 Real Investigation #2 Chapter 6: Family Violence...62 Spousal Abuse Scenario Child Abuse Scenario Elder Abuse

6 Chapter 7: Evidence...70 What is Evidence? Physical Evidence Vehicles Weapons Fingerprints Glass Fragments Paint Transfers Biological Fluids Trace Evidence Transient Evidence Presumptive Kits Sexual Assault Kits Chain of Custody Chapter 8: Responding to a Crime Scene...92 Mental Preparation Plan of Action Arrival at the Crime Scene Survey and Assessment Onlookers Crime Scene Walk-through Searching the Crime Scene Practical Exercise Chapter 9: Crime Scene Photography Basic Photography Techniques Aperture Shutter Speed Depth of Field Available Light Time Exposures Painting with Light Practical Exercises

7 Chapter 10: Fingerprints What are Fingerprints? Fingerprint Patterns Fingerprint Characteristics Types of Fingerprints Practical Exercises Chapter 11: Firearms and Ballistics Safety Parts and Types of Firearms Operation of Firearms Components of Ballistic Evidence Practical Exercises Chapter 12: Impression Evidence Photography Casting Practical Exercises Chapter 13: Sketches and Diagrams Crime Scene Diagrams Legends Practical Exercises Traffic Collisions Traffic Collision Symbols Traffic Collision Diagrams Practical Exercises Chapter Review

8 Chapter 14: Blood Spatter Cast-off Back Spatter Arterial Spurting Swipes vs Wipes Velocity Practical Exercises Chapter 15: Packaging Materials Coin Envelope Latent Fingerprint Envelope Evidence Envelope Money Envelope Evidence Seals Chapter 16: Forms CSI Report Crime Scene Personnel Log Request for Forensic Analysis Firearms Analysis Fingerprint Analysis Property Receipt Chapter 17: Violent Acts Gunshot Wound to the Head Gunshot Wound to the Arm Gunshot Wound to the Ankle Gunshot Wound to the Inner Arm Plane Crash Abscesses on a Drug Abuser's Leg

9 Chapter 18: Courtroom Testimony Subpoenas Discovery Presentation Real Investigations Chapter 19: The Hiring Process Are You the Right Person for the Job? Application Supplemental Application Written Examination Oral Interview Secondary Oral Interview Background Investigation Polygraph Examination Psychological Examination Psychological Oral Interview Medical Screening Chapter 20: Scents Test Review Answer Key Glossary Appendix A: Scent Page

10 Introduction This textbook is a one-of-a-kind, hands-on tool designed to take students beyond the walls of the classroom. Students will learn how to take photographs, collect fingerprints, and understand the operation of firearms, along with many more basic techniques needed by the crime scene investigators today. Also included are several scents that will allow the student to identify several common odors encountered at crime scenes such as decomposing bodies and marijuana. Drawing templates are also included for the student to diagram mock crime scenes or traffic collisions. My goal is for students to enjoy learning about crime scene investigation in practical, tangible ways.

11 1 Overview Define the science of forensics, in particular crime scene investigation Identify characteristics of a crime scene investigator Understand the different forensic jobs within the federal, state, and local governments To differentiate between the myths and reality of crime scene investigation

12 What is Crime Scene Investigation? Chapter 1: Overview If you were to ask a crime scene investigator "What is crime scene investigation?" you would end up with the same answer stated many different ways. Without using any industry words, phrases, or meanings, I am going to give you the definition I think best describes what it is that I do. Crime scene investigation is the use of science to objectively analyze, reconstruct, and preserve evidence at any given incident. Contrary to what you may have heard, our job is not to find a person innocent or guilty; that's the job of twelve people in a jury box. Instead, our job is to document, collect, and preserve the evidence located at the crime scene. Let me assure you that I take great pleasure in seeing a suspect found guilty when I collect a piece of evidence that he/she has left at a crime scene that results in the appropriate verdict. But when I am processing a crime scene, my job is to stay objective and collect the evidence. Let me give you an example of what I mean. I was on-duty the night the parents of a female teenager notified the police department that their daughter had been raped. The victim stated she was at a party and had left with a guy she had met there. She stated that he took her to his house to change his shirt before going to get something to eat. However, before they left, the male subject threw her onto his bed, forced off her clothing, and repeatedly raped her. She gave the address of where the rape occurred to the officers and they made contact with the suspect. The suspect stated that they met at the party and then went back to his place to change clothes. He also stated that before they had a chance to leave to go get something to eat, things started to heat up. He continued by stating that they had "made out" for a while and he took her to his bedroom where they had consensual intercourse, but that he did not rape her. Both stories were equally convincing; so how do we determine whether or not a rape had occurred? I was called to the crime scene and began processing the room. Sure enough, biological fluids were located on the bed and certain items of evidence were collected. The victim was transported to a local hospital where a

