Processing a Crime Scene
Clip source: Processing a Crime Scene
Processing a Crime Scene
Introduction
Like many jobs and tasks, planning is one of the first steps toward developing a thorough
interpretation or action steps needed to reach any goal. In the process of crime scene
investigation, this approach is not only common sense, but also vital. To properly analyze and
interpret any crime scene, certain basic steps must be followed in order to create a sense of
beginning and a sensible conclusion to the examination. The steps employed to adequately
assess any crime scene are, quite basically, to interview, examine, photograph, sketch and
process a crime scene.
Processing a crime scene requires great attention to detail and nuance. In order to preserve
evidence, proper steps must be taken in chronological order. What would happen if the victim
were taken to the coroner's office before photographs were taken? Or what might occur if the
crime scene investigator waited several days to sketch what he recalled of a crime scene?
It is obvious that an orderly process must be taken throughout the crime scene, and this can be
done in a number of ways. Before anything is touched or collected as evidence, it must be found
and clearly marked. How do you go about finding and marking that evidence? There are several
methods used by law enforcement agencies throughout the world that follow six basic crime
scene search patterns.
Strip method
Wheel method
Spiral method
Zone method
Grid method
Line method
The use of any or a number of these search methods will be determined by the location
and size of the particular crime scene; the one that is chosen is less important than the fact
that the search is carried out with due diligence and attention to detail.
The strip method requires that crime scene personnel walk a path from one end of the
crime scene, over to the other side of the room or area, and then return in the direction
from which he or she first started. Every lap brings the investigator closer to the center of
the room or space being searched. The appearance is similar to someone swimming laps in
a pool.
The wheel method employs the use of several crime scene personnel or searchers.
Starting in the middle of an imaginary circle, each investigator moves in a direction
straight out from the center, or "hub" of the wheel, much like the spokes of a bicycle
wheel. However, it is possible to destroy unseen evidence in the "hub" area if extreme care
is not taken to watch where investigators are stepping as they gather in the center of the
search area.
The spiral method has the investigator(s) examining the area for evidence in an ever-
widening circle, from the position of the core crime scene or on the perimeter and then
moves in an outward direction.
The zone method breaks the crime scene area into squares. For example, a living room
can be divided into four equal sections and examined by an individual investigator. In
many cases, those squares are further divided into additional, smaller squares to facilitate
evidence location.
The grid method is best used in large crime scenes such as fields or woods. Several
searchers, or a line of them, move alongside each other from one end of the area to be
searched to the other. Imagine a string of a dozen officers walking at arm's length down a
football field. At the opposite end, they turn and perform the same search, though moving
in the opposite direction in consecutive laps. Then, they search again, moving across the
field at a 45-degree angle to where they first started, until the entire area has been covered.
Interested in learning more? Why not take an online Crime Scene Investigation course?
The line method is best used outdoors as well, and is similar to the grid search with the
exception that searchers generally only move in one direction, from one side of the search
area to the other. Because of trees, shrubs, rocks or other objects that may make a grid
search unfeasible, the line method search is the next best method to use.
As always, remember that the search for any type of evidence starts and ends with the
protection and preservation of the crime scene. The greatest amount of evidence may be
found in the immediate vicinity of the victim, so when deciding on which type of a search
to use, care should be taken to select one what will not disturb or otherwise contaminate
potential evidence. Remember, anything and everything may eventually become evidence
and the crime scene investigator must never take anything for granted.
Certainly, interviewing witnesses upon arrival at the crime scene is one of the first steps
that should be taken in order to gain the freshest recollections of what has occurred.
Questioning witnesses immediately always offers the best chance for law enforcement
personnel to get the most information from bystanders or those involved in some way with
the crime scene. If witnesses are not available when the crime scene investigator arrives,
they should seek out the first officer or detective on the scene and attempt to ascertain
what is believed to have occurred: a murder, a suicide, or an accident.
Following that, the crime scene must be examined and perimeters determined, if they have
not already. The first examination of the crime scene should be visual, with the crime
scene investigator using his or her best judgment to try to spot potential evidence or areas
where evidence may be, as well as to buttress the beliefs of the type of crime scene it is.
For example, the first officer to arrive at a crime scene may believe it is the scene of a
suicide, while the experienced eye of a crime scene investigator may determine rather
quickly, due to various blood or other physical evidence, that a murder is actually what
has occurred.
