What is the proper way to handle evidence at a crime scene? Give specific examples. Essential Question Topic: Collecting Physical Evidence

Primary Crime Scene Secondary Crime Scene Macroscopic Microscopic DEFINING A CRIME SCENE

Physical Evidence is any object that can establish that a crime has been committed or can link a crime to its victim or its perpetrator. Can help verify a relationship between VICTIM SUSPECT SCENE OBJECTS PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

VERIFY STATEMENTS IDENTIFICATION OF SUSPECTS AFIS, CODIS SUBSTANCE IDENTIFICATION DRUGS, ACCELERANTS, SCENE RECONSTRUCTION INVESTIGATIVE LEADS INFORMATION FROM EVIDENCE

Whenever two objects come into contact, a mutual exchange of matter will take place between them. LOCARD’S EXCHANGE PRINCIPLE

METHODOLOGICAL SYSTEMATIC LOGICAL APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Assist the victim Search for / arrest suspect Detain witnesses / keep separate PROTECT CRIME SCENE / LOG DO NOT SMOKE, DRINK, GO TO THE BATHROOM, WASH HANDS, OR EAT Infect self Contaminate scene Communicate all information to detectives FIRST RESPONDERS

SECURE SCENE SURVEY SCENE Minimize contact by ALL personnel Use Personal Protective Equipment Note evidence Protect evidence that may be lost Note weather conditions Use alternate entry Record EVERYTHING CRIME SCENE PROCEDURES

NARRATIVE: DESCRIPTION OF THE SCENE

NOTES VIDEO PHOTOGRAPHY SKETCHES CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION

NOTES Immediate Accurate Continuing VIDEO 3D Documentation of scene Orientation of scene but no narrative DO NOT EDIT CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION

PHOTOGRAPH THE SCENE

PHOTOGRAPHY BEFORE MOVING EVIDENCE SYSTEMATIC OVERVIEW MIDRANGE CLOSE-UP LOG / CAMERA SETTINGS SCALE CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION

1. Overall 2. Midrange 3. Closeup Three Types of Photographs

SKETCHES Assign measurements to objects Triangulation Baseline Polar Coordinates Rough / finished Legend CRIME SCENE DOCUMENTATION

SKETCH THE SCENE

Rough Sketch

Finished Sketch

Search Patterns

EVALUATION OF THE PHYSICAL EVIDENCE AT THE SCENE

One CSI in charge Priority to easily destroyed evidence Primary packaging Contain and protect Secondary packaging Seal and tamper resistant INITIAL / DATE / TIME Identity of item enclosed COLLECTION & PRESERVATION OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

Paper bags Plastic bags Metal cans Plastic canisters Pill bottles Cardboard boxes Paper Bindles Common Packaging for Evidence

COLLECTION, RECORDING, MARKING AND PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE  What constitutes a seal?  Initials on article or container  Description of contents  Paper is our friend!  Evidence Bindle

Evidence Bindles (Druggist Fold)

Each item separate Wet items Temporary in plastic Air Dry Permanent in paper Arson evidence – air tight containers Controls COLLECTION & PRESERVATION OF PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

FINAL SURVEY!!! STOP AND THINK OF ANYTHING FURTHER THAT MIGHT BE COLLECTED.

RELEASE OF THE CRIME SCENE