L2.1 Crime Scene Investigation

Primary Crime Scene

The original location where a crime has occurred.

Secondary Crime Scene

The location where evidence is found that is related to the initial crime scene.

Macroscopic Crime Scene

A broader view of the crime scene that encompasses an entire area.

Microscopic Crime Scene

A focused area where specific evidence related to the crime is found.

Procedures in Crime Scene Investigation

Steps taken include assisting victims, searching for suspects, securing the scene, creating logs, noting changes, separating witnesses, and preserving evidence.

Linkage Evidence

Evidence that connects people, scenes, or objects related to the crime.

Crime Scene Documentation

Four main types include photography, notes, videography, and sketching, each serving to accurately record and communicate the scene.

Preliminary Scene Survey

A survey used to track evidence before documentation, focusing on immediate processing and reconstruction information.

Transient Evidence

Fragile or easily lost evidence that should be collected first.

Evidence Packaging

Evidence is packaged in a primary container, then placed in a secondary container, sealed with evidence tape. Marked with initials of collector

Stages of Crime Scene Construction

Includes data collection, conjecture, hypothesis formulation, testing, and theory formulation.

Link Method

one type of evidence leaders to the next item. large, small, outdoor, and indoor scenes.

Line/Strip Method

investigators search in straight lines, either in a single or multiple parallel lines, to ensure thorough coverage of the area. large, outdoor, areas.

Grid Method

Searcers overlapping lines, but time consuming. Large fields.

Zone Method

investigators divide the crime scene into zones for thorough examination, typically used in indoor scenes. Houses or buildings.

Wheel/Ray Method

investigators start from a central point and move outward in straight lines, effective for circular areas that are small and have little obstacles.

Spiral Method

investigators move in a spiral pattern, either inward or outward, allowing for a thorough search of areas with no barriers, often used in open fields/water.