Before anything is touched, it must be photographed. That goes for the victim and
anything else found in the crime scene. That means something as small as a hair or as
large as a sofa. It is vital that the actual crime scene be photographed to "freeze"
everything in place before the body is moved or evidence collected. Never, under any
circumstances, should police officers or other law enforcement personnel, or crime scene
investigators themselves, draw a chalk line around a victim before he or she or they have
been photographed. Doing so disturbs the crime scene and may cause any photographs or
evidence found near the victim to become inadmissible in a court of law.
Crime scene photographs usually are taken of the core crime scene and then encompassing
surrounding areas. For example, if a victim was found in the bathroom of his house, a
majority of the crime scene photos would be taken in the bathroom, but then photographs
of the rest of the house, and perhaps even the outside, would be taken in order to offer
some sort of continuity to the entire overall location.
Even though extensive photographs are taken at a crime scene, police, detectives and
crime scene investigators also draw crime scene sketches. Such drawings encompass the
totality of the crime scene, as well as the position of the victim in relation to the rest of the
crime scene. Locations where evidence has been found, as well as drops or smears of
blood are also marked on the diagram.
Sketches enable investigators to easily recall a crime scene, and places the entire crime
scene into perspective, and along with photographs, can provide a much clearer idea of the
overall investigation, as well as to pinpoint individual pieces of evidence through a house,
for example. A bird's eye view sketch of a crime scene enables the investigator to take in
the entire scene in one glance, something that is often not possible with a photograph.
A crime scene sketch may be simple, and use stick-men drawings to designate locations
and measurements, or it can be more detailed. If the person charged with documenting the
crime scene is somewhat gifted in drawing or sketching, amazingly complete and detailed
sketches can be made of a crime scene, which helps not only investigating officers, but
lawyers and other courtroom personnel later down the line.
After the entire scene has been photographed, the gathering of evidence can begin. The
crime scene investigator will typically begin his or her search for evidence at the point of
entry of the perpetrator, if it can be found. Broken windows, torn screens and broken door
locks are obvious points of entry and egress.
During the course of processing the scene for evidence, it is important for crime scene
personnel to take extensive notes on what occurs at the scene for later reference. Such
notes should detail every step taken during the process. What should the crime scene
investigator take notes on? Some common items found in the notes of experienced crime
scene investigators include the following:
Where blood was, or was not found.
Anything unexpected found at the crime scene.
Initial impressions of the crime scene.
It stands to reason that the most sensitive evidence must be collected first. That means, for
example, hairs and fibers before clothes or the murder weapon. In outdoor condition,
anything that can blow away or be destroyed by rain or sun should be collected before
larger objects are considered.
In addition, an experienced crime scene investigator will note directions with
measurements. For example, if a blood pool was found near the victim, it should be noted,
"on the bedroom floor, 5 inches west of the east wall" or "2 feet north of the south wall" or
some such, in order to provide accurate and specific locations of all pertinent evidence.
To keep accurate records of the documentation process and examination of a crime scene,
it is also important to record which person has performed a specific task. For example, the
names of all personnel involved in the processing of the crime scene should be noted, as
well as who was in charge of taking photographs or collecting fingerprints or directed to
sketch the scene.
The exact location of the body should be noted, along with as detailed a description of the
crime scene as possible. Locations of any evidence found at the crime scene needs to be
documented and the names of the person who collected it should also be noted.
Conclusion
The processing of a crime scene can involve two or three people, or dozens, depending,
once again, on the circumstances and the location. In order to prevent charges of improper
handling or documentation at a later point in time or during the course of a trial, all
evidence collection must be carefully noted and documented. Remember, once the crime
scene is released, once the body has been removed, it can never be perfectly reconstructed
again. That is why it is so important to combine every aspect of the investigation, from
photographs, measurements, drawings, diagrams, and notes, to provide as concise and as
thorough of a case file as humanly possible.
1.03 The 7 S's
Clip source: 1.03 The 7 S&apos
1.03 The 7 S's
Learn
The 7 S's of Crime Scene Investigation
Every single crime scene is different. Some crime scenes are outside, while others are inside.
Some crimes occur in homes, while others occur in public places, and some even occur virtually.
