CSI quiz chp 7 & 8

Whatever the format used, the technician must ensure that the crime scene report is not:

A cursory discussion of the central theme items found in the scene (e.g., the body, the gun) and nothing more A rambling discourse on why the suspect "had to" have committed the crime A description of only the evidence that fits a particular hypothesis

total station mapping

A total station combines transits, lasers, and computer technology. This allows the technician to capture and download data from the scene into computer-aided drafting (CAD) software, creating accurate scaled drawings

variations of view for sketch

Cross-projection or exploded sketch Elevation sketch Three-dimensional sketch

it is imperative that narrative scene descriptions be:

Detailed, with all pertinent facts and conditions documented Accurate, with few inferences or subjective evaluations included Understandable, i.e., logical and organized

items that should be in a sketch

Heading Diagram area Legend Title block Scale and direction notations

sections of a crime scene report

Introduction • Characteristics of the scene • Conditions of the scene • Environmental conditions • Factors pertinent to entry and exit • Scene documentation • Collection of physical evidence • Search for latent prints • Additional examinations

most common methods of mapping

Rectangular coordinates Triangulation Baseline coordinates Polar coordinates Triangulation or rectangular coordinates on a grid Triangulation on a baseline Total station systems

triangulation

an effective method for fixing evidence. Triangulation's underlying rules are based on whether the item has a regular or irregular shape. Items that have a regular shape, which will not change with movement and contain specific identifiable points, are fixed using a minimum of four measurements.

rectangular method

best suited for crime scenes with clear and specific boundaries (e.g., interior walls). It is well suited for interior crime scenes and is a fast and effective method. The technician fixes the evidence by measuring at right angles from the evidence to the surrounding walls and surfaces.

traditional presentation of a sketch

birds-eye view

collection of physical evidence

can be used in a variety of ways depending upon custom, SOP (standard operating procedure), and the nature of other evidence collection documents that the organization utilizes.

make sure everything is

clear, concise, and complete

crime scene report

combine all of the salient facts, observations, actions, and effort into a functional organized report for inclusion in the investigative report.

cross projection sketch

combines the standard bird's-eye view of the horizontal surfaces of the room, while at the same time "laying down" a wall or walls in order to depict evidence that is present on these vertical surfaces.

scan station mapping

designed to automatically scan and record literally millions of points in an arc of 360 and 270° around the system. The Scan Station can document over 3.5 million points in a mere 2 min, even when set on a low resolution.

polar coordinates

effective technique for mapping exterior scenes in which the evidence is significantly scattered over a relatively open area. Typical examples include aircraft crashes, scattered remains, or even bombing scenes, where bomb debris is widely distributed.

factors pertenant to entry or exit

intended to deal with both known and possible avenues of approach and departure from the scene.

scene documentation

intended to describe the basic efforts taken to photograph and sketch the scene. The technician can describe the equipment used, the nature of the documentation created, details about photos taken

conditions of the scene

intended to identify the specific conditions that are pertinent to the investigation. This includes identifying the cleanliness, level of disarray, descriptions of items of evidence (including transient evidence), and other pertinent aspects.

introduction

intended to identify who worked the scene examination, where the scene was, the time and date of the examination, and a short explanation regarding the reason for the scene examination.

characteristics of the scene

intended to provide a general description of the scene (e.g., building, room, or area) and associated features of the scene and their relationship to the surrounding area

crime scene sketch

it serves as a graphic document to show the layout, orientation, and interrelationships of the scene and the evidence.

does a crime scene diagram have to be a work of art?

no, The concentration at the scene is on the measurements and general evidence placement. and should be graphically correct

heading

notation that indicates why a sketch was created

are notes disposable once the final report is written?

notes do not become redundant or unnecessary. They cannot be disposed of. The crime scene technician's notes should become an integral part of the case file and maintained for as long as the formal case file.

notes should begin with

notification of the crime, identify specific actions upon arrival, and provide a clear and detailed record of all observations and actions taken while in the scene.

reporting investigative conclusions

one of the more difficult aspects of the crime scene report. Conclusions are for the most part a function of a crime scene analysis,

scale and direction notations

refers to compass direction used as well as saying that something is or is not to scale

searches for latent prints or DNA

should identify the areas where fingerprinting was attempted, where it succeeded, and the nature of the prints recovered (e.g., partial latent prints, palm prints, footprints).

elevation sketch

sketch is drawn depicting a side view of some portion of the scene, typically an interior wall or similar vertical structure. Elevation sketches can be used to map and document evidence such as defects, stains, or other evidence on walls or other surfaces.

title block

sketch provides important information relevant to the location of the scene and the creator of the sketch.

legend

tells the viewer what the various labels used in the diagram depict

diagram area

the drawing itself, graphically depicts the scene and primary evidence

Baseline coordinates

very similar to the rectangular coordinates process. Baseline is best suited for exterior scenes without evident landmarks, although it can also be used inside.

3d sketch

view offers an ability to present the crime scene information in a more realistic perspective. These techniques include everything from handdrawn sketches to computer-created sketches and views.