Forensics - Crime Scene Unit

Who is involved in crime scenes

• Police

• Crime scene technologist

• Medical Examines may be present

• Detectives/ investigators

• District attorney (may be present)

What is a crime scene

A crime scene can be defined as a primary or secondary crime scene

What is a primary crime scene

The original location of a crime

What is a secondary crime scene

An alternate location where evidence may be found

What are the 5 types of crime scenes

• homicide

• assault

• theft

• rape

• etc.

what are the four steps of the crime scene

• Interview

• Examine

• Document

• Process

what are the 7 S’s of the crime scene

• secure the scene

• separate the witness

• scan the scene

• sketch the scene

• search for evidence

• securing the evidence

What is a spiral search pattern

• searcher will start at the center and walk creating a spiral like path

• the pattern is helpful when there is only one technologist or investigator present.

What is a grid search pattern

• searchers will walk in a grid like organized fashion before covering the same area

What is a linear search pattern

• This search pattern is generally used when lines of people stand about arms length apart and walk in a straight line

• The crime scene is divided in strips and each person is responsible for their section

What is zone/quadrant search pattern

• Each person is responsible of a section or quadrant of the crime scene

• Team mates will each take a zone, search, and then switch so that multiple eyes see the same area.

What is the chain of custody

• once the evidence is packaged and labeled the chain of custody begins

• This is a list of all persons who come in possession of an item of evidence

forensic science begins at the…

crime scene

What are the 5 steps to processing a crime scene

1. isolate and secure the scene

2. document the scene

3. search for evidence

4. collect and package evidence maintaining the chain of custody

5. submit evidence to crime lab

what does the acronym ADAPT stand for

• Assess the crime scene and assist those injured

• Detain the witness

• Arrest the perpetrated

• Protect the crime scene

• Take notes

Having too many investigators on the crime scene could

destroy the evidence

too few investigators on the scene may

miss important evidence