Good Scene Examinations & Scene Integrity Issues

Continuous examination of crime scenes and methodologies for good investigations.
Acknowledgment that every action in a crime scene examination can lead to some level of scene degradation.

Definition: Scene degradation begins once a crime occurs and continues until the last investigator leaves.
Factors Contributing to Scene Degradation:
- Actions from suspects and witnesses.
- Involvement of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) or life-saving personnel.
- Environmental factors.
- Actions by crime scene investigators themselves.

Basic Goal: Limit damage while recovering as much evidence and context as possible.
No Universal Method: No single, definitive way to process a crime scene exists; methodologies vary.

Knowledge
- Critical for crime scene investigators (CSIs) to comprehend objectives.
- Investigators must seek to understand the interpretive value of evidence, not just to collect it.
- Importance of recognizing all evidence available; "the weakest link in forensic science lies with the crime scene investigator."
- Understanding types of forensic evidence:
  - Nature and proper collection methods.
  - Preservation techniques for evidentiary value.
Skills and Tools
- Possession of tools is not enough; investigators must maintain competency in their usage.
- Examples of critical skills include:
  - Photographing the scene using cameras (notably DSLRs).
  - Conducting fingerprint and footwear impression recoveries.
  - Adapting to unique situational challenges in the field.
Methodical Approach
- Processing must be methodical, covering all areas within the scene to identify evidence.
- Various pattern methods for evidence collection:
  - Circular patterns.
  - Grid patterns.
- Establish a specific goal for processing and mapping the scene effectively.
Flexibility
- Ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances; take calculated risks when necessary.
- Situations may arise that deviate from standard practices requiring on-the-spot decision-making.
Coordinated Effort
- Importance of teamwork; every team member must be aware of each other's roles.
- Ensures that scene processing is orderly and that evidence isn't overlooked due to disorganization.

Importance of recognizing and addressing scene integrity issues to maintain evidence quality.

Addition of Material
- Definition: Introduction of items that were not present at the time of the incident, termed as post-incident artifacts.
- Consequences: Can obscure the understanding of the crime, negatively affecting investigations and defense possibilities.
- Examples:
  - Additional fingerprints or shoe prints left by first responders.
  - Blood trails created by life-saving efforts.
  - Trace elements like coffee cups left by investigators or responders.
- Locard's Exchange Principle: "Every contact leaves a trace."
Destruction of Material
- Loss of evidentiary value through actions that damage or alter original evidence.
- Examples:
  - Dew trails disturbed by people walking over them before investigation.
  - Bloodstain patterns disrupted during body transport.
  - Peripheral evidence loss due to increased personnel and equipment movements.
- Importance of preventing damage to fragile evidence.
Movement of Material
- Often occurs due to investigative techniques but can lead to confusion if unrecognized.
- Consequences: Alters the context and relationship of evidence in relation to the crime scene.
- Example: A weapon moved by investigators that changes the perceived scenario of the incident.
- Need to document movement and recognize who altered the scene and why.

CSIs must maintain an objective stance without personal investment in outcomes.
Quote: "I can only find evidence, Watson. I cannot change it." - Sherlock Holmes.
Importance of reporting all findings truthfully, regardless of personal beliefs or implications.
Ethos of neutrality must be preserved in the face of pressure from legal associations or public perception.

CSIs must adhere to investigative ethics that require:
- Comprehensive documentation of evidence as found, without selective reporting.
- Openness to all theories and narratives from the start of an investigation;
- Allowing for different interpretations until evidence conclusively points otherwise.
Ensure that contradictions and exculpatory information are recorded rather than hidden.
The role of CSIs continues beyond the scene to maintain integrity during testimonies or legal proceedings.

Recognition of the inherent challenges in crime scene investigation and the need for continued education and self-awareness in crime scene processing.
CSIs must strive for objectivity and integrity to uphold the justice system effectively, acknowledging that even minor integrity failures can lead to significant consequences in investigations.