Crime Scene Investigation 1. Scenario Police have been called to a one-room apartment to investigate a possible homicide. The body is on the floor near

Crime Scene Crime Scene InvestigationInvestigation

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Crime SceneCrime SceneInvestigationInvestigation

Scenario• Police have been called to a one-room

apartment to investigate a possible homicide. The body is on the floor near the center of the room with what appears to be a single gunshot to the head. The suspected weapon is lying nearby.

• Describe how you would go about investigating this scene, with particular reference to establishing the integrity of the crime scene, safety and contamination of any evidence.

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Crime Scene Crime Scene InvestigationInvestigation

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Principles of Crime Scene Investigation•Preserving the Integrity of the Crime Scene•Recording the Crime Scene•Searching the Scene•Collecting & Packaging of Evidence•Crime Scene Safety

The most important aspects of CSI work include: Securing the scene

Prevention of contamination Preservation of physical evidence


The Crime Scene EnvironmentThe Crime Scene Environment

Crime Scene Investigators (CSIs) interact with:

• Police officers (including general duties, investigative, specialist and administrative areasSome CSIs are police officers/some are civilian)

• The judicial system including: legal practitioner, (prosecution and defense lawyers) judges and courts (including civil, coronial, criminal and appeal Courts)

• Forensic scientists (including specialist laboratories and experts) 44


• Forensic medical practitioners (including pathologists, psychologists and psychiatrists)

• General community often represented through juries, including those involved in specific incidents (victims, suspects, witnesses) and expectations shaped by media reporting of actual cases, fictional material, (books, magazines, television and movies).

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Role of the Crime Scene Investigator Role of the Crime Scene Investigator • Establish clear and direct lines of

communication and be effective managers: • At the scene of the crime or incident • Of the processing of physical evidence

collected from the scene • Of the investigative process as it relates to

physical evidence • Of the final presentation of physical evidence

at court

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When investigating, the CSI should consider: • Use an entry other than that taken by the

suspect • Establish the path taken by other persons first

on the scene • Consider the loss of trace evidence on entry

throughout your examination, (e.g.. shoe/foot impressions on the floor)

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• Reassess Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) issues

• Establish the extent of the scene and additional assistance that may be required

• Establish an entry and exit path for the Senior Investigating Officer and specialists to access the scene, if necessary

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Boundaries usually start at the focal point of the scene and extend outward to include:

• Where the crime occurred

• Potential points of entry and exit of suspects and witnesses

• Places where the victim or evidence may have been moved 99


The basic protocol for scene processing can be summarizedas several sequenced tasks:

1. Survey the crime scene 2. Photograph the crime scene 3. Map and measuring the crime scene 4. Record and document the location of physical

evidence at the crime scene 5. Searching for fingerprints and other physical

evidence.

*During the walk-through, a walkway other than the established path of entry should be used to reduce contamination. 1010


There are generally 6 important categories of documentation that are applicable to any search:

• Administrative Worksheet • Narrative Description • Photographic Log – overview, specifics• Diagram/Sketch – scaled sketch• Evidence Recovery Log - Identify, Collect

and Preserve evidence • Latent Print Lift Log

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Approach to Searching

• Consider the nature of physical evidence and the principles of exchange and transfer. (Locard)

• Each scene is unique and must be approached with an open mind.

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• The most transient evidence should always be collected first, progressing to the least transient evidence.

• Moving from the least intrusive collection techniques to the most intrusive techniques.

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• The collection of evidence must be documented, by recording its location at the scene, the date of collection and who collected it.

• For each item collected, a chain

of custody must be established.

