CRIME SCENE PROCESSING
Defining the Crime Scene A. Anywhere evidence may be located that will help explain B. Different ways to classify 1. Primary crime scene/secondary crime scene 2. Based on size: macroscopic/microscopic 3. Type of crime committed: homicide, robbery, etc. 4. Location: indoors/outdoors/vehicle, etc. C. Every scene is different; the only thing consistent about crime scenes is their inconsistency!!!!!
Legal Considerations D. Fourth Amendment: the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizure, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized A. Search warrant: Legal document that allows a search of self or property; probable cause B. Warrantless search: 1. Existence of emergency situations 2. To prevent the immediate loss /destruction of evidence 3. Search made incident to a lawful arrest 4. Search made with consent
II. Fifth Amendment: A. The right against self-incrimination B. Miranda rule: you have the right to remain silent and have an attorney present before questioning
Processing the Scene First Responders A D A P T Assess the crime scene Detain the witness Arrest the perpetrator Protect the crime scene Take notes
Processing A. Evaluate the nature of the scene 1. obtain medical assistance 2. arrest perpetrator B. Protect the scene 1. establish & protect the integrity of the scene 2. exclude unauthorized personnel C. Record the scene We ll get to the 5 standards for admissible evidence on the next slide
Evidence: Any & all objects that can establish that a crime has been committed or can provide a link between a crime and its victim or a crime and its perpetrator Five Standards for Admissible Evidence: 1. Must be legally obtained 2. Must be relevant to the crime charged 3. Witness must identify the item describing its origin 4. Chain of custody must be demonstrated 5. Scientific criteria must be satisfied: Must be unchanged in quantity & composition between time it is collected until time tested in lab and presented in court
Documenting the Scene I. Videotaping: 3-dimensional portrayal jury acceptability and expectation II. Still Photography - To provide a true and accurate pictorial record - Systematic and organized method: go from overview to midrange to close-up photos - Before and after processing for evidence - Use of measuring scale
Sketches must include the following: 1. Recovered items of evidence 2. Important features/ furniture of the scene 3. Distances measured accurately if not to scale 4. Legend of abbreviations, symbols, numbers, or letters used 5. Other info: title or caption, case number, location, date, time, scene description, sketcher s name 6. Locate N
Detailed written description Identify time of a the item scene is discovered, w/ by whom and how it is discovered, who packaged and location of physical evidence recovered marked it, and the disposition of the item III. Sketches: rough and finished or final -important to give measurement and correct perspective Floor plan Exploded view/cross Projection 3-D IV. Note taking: constant
Measurement Techniques Triangulation Base Line Polar coordinates
Evidence: Any & all objects that can establish that a crime has been committed or can provide a link between a crime and its victim or a crime and its perpetrator A. Identification determination of physical and chemical identity B. Look for Class or Individual characteristics
Crime Scene Searches: Organized and systematic So no evidence missed or lost Must adapt to scene or situation 1. Link method 2. Line or strip method 3. Grid method 4. Zone or quadrant ( auto processing) 5. Wheel or ray or radial method 6. Spiral method
Grid Zone or Quadrant Radial Spiral
Crime Scene Van
Collect and Package Physical Evidence: - item must be in original condition - use separate and appropriate containers Maintain Chain of Custody: - written documentation showing continuity of possession Obtain Controls Safety Considerations: - gloves, face protection, Tyvek suits - sharp objects - no eating, drinking, smoking, applying make-up - infectious linen disposal Submit Evidence to Lab
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