Forensic Science - Introduction to CSI

What is a crime scene?

Any area where physical evidence related to a crime can be found.

What is a primary crime scene?

The main area where the incident occurred and most evidence is found.

What is a secondary crime scene?

Any place where related physical evidence may be found after being removed from the primary scene (e.g. suspect’s home, vehicle, weapon).

What are the 4 stages of the forensic process?

• Crime scene.

• Identification & Acquisition.

• Analysis.

• Presentation.

What is crime scene processing?

Activities to preserve, record, search, recover, package and log all crime scene evidence.

Name 4 key elements of crime scene processing.

• Preserve scene.

• Record scene.

• Recover evidence.

• Package & store evidence.

What are the 2 categories of crime?

• Volume.

• Major.

Give examples of volume crime.

• Theft.

• Burglary.

• Vehicle crime.

Give examples of major crime.

• Murder.

• Rape.

• Armed robbery.

What should be examined first and why?

DNA and trace evidence, they are fragile and easily destroyed.

Where should examination usually begin?

Point of entry.

What are the key duties of the First Attending Officer?

• Preserve life.

• Secure scene.

• Set cordons.

• Start scene log.

What does the Senior Investigating Officer do?

They act as the overall management of major incidents and investigations.

What is the role of the Crime Scene Co-ordinator?

• Coordinate examinations.

• Ensure communication.

• Manage evidence use.

• Ensure safety & quality assurance.

What does the Crime Scene Manager do?

• Supervises scene.

• Manages personnel.

• Ensures PPE.

• Records actions.

What is the role of CSI?

• Preserve scene.

• Search.

• Recover evidence.

• Record scene.

What does the Exhibits Officer do?

Controls, secures, logs and manages all exhibits.

What is the plan drawer responsible for?

Recording scene layout and evidence locations.

Who sets the first cordon?

First officer attending.

What is a common approach path?

A controlled route in and out of the scene to avoid disturbing evidence.

Name 4 recording methods.

• Notes.

• Photos.

• Videos.

• Sketches.

What must all recordings include?

• Date.

• Time.

• Location.

• Recorder name.

What do crime scene sketches show?

• Key features.

• Locations.

• Dimensions.

• Spatial orientation.

What is cross-transfer?

The transfer of material between locations (evidence usually).

How can contamination occur?

• Poor PPE.

• Sneezing.

• Handling errors.

• Packaging failures.

How is contamination prevented?

• Proper PPE.

• Documentation.

• Separate handling.

• Minimal movement.

Name the PPE order.

• Face mask.

• Head cover.

• Inner gloves.

• Over suit.

• Overshoes.

• Outer gloves.

Why is the correct evidence packaging important?

It prevents contamination.

What is the correct evidence priority order?

1. Photographs.

2. Footwear.

3. DNA.

4. Physical/trace.

5. Fingerprints.

What are paper sacks used for?

• Dry clothing.

• Footwear.

• Bedding.

What are tamper-evident bags used for?

• Most items.

• Swabs.

What are nylon bags used for?

Fire debris.

What are sharps tubes used for?

Knives and tools.