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Why is documentation important in a crime scene investigation?
it provides a reliable account of the evidence, actions, and observations made during the investigation, ensuring a clear and accurate record for legal proceedings and helps memorialize what was done for future reference.
steps for precessing a scene
preparation and plan of action
note-taking
photography
videography
sketching
3-D scanning
search
collection of evidence
final survey
releasing the scene
systematic approach
the initial phase of organizing and strategizing before entering a crime scene to ensure all necessary resources and procedures are in place.
legal/ scientific considerations
aspects that must be addressed during a crime scene investigation to ensure the integrity of evidence and adherence to legal standards, including chain of custody, admissibility of evidence, and proper documentation. aswell as avoiding things like contamination and using correct measurements
Agency SOPs
standard operating procedures established by an agency to ensure consistency and compliance during crime scene investigations.
supplemental plans
additional strategies developed to support the primary crime scene investigation plan, addressing specific needs or challenges that may arise during the process.
What is one benefit of note-taking?
a) It saves time during investigations.
Why is it important to note seemingly insignificant items?
a) They are always irrelevant.
What should you do with notes after an investigation is complete, and why?
Notes should be preserved and securely stored as they contain vital information that may be needed for future reference, legal proceedings, or to ensure a complete record of the investigation.
Why is crime scene photography important?
provides a visual record that can convey more information than written descriptions alone, preserving the scene for investigation and court proceedings
What should crime scene photographs accurately depict?
The scene as it was found, including all relevant details, to provide a reliable visual record.
What are three key areas to photograph at a crime scene?
Entry and exit points,
Witness perspectives
Physical evidence.
What are three purposes of crime scene photographs?
Aid in refreshing memory of witnesses and investigators
Show relationships of items of evidence at the scene
Help convey an image to the jury.
What are the two types of facial photographs taken of a dead body?
Full-face photograph
Right profile face photograph.
What is the purpose of photographing tattoos on a dead body?
To document identifying features and provide evidence for potential identification of the deceased.
What are the three requirements for photographs to be admissible in court?
Accurately represent the subject matter
Have proper color, scale, and form
Be in focus and show relationships and distances between objects.
Why should investigators not delete any images taken at a crime scene?
Deleting images could be seen as tampering with evidence, and all photographs may be needed for the investigation or court proceedings.
Name two examples of photograph management systems.
Veripic
Amped Software
does videography replace the need for still photography?
No, it complements it by providing a dynamic view of the scene.
What identifiable information should be included at the beginning of a crime scene video?
The date, time, location, case number, and the names of videographer
Who should the videographer consult regarding the admissibility of video evidence?
Attorneys and the court to ensure the video meets legal standards and requirements.
What is a newer approach for documenting crime scenes?
drones
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Small remote-controlled devices fitted with cameras and other sensors, used for documenting scenes.
How do drones compare to helicopters for photographing crime scenes?
Drones are generally more cost-effective, easier to deploy, and can access areas that helicopters cannot, providing detailed aerial views with less noise and disruption.
What additional equipment can drones be outfitted with?
Laser scanning systems and sensors, such as Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar).
Why might drones be particularly useful for documenting outdoor crime scenes?
They can easily cover large areas, difficult terrain, and provide aerial views that are hard to capture from the ground.
What is the purpose of creating a sketch at a crime scene?
To complement photographs and provide an illustrative diagram that clarifies the scene and shows relationships among items.
What is one advantage of sketches over photographs?
Sketches can omit distracting or confusing details, focusing only on relevant information.
What information should be included in a crime scene sketch?
Case identifiers, case number, names of suspect/victim/investigator, person drawing the sketch, date/time, scale/measurements, location/address, reference points, legend/key, and a compass rose.
What equipment is needed for drawing a crime scene sketch?
Clipboard, paper, pencils, rulers/tape measures, range finder device, and a compass.
What technology can be used for creating crime scene sketches?
Total station, electronic/optical devices, and other surveying/construction tools.
What are the four types of crime scene sketches?
Overview/Bird’s-Eye-View,
Elevation
Cross Projection/Exploded
Perspective.
When is an overview/bird’s-eye-view sketch used?
When items of interest are on a horizontal plane (e.g., floor layout).
When is an elevation sketch used?
When the vertical plane is of interest, such as bloodstains on a wall.
What is a cross-projection/exploded sketch?
A combination of overview and elevation sketches, including walls and ceiling as if "exploded" outward.
What is a perspective sketch?
A three-dimensional drawing that provides a realistic view of the scene.
What are the three methods for plotting objects in a sketch?
Rectangular-coordinate method
Baseline method
Triangulation method
How does the rectangular-coordinate method work?
uses adjacent walls as fixed reference points at right angles to locate objects.
How does the baseline method work?
establishes a straight line between two fixed points, with measurements taken at right angles from the line.
How does the triangulation method work?
It uses straight-line measurements from two fixed objects to the evidence, forming a triangle
What is the transect method?
a line is drawn between two points, and measurements are taken from the line to the evidence.
What is the polar coordinates method?
uses a central point, precise direction, and distance to locate evidence.
What is location in the context of a crime scene sketch?
The actual position where an object is located at the scene.
How many measurements are needed to define the position of an object on a flat surface?
At least two measurements from two fixed points.
What is GPS, and how is it used in crime scene documentation?
GPS (Global Positioning System) uses latitude and longitude coordinates to locate evidence in remote outdoor scenes.
What is CAD software used for in crime scene documentation?
To create 2D diagrams or 3D animations of scenes, providing accurate, scaled visual representations.
What are the benefits of using CAD software for crime scene sketches?
Accurate scaling
Enhanced visualization
Measurement tools
Ability to create fly-through animations.
What is the primary purpose of 3D scanning in crime scene documentation?
To provide thorough, data-driven documentation of the scene.