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List of evidence collection guidelines for:

• Bloodstains

• Seminal stains

• Hair

• Fibers

• Glass

• Paint

• Flammable liquids

• Firearms evidence

• Tool marks • Controlled substances &

medicinal preparations

• Questioned documents

• Latent fingerprints

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3 Methods to adopt in your approach to searching

• Positive Approach – what is there

• Negative Approach – what isn’t there

• Information/Intelligence

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• The positive search which centers on known facts to locate evidence which is expected to be found (the tool mark in the scenario)

• The negative search, which centers on

known facts to indicate that no evidence, was found to indicate an alternate explanation (e.g. could the suspect have entered through another door)

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• The intelligent search which requires a combination of known facts, consideration for other explanations and a systematic and thorough approach to locate any other evidence (finding of the tip of the pliers, based on information about a pair of pliers)

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Searching Patterns or Methods • There are 5 basic methods that

are universally accepted. These are: – Line/Strip method – Spiral method – Wheel/Ray method – Grid method – Quadrant/Zone method

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• Line/Strip Search Pattern--One or two investigators start at the boundary of the crime scene and search in straight lines across to the other side of the crime scene.

• Grid Search Pattern-- Two or more investigators form a grid by searching in line patterns that overlap and are perpendicular to each other.


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• Spiral Search Pattern--One investigators searches in a spiral path from the center of the crime scene to the boundary (outward) or from the boundary of the crime scene to the center (inward).

• Wheel/Ray Search Pattern--Several investigators search in straight lines from the center to the boundary (outward) or from the boundary to the center (inward).

• Quadrant/Zone Search Pattern--The crime scene is divided into smaller sections (zones). One or more investigators are assigned to search each zone.


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The area(s) to be searched will often be determined by the:

• Nature of the incident • Nature of the physical evidence present • Location • Terrain • Established facts

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1. Search areas should be determined to maximize concentration. Each area should take no more than 20-40 minutes to search.

2. Breaks should be taken after each search. (At least 10 minutes)

3. Search the same area twice so that nothing is overlooked

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The Golden Rules of a Search3 Golden Rules to maximize the recovery of evidence:


Legal Considerations Regarding EvidenceCircumstances where the police can search for

evidence in the absence of a search warrant:

1. Emergency circumstances 2. To prevent loss or destruction of evidence 3. A search of a person and property in

immediate control of the person as long as it is in the event of a lawful arrest

4. A search made under consent of the party involved 2525


Purpose of an CSI examination is to:

1. Locate and identify potential evidence 2. Provide information about the crime or

incident 3. Assist in the corroboration or otherwise of

information provided by suspects, victims or witnesses

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Type and Scale of ExaminationDetermined by:

1. Seriousness of the offence/incident, type of the offence/incident and relevant circumstances

2. The nature of the scene

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Before examining evidence, which involves moving, or disturbing it, the following should be checked:

1. Ensure appropriate OSHA requirements been followed (e.g. bio hazards procedures)

2. Has the area or item to be examined been photographed in place?

3. Ensure adequate notes, sketches and measurements of the area or item have been taken?

4. If the area or item is to be moved or disturbed during the examination, ensure that

evidence will not be contaminated or destroyed?

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Prioritize the collection of evidence to prevent loss of, or damage to, an item. Smaller items or evidence are usually prone to damage.

Generally: 1.Ensure fragile evidence is collected first

e.g. latent fingerprints 2.Then collect trace evidence e.g. blood

and fiber 3.Finally, collect larger items

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Cross Contamination and Biological Degradation

• Prevent cross contamination and/or biological degradation.

When collecting an item from the scene care must be taken to

ensure that it is collected in a way, which will preserve (as closely as possible) its original condition.

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Labeling At the time of collection: - a detailed label should be attached to the package and include all of the following:

• Time & date collected • By whom collected • Type of incident • Description of the item• Location of the incident • Suspect & victims name if known • Location of the item• Name of the Senior CSI & their location• CSIs – names and job number

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Continuity is maintained by: • Accurate records (of the scene and

item) • Detailed labeling, appropriate and

sealed packaging • Accurate official records and logs • Secure storage of the item(s)• Full documentation of any subsequent

movement• It is preferable that the CSI is the only

link in the chain of custody of an item

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Interpretation may include:• Assist in establishing how the

incident occurred • Prove or disprove witness, suspect

or victims, versions of the incident • Provide investigators with

information, which may assist with inquiries and interviewing of witnesses, victims, and suspects

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Suitable evidence is used in court.Interpretation may suggest a theory of

what occurred, based on: • Observations at the crime or incident

scene • The physical evidence located • Information received from the Senior

Investigating Officer e.g. interviews and subsequent inquiries

• Results of examinations, analyses and other specialized tests.

