STANKIEWICZ

Essential Questions and Learning What is the purpose of criminal Investigation? What are the basic steps in criminal investigations? What are the basic steps involved in crime scene investigations? How do investigators collect evidence?

Purpose/Goal of Criminal Investigations The criminal investigations always challenging ____________________________________ The eventual goal of criminal investigations ______ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ Reference: US Department of Homeland Security

Warning This lesson is for educational use only. Do not attempt investigations on your own Law enforcement should always “Follow Agency Policies!” Actions taken should be performed in accordance with department policies and procedures and federal and state laws Jurisdictional, logistical or legal conditions may preclude the use of particular procedures explained _________________________________________ !

Crime Scene Investigation Steps According to the National Institute of Justice _____________________________________ Completing and _____________________________________ _____________________________________ Reference: National Institute of Justice: A Guide for General Crime Scene Investigation. National Institute of Justice Website - enforcement/investigations/crime-scene/guides

The National Institute of Justice The National Institute of Justice — the research, development and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice — is dedicated to improving knowledge and understanding of crime and justice issues through science. NIJ provides objective and independent knowledge and tools to __________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ Website:

NOTE  When we go through the steps please realize that this is by no means a complete “How to Lesson”  There is a great deal for any investigator /Law enforcement personnel to know prior to any investigation  This information is very basic. Thorough investigations are conducted by highly trained individuals. This information only scratches the surface  _______________________________________

Arriving at the Crime Scene – 1 Basic information ________________________________ Law enforcement must be cautious and methodical ____________________________________ ________________________________ and should not disturb physical evidence ____________________________________

Arriving at the Crime Scene – 2 Basic information Follow safety procedures. _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________

Arriving at the Crime Scene – 3 Basic information Be aware of _________________________________________________________________ Approach the scene cautiously, _____________________________, and note any possible secondary crime scenes Make initial observations (look, listen, smell) to ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Arriving at the Crime Scene – 4 Basic information _________________ _________________ _________________ ______________ until it has been assessed and determined to be otherwise

Arriving at the Crime Scene – 5 Basic information Control all individuals at the scene  ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

Arriving at the Crime Scene – 6 Basic information Identify all individuals at the scene, such as:  Suspects. __________________________________________  _______________________. Secure and separate  Bystanders. _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________  Victims/family/friends. _________________________________  Medical and other assisting personnel

Arriving at the Crime Scene – 7 Basic information ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ____________ (e.g., law enforcement officials not working the case, politicians and ____________)

Documenting the Crime Scene – 1 Once the investigator in charge of the crime scene arrives, he or she should:  ___________________________________________  Conduct a scene walkthrough and ___________________

Documenting the Crime Scene – Conducting a Crime Scene Assessment - 1 Step 1 Conduct a scene assessment  _____________________________________________________  Share preliminary information  _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________

Documenting the Crime Scene – Conducting a Crime Scene Assessment - 2 The investigator(s) in charge should: _________________________________________ about observations and activities Evaluate safety issues that may affect all personnel entering the scene(s)

Documenting the Crime Scene – Conducting a Crime Scene Assessment - 3 Evaluate search and seizure issues to determine the necessity of obtaining consent to search and/or obtaining ______________________________________________ Evaluate and ______________________________ to the scene that can be utilized by authorized personnel ___________________________________________

Documenting the Crime Scene – Conducting a Crime Scene Assessment - 4 Determine the number/size of scene(s) and prioritize which should be investigated first _____________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ _____________________________________________

Documenting the Crime Scene – Conducting a Crime Scene Assessment - 5 If multiple scenes exist, ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Establish a secure area __________________________________ storage in accordance with rules of evidence/chain of custody

Documenting the Crime Scene – Conducting a Crime Scene Assessment - 6 Request additional investigative resources as required (e.g., personnel/specialized units, legal consultation/prosecutors and/or equipment) ____________________________________________ (e.g., document entry/exit of authorized personnel and prevent _______________________________________

Documenting the Crime Scene Conducting a Crime Scene Assessment - 7 Ensure that witnesses to the incident are identified and separated. ____________________________________________________ Ensure the surrounding area is canvassed and the results of this canvassing are documented _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

Crime Scene Walkthrough - 1 Step 2 ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Provide careful written and photo documentation

Crime Scene Walkthrough - 2 During the scene walkthrough, the investigator(s) in charge should:  _______________________________________  Prepare preliminary documentation of the scene  Identify and protect _________________________  _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________

General Crime Scene Investigation: Processing the Scene The steps  ___________________________________________  Control evidence contamination  Document the scene  ___________________________________________  Collect, preserve, inventory, package, ________________, and submit evidence

Completing and Recording the Crime Scene Investigation The steps ___________________________________________ Complete a scene debriefing ___________________________________________ Document the crime scene

Crime Scene Debriefing Team Includes:  ___________________________________________  Other investigators  ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

Final Survey of the Crime Scene Each area identified as part of the crime scene is inspected ____________________________________ ____________________________________ The crime scene is released in accordance with jurisdictional requirements

Document the Crime Scene- 1 The investigator(s) in charge must make sure that _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ ______ compiled into a case file

Document the Crime Scene-2 The case file should be a record of actions taken and evidence collected at the scene Documentation should allow for independent review of the work completed

Collecting Evidence - 1 Important No contamination _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ Documentation essential

Collecting Evidence - 2 Types of evidence Blood and liquids Fingerprints _________________ Physical at scene Documentary All must be treated with utmost care

Summary

References - 1 a) US Department of Homeland Security, Federal Law enforcement Center Training Workshop Website - programs/basic-criminal-investigations/ b) National Institute of Justice Website - enforcement/investigations/crime-scene/guides/