Unit 2 Notes – Crime Scene Investigation & Evidence Collection

Part 1: Complex Reasoning in Forensic Science

Members of the CSI Team must employ the following skills:

1. deductive reasoning
2. communication
3. logic
4. observation
5. patience
6. methodical approach

Who takes care of what?

forensic scientist work in a lab and rarely see the crime scene they process the evidence
to determine who was involved
Forensic Scientist

the first respondent to the crime scene are usually police officers. their primary
responsibility is to secure the scene and prevent any tampering of evidence
Law Enforcement

The Role of Each Team Member

CSI Team Member Role

First Police Officer on the Scene A - Asses the crime scene

D – detain any witnesses

A – arrest the perpetrator

P – protect the crime scene

T – take notes

- the lead investigator will be the first member to work the scene.
Lead Investigator He/she has a limited amount of time to observe the scene in an
untouched state.
- determines the boundaries of the crime scene, identify any
entrances/exits and completes an initial walk-through to gain an
overview of the situation and a plan for examining and documenting
the scene.

Medical Examiner (if necessary) - called when there is a corpse

- Any evidence on the corpse and the corpse itself is property of the
M.E.’s office.
- The M.E. will take photographs and temperatures at the scene.
- The corpse will be bagged, and the rest of the investigation will
occur at the M.E.’s office.
 Photographer - Once the lead investigator has completed an overview of the scene,
the photographer will enter the scene.
- The photographer will begin taking wide photographs of the scene.
- After the Evidence Technicians have identified and numbered the
evidence, the photographer will take close photographs of each
piece of evidence.
- These photographs must include a ruler to provide a reference to
size.

Field Evidence Technician - Begin a through, methodical search for evidence using the search
pattern determined by the lead investigator.
- physical evidence may be anything from large objects to microscopic
traces. Therefore, it is important to collect objects that may carry
trace evidence.
- All evidence must be collected, packaged and labeled according to
established protocol.

Note Taker - Notes must be taken throughout the processing of the crime scene.
The notes must include:
- A detailed description of the scene and evidence.
- The time, method and technician that discovered and collected any
piece of evidence.
- The names, reasons, and times for anyone that enters the crime
scene.
- Notes may be handwritten, tape-recorded or video recorded.

Sketch Artist - Once photographs have been taken, the sketch artist must complete
a Rough sketch.
The rough sketch must include:
- A compass heading that indicates North
- A Legend for all objects in the sketch
- Correct Measurements
- Points of entry/exit
- Date, time, and location

Corpus delicti (body of the crime) - is a legal term that refers to the principle that proof of a cirme must occur
before a person can be conceited of the crime

Therefore, the CSI Team must prove:

 that a crime occurred
 that the person charged with the crime was responsible for the crime

Sources of Evidence needed for proof:

 body/victims
  primary and/or secondary crime scene
 suspects

Part 2: Securing the Crime Scene

Steps for Processing the Crime Scene

1. Secure the CS
2. Separate the witnesses
3. Scan the CS
4. See the CS (photographs!)
5. Sketch the CS
6. Search for evidence
7. Secure and collect the evidence

Locard’s Exchange Principle –

 the exchange of materials between two objects whenever the objects come in contact with each
other
 when you walk into an area you bring trace evidence in which you an when you leave an-area you
take trance evidence with you

So, what is TRACE EVIDENCE?

- Small bits of evidence
- Small in size and/or quantity
- Examples:
o hair
o fibers
o soil
o blood
o fingerprints
Ways to Minimize This Idea:
- secure the area - keep unnecessary people out
- wear appropriate clothing
o clothes just for crime sene work
o gloves
- change clothes when appropriate
- handle evidences as little as possible
- collect and package evidence correctly
- clean work surface/equipment
- work in an area with minimal disturbances
Processing the Crime Scene – the Seven S’s
1. The First Officer on the Scene will ___asses______________ the scene to
determine if the scene is ____safe_______, if there is a victim that needs
assistance and identify all escape routes. Medics will be called if
Step 1: Secure the Crime Scene needed.
2. Next, the officer will instruct potential _____witnesses____________ to
remain at the scene.
3. ________Arrest_________ will be made if warranted.
 4. The officer will _____secure_____________ the scene with crime scene
tape.
5. After the scene is secure, the officer will monitor the
______entrance_______________ and begin security log _______notes______.