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• The results of interpretation are the formation of opinions or likely conclusions

• Interpretation must be thorough and a reliable report made of the observations, rather than the investigator's belief of what occurred.

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4 Basic Limitations to the process of Reconstructing the incident:

1.Quantity and quality of the information received, physical evidence present and method of recording.

2. Ability and expertise of the crime scene investigator.

3. Extent of interpretation required. 4. Time and financial resources

available. 3636


Human Remains and Identification Notes should include:

• Position of the body • Description and state of clothing (is it

partially removed, stained, tangled or twisted?)

• Describe the location, intensity, size, and direction of flow of any staining if possible.

• Type of stain (blood-like, semen, dirt, vomit, feces, urine or some other fluid)

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• Any visible damage to the clothing and body

• Description of bloodstains (spots, spatter or smearing and directionality)

• Appearance of evidence removal (has the body been washed or blood cleaned from the body?)

• Estimated amounts of blood (has staining penetrated layers, carpeting or other surfaces, is it superficial?)

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The Recovery Of HumanRemains 1.Outdoor vs. Indoor2.Decomposition Rates/Temp.3.Use of Dogs to find bodies (9/11)

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Forensic Specialties

Anthropology• The scientific discipline mainly

concerned with the study of bodily or skeletal remains.

• DNA, Mitochondrial DNA (family)• Dr. Michael Baden/[ ]

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Its possible to determine 2 types of information from remains:

1.Physical characteristics such as sex, ethnicity, approximate age, stature, certain disease states and old injuries

2.The actual identification of the individual

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Forensic Odontology • Uses dental records to help in human

identification, and is often necessary for the identification of unrecognizable bodies, after fires or mass disasters, and in the identification and comparison of bite marks.

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Forensic PathologyEstimating Time of Death1.Changes in appearance of eyes2.Cooling of Body Temperature (livor mortis)3.Rigidity of the body (rigor mortis)4.Blood pooling in a specific area of the body (algor

mortis) 5.Decomposition or putrefaction is the breakdown of

the body due to autolysis and bacterial decomposition

6. Insect Infestation and Forensic Entomology4343


Forensic Photography• Crime scene photographs are permanent

and comprehensive pieces of evidence that may be presented in court to prove or disprove facts in question.

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Blood Splatter Analysis -Bloodstain Interpretation

• Properly collected and preserved blood evidence can establish a link between an individual, a criminal act or a crime scene

• It is used to strengthen or contradict a witness or suspects statement or to eliminate a person as a potential suspect in a crime.

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Blood Splatter Analysis Expert• 1971• MacDonell (AFIP, Washington, DC)

1. Outlined general rules regarding blood spatter evidence

2. Outlined general rules of blood spatter pattern recognition including spot shape, edge characteristics, spot diameter, angle of impact, degree of spatter, directionality, cast off droplets and high and low velocity impact stains

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Collecting Blood Evidence

• Collection and Preservation of Blood Evidence 1. Dried Bloodstains

2. Wet Bloodstains• http://www.crime-scene-investigator

.net/blood.html

http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/blood.html

http://www.crime-scene-investigator.net/blood.html

Wet Blood Stains• Liquid pools - pick up on gauze pad or other clean, sterile

cotton cloth. Allowed to air dry thoroughly at room temp. Refrigerate or freeze as soon as possible. Delays beyond 48 hours may make blood samples useless.

• Deliver stained object immediately to lab.• If the object must be mailed, allow the stain to air dry

completely before packaging.• Do not heat stained material or place it in bright sunlight to

dry. Hang clothing and similar articles in a room where there is adequate ventilation.

• If not completely dry, label and roll in paper or place in a brown paper bag or box and seal and label container. Place only one item in each container. Do not use plastic containers.