While special consideration must be taken for the specifics of the scene, there are some basic
steps that law enforcement and crime scene investigators follow each time. These are known as
the 7 S's of crime scene investigation.
1. Secure the Scene
2. Separate the Witnesses
3. Scan the Scene
4. See the Scene
5. Sketch the Scene
6. Search for Evidence
7. Secure and Collect Evidence
1. Secure the Scene
The first officer to arrive at the scene should secure the scene by making sure that everyone in
the area is safe and isolate the area to preserve evidence. This may include arresting suspects
and obtaining medical assistance.
Crime scene tape, like that shown below, is often used to help secure the scene.
2. Separate the Witnesses
Witnesses should be separated from one another. What is the purpose of this separation?
Answer: To keep them from working together to create a cover story and/or share details about
the situation with one another.
After witnessing his friend being shot and killed in Los Angeles in 2008, a man waits with a
police officer to share his account of the events with detectives. "A man grieves the loss of his
friend." by Chris Yarzab is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
3. Scan the Scene
This step gives investigators an overall picture of the scene. They will identify the primary
crime scene, or where the crime took place. If applicable, they'll identify area(s) related to the
crime but not where the crime took place, or the secondary crime scene.
4. See the Scene
A photography unit will take pictures of items identified during the initial scan. Pictures should
be taken of the overall area, as well as close-ups, using evidence markers or a ruler for size
reference.
Evidence markers often include a ruler or scale to show the approximate size of the object.
5. Sketch the Scene
A sketch of the scene is created in such a way that investigators could recreate the crime scene
at an alternate location. The sketch includes objects in the room and the location of evidence, as
well as directional north, the date, time, location, and case number.
6. Search for Evidence
A thorough search is conducted to identify any evidence that may have been overlooked in the
previous steps. This search can occur in several patterns. One is chosen by the lead investigator.
7. Secure and Collect Evidence
All identified evidence must be collected and secured using specific techniques and procedures.
These techniques keep the evidence from becoming damaged or contaminated. Each piece of
evidence is logged onto an evidence log and marked with an evidence label.
The label features a chain of custody. Each person that touches the evidence must complete the
chain of custody. This is required for the items to be admissible, or acceptable as evidence, in a
court of law.
Knowledge Check #1
Place the steps for crime scene investigation in the correct order.
Steps in a Crime Scene Investigation:
See the Scene
Scan the Scene
Search for Evidence
Secure and Collect Evidence
Secure the Scene
Separate the Witnesses
Sketch the Scene
Answers in the Correct Order:
1. Secure the Scene
2. Separate the Witnesses
3. Scan the Scene
4. See the Scene
5. Sketch the Scene
6. Search for Evidence
7. Secure and Collect Evidence
Overview of the Process
Watch Overview: Processing the Crime Scene (2:08) to see the process in action. We'll visit this
staged residential break in with the Tuscaloosa Police Department's Major Crimes Unit (MCU)
several times in this course. As you watch, note two ways that they ensure the security of the
scene. Also notice how many people are involved, all with different expertise. One person is
designated as the lead investigator.
Open Overview: Processing the Crime Scene in a new tab
The Fourth Amendment
The Fourth Amendment prohibits "unreasonable searches and seizures." Therefore, to search for
and collect evidence from a primary or secondary crime scene, investigators must apply for and
receive a warrant, which is a court order issued by a judge that gives the government the
authority to search the place described and to seize the people or things described.
If a warrant is necessary but not obtained, investigators will not be able to present that evidence
in court or use it in their prosecution of the suspect. That evidence is inadmissible.
There are some exceptions to the need for a warrant. Here are some of the situations where a
search warrant is not needed:
If there is a threat to the life or safety of others
If there is risk of immediate destruction or removal of evidence
If a suspect is attempting to flee / escape
If an object is plain view of an officer or investigator, it's not subject to a warrant.
If someone consents, or agrees, to the search (This consent must not be coerced by force
or threat of force.)
If there has been an arrest, no warrant is needed if the evidence is related to the crime.
If a vehicle is on a public road, it may be searched with probable cause.
Knowledge Check #2
Consider this scenario: While chaperoning a high-school football game, police in Mississippi
see a gun on the front seat of a parked car. Can they enter the car and seize the gun without a
warrant?
Answer: Yes, the gun is in plain view.
