1. 2-1 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein THE CRIME SCENE Chapter 2

2. 2-2 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Define physical evidence Discuss the responsibilities of the first police officer who arrives at a crime scene Describe proper techniques for packaging common types of physical evidence Define and understand the concept of chain of custody Understand the contributions the forensic pathologist, entomologist, and anthropologist can make to a homicide investigation Objectives

3. 2-3 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein The Beginning Forensic science begins at the crime scene. If the investigator cannot recognize physical evidence or cannot properly preserve it for laboratory examination, no amount of sophisticated laboratory instrumentation or technical expertise can salvage the situation.

4. 2-4 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein The Beginning Here, investigators must recognize and properly preserve evidence for laboratory examination. It must be emphasized that the techniques of crime-scene investigation are not difficult to master and certainly lie within the bounds of comprehension of the average police officer.

5. 2-5 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Physical Evidence As automobiles run on gasoline, crime laboratories “ run ” on physical evidence. Physical evidence encompasses any and all objects that can establish that a crime has been committed or can provide a link between a crime and its victim or a crime and its perpetrator.

6. 2-6 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Physical Evidence If physical evidence is to be used effectively for aiding the investigator, its presence first must be recognized at the crime scene. Crime laboratories do not solve crimes!! A thorough and competent investigation conducted by professional police officers will enhance the chances for the successful outcome of a criminal investigation – it is a team effort!!

7. 2-7 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein The First Steps The first officer to arrive at the scene is responsible for securing the crime scene. First priorities should include: 1.Obtaining medical assistance for individuals in need 2.Arresting the perpetrator.

8. 2-8 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein First Steps Officers must preserve and protect the area.  Ropes (or Crime-scene tape)  Barricade  Position guards around crime-scene perimeter Any person entering the scene has the potential to destroy it. Video - Hart

9. 2-9 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Processing the Scene Once the scene is secured, the preliminary exam must begin. Recording of the crime scene becomes a critical piece to the investigation process.

10. 2-10 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein The Preliminary Exam A lead investigator will start the process of evaluating the area. –First, the boundaries of the scene must be determined –Followed by the establishment of the perpetrator ’ s path of entry and exit. –The investigator then proceeds with an initial walk-through of the scene to gain an overview of the situation and develop a strategy for the systematic examination and documentation of the entire crime scene. Cont.

11. 2-11 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Recording Methods Photography, sketches, and notes are the three methods for crime-scene recording. Ideally all three should be employed; however, as is often the case, personnel and monetary limitations may prohibit the utilization of photography at every crime site.

12. 2-12 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Photography The prerequisite for photographing a crime scene is for it to be in an unaltered condition. -Objects in room must not be moved -If moved, photographs may not be admissible as evidence at trial Unless there are injured parties involved, objects must not be moved until they have been photographed from all necessary angles.

13. 2-13 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Taking photographs at the scene

14. 2-14 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Photography As items of physical evidence are discovered, they are photographed to show their position and location relative to the entire scene. After these overviews are taken, close-ups should be taken to record the details of the object itself. –When the size of an item is of significance, a ruler or other measuring scale may be inserted near the object and included in the photograph as a point of reference.

15. 2-15 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Sketches Once photographs are taken, the crime-scene investigator will sketch the scene. Rough Sketch —A draft representation containing an accurate depiction of the dimensions of the scene and shows the location of all objects having a bearing on the case

16. 2-16 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Rough Sketch

17. 2-17 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein –Objects are located by distances from two fixed points – walls, corners, windows –Distances need to be made with tape measure –A number or letter should be designated to object and a legend used to name the object –Should include compass heading designated north Rough Sketch

18. 2-18 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Sketches Finished Sketch —A precise rendering of the crime scene, usually drawn to scale. This type is not normally completed at the crime scene. –Unlike the rough sketch, the finished sketch is drawn with care and concern for aesthetic appearance. –Usually drawn with templates and drafting tools (CAD software) and drawn to scale. –Must reflect information in rough sketch to be admissible in court Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eowFQIB4N F8

19. 2-19 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Finished Sketch

20. 2-20 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Review What are the most important aspects of making a rough-sketch diagram? -Accurate depiction of the dimensions of the crime scene -Showing the location of all objects having a bearing on the case

21. 2-21 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein

22. 2-22 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Notes Note taking must be a constant activity throughout the processing of the crime scene. Notes must include a detailed written description of the scene with the location of items of physical evidence recovered.

23. 2-23 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Notes They must identify: –the time an item of physical evidence was discovered. –by whom. –how and by whom it was packaged and marked. –the disposition of the item after it was collected. The note taker has to keep in mind that this written record may be the only source of information for refreshing one ’ s memory.

24. 2-24 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Recording the Crime Scene Investigators have only a limited amount of time to work a crime site in its untouched state. The opportunity to permanently record the scene in its original state must not be lost.

25. 2-25 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Recording the Crime Scene Such records will not only prove useful during the subsequent investigation but are also required for presentation at a trial in order to document the condition of the crime site and to delineate the location of physical evidence. Every step of the investigation should be documented thoroughly with an appropriate method.