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Dried Blood Stains• On clothing, wrap the item in clean paper, place the article in

a brown paper bag or box and seal and label container. • Small solid objects: send the whole stained object to the Lab. • Large solid objects: cover the stained area with clean paper

and seal the edges down with tape to prevent loss or contamination. If impractical to deliver the whole object to the Lab, scrape the stain onto a clean piece of paper, which can be folded and placed in an envelope. Scrape blood from objects using a freshly washed and dried knife or similar tool. Wash and dry the tool before each stain is scraped off. Seal and mark the envelope.

• Do not mix dried stains. Place each stain in a separate envelope.

• Do not attempt to wipe dried stains from an object using a moistened cloth or paper.

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Motor Vehicle Investigation

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Steps of Vehicle Processing 1.Initial examination 2.Written documentation of vehicle in

original state 3.Systematic photographic and

documentation 4.An organized section-by-section

search should be conducted to find items of evidence not immediately obvious during the initial exam. 5151


5. Other items of evidence located during the search should be annotated with evidence markers and photographed to record location and relationship of any evidence found

6. Collection of evidence, beginning with the most fragile evidence (trace evidence), evidence easily lost, or susceptible to damage or loss through handling or weather conditions

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7. Mechanical processing for any latent fingerprints.

8. Control samples should be acquired, including glass samples, fiber samples for upholstery and carpet, chipped paint, and wiring for comparison with electronic components, like CD players and telephones that may have been stolen from the vehicle.

•

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Abandoned VehiclesTypes of Evidence to collect:• Odometer readings • Gas levels • Appearance for reason for stopping there • Damage • Radiator temperature and ambient

temperature to assist in determining the time of abandonment

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• Homicide - Vehicular

• Body located in car

• Body removed before car found

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Hit and Run Investigations There are two types of scenes to process:

• Damage to other vehicles or property

• Death and injury

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Types of vehicular physical evidence:

• Identity of the missing vehicle • Connect the vehicle with the crime

scene or the victim • Help in reconstructing the events

surrounding the crime

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Known specimens from the hit and run vehicle

• Paint chips • Headlight and tail

lamp glass • Bulb filaments • Headlight lenses • Signal reflectors

Assoc. vehicle to crime

• Hairs • Clothing fibers • Paint • Glass • Blood • Tissue

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Vehicle Marks• Tire impressions • Wheel marks (used to determine the

direction of vehicle movement)• Skid marks (provide information on

vehicle speed) • Soil disturbances

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Arrival at the Arrival at the Crime SceneCrime Scene

Upon arrival at a crime scene the 1st Responder police officer to a crime scene is responsible for:

1. Acquiring medical assistance for injured victims

Medical personnel avoid disturbing evidence and approach the victim by an indirect route.

2. Detaining any potential suspects or witnesses

Statements are taken from victims, witnesses, and suspects.

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3. Securing the crime scene to the greatest extent possible

The boundary is sealed off, and guards are posted at the entry to the crime scene if needed.All civilians and unauthorized personnel are excluded from the crime scene.

4. Calling for any additional personnel needs such as other officers and/or forensic investigators.

The personnel required depends upon the nature of the crime scene.

Arrival at the Crime Arrival at the Crime SceneScene

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Securing the Securing the Crime SceneCrime Scene

• The boundaries of the crime scene must be secured with crime scene tape, ropes, or cones.

• The secured area should include the area where the crime took place and the surrounding area where physical evidence may be located.

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• Once the boundaries are secured, guards may be posted to restrict access to the crime scene.

• A detailed log is kept of personnel movements in and out of the crime scene. This log includes personnel names and time of entry or exit.

• Investigators should never do anything that might alter the crime scene including smoking, eating, drinking, or littering.

Securing the Securing the Crime SceneCrime Scene

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The Walkthrough – initial survey of the crime scene

1. Perpetrator’s point of entry and exit are located.2. Indirect path is taken to the center of the crime

scene.3. Obvious items of evidence are located and

documented.4. The conditions of the scene are observed and

recorded.Special attention is paid to item or conditions that suggest timing of the incident or do not appear to belong.

