1. Unit 1 Introduction to Forensics
Crime Scenes 101
Unit 1
Introduction to Forensics

2. Target 1-2
I can ask questions based on observations and evidence at a crime scene.

3. Crime Scenes Primary Crime Scene Where the actual crime took place
Ex) a mugging took place on a sidewalk

4. Crime Scenes Secondary Crime Scene
A location other than the primary crime scene, where important evidence is located
Ex) a suspect’s home or car
Ex) a location where a body was dumped

5. At the Crime Scene Scan and isolate the scene
The “scene” must contain all the evidence
Keep the scene safe from outside influences (people, weather, vehicles, etc.)

6. At the Crime Scene Photograph the scene and all evidence
Keep evidence in its original location
Use rulers in photos to record size and shape

7. At the Crime Scene Sketch the scene Rough sketch first
Scaled sketch second

8. At the Crime Scene Collect all the evidence Keep all evidence separate
Label evidence with date/time, location, and description

9. Preventing Contamination
Contamination = when a piece of evidence is mixed with any other substance
Ex) Another piece of evidence
Ex) Other people’s fingerprints
Ex) Rain

10. Preventing Contamination
To prevent contamination:
Wear gloves at all times
Avoid touching or stepping on evidence
Keep the scene protected from animals, weather, and people

11. You Try!
Examine the photos as though you are an investigator who has just arrived at this scene. What will you do?

12. You Try! Isolate the scene
Describe where you would draw the boundaries of the crime scene.
How will you try to protect the crime scene?

13. You Try! Photograph the Scene What will you take pictures of?
What evidence do you see?

14. You Try!
3. We will skip the “Sketch the Scene” step for now.

15. You Try! Collect Evidence
a-d. Identify four pieces of evidence. How will you label them? (location, date/time, and description)

16. You Try! What do you think happened here? What questions do you have?
What would be the first thing you want to investigate further?

17. You Try! Isolate the scene
Describe where you would draw the boundaries of the crime scene.
How will you try to protect the crime scene?

18. You Try! Photograph the Scene What will you take pictures of?
What evidence do you see?

19. You Try!
3. We will skip the “Sketch the Scene” step for now.

20. You Try! Collect Evidence
a-d. Identify four pieces of evidence. How will you label them? (location, date/time, and description)

21. You Try! What do you think happened here? What questions do you have?
What’s the first thing you would want to investigate?