Forensic Science: Crime Scene Investigation and Management

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering crime scene classification, personnel investigation models, evidence principles, procedural steps, documentation, search patterns, packaging protocols, and reconstruction concepts based on Week 10 lecture notes.

Crime Scene

A location where a criminal offence has occurred and where physical evidence may be found to help reconstruct the events.

Primary Crime Scene

The location where the original crime occurred.

Secondary Crime Scene

A subsequent scene associated with the crime, which is not necessarily less important than the primary scene.

Macroscopic Crime Scene

One location consisting of many smaller microscopic crime scenes, such as an entire bedroom.

Microscopic Crime Scene

A scene that focuses on one specific type of physical evidence, such as an individual bloodstain or fingerprint.

Traditional Investigation Model

An investigation model staffed by patrol officers and detectives; useful when resources are limited, but limited by personnel experience, time, and conflicts with regular duties.

Crime Scene Technicians Model

An investigation model staffed by specially trained civilian personnel providing continuity and technical training, but potentially limited in investigative experience and holistic perspective.

Major Crime Squad

An investigation model consisting of sworn officers with dedicated assignments and greater experience, typically used exclusively for major crimes.

Laboratory Crime Scene Scientist Model

An investigation model staffed by laboratory scientists offering high scientific expertise and current technical knowledge, but which reduces laboratory resources and offers limited investigative experience.

Collaborative Team Model

An investigation model combining police, technicians, laboratory personnel, medical examiners, and prosecuting authorities to share responsibility, though it is resource-intensive and requires detailed procedures and communication.

Locard's Exchange Principle

The forensic principle stating that when two objects or individuals come into contact, material may be transferred between them, commonly summarised as 'every contact leaves a trace.'

Corpus Delicti

The facts and circumstances establishing that a crime has been committed.

Modus Operandi (MO)

A distinct pattern of criminal behaviour associated with repeat offenders.

Transient Evidence

Evidence that may rapidly change, disappear, or deteriorate, such as an odour, melting substance, or impression exposed to weather.

The Golden Rule of Crime Scene Investigation

The principle that nothing should be moved, altered, or touched until it has been documented, identified, measured, and photographed.

Scene Attendance Log

A record kept during scene securing that documents names, times of entry, and times of exit for everyone entering and leaving the scene.

Common Approach Path (CAP)

A designated route used by personnel through a crime scene to reduce disturbance and contamination.

Overview Photograph

A crime scene photograph designed to show the entire scene.

Mid-range Photograph

A crime scene photograph that shows evidence in relation to surrounding objects.

Close-up Photograph

A crime scene photograph taken to record detailed evidence characteristics.

Close-up with Scale Photograph

A crime scene photograph taken to accurately record evidence dimensions.

In Situ

A term describing evidence photographed or documented in its original, unaltered position.

Crime Scene Sketch

A visual representation of the scene layout showing spatial relationships, measurements, distances, and topography between objects.

Chain of Custody

The written record of every person who has handled, transferred, or stored an item of evidence from marking and labelling onwards.

Line / Strip Search

A search pattern where 1 to 2 or more investigators move through the scene in parallel strips, best suited for large outdoor areas.

Grid Search

A search pattern requiring more than two investigators where the area is searched in one direction and then repeated along a perpendicular axis.

Zone Search

A search pattern requiring more than one investigator where the scene is divided into smaller areas, particularly useful for buildings, houses, and vertical surfaces.

Wheel Search

A search pattern where several investigators move along radial straight lines towards or away from the centre of a small scene.

Spiral Search

A search pattern conducted by a single investigator moving inward towards the centre or outward in an open outdoor scene without physical barriers.

Primary Packaging

The initial container holding the evidence.

Secondary Packaging

An additional protective container enclosing the primary packaging to provide added containment.

Tamper-Evident Seal

A security seal designed to reveal whether evidence packaging has been opened or interfered with.

Wet Biological Evidence Packaging Rule

The protocol of temporarily packaging wet biological items in non-airtight packaging, air-drying them under controlled conditions, and repackaging them in clean dry paper (never leaving them in plastic for more than two hours).

Standard / Reference Sample

Known material collected for comparison against evidence found at the crime scene, such as carpet fibres, garden vegetation, or a victim's hair.

Control / Blank Sample

Material used to provide positive or negative controls during evidence testing and analysis.

Elimination Sample

Samples taken from personnel, victims, witnesses, or family members to help exclude expected or innocent contributors from unknown offender evidence.

Crime Scene Reconstruction

The process of determining which events may or may not have occurred at a crime scene based on available physical evidence, statements, and documentation.