Processing the Crime Scene

What is physical Evidence? Any and all objects that can establish that a

crime has been committed

OR Can provide a link between a crime , its

victim or a crime and the perpetrator

Let’s review….what’s the first thing to do at a crime scene?

1. Secure and isolate crime scene

2. Record the scene

3. Conduct Systematic Search for Evidence

5. Maintain Chain of Custody

4. Collect and Package Physical Evidence

Secure and Isolate Crime Scene Responsibility of first officer on scene (take steps

to preserve and protect scene) First priority - medical assistance Exclude all unauthorized personnel Establish and Control entry / exit points

Ropes, Tape, Barricades and Guards strategically placed.

Once the scene is secure and lead investigator arrives – what happens?

Boundaries of Scene determined Does the area being searched need to be expanded?

Establish perpetrator’s path of entry and exit

Obvious items photographed and documented

Initial walk through to gain overview and develop strategy for systematic search

Record the Scene Name Three ways you could permanently record the scene:

1. Photograph2. Sketch3. Notes

Photography

Crime scene should be photographed in its entirety. Where the crime happened and adjacent areas. Pictures of evidence to show location and

position relative to entire scene. Close-ups to show injuries and physical evidence Measuring scale should always be included

Videotaping is also useful Long shots and close-ups Narration of events and scenes being videotaped

can be useful for later analysis. Sights and sounds of crime scene can be

recorded. Provides comparison to determine if scene has

been altered or evidence moved during investigation.

Still photography continues to be the preference for the majority of crime labs.

Sketches Once photographs have been taken,

sketches are created. Investigator may not have time or skill so a

ROUGH sketch is always created at scene.

Finished sketch is finished after all data has been collected.

Notes

Constant Activity throughout the process of investigating a scene.

Notes must include:

- detailed written description of the scene

- Location of physical Evidence

- Records time that each piece of evidence was discovered.

- Record who discovered the evidence and how they packaged it

Notes should be taken with great detail and in anticipation that this may be the only source of information for refreshing one’s memory after weeks, months or years of an investigation.

Search Search for physical evidence must be

systematic and thorough. Type of search depends on size and

location

Collect and Package Physical Evidence Physical evidence must be handled and

processed in a way that prevents any change from the time it is removed to the time it arrives at the lab.

What are some sources of contamination?

Breakage

Evaporation

Accidental Scratching or bending

Loss through improper Careless packaging

Chain of custody Continuity of possession Established when evidence is presented in

court Info. Collected: initials, date,location of

evidence To avoid confusion and retain control at all

times – individuals on chain of custody should be kept to a minimum.

Removal of All evidence must be in accordance with appropriate search and seizure protocols.

Legal Considerations at a crime scene:

Which Ammendment protects us from Unreasonable searches?

The 14th Ammendment

A number of allowances have been made by the courts to justify a warrantless search….what do you think they are?

1. Emergency Situations

2. Need to prevent immediate loss or destruction of evidence

3. Search made by consent of the parties involved.

Mincey V. Arizona Court dealt with a four day search at a

homicide scene.

Involved raid on Rufus Mincey – suspected drug dealer.

Apt. raided under pretense that Mincey had purchased drugs – undercover agent killed.

Guns, ammo, drugs and drug paraphernalia were seized and admitted as evidence in court.

Mincey was freed - the 4 day search was illegal.

Michigan V. Tyler Business establishment leased by Tyler and

buisness partner destroyed by fire. Fire was extinguished, but it was too smoky to

thoroughly search the property…arson was suspected so several items were seized.

Investigators returned again the next morning, 4 days later, 7 days later and 25 days later.

What evidence do you think was admissible in court?

ENRIQUE CAMARENA CASE Complete Case Study

Supreme Court Findings Clear… If there is time and circumstances permit –

investigators must obtain a warrant before investigating and retrieving evidence.