Surveying the Surveying the Crime SceneCrime Scene

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• Primary Crime Scene--the location at which the initial crime occurredEx: the house in which a murder occurred

• Secondary Crime Scene--the location at which events after the initial crime occurredEx: the shallow grave in which a murder victim was buried

• Whether a crime scene is primary or secondary may be inferred by the presence or absence of specific evidence.


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At the Command Center1) Investigators receive their assigned

tasks from the lead investigator.2) Investigators store their equipment.3) Investigators meet to discuss aspects of

the crime scene.4) Investigators and law enforcement

personnel communicate with personnel at other crime scenes.


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• The search for physical evidence at a crime scene must be thorough and systematic.

• The search pattern selected will normally depend on the size and locale of the scene and the number of collectors participating in the search.

• For a factual, unbiased reconstruction of the crime, the investigator, relying upon his or her training and experience, must not overlook any pertinent evidence.

• Physical evidence can be anything from massive objects to microscopic traces.

Searching the Searching the Crime SceneCrime Scene

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• Vehicle Searches-Investigators search interior and exterior of vehicle.-The vehicle may be searched at the crime scene or at the police department or crime laboratory garage.

• Night Searches-Investigators avoid carrying out outdoor or dark indoor crime scene searches at night.-If possible, the crime scene is secured and guarded until morning.

Searching the Searching the Crime SceneCrime Scene

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Crime Scene Crime Scene EvidenceEvidence

Forensic science begins at the crime scene.• If the investigator MUST recognize physical

evidence or MUST properly preserve it for laboratory examination. NO sophisticated laboratory instrumentation or technical expertise can salvage a poorly investigated crime situation.

• It must be emphasized that the techniques of crime-scene investigation are not difficult to master and certainly lie within the bounds of comprehension of the average police officer.

Types of PhysicalTypes of PhysicalEvidenceEvidence

• Blood, semen, and saliva

• Documents• Drugs• Explosives• Fibers• Fingerprints• Firearms and

ammunition• Glass• Hair• Impressions• Organs and

physiological fluids

• Paint• Petroleum products• Plastic bags• Plastic, rubber, and

other polymers• Powder residues• Soil and minerals• Tool marks• Vehicle lights• Wood and other

vegetative matter

Procedures for Procedures for CollectionCollection

• Often, many items of evidence are clearly visible but others may be detected only through examination at the crime laboratory.

• For this reason, it is important to collect possible carriers of trace evidence, such as clothing, vacuum sweepings, and fingernail scrapings, in addition to more discernible items.

Procedures for CollectionProcedures for Collection

• Investigators must handle and process physical evidence in a way that prevents changes to the evidence through contamination, breakage, evaporation, accidental scratching or bending, or through improper or careless packaging.

• The use of latex gloves, disposable forceps, and sanitized equipment reduces the chance for contamination.

• Whenever possible, one should keep evidence in its original condition as found at the crime scene.

PackagingPackaging

• Each different item or similar items collected at different locations must be placed in separate containers. Packaging evidence separately prevents damage through contact and prevents cross-contamination.

• The well-prepared evidence collector will arrive at a crime scene with a large assortment of packaging materials and tools ready to encounter any type of situation.

PackagingPackaging• Disposable forceps and similar tools may have to

be used to pick up small items. • Unbreakable plastic pill bottles with pressure lids

are excellent containers for hairs, glass, fibers, and various other kinds of small or trace evidence.

• Alternatively, manila envelopes, screw-cap glass vials, or cardboard pillboxes are adequate containers for most trace evidence encountered at crime sites.

• Ordinary mailing envelopes should not be used as evidence containers because powders and fine particles will leak out of their corners.

PackagingPackaging

• Small amounts of trace evidence can also be conveniently packaged in a carefully folded paper, using what is known as a “druggist fold.”

• Evidence from arson scenes should be packaged in airtight metal or glass containers to prevent the loss of accelerant vapors.