13 forensic nurse collected a victim sexual assault kit. After clearing the scene, I responded to an interview room of the police department and also collected a sexual assault kit from the suspect. It was later determined by the kits that both the victim and the suspect did in fact have sex. However, there was no evidence that a rape had occurred as the victim's examination came back inconclusive; nothing out of the ordinary such as bruising, tearing, or bleeding. So did a rape occur or not? Well, my job is not to determine whether or not a rape had occurred. My job is to identify and collect evidence without being influenced by either side. So what was the final outcome? After extensive interviews, the victim admitted that she arrived home after her curfew and since she didn't want to get into trouble, she told her parents that she was raped. Keep in mind that all cases are handled as individual complaints and as a crime scene investigator we are to stay objective without taking sides. Who are Crime Scene Investigators? Crime scene investigators are dynamic, detail-oriented individuals who are well organized and methodical. Most of us are just your average every day citizen living a "normal" life. Our lives usually don't revolve around our jobs (contrary to what people see on the TV shows) and we've learned how to leave at work the thoughts and images indelibly recorded in the back of our minds. Many people ask the questions, "Do you get desensitized by what you see" and/or "Does your job make you callous or uncaring?" I truly believe the day I stop caring is the day I should quit. Most crime scene investigators will admit that they do care. We care about all of the parties involved in the case being investigated. The situations we respond to are very traumatic and sometimes even downright breathtaking. Regardless of the role we play, it can be very sad.

14 Crime scene investigators, just like police officers, EMS personnel, and coroners, all continuously reinforce to ourselves and each other that we are professionals. There may be several people lying dead in the middle of an intersection after a traffic collision with a drunk driver, but we don't have the option of grieving at that moment. We have to conduct ourselves in a professional manner and complete a thorough investigation, so that when it comes time for court, a defense attorney won't be able to discredit our reputations. We also have to complete our jobs when family members are standing on the other side of the yellow tape screaming and sobbing because their loved one is lying under a yellow blanket. We are taught that once the person is dead, they become evidence. That may be true, but it is a piece of evidence that will be respected and handled with care, especially since it was only a short time before that the victim was a living, breathing loved one. Crime scene investigators are unique individuals who learn how to deal with tragedy in their own way. The average citizen may see a devastating incident once or twice during his or her entire life. We may see them once or twice during a shift (depending upon where you work). We all deal with tragedy differently. Some of us laugh; some cry, some exercise, and some spend time with their family. If we don't find a way to deal with the darker side of life, it can end tragically for us. There have been crime scene investigators who committed suicide because they were unable to cope with the stress of seeing abused children, violence or death on a continuous basis. I believe every crime scene investigator knows (whether they admit it or not) when it is time to hang up their career and/or retire. The human mind can only take so much violence before it takes its toll and changes you both physically and emotionally. A colleague, who in my opinion was one of the best crime scene investigators in the area, stepped away from her position after processing a horrendous crime scene; a baby boy was tortured, abused, and ultimately killed and thrown away like a piece of garbage. She eventually started again at a slower agency believing she could get away from the violence. Unfortunately, within a few months, a man purposely drove his car into a day care playground full of children, killing one and

15 injuring many others. Violence is a way of life in America and regardless of the size of the agency, you will encounter viciousness. Where are Crime Scene Investigators found? Crime scene investigators are found at every level of government (Federal, State, County, local), and are even employed by private agencies. Most are non-sworn employees; however some agencies still haven't gotten away from using sworn officers for CSI duties. Crime scene investigators are known by different titles throughout the country. They are described as evidence technicians, crime scene technicians, evidence response teams, forensic specialists, and in England they are called scene of crime officers. Although the job titles are different, the job descriptions are very similar. CSI: Las Vegas, New York, Miami vs. Reality Everywhere I go people always ask me, "Is what you do just like the TV shows?" TV productions generally have an endless amount of money to entertain the public. They produce their shows in a way that appeals to the viewer in order to obtain ratings. They may use the latest techniques using very expensive equipment in order to solve the cases. They have one goal and objective in mind: to entertain their viewers. With that being said, all government agencies employing crime scene investigators operate on budgets; generally very small budgets. You will never find a crime scene investigator pulling up at a crime scene in an H2 Hummer. (If you do, then that agency is not spending their money wisely and needs to reevaluate its' spending!) Forensic equipment and tools are very expensive and many labs obtain these items by applying for federal grants. However, a crime scene investigator must use his skills, techniques, and common sense in order to find the evidence. The tools are only as good as the investigator.

16 One of the misconceptions people have from watching television is that the crime scene investigator is in charge of the crime scene. This varies from agency to agency, but more than likely either a sergeant or a detective will be in charge of the crime scene. Some agencies won't even allow crime scene personnel into the scene until the detectives have arrived. And then the detective will conduct a preliminary search and tell the crime scene investigator what evidence to collect. Another misconception is that crime scene investigators serve search warrants, arrest suspects, and then interrogate them. Nothing could be further from the truth. During a search warrant we assist in the documentation, collection, and preservation of evidence listed on the warrant. It's not as dramatic as it looks on TV. I don't want to discount our role during the search warrant as the collection and preservation of the evidence is usually the "nail in the coffin". In fact, our role is a critical one. At the same time, it is important for a crime scene investigator to have an excellent understanding of search and seizure laws. As far as interrogating a suspect, CSI personnel leave that to the detectives or officers handling the investigation. We may have contact with a suspect, but only in the performance of evidence collection. Occasionally a suspect will say something pertaining to the case to the CSI officer that the police officer or detective doesn't hear. In these situations, the CSI officer should document these spontaneous statements made and immediately inform the detective.

17 Notes: 1. Who is in charge at a crime scene? 2. Who interrogates a suspect? 3. Are crime scene investigators allowed to carry weapons and if so, under what guidelines? 4. Write a paragraph describing what you found the most interesting in the previous chapter and why.