Forensic Science, Chapter #2, Securing and Searching the Crime Scene

How one carries out a crime scene search will depend on what?

It will depend on the locale and size of the area, as well as the actions of the suspects and victims at the scene

Command centre

a secure site outside the boundaries of the crime scene where equipment is stored, tasks are assigned, and communication occurs

First priority when arriving at the scene

obtaining medical assistance for individuals in need of it

Walk through

the initial survey of the crime scene carried out by the lead investigator to gain an overview of the scene in order to formulate a plan for processing the scene

When evidence is found at a crime scene how is it documented?

It is documented in notes, photographs and sketches

what is the purpose of the crime-scene search?

It is to locate physical evidence.

What is the responsibility of the first arriving officer at a crime scene?

The first officer arriving on the scene of a crime has the responsibility to preserve and protect the area to the greatest extent possible

When the search is deemed complete what occurs?

The investigating team conducts a final survey that includes visual overview of all parts of the scene, and the inventory of all evidence collected, the retrieval of equipment, and the neutralization of all health or safety threats and then the scene can be released

Responsibilities of lead investigator

The lead investigator is responsible for developing a strategy for the systematic examination and documentation of the entire crime scene and gain an overview of the general setting of the scene (primary or secondary)

Primary scene

a crime scene at which the original criminal act was perpetrated

secondary scene

a crime scene separate from the primary scene that became part of the crime by its involvement in activities after the initial criminal act was perpetrated

wheel/ray method

a search method employed by several people who move from the boundary straight toward the centre of the scene (inward) or from the centre straight to the boundary (outward)

grid search method

a search method employed by tow or more investigators who perform overlapping line searches forming a grid

quadrant/zone method

a search method in which the crime scene is divided into smaller sections and team members are assigned to search each section thoroughly

spiral search pattern

a search method in which the investigator moves in an inward spiral from the boundary to the centre of the scene or in an outward spiral from the centre to the boundary of the scene

line/strip method

a search method used by one or two investigators who walk in straight lines across the crime scene