PackagingPackaging• If biological or bloodstained materials are

stored in airtight containers, the accumulation of moisture may encourage the growth of mold, which can destroy the evidential value.

• In these instances, the material should be

allowed to air-dry before being packaged in wrapping paper, manila envelopes, or paper bags.

PackagingPackaging• Contamination is a key concern during the

collection of DNA-containing specimens such as blood, saliva, sweat or skin cells. Contamination can occur either by introducing foreign DNA through coughing or sneezing onto evidence or if items of evidence are incorrectly placed in contact with each other during packaging.

• To prevent contamination, the evidence collector must wear a face mask and use disposable latex gloves and disposable forceps when collecting evidence that may contain DNA.

Chain of CustodyChain of Custody• Chain of Custody - a list of all persons who came into

possession of an item of evidence.

• Continuity of possession, or the chain of custody, must be established whenever evidence is presented in court as an exhibit.

• Adherence to standard procedures in recording the

location of evidence, marking it for identification, and properly completing evidence submission forms for laboratory analysis is critical to chain of custody.

• Every person who handled or examined the evidence and where it was at all times must be accounted for.

Obtaining Reference Obtaining Reference SamplesSamples

• Standard/Reference Sample—Physical evidence whose origin is known, such as blood or hair from a suspect, that can be compared to crime-scene evidence.

• The examination of evidence, whether it is soil, blood, glass, hair, fibers, and so on, often requires comparison with a known standard/reference sample.

• Although most investigators have little difficulty

recognizing and collecting relevant crime-scene evidence, few seem aware of the necessity and importance of providing the crime lab with a thorough sampling of standard/reference materials.

Submitting EvidenceSubmitting Evidence• Evidence is usually submitted to the

laboratory either by personal delivery or by mail shipment.

• Care must be taken in packaging evidence that will be sent by mail in order to prevent breakage or other accidental destruction during transit to the laboratory.

• Most laboratories require that an evidence submission form accompany all evidence submitted. Case information provided on this form enables the laboratory analyst to make an intelligent and complete examination of the evidence.

Crime Scene SafetyCrime Scene Safety• Crime scenes frequently present the

investigator with biological specimens of unknown origin; the investigator has no way of gauging what health hazards they may contain.

• Therefore, one must use caution and protection at all times.

• It is recommended by the International Association for Identification Safety Committee that crime scene personnel wear a minimum of latex gloves (double gloved) and protective shoe covers. In cases of large contamination areas, coveralls are also recommended.

Crime Scene SafetyCrime Scene Safety• The use of a particle mask/respirator,

goggles, or face shield is recommended in addition to the minimum protective items when potentially infectious dust or mist are present.

• Personnel should be alert to sharp objects, knives, hypodermic syringes, razor blades, and similar items.

• Personnel should maintain a red biohazard plastic bag for the disposal of contaminated gloves, clothing, masks, pencils, wrapping paper, and so on.

Search and Seizure Search and Seizure ProtocolsProtocols

• The removal of any evidence from a person or from the scene of a crime must be done in conformity with Fourth Amendment privileges: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizure, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

Search and Seizure Search and Seizure ProtocolsProtocols

• The United States Supreme Court has determined that search and seizure without a court-approved warrant is justified in four cases:

1) The existence of emergency circumstances2) The need to prevent the immediate loss or

destruction of evidence3) A search of a person and property within the

immediate control of the person provided it is made incident to a lawful arrest

4) A search made by consent of the parties involved

Search and Seizure Search and Seizure Landmark CasesLandmark Cases

• In the case of Mincey v. Arizona, the Court dealt with the legality of a four-day search at a homicide scene and determined that the evidence was illegally seized because a warrant was never issued and the circumstances of the case did not justify a warrantless search.

Search and Seizure Search and Seizure Landmark CasesLandmark Cases

• In Michigan v. Tyler, fire destroyed a business establishment leased by Loren Tyler and a business partner. The court decided that evidence obtained from the initial search was legally seized, but evidence obtained from searches 4, 7, and 24 days after the incident were illegally seized.

