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.
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.
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.
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.
Potential Locations
Refrigerators (fingerprints, food remnants).
Bathrooms (various forms of evidence).
Digital devices (computers, cameras, storage devices).
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.