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7 Basic Laws and Principles of Forensic
Science - Forensic Yard
Clip source: 7 Basic Laws and Principles of Forensic Science - Forensic Yard
7 Basic Laws and Principles of Forensic
Science
The laws and principles of all the natural sciences has formed the base of Forensics. In
fact, the application all the sciences to analyze the evidence to answer crime mysteries has
helped develop several laws and principles of Forensic science.
The term “forensics” has been derived from latin word “” which mean ‘the forum’.
Forensic science is a scientific discipline that uses the laws and principles of forensic
science for the purpose of administration to terminate doubtful questions in the court of
law. These principles of forensic science has a direct impact on criminal proceedings from
the scratch of investigation till the accused is convicted in court.
There are 7 basic principles of forensic science which include
1. Law of Individuality
2. Law of Progressive change
3. Principle of Comparison
4. Principle of Analysis
5. Locard’s principle of Exchange
6. Law of Probability
7. Law of Circumstantial facts.
These 7 principles of forensic science are essential in crime scene investigation to link a
suspect with the crime scene as well as victim to the crime scene and suspect to assist in
building a strong case against an accused and conviction.
Here are the 7 principles of Forensic science
Law of Individuality
This law states that, “Every object whether natural or man-made has a unique quality or
characteristic in it which is not duplicated in any other object.”
The law of Individuality has been verified in different fields and the most common among them
is the fingerprints. Millions and Billions of fingerprints have been studied and yet not a single
fingerprint has matched with other whether it is of twins or two fingers of same person.
Any two objects such as grains of sand, salt, seeds, twins or man-made objects such as currency
notes, coins, laptop, suits, typewriter, etc. they may seem similar to each other yet a unique
characteristic is always present between them.
Law of Progressive Change
This law states that, “Everything changes with the passage of time.“
In simple words, nothing is permanent and the rate of change varies on different objects. This
law has a significant effect on crime scene investigations because of the changes occuring in the
crime scene and criminal with the passage of time. The criminal, evidence, objects involved may
become unrecognizable.
If the crime scene is not secured in time, a change in weather, presence of animals/humans, etc.
changes rapidly. For example, road accident on a busy highway may be unrecognizable or lose
all necessary evidence if not secured on time.
The objects such as bullet fragments may develop rust, shoes may develop wear and tear marks,
wooden objects may destroy due to presence of termite, knife may develop additional patterns,
etc. Therefore, quick action is required in all segments of criminal investigations.
Principle of Comparison
This law states that, “Only the likes can be compared.“
It highlights the need to provide like samples and specimens for comparison with the questioned
evidences.
In a murder case, the expert is of the opinion that the person was killed by stabbing with a sharp
piece of rod. It will be unnecessary to send a knife for comparison.
If a bullet recovered from the body is fired from the shotgun, it will be useless to send a pistol
for comparison.
Principle of Analysis
This principle states that, “There can be no better analysis than the sample analysed.”
This principle highlights the need for correct sampling and packaging of evidences to avoid
tampering & destruction and for effective analysis and results. Incorrect sampling may mislead
the investigation.
In a rape case, the investigating officer collected the clothes of the victim which had semen and
blood stains on it. When the clothes were sent for examination of semen and determination of
blood group from them. The semen gave AB blood group, where as the victim has A blood
group while the accused has B. Why the results were wrong?
Locard’s principle of Exchange
This principle states that, “Whenever two entities come in contact with each other, they exchange
the traces between them.”
This principle was stated by French scientist known as Edmond Locard, and therefore it is
known as Locard’s principle.
According to Locard, when a criminal or a murder weapon or any of his object comes in contact
with the victim or the surrounding, they leaves some traces in that area whereas also picks up
the traces from the places or person they have been in contact with. If those traces are identified
by the expert, and track it to its original source, the criminal can be linked with the crime scene
and the victim.
This principle is demonstrated in almost all the cases where there is a contact such as
fingerprints, foot marks, tyre marks, bullet residues, hair sample, etc.
Law of Probability
This law states that, “All identifications definite or indefinite, made consciously or
unconsciously are on the basis of probability.”
The term probability is mostly misunderstood. It determines the chances of occurrence of a
particular event in a particular way out of total number of ways in which an event can take place
or fails to take place with equal facility.
