Crime Scene Search Notes

Crime Scene

Keys to Searching

  • Safety First: Secure the scene to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
    • Render aid to victims as needed.
  • Witness Management: Remove and separate witnesses to prevent collusion.
  • Perimeter Establishment: Establish a crime scene perimeter to preserve evidence.
  • Scene Survey: Survey the crime scene to brief detectives and lab personnel about the initial observations.

Primary Scene Process

  • Detailed Note-Taking: Thoroughly document the scene with comprehensive notes.
  • Evidence Search: Systematically search for evidence.
  • Overall Photography: Capture overall photographs of the scene as it was found.
  • Evidence Marking: Mark each piece of evidence.
  • Photography with Markings: Photograph the scene again with all the evidence marked.
  • Scene Sketching: Create a sketch of the crime scene, showing the location of evidence and other important features.

Search Methods

  • Strip Method
  • Grid Method
  • Zone Method
  • Spiral Method

Search Patterns

  • Grid Search:
    • Involves two parallel searches offset by 90 degrees, performed consecutively.
  • Inward Spiral Search:
    • The CSI starts at the perimeter and moves toward the center.
    • Suitable for scenes with only one CSI.
  • Outward Spiral Search:
    • The CSI starts at the center (or the body) and moves outward.
  • Parallel Search:
    • CSI team members form a line and walk in a straight line at the same speed from one end of the crime scene to the other.
  • Zone Search:
    • The CSI divides the crime scene into sectors (zones).
    • Each team member is assigned a zone to search.
    • Team members may switch zones and search again to ensure complete coverage.

Evidence Handling

  • Photograph First: Always photograph evidence as found before moving it.
  • Mark and Photograph: Mark the evidence, then photograph it before moving or removing it.
  • Proper PPE: Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) before collecting any evidence.
  • Location Notation: Notate the exact location where the evidence was found on the packaging.

Scene Safety and Control

  • Scene Control: Limit access to the scene to only those involved in the investigation.
  • Scene Log: Maintain a scene log, especially for major crimes like homicides or Officer-Involved Shootings (OIS).
  • Rope Off: Rope off the main scene, starting with a larger area that can be reduced if necessary.

Warrants

  • Warrant Requirements:
    • Review evidence section to understand when a warrant is needed.
    • Generally, a warrant is not needed for outdoor scenes.
    • A warrant is typically required for searching a residence (house, apartment, etc.).
  • Obtain Warrant: Obtain a warrant before searching whenever required, to avoid legal issues.

Searching Techniques

  • Small Items: Be aware that items of evidence may be small; use a flashlight to aid in the search.
  • Fingerprint Processing: A flashlight is essential when processing items for fingerprints.
  • Evidence Locations: Evidence can be found in various locations, such as on the ground, in a dumpster, on a roof, or in a tree.
  • Hidden Evidence: Evidence can be hidden inside other items, e.g., bullet fragments inside clothing.

Collection Protocol

  • Gloves Required: Always wear gloves when collecting any item from a crime scene.
  • Mask for DNA: If DNA evidence is involved, wear a mask in addition to gloves to prevent contamination.