• The experienced lead investigator decides when all pertinent physical evidence has been recorded and collected at the crime scene.

• A final survey is undertaken to visually review the scene and collect all evidence and equipment.

• Following the final survey, the crime scene is released to the proper authorities.

Departing the Departing the Crime SceneCrime Scene

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5 STEPS OF CRIME 5 STEPS OF CRIME SCENE PROCESSINGSCENE PROCESSING

1. Responding to the crime scene requires the CSI to arrive with a plan and the proper attitude. The CSI must communicate with the 1st Responding officers and learn as much as possible about what has taken place. Scene perimeters are established or enlarged and the scene is secured.

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2. Crime scene photography is next. This step must be completed prior to moving or collecting any evidence.

3. Crime scene diagramming. The rough sketch with measurements must be completed prior to moving anything and a complete evidence list and sketch legend is completed.

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4. Collection of physical evidence. The scene must be legally searched

for evidence that is both seen and unseen. When evidence is found, it must be documented fully, collected properly and packaged in such a way to maintain its evidentiary value.

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5. Processing the scene for fingerprints. Fingerprinting the crime scene is usually performed last because fingerprint powders will contaminate the scene. Those items or surfaces that need processing will have to be protected from contamination until after the scene has been processed. There are exceptions to this which are determined by the circumstances of each scene.

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• Processing a crime scene might take a few hours to several days. While processing the scene, you will have to make numerous decisions that will eventually be scrutinized by teams of lawyers and experts in various forensic disciplines. The lawyers and forensic experts have months and sometimes years to pull your work apart. Your work, based on your decisions, must be able to stand up to these numerous challenges.

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CRIME SCENECRIME SCENEDETECTIVE QUALITIESDETECTIVE QUALITIES

3 qualities of a CSI: to be successful processing crime scenes:

1. Attitude - First, and most important, the crime scene detective must have the proper attitude or he/she will be defeated before starting. Crime scene work is very demanding both mentally and physically because the majority of evidence at major crime scenes is often hidden. Searching a scene for fingerprint evidence, trace evidence and processing a deceased body are extremely time consuming tasks and are often performed in confined spaces and awkward positions. It can be very easy to justify overlooking some of the processing techniques required for the successful recovery of evidence.

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CRIME SCENE CRIME SCENE DETECTIVE QUALITIESDETECTIVE QUALITIES

2. Training - The crime scene detective must continue to train. Training will provide the detective with guidance and the ability to better understand a crime scene. Training, however, is nothing without the proper attitude. The crime scene detective must be able to use the proper procedure at the proper time or the training was wasted.

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CRIME SCENE CRIME SCENE DETECTIVE QUALITIESDETECTIVE QUALITIES

3. Experience - The crime scene detective must have experience. Without experience, the detective may be overwhelmed at major crime scenes and evidence might be missed. The CSI should use property crimes such as burglaries to train for the more serious crimes against persons. The focus of a CSI should always be toward the homicide scene, the ultimate major crime.

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CRIME SCENE DETECTIVE CRIME SCENE DETECTIVE QUALITIESQUALITIES

Nothing can replace experience; however, continued training can prepare you to respond and react the way you have trained.

IT ALL STARTS WITH YOURATTITUDE!

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Crime Scene Crime Scene NotesNotes

• Note taking begins when the investigator is contacted & requested to report to the crime scene.

• Crime scene notes should begin with:

1.The identity of person who contacted the investigator

2. Time of contact and arrival at the crime scene

3. Preliminary case information

4. Personnel present on arrival and those being contacted

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• Notes contain a personnel log, all observations made by the investigator, and the time observations were made.

• Notes are taken in a uniform layout, concurrently as the observations are made.

• Notes are written in a bound notebook in blue or black ink.

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Investigators may choose to record crime scene notes on audio tapes.

• This leaves the hands free to process the scene as the notes are taken.

• Tape-recorded notes must eventually be transcribed to a written

document.

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