26. 2-26 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein The Search The search for physical evidence at a crime scene must be thorough and systematic. Physical evidence can be anything from massive objects to microscopic traces.

27. 2-27 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Collecting, Preserving, and Packaging evidence

28. 2-28 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Collecting Evidence Often, many items of evidence are clearly visible but others may be detected only through examination at the crime laboratory. For this reason, it is important to collect possible carriers of trace evidence, such as clothing, vacuum sweepings, and fingernail scrapings, in addition to more discernible items.

29. 2-29 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Collecting Tools Forceps – collect small pieces of evidence Tweezers Taping Vacuum Sterile swabs

30. 2-30 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Collecting Evidence The following are to be collected and sent to the forensic laboratory: 1. Victim’s clothing 2. Fingernail scrapings 3. Head and pubic hairs 4. Blood (for DNA typing purposes) 5.Vaginal, anal, and oral swabs (in sex-related crimes) 6.Recovered bullets from the body 7.Hand swabs from shooting victims (for gunshot residue analysis)

31. 2-31 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein

32. 2-32 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Do Now Why is note-taking important? What are some collecting tools?

33. 2-33 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Objectives Describe proper techniques for packaging common types of physical evidence Define and understand the concept of chain of custody

34. 2-34 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein

35. 2-35 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein

36. 2-36 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein

37. 2-37 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Packaging Each piece of evidence collected at different locations must be:  Placed in separate containers. - Packaging evidence separately prevents damage through contact and prevents cross-contamination.

38. 2-38 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Packaging materials 1.Plastic pill bottles - excellent containers for hairs, glass, and fibers 2.Manila envelopes 3.Screw-cap glass vials 4.Cardboard pillboxes *Mailing envelopes should not be used as evidence containers because powders and fine particles will leak out of their corners.

39. 2-39 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Packaging Materials 6. Druggist fold - carefully folded paper used to collect small amounts of trace evidence

40. 2-40 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein To Prevent –Contamination –Loss –Deterioration Appropriate To Object Labeled For Identification Evidence Packaging

41. 2-41 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Packaging If bloodstained materials are stored in airtight containers, moisture may accumulate and mold may grow - In this case wrapping paper, manila envelopes, or paper bags are recommended packaging materials. Video – Collecting evidenceVideo – Collecting evidence 4:00 Two frequent finds at crime scenes warrant special attention:

42. 2-42 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Chain of Custody Chain of Custody —A list of all persons who came into possession of an item of evidence. Maintaining chain of custody involves: 1.Adherence to standard procedures in recording the location of evidence 2.Marking it for identification 3.Properly completing evidence submission forms for laboratory analysis is critical to chain of custody. This means that every person who handled or examined the evidence and where it is at all times must be accounted for. Cont.

43. 2-43 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein

44. 2-44 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Obtaining Reference Samples Standard/Reference Sample —Physical evidence whose origin is known, such as blood or hair from a suspect, that can be compared to crime-scene evidence. The examination of evidence, whether it is soil, blood, glass, hair, fibers, and so on, often requires comparison with a known standard/reference sample.

45. 2-45 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Obtaining Reference Samples Buccal swab – A swab of the inner portion of the cheek performed to collect cells for use in determining the DNA profile of an individual.

46. 2-46 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Beyond the Crime Scene The search for physical evidence must extend beyond the crime scene to the autopsy room of a deceased victim. Here, the medical examiner or coroner will carefully examine the victim to establish a cause and manner of death.

47. 2-47 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Beyond the Crime Scene As a matter of routine, tissues and organs will be retained for pathological and toxicological examination. At the same time, arrangements must be made between the examiner and investigator to secure a variety of items that may be obtainable from the body for laboratory examination.

48. 2-48 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Special Forensic Science Services Forensic Pathology Involves the investigation of unnatural, unexplained, or violent deaths. –Forensic pathologists in their role as medical examiners or coroners are charged with determining cause of death.

49. 2-49 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Special Forensic Science Services –The forensic pathologist may conduct an autopsy – the medical dissection and examination of a body in order to determine the cause of death.

50. 2-50 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Special Forensic Science Services After a human body expires there are several stages of death. –Rigor mortis results in the shortening of muscle tissue and the stiffening of body parts in the position at death (occurs within the first 24 hrs. and disappears within 36 hrs.).

51. 2-51 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Special Forensic Science Services –Livor mortis results in the settling of blood in areas of the body closest to the ground (begins immediately on death and continues up to 12 hrs.). –Algor mortis results in the loss of heat by a body (a general rule, beginning about an hour after death, the body loses heat by 1 to 1 1/2 degrees Fahrenheit per hour until the body reaches the environmental temperature).

52. 2-52 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Special Forensic Science Services Forensic Anthropology is concerned primarily with the identification and examination of human skeletal remains. Courtesy of C. Fanning

53. 2-53 ©2011, 2008 Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458 FORENSIC SCIENCE: An Introduction, 2 nd ed. By Richard Saferstein Special Forensic Science Services Forensic Entomology is the study of insects and their relation to a criminal investigation, commonly used to estimate the time of death.