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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The Crime Scene
Crime Scene: Any place where evidence is collected to help explain events. Primary/Secondary
How are crime scenes like puzzles?
Evidence is used to reconstruct the sequence of events, modus operandi (MO), and the motive for the crime.
What happens when mistakes are made in the collection of evidence?
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4. CORPUS DELICTI “Body of the Crime”
"the fact of a crime having been actually committed."
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
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5. CORPUS DELICTI “Body of the Crime”
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/ jobs?
Medics (if necessary)
Investigator(s)
Medical Examiner (if necessary)
Photographer and/or Field Evidence Technician
Lab Experts
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7. 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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8. Put these steps in order: PROCESSING A CRIME SCENE
Collect and package evidence, maintaining the chain of custody
Isolate and secure the scene
Submit evidence to the crime lab
Document the scene
Search for evidence
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9. 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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10. PROCESSING A CRIME SCENE
What is meant by maintaining the CHAIN OF CUSTODY?
Why is this important?
What special considerations need to be used when collecting evidence?
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11. Do I need a search warrant?
Fourth Amendment: protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures. (property searches for suspects)
Probable cause
Steps:
1. prepare an affidavit; location, items to be searched for, probable cause
2. prepare a warrant
3. Get warrant signed
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12. 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
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How do I package?
Wet materials/body fluids?
Shoeprints?
Suspected arson?
Weapons?
Broken glass?
Trace evidence?
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CRIME SCENE SURVEY
Walk-through—performed by the crime scene investigator, the first officer and sometimes the lead detective
Purpose:
Mentally prepare a reconstruction theory
Note any transient or conditional evidence that could change over time.
Note weather conditions
Note points of entry or exit, as well as paths of travel within the crime scene
Record initial observations of who, what, where, when, and how
Identify special needs within the crime scene for personnel, precautions or equipment and notify superior officers or other agencies
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Walk Through
Teams: (5-6 minutes each group)
1. Place crime scene markers at evidence
2. Make a sketch of the crime scene
Take photos/ phones
DO NOT touch, pick up, move, accidentally kick or contaminate the crime scene
Answer questions as a group after returning to the room
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DOCUMENTATION
Notes—date and time, description of the location, weather and environmental conditions, description of the crime, location of the evidence relative to other key points, the names of all people involved, modifications that have occurred and other relevant information
Photography—photos of scene and surroundings, mid-range to close-up photos with various angles of each piece of evidence, photos as viewed by any witnesses.
Sketches—inclusion of date, time, scale, reference points, distance measurements, names of investigators, victims, suspects, and a legend (key)
Videography—allows narration (non-subjective) to be included
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Detailed Sketches
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Walk through
1. Teams of 3 or 4
2. Sketch---take notes----make measurements---create a theory
3. Answer questions with your group back in room
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SEARCH METHODS
Line or strip method—best in large, outdoor scenes
Grid method—basically a double-line search; effective, but time-consuming
Zone method—most effective in houses or buildings; teams are assigned small zones for searching
Wheel or ray method—best on small, circular crime scenes
Spiral method—may move inward or outward; best used where there are no physical barriers
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CRIME SCENE SKETCH
Date: August 14, Criminalist: Ann Wilson
Time: 11:35 am Location: Rockledge Dr, St. Louis, Mo. N
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21. COLLECTING AND PACKAGING EVIDENCE
One individual should be designated as the evidence collector to ensure that the evidence is collected, packaged, marked, sealed, and preserved in a consistent manner
Each item must be placed in a separate container, sealed, and labeled
Most fragile 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. The collection of evidence on the body is done by that department
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PACKAGING
Most items should be packaged in a primary container and then placed inside a secondary one. These are then placed inside other containers such as paper bags, plastic bags, canisters, packets and envelopes depending on the type and size of the evidence.
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CHAIN OF CUSTODY
There must be a written record of all people who have had possession of an item of evidence.
The evidence container must be marked for identification
The collector’s initials should be placed on the seal
If evidence is turned over to another person, the transfer must be recorded.
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Chain of Custody
1. Correctly bag and label a piece of evidence
2. Turn in the evidence to the Lab Storage Supervisor
3. Check out (from the lab) another bag of evidence to examine
4. Take out and examine the evidence, and, then correctly put it back into the bag and re-seal and sign it back in.
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25. CRIME SCENE RECONSTRUCTION
Stages
Data collection
Hypothesis formation
Examination, testing and analysis
Determination of the significance of the evidence
Theory formulation
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Staged Crime Scene
Staging: attempt to make the scene look like something else happened.
