DJ

Recording-2025-01-31T01:57:56.297Z

Crime Scene Investigation Overview

  • Purpose of Collecting Evidence

    • To reconstruct the crime and connect the offender to the scene.

    • Establish that a crime was committed.

    • Identify the offender.

    • Eliminate suspects during the investigation process.

Recovering Evidence

  • Importance of Evidence Recovery

    • Develop associative evidence linking the suspect to the scene or victim.

    • Help in creating a psychological profile to determine motive.

    • Identify objects whose purpose is unclear (e.g., a pen found at the scene).

    • Trace ownership of evidence to find possible suspects.

    • Recognize an offender's modus operandi (MO) to connect patterns of behavior.

Types of Evidence to Search For

  • Physical Evidence Locations

    • Victim's clothing and body.

    • Suspect's clothing and belongings.

    • Weapons or tools used in the crime.

    • Vehicles and locations related to the suspect.

    • Electronics and other digital devices.

Methodology of Crime Scene Investigation

  • Initial Approach

    • Conduct a walk-through of the crime scene to observe and identify items needing analysis (e.g., fingerprint dusting).

    • Protect the crime scene with physical barriers (yellow/red tape).

  • Priority for Evidence Collection

    • Collect evidence that has a short lifespan (e.g., blood samples, evidence affected by weather).

    • Quickly secure the scene from unauthorized personnel.

  • Identifying Access Points for Evidence

    • Assess probable routes of entry and exit used by the offender (e.g., doors, broken windows).

    • Look for discarded items (e.g., gum, drinks) that can provide DNA evidence.

Unusual Places for Evidence

  • Potential Locations

    • Refrigerators (fingerprints, food remnants).

    • Bathrooms (various forms of evidence).

    • Digital devices (computers, cameras, storage devices).

Arrival and Investigation Process

  • Documentation Upon Arrival

    • Note who made the initial notification and any significant evidence at the scene.

    • Record environmental details (e.g., weather, lighting conditions).

    • Maintain a log of all individuals present at the scene for accountability.

  • Investigator Responsibilities

    • Assess the scene and take charge of the investigation.

    • Make sketches and take photographs for documentation.

    • Utilize technology (e.g., 3D modeling) for clarity and record-keeping of the scene.