7's of Crime Scene Investigations

S1

Secure the Scene:

First Responder restricts the crime Scene from unauthorized people, crime Scene tape should be put up to prevent contamination of evidence.

S2

Separating the Witnesses

Witnesses should be separated in case they influence each other's story or they lie and create a story together. Can also happen in court where the judge sparates witnesses.

S3

Scan the Scene:

Determine what photos need to be taken at crime Scene. Need to figure out if there is a secondary crime Scene after the primary crime Scene. Suits should be worn to preserve evidence.

S4

See the Scene

Photos are taken with an without a ruler against evidence. Triangulation is a technique used to record evidence from two different points. Helps confirm what was at the crime scene.

S5

Sketch the Scene

CSI makes a sketch of the crime scene to not the positions of the remains and evidence. Label North also unmovable objects (doors, windows, trees, bushes, etc) Final sketch should be made for court.

S6

Search for Evidence

Investigators search for evidence by using 1 of 4 patterns: grid, linear, quadrant/zone, or spiral. This helps investigators properly search and leave no place unsearched.

S7

Secure and Collect Data

Evidence is collected, sealed and labeled. DNA, weapons, etc are put into an envelope to preserve. Logs are filled out to determine who took out evidence when.

Chain of Custody

Investigator makes sure information on logs are accurate and not messed with. It is documented who took the evidence to court. Evidence goes straight to lab or storage locker, can’t bring into store or car because evidence can be comprised.