Chapter 3: Crime Scene Investigation

crime scene management

teamwork approach of investigators and crime scene personnel that successfully resolves a case

crime scene map

using techniques associated with surveying to obtain data that can be used to generate a 3D rendering and record of the scene

crime scene reconstruction

analysis and reconstruction of a crime scene that logically links a detailed series of scientific explanations to provide an understanding of the sequence of events

crime scene security

practices used to secure a crime scene and to keep unauthorized persons away to protect the scene integrity

crime scene sketch

rough drawing used to document a crime scene

crime scene survey

rapid initial study of the crime scene or areas suspected to be a crime scene

first responding officers

first person arriving at a crime scene; usually a law enforcement officer or other emergency personnel

macroscopic crime scene

overall or “big picture” crime scene

microscopic crime scene

crime scene description based on the type of physical evidence present

primary crime scene

description of a crime scene based on the location of the original criminal activity; the original scene

secondary crime scene

crime scene location after the original or primary crime scene

videography

recording the scene using continuous video (usually digital)

walk-through

preliminary crime scene survey performed to orient the crime scene investigator to the scene and the physical evidence at the scene

“W’s”

acronym for who, what, when, where, and why; questions associated with a crime

securing the scene, conducting walk-through, documenting the scene, searching for & documenting evidence, collecting & preserving evidence, & analyzing the evidence all while maintaining a chain of custody

What are the basic steps of scientific crime scene investigation?

information, manpower, technology, logistics

What are the four components of crime scene management?

traditional, crime scene technicians, major crime squad, lab crime scene scientist, collaborative team

What are the five crime scene investigation models?

to secure the scene and ensure no unauthorized personnel tamper with or contaminate any potential evidence, as well as apprehend and separate witnesses

Discuss the duties of the first responder at the crime scene.

ensuring maximum evidence preservation by creating and outer perimeter to control general access, a secondary perimeter for more controlled entry, and an inner core where only essential personnel can access the immediate scene

What is the multilevel approach to crime scene security?

note-taking, videography, photography, & sketching

What are the components or tasks of crime scene documentation?

done immediately following videography after the initial walkthrough; every photo taken must be recorded in photo log

What is the basic process for photographing crime scenes?

rough & polished

What are the two basic types of crime scene sketches?

link, line/strip, grid, zone, wheel/ray, spiral

What are the six types of search patterns used in crime scene investigations?

to obtain evidence, document & describe it using detail, identify it, package it properly in both a primary and secondary container with full details of evidence collector and of evidence

What are the general guidelines for the collection, packaging, and preservation of physical evidence?

data collection (collection of all evidence) , conjecture (interpret evidence) , hypothesis formation (analyze evidence in context of case) , testing (test if evidence’s interpreted cause or inference matches the facts) , theory formation (form reconstruction)

List and discuss the stages of crime scene reconstruction.

to begin the mental image for reconstruction and note all obvious pieces of evidence

What is the purpose of a walkthrough?

wrap it in a Druggist’s fold, then into a secondary container such as an envelope or packet, then seal with a tamper resistant tape before marking with info about the item

How would you package a single hair recovered from a scene?