Forensics-chapter 3

Three factors we are protecting the scene from are...

1. Media 2. unauthorized police personnel 3. civilians

Steps in Processing a Crime Scene

1. Secure and isolate scene 2. Observe and document 3. Search for evidence 4. Collect and package 5. Submit to lab

Crime Scene Team

1. Team Leader 2. Photographer 3. Sketch Preparer 4. Evidence Recorder 5. Specialists

Ways to observe and document the scene

1. notes 2. sketches 3. photos/video

Importance of preliminary walkthrough

1. take note of any transient evidence 2. identify points of entry and exit 3. special needs or precautions

Why is it important to secure and isolate the scene?

It must be protected from unauthorized people who might add new material or alter evidence.

What are the responsibilities of those on the Crime Scene Team?

Team Leader- initial walkthrough, organize group, designate jobs Photographer- photograph evidence/area/people, prepare photographic log, coordinate with evidence recorder Sketch Preparer- sketch area/evidence, obtain help with measurements(assistant or ruler), ensue scale disclaimer Evidence Recorder- make sure all significant evidence is photographed before collection, describe/package evidence, maintain evidence log, coordinate with photographer Specialist- blood spatter expert, entomologist, medical examiner, surveyor, bomb squad

Importance of insect sample

Tell time of death and how decomposed a body is

What is the chain of custody and why is it important?

The chain of custody is a record of everyone who has come into contact with the evidence. It is important to be maintained in case the evidence is destroyed.

Explain why there can be more than one crime scene for a particular crime.

The events of a crime are not just isolated to one area. ex) Murder has more than one crime scene

What is the pre-requisite for taking photos? Why?

The evidence must be photographed in an unaltered state because the position of certain items may be important to what happened.

Importance of using a scale and different camera angles

The scale is used as a reference for the evidence. The different angles are because the scene must be photographed as completely as possible.

Why are sketches important?

They give perspective, are in greater detail than photos, allow investigators to be selective. Rough sketch and Fine sketch

Importance of taking photos

They help the investigator remember important details