May make a murder look like an accident or suicide.
Stealing items to conceal motive, arson to conceal murder, forgery of notes, breaking windows to suggest forced entry.
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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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28. 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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29. 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
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30. MEDICAL EXAMINER’S RESPONSIBILITIES
Chapter 3
MEDICAL EXAMINER’S RESPONSIBILITIES
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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Argument Essay
Should companies/businesses be allowed to fingerprint employees? or
Which type of evidence is more reliable: Direct evidence or indirect evidence and why?
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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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Crime Scene sketch
Forensics teams of 3
You will need to make a detailed sketch/drawing of a mock crime scene.
Include: date, time, scale, reference points, distance measurements, names of investigators and a legend (key)
Put notes concerning your sketch in a report form to turn in to the lead criminal investigator, include any hypothesis or theory
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36. Summary of Crime scene processing
Crime-Scene Search
A crime-scene search is planned, coordinated, and executed by law enforcement officials to locate physical evidence. Basic Premises
The best search options are usually the most difficult and time-consuming.
Physical evidence cannot be over documented.
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37. Summary of Crime scene processing
There are two search approaches.
A cautious search of visible areas, avoiding evidence loss or contamination.
A vigorous search of concealed areas.
Preparation
Obtain a search warrant, if necessary.
Discuss the search with involved personnel before arriving at the scene, if possible.
Establish a command headquarters for communication and decision making in major or complicated crime-scene searches.
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38. Summary of Crime scene processing
Ensure that personnel are aware of the types of evidence usually encountered and the proper handling of the evidence.
Make preliminary personnel assignments before arriving at the scene, if possible.
Ensure that assignments are in keeping with the attitude, aptitude, training, and experience of search personnel. Personnel may be assigned two or more responsibilities:
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39. Summary of Crime scene processing
Person In Charge
Ensure scene security.
Prepare administrative log.
Conduct preliminary survey (initial walk-through).
Prepare narrative description.
Resolve problems.
Make final decisions.
Photographer
Photograph and log evidence and scene.
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40. Summary of Crime scene processing
Sketch Preparer
Sketch and log scene.
Evidence Recorder
Evidence custodian and log evidence.
Establish communication among the medical examiner, laboratory personnel, and prosecutive attorneys so that questions arising during the crime-scene search can be resolved.
Coordinate agreements with all agencies in multijurisdictional crime-scene searches.
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41. Summary of Crime scene processing
Accumulate evidence collection and packaging materials and equipment. Prepare the paperwork to document the search.
Provide protective clothing, communication, lighting, shelter, transportation, equipment, food, water, medical assistance, and security for search personnel.
In prolonged searches, use shifts of two or more teams. Transfer paperwork and responsibility in a preplanned manner from one team to the next.
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42. Summary of Crime scene processing
Approach
Be alert for evidence.
Take extensive notes.
Consider the safety of all personnel.
Secure and Protect
Take control of the scene immediately.
Determine the extent to which the scene has been protected. Obtain information from personnel who have knowledge of the original condition.
Designate one person in charge for final decision making and problem resolution.
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43. Summary of Crime scene processing
Continue to take extensive notes.
Keep out unauthorized personnel.
Record who enters and leaves.
Preliminary Survey
The preliminary survey is an organizational stage to plan for the search.
Cautiously walk through the scene.
Maintain administrative and emotional control.
Select a narrative technique (written, audio, or video).
Take preliminary photographs.
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44. Summary of Crime scene processing
Delineate the extent of the search area. Usually expand the initial perimeter.
Organize methods and procedures.
Recognize special problem areas.
Identify and protect transient physical evidence.
Determine personnel and equipment needs. Make specific assignments.
Develop a general theory of the crime.
Take extensive notes to document the scene, physical and environmental conditions, and personnel movements.
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45. Summary of Crime scene processing
Evaluate Physical Evidence Possibilities
This evaluation begins upon arriving at the scene and becomes detailed in the preliminary survey stage.
Ensure that the collection and packaging materials and equipment are sufficient.
Focus first on evidence that could be lost. Leave the least transient evidence last.
Ensure all personnel consider the variety of possible evidence, not only evidence within their specialties.
Search the easily accessible areas and progress to out-of-view locations. Look for hidden items.
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46. Summary of Crime scene processing
Evaluate whether evidence appears to have been moved inadvertently.
