Forensics Crime Scene Basics

Crime Scene Protocol

1. Interview 2. Examine 3. Document 4. Process

Secondary Crime Scene

An alternate location where additional evidence may be found

Accomplice

Person associated with someone suspected of committing a crime

Primary Crime Scene

The original location of a crime or accident

Testimonial Evidence

evidence includes oral or written statements given to police as well as court testimony by people who witnessed an event

Biology/DNA

Analysis of body fluids and dried stains such as blood, semen, and saliva

Crime Scene

Any physical location in which a crime has occurred or is suspected of having occurred

Police Officers

Are typically the first to arrive at a crime scene. They are responsible for securing the scene so no evidence is destroyed and detaining persons of interests in the crime

Drug Chemistry

Determines the presence of controlled substances and the identification of marijuana

CSI Unit

Documents the crime scene in detail and collects any physical evidence

Physical Evidence

Evidence refers to any material items that would be present at the crime scene, on the victims, or found in a suspect's possession

Questioned Documents

Examination of documents to compare handwriting, ink, pap[er, writing instruments, printers, and other characteristics that would help to identify its origin.

Toolmarks

Examines marks left by tools on objects at a crime scene or on a victim, such as a hammer used to break a door or a screwdriver used to pick a lock

Specialists

Forensic entomologists, anthropologists, or psychologists may be called in if the evidence requires expert analysis

Latent Prints

Identification and comparison of fingerprints or other hidden impressions from sources like feet, shoes, cars, lips or the tread on a vehicle tires

Trace Chemistry

Identification and comparison of materials from fires, explosions, paints, and glass

Medical Examiner

If a homicide may or may not be present to determine a preliminary cause of death

Detectives

Interview witnesses and consult with the CSI unit. They investigate the crime by following leads provided by witnesses and physical evidence.

District Attorney

Is often present to help determine if any search warrants are required to proceed and obtains those warrants from a judge

What will evidence do?

May prove that a crime has been committed Establishes key elements of a crime Link a suspect with a crime scene or a victim Establish the identity of a victim or suspect Corroborate verbal witness testimony Exonerate the innocent Give detectives leads to work with in the case

Microscopy

Microscopic identification and comparison of evidence, such as hairs, fibers, woods soils, building materials, insulation and other materials

Suspect

Person thought to be capable of committing a crime

Trace Evidence

Refers to physical evidence that is found in small but measurable amounts, such as strands of hair, fibers, or skin cells

Alibi

Statement of where a suspect was at the time of a crime

Ballistics(Firearms)

Study of bullets and ammunition through the comparison of fired bullets, cartridges, guns, and gunpowder patterns on people and objects

Toxicology

Test body fluids and tissues to determine the presence of drugs and poisons