1. Chapter 3: THE CRIME SCENE
“Oh, how simple it would all have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo and wallowed all over it.”
—A. Conan Doyle, in The Boscombe Valley Mystery, 1892
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CRIME SCENE
Students will learn:
The steps to take when processing a crime scene.
The type of evidence that determines what packaging should be used.
Why the chain of custody must be preserved.
Students will be able to:
Isolate, record, and search for evidence at a mock crime scene.
Collect and package evidence at a mock crime scene using to proper forensic procedures.
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4. CORPUS DELICTI “Body of the Crime”
You must prove
that a crime occurred
that the person charged with the crime was responsible for the crime
Top Reasons for Committing a Crime
Money
Revenge
Emotion—love, hate, anger
Source of Evidence
Body
Primary and/or Secondary Crime Scene
Suspect(s)
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CRIME SCENE TEAM
A group of professional investigators, each trained in a variety of special disciplines.
Team Members
First Police Officer on the scene
Medics (if necessary)
Investigator(s)
Medical Examiner (if necessary)
Photographer and/or Field Evidence Technician
Lab Experts
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6. CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
Based on the scientific method and the Locard Exchange Principle, logic and forensic techniques
Involves:
Recognition—scene survey, documentation, collection
Identification—comparison testing
Individualization—evaluation and interpretation
Reconstruction—reporting and presenting
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7. PROCESSING A CRIME SCENE
Isolate and secure the scene
Document the scene
Search for evidence
Collect and package evidence, maintaining the chain of custody
Submit evidence to the crime lab
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8. FIRST OFFICER ON THE SCENE
A Assess the crime scene and assist those hurt
D Detain the witness
A Arrest the perpetrator
P Protect the crime scene
T Take notes
How to Enter a Crime Scene
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9. Process a Crime Scene Isolate and secure the scene Document the scene
Search for evidence
Collect and package the evidence while maintaining the chain of custody
Submit the evidence for analysis

10. Secure the Crime Scene Look for signs of life
Cordon off the scene (only allow authorized personnel in)
Bodies should be certified as “dead” by a medical examiner (ME) before being moved

11. Survey the Crime Scene
A walkthrough is performed by the crime scene investigator, the first officer, and sometimes the lead detective
Record initial observations of who, what, where, when, and how
Make a plan of action

12. Document the Crime Scene
Record the crime scene and potential evidence with
Notes
Photography
Sketches
Videography

13. Notes
Record the following while at the crime scene (details are the key):
Date
Time
Description of the location, weather, and environmental conditions
Description of the crime
Location of the evidence relative to other key points
Names of all people involved
Any other relevant information

14. Photography Nothing should be moved until photographed
Take photos of the scene and the surroundings
Photograph entrances and exits
Take wide and close-up photos
Use various angles for each piece of evidence
Use a ruler to show size

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Crime Scene Photography
Advantages of photographs
Can be taken immediately
Can accurately depict crime scene
Creates interest
Supports testimony
Disadvantages of photographs
Do not show actual distances
Can be distorted
Digital images can be altered
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16. Sketches
Draw a rough sketch at the scene (reconstruct it better later). Include:
Date, time, and location
Scale (use inches for court testimony)
Recovered items
Important features
Accurate distance measurements of objects (from two fixed points)
A legend for description of items
A compass designating north
Names of investigators, victims, and suspects

17. Example: Final Sketch

18. Videography Narrate the video Be objective
Record from different perspectives

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Advantages of Video Taping
Increases Intoxication convictions-DUI
Enhances officer integrity
Provides officer safety
Documents traffic violations
Reduces court time for officers
Lowers liability for misconduct claims
Documents probably cause and evidence
Disadvantages of Video Taping
Records unwanted sound
Documents errors made by officers and technicians
Officers not always trained
Discrepancies with Time/Date stamp
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Crime Scene Sketches
Sketches are important supplements to photographs and crime scene reports. Sketches…..
Accurately portray physical facts
Relate to the sequence of events
Establish locations and relationships
Provide an overall picture of the scene
Are a permanent record of the scene
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Crime Scene Sketches
The rough sketch is drawn at the crime scene. It is not a finished product, although it does contain measurements and other data.
The finished sketch is often drawn by a draftsman to show proper relationships and scales. The finished sketch is more presentable for court presentations.
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22. Measuring Techniques Triangulation
Used when the scene is irregularly shaped
For each piece of evidence being recorded, use two permanent objects as reference points that are not likely to be moved (no round objects)
The two reference points and the piece of evidence form a triangle, hence the term triangulation
Whatever object you are measuring to or from, use the same spot on the object every time

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25. Measuring Techniques (continued)
Rectangular Coordinates – Baseline
The simplest form of the rectangular coordinate system
Using a straight line between two known points, items are measured along the line and then measured perpendicular to the line
Inside or outside of a house, this line can be a straight wall
Outdoor scenes can use a string or long measuring tape as the reference or baseline

26. Measuring Techniques (continued)
Rectangular Coordinates – Grid
Measure the distance of items from two perpendicular baselines
This technique is particularly appropriate in a room with perpendicular walls or outdoors with perpendicular streets

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31. Measuring Techniques (continued)
Polar Coordinates
Measure both the distance and the direction (angle) an object is from a known reference point
For example, 40 feet from the edge of the house and 15 degrees east of north

32. Search the Crime Scene
When searching a crime scene, wear the following, if available, to minimize contamination
Disposable gloves
Masks
Coveralls with a hood
Slippers

33. Search Patterns
Depend on the size and the location of the crime scene and the number of investigators available
Stick to one pattern and one supervisor
Better to collect everything and not need it than fail to collect something and need it later

34. Search Patterns (continued)
Spiral – may move inward or outward; best used where there are no physical barriers
Grid – basically a double-line search; effective, but time-consuming
Line (Strip) – best in large, outdoor scenes
Zone (Quadrant) – most effective in houses or buildings; teams are assigned small zones for searching

35. Search Patterns (continued)
Spiral
Grid
Quadrant or Zone
Strip or Line

36. Collect & Package Evidence
Physical evidence must be packaged and collected before time and weather can alter it
Physical evidence – any object that can establish that a crime has been committed or links a crime and the victim or suspect
The Golden Hour – the window of opportunity to collect time-sensitive information or evidence

37. Collect & Package Evidence (continued)
Each item must be placed in a separate container, and sealed and labeled
The most fragile evidence is collected and packaged first
Different types of evidence require specific or special collection and packaging techniques
The body is the property of the coroner or medical examiner; collection of evidence on the body is done by that department

38. Collect & Package Evidence (continued)
Containers such as vials, envelopes, plastic bags, paper bags, canisters, and cardboard boxes are good packaging devices
Most items should be placed in a primary container and then in a secondary container
Trace evidence may be placed on a piece of paper which is then folded in a “druggist fold” and placed in a secondary container

39. Collect & Package Evidence (continued)
Containers should be sealed with tamper proof tape, and dated and initialed
Each package should contain
Date, time, and location
Case number
Agency and collector’s name
Victim’s name(s)
Description of contents
Never package two items from two different sources or locations

40. Chain of Custody
There must be a written record of all people who have had possession of an item of evidence, beginning at the time of collection
Every person who handled or examined the evidence must be accounted for
Chain of Custody should include
Date and time of transfer
Location of transfer
To/From names
Purpose of the transfer

41. National Databases
Crime Scene Investigators can submit evidence for analysis to several national databases based on the type of evidence
Examples include
Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS)
Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System  (IAFIS)
Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)
Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS)
International Forensic Automotive Paint Data Query (PDQ)

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Crime Scene Techniques from Pennsylvania University
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43. Montgomery County Evidence Lockers
Evidence Lockers at MCCL used by deputies to securely store property after normal business hours.
Staffed with two civilian clerks
They maintain accurate records of all incoming property and evidence, meticulously
storing this evidence. 
Many pieces of evidence may be submitted to the Department of Public Safety or
to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for specialized examination
that cannot be performed on the local level.  Once an investigation is complete,
property may be returned to the rightful owner, transferred to the Montgomery
County Purchasing Agent for auction, or destroyed.  
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MC Crime Lab
Facts and Figures: * In 2014 there were 10,708 cases submitted to the property room * There were 29,453 individual items submitted as property/evidence * A record of each item is entered into a computer to help maintain accurate records of the evidence
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INVESTIGATORS
“The wise forensic investigator will always remember that he must bring all of his life experiences and logic to find the truth. This means common sense, informed intuition, and the courage to see things as they are. Then he must speak honestly about what it adds up to.”
—Dr. Henry Lee
Chief Emeritus for Scientific Services and the
former Commissioner of Public Safety for the state of Connecticut
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46. THE MEDICAL EXAMINER AND THE CORONER
A medical examiner is a medical doctor, usually a pathologist and is appointed by the governing body of the area. There are 400 forensic pathologists throughout the U.S.
A coroner is an elected official who usually has no special medical training. In four states, the coroner is a medical doctor.
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47. MEDICAL EXAMINER’S RESPONSIBILITIES
Chapter 3
MEDICAL EXAMINER’S RESPONSIBILITIES
Identify the deceased
Establish the time and date of death
Determine a medical cause of death—the injury or disease that resulted in the person dying
Determine the mechanism of death—the physiological reason that the person died
Classify the manner of death
Natural
Accidental
Suicide
Homicide
Undetermined
Notify the next of kin
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THE CORPSE
“The way I see it, being dead is not terribly far off from being on a cruise ship. Most of your time is spent lying on your back. The brain has shut down. The flesh begins to soften. Nothing much new happens, and nothing is expected of you.”
—Mary Roach. Stiff. W. W. Norton & Company. 2003
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PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
Dr. Michael M. Baden is a renowned pathologist and was the Chief Medical Examiner in NY City and for Suffolk County.
Dr. Baden was on the panel that investigated the assassinations of president John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He has been involved as an expert in forensic pathology in many cases of international interest including:
The remains of Tsar Nicholas of Russia and his family
The Claus Von Bulow murder trial
Expert witness for the defense in the O.J. Simpson trial
Re-autopsy of Medgar Evers, Civil Rights leader
Re-examination of the Lindberg Kidnapping and murder
Autopsies of the victims of TWA Flight 800
Dr. Baden is the host of HBO’s Autopsy series and is featured on many of the crime talk shows.
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MORE INFORMATION
For additional information on crime scene investigation, check out Court TV’s Crime Library:
On Michael Baden and the autopsy:
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