For example, an unknown woman is found murdered in a farm. The dead body of that woman
had a gold plated tooth, healed foot fracture and a tattoo on her left arm. A woman with the
similar characteristics was also reported missing. There are high chances that the unknown
corpse is of that missing woman?
The probability of that corpse being of another woman will be 1 in millions and the identity of
that unknown corpse is established.
Law of Circumstantial facts
According to this law, “Facts do not lie, men can and do.”
Facts cannot be wrong, it cannot lie, it cannot be wholly absent. Therefore the importance of
circumstantial facts is good for oral evidence.
In a case where a person is in armed forces is known to carry his duty till 10 Pm and resumes in
the morning at 9 am. He secretly slips out of the unit at night kills a person and returns back
secretly to join the duty on time. By circumstantial evidence, he can prove his presence in the
unit at that time and escape the punishment.
Conclusion
Forensic science thus is used for recognition, individualization, identification of pieces of
evidence collected from the crime scene using these principles of forensic science in the court of
law.
Crime Scene: Definition, Types and
Characteristics
Clip source: Crime Scene: Definition, Types and Characteristics
Crime Scene: Definition, Types and
Characteristics
February 26, 2022
What is a Crime Scene ?
A place where the crime is committed or where the maximum physical evidence related to crime
is found is known as a crime scene. A crime scene is a starting point of the investigation which
provides information about the suspect and the victim. This helps to reconstruct the crime and
fast resolution of the case.
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It is noted that the crime scene is not limited to a single place but may extend to a wider area
depending upon the nature of the crime committed. For example, In a murder case where murder
is done at one place and the body is disposed on another place. In this case, we have two crime
scenes that give information about the crime.
Types of Crime Scene
Based on evidence found on the crime scene:
1. Primary Crime Scene
The crime scene where the actual crime occurred or where more usable pieces of evidence were
found is known as the primary crime scene. For example, A murder scene, theft, assault, etc.
2. Secondary Crime Scene
The crime scene which is some or another way related to the crime but is not a place where the
actual crime is committed is known as a secondary crime scene. It is very important because it
may provide a strong link between the suspect and the victim.
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For example, In a murder case where murder is done at one place and the body is dumped in a
different place. In this case, the secondary crime scene (where the body is dumped) can provide
more information in terms of evidence like cloth, fiber, hair, weapon, etc. of the suspect. This
will help to trace the primary crime scene.
Based on the geographical location of the crime scene:
1. Outdoor crime scene
A crime that is committed in an open and wide area like a field, park, road, playground, etc. is
known as an outdoor crime scene. An outdoor crime scene is more vulnerable to loss or
contamination of evidence by sunlight, air, or extreme weather.
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Thus, outdoor crime demands professional handling of evidence and documentation by the first
responding office or a forensic expert.
Characteristics of outdoor crime scene
1. Evidence found at an outdoor crime scene is more susceptible.
2. It requires larger investigating teams depending upon the size of the crime scene.
3. It is more prone to a damage of evidence by climatic conditions.
4. More eye witnesses can be found in outdoor crime scenes which can help to solve the case
more quickly.
5. Grid or strip search method provides a better result to find evidence at an outdoor crime scene.
2. Indoor Crime Scene
A crime that is committed in an enclosed and small area like a room, hall, corridor, kitchen, etc.
is known as an indoor crime scene. An indoor crime scene is less vulnerable to loss or
contamination of evidence by whether condition as it occurred in an enclosed area.
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Thus, timely cordoning of the entry/exit gates of the place like doors and windows help to
collect evidence easily and fast resolution of the case can be done.
Characteristics of Indoor Crime Scene
1. Evidence found in an indoor crime scene is less susceptible.
2. It requires a small team of IOs/ Forensic experts as the area of an indoor crime scene is
generally small.
3. It is less prone to damages of evidence through climatic conditions.
4. Less or no eye witness can be found in an indoor crime scene as their areas are generally
closed and protected.
5. Spiral, circular, and zone search methods provide better results to find evidence at an indoor
crime scene.
3. Mobile/ Conveyance Crime Scene
Conveyance is a means of transportation. Types of crimes committed in conveyances include the
following: Vehicle, Train/Bus, Lift, Flight. Physical evidence recovered from these scenes may
extend well beyond the conveyance.
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Suspects leaving in a hurry may carelessly leave additional evidence. A conveyance, such as a
vehicle, may be transported to the laboratory after proper documentation has been completed.