Evaluate whether the scene appears contrived.
Narrative:
 The narrative is a running description of the crime scene.
Use a systematic approach in the narrative.
Nothing is insignificant to record if it catches one's attention.
Under most circumstances, do not collect evidence during the narrative.
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47. Summary of Crime scene processing
Use photographs and sketches to supplement, not substitute for, the narrative.
The narrative should include the following:
Case identifier.
Date, time, and location.
Weather and lighting conditions.
Identity and assignments of personnel.
Condition and position of evidence.
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48. Summary of Crime scene processing
Photography
Photograph the crime scene as soon as possible.
Prepare a photographic log that records all photographs and a description and location of evidence.
Establish a progression of overall, medium, and close-up views of the crime scene.
Photograph from eye level to represent the normal view.
Photograph the most fragile areas of the crime scene first.
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49. Summary of Crime scene processing
Photograph all stages of the crime-scene investigation, including discoveries.
Photograph the condition of evidence before recovery.
Photograph the evidence in detail and include a scale, the photographer's name, and the date.
Take all photographs intended for examination purposes with a scale. When a scale is used, first take a photograph without the scale.
Photograph the interior crime scene in an overlapping series using a normal lens, if possible. Overall photographs may be taken using a wide-angle lens.
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50. Summary of Crime scene processing
Photograph the exterior crime scene, establishing the location of the scene by a series of overall photographs including a landmark.
Photographs should have 360 degrees of coverage. Consider using aerial photography, when possible.
Photograph entrances and exits from the inside and the outside.
Photograph important evidence twice.
A medium-distance photograph that shows the evidence and its position to other evidence.
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51. Summary of Crime scene processing
2) A close-up photograph that includes a scale and fills the frame.
Prior to entering the scene, acquire, if possible, prior photographs, blueprints, or maps of the scene.
Sketch
The sketch establishes a permanent record of items, conditions, and distance and size relationships.
Sketches supplement photographs.
Sketch-number designations should coordinate with the evidence log number designations.
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52. Summary of Crime scene processing
Sketches are normally not drawn to scale. However, the sketch should have measurements and details for a drawn-to-scale diagram, if necessary.
The sketch should include the following:
Case identifier.
Date, time, and location.
Weather and lighting conditions.
Identity and assignments of personnel.
Dimensions of rooms, furniture, doors, and windows.
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53. Summary of Crime scene processing
Distances between objects, persons, bodies, entrances, and exits.
Measurements showing the location of evidence. Each object should be located by two measurements from nonmovable items (e.g., doors or walls).
Key, legend, compass orientation, scale, scale disclaimer, or a combination of these features.
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54. Summary of Crime scene processing
Crime-Scene Search, Record, and Physical-Evidence Collection
Use a search pattern (grid, strip or lane, or spiral).
Search from the general to the specific for evidence.
Be alert for all evidence.
Search entrances and exits.
Photograph all items before collection and notate the photographic log.
Mark evidence locations on the sketch.
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55. Summary of Crime scene processing
Complete the evidence log with notations for each item of evidence. If possible, have one person serve as evidence custodian.
Two persons should observe evidence in place, during recovery, and being marked for identification. Mark directly on the evidence when necessary, but first attempt to place identifying marks on evidence containers.
Wear latex or cotton gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints.
Do not excessively handle the evidence after recovery.
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56. Summary of Crime scene processing
Seal all evidence packages at the crime scene.
Obtain known standards (e.g., fiber samples from a known carpet).
Make a complete evaluation of the crime scene.
Constantly check paperwork, packaging, and other information for errors.
Final Survey
The final survey is a review of all aspects of the search.
Discuss the search with all personnel.
Ensure all documentation is correct and complete.
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57. Summary of Crime scene processing
Ensure all evidence is secured.
Ensure all equipment is retrieved.
Ensure hiding places or difficult access areas have not been overlooked.
  Release
Release the crime scene after the final survey.
Crime-scene release documentation should include the time and date of release, to whom released, and by whom released.
Ensure that the evidence is collected according to legal requirements, documented, and marked for identification.
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58. Summary of Crime scene processing
Consider the need for specialists (e.g., a blood-pattern analyst or a medical examiner) to observe the scene before it is released.
Once the scene has been released, reentry may require a warrant.
The scene should be released only when all personnel are satisfied that the scene was searched correctly and completely.
Only the person in charge should release the scene.
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