● Control who is at the crime scene

● Minimize Locard’s exchange principle
● Look for victims and suspects – make sure the area is safe
● DO NOT TOUCH OR ALTER ANYTHING!
● Isolate the area
Primary vs Secondary Crime Scenes
Primary Crime Scene Secondary Crime Scene
the location where the offense occurred any locations that are related and may provide
evidence
the location that relate to the crime scene

 prevention of collaboration
 ask who, what where, when
 ask location of witness, relationship to crime
Step 2: Separate the Witnesses

Testimonial Evidence

• Includes oral or written statements given to police as well as testimony in court by people who witnessed
an event.
• Eyewitness accounts can be a useful tool in helping investigators with analyzing a crime scene but are not
viewed to be highly reliable. In addition, eyewitness identifications (right or wrong) can have a big
influence on the outcome of an investigation or trial.
• People are likely to view the same scene in different ways depending on their positions, line of sight,
familiarity with the area, and other factors that can interfere with a person’s ability to remember details.

Stages of Eyewitness Memory

Stage 1: Witnessing the Incident

- the longer you see the even, person, place, etc the more accurate you recall will be

Stage 2: Waiting Period Before Giving Evidence

- the longer the period of time between seeing the even and the time that you are questioned the more
inaccurate you recall will be

Stage 3: Giving Evidence

Factors that Affect Eyewitness Testimony

the other race effect refers to the greater difficulty
people have in distinguishing between members of
The Other Race Effect a different race compared to one’s own race
“they all look alike”
the effect is not: racist, genetic or a myth
 people who see things that scare them often recall
the scary thing/person as being larger than what it
Fear and Observations was.
one case study had people poke tarantulas with an
8-inch stick and then go to another room and with
a pencil draw a line to represent the diameter of
the spider.
Eyewitnesses who were involved in a traumatic
event can sometimes have difficulty recalling the
Involvement in Traumatic Events event. sometimes the brain will stop recording
things to protect itself from reliving the event

Age may play a role in the accuracy of an

Age eyewitness statement or identification of a suspect.
Studies have shown that when a lineup contains
the actual culprit, both young children and elderly
performer well, but when the lineup does not
contain the culprit there is a higher rate of
mistaken identification
can alter a persons ability to recall the events of a
crime even after they are no longer under the
Use of Drugs influence

a person's memory of an event can be influenced

by other witnesses investigators, and/or the
Outside Influences (other witnesses, investigators, media. Investigator use open ended questioning
and/or media) and follow procedures for conducting line up to
limit their influence on a witness’ memory of an
event or identification of a suspect.

Crime Scene and Suspect Factors

● Someone who is able to focus on a perpetrator's face for a minute or longer will tend to have a more
accurate memory than someone who saw the person for only a few seconds.
● Studies have shown that faces that are either highly attractive, highly unattractive, or distinctive are more
likely to be accurately recognized. Simple disguises, such as hats or sunglasses, can interfere with accurate
eyewitness identification. However, body piercings and tattoos increases the likelihood of an accurate
identification.
● The time of day in which the crime occurred as well as a person’s view of the scene may affect what a
he/she is able to see. In addition, a person who is familiar with the area in which the crime took place, may
have a better recall of the positions of the victims or suspects.

Reliability of Eyewitness Testimony

Factors:
1. the nature of the offense and the situation in which the crime is observed

2. the characteristics of the witness

3. the manner in which the information is retrieved

Additional Factors:
1. the witness’s prior relationship with the accused

2. the length of time between the offense and the identification

How can eyewitnesses hurt an investigation?
 • Eyewitnesses who provide erroneous observations to investigators can hurt the investigation.
• There are many cases where someone who was trying to help an investigation made the investigation more
difficult by providing inaccurate information to investigators.
Facial Composites
Investigators work with sketch artists and eyewitnesses to create facial composites, or sketches of a person’s face.
Today many police departments are using facial reconstruction software to help them with this task.

The composite may be used internally to assist officers in identifying the suspect or used externally through local
media (radio, TV, and newspaper) to solicit leads from citizens.

Things You Should and Should Not Look for When Observing Someone
Should Should NOT
Eyes Hair because it can be easily changed
nose clothing
mouth facial hair
skin color (not just while/black/brown)
height/weight
ears
hair line
tattoos or scars

Determine:
▪ __nature________________ of the crime
Step 3: Scan the Crime Scene ▪ location of ____primary__________ and
____secondary______________ scenes
▪ where ___photos____________ are to be taken

▪ Law enforcement does not determine what is important at a scene -

Everything is important and should be documented ASAP
▪ Begin to place _evidence__________________ cards next to suspected
evidence and note what should be photographed.
▪ The location of the crime is the ___primary____________ crime scene -
if the crime continues in a different place, that is considered the
___secondary_______________ crime scene.

Step 4: See the Crime Scene ▪ Determine where ___photo___________ are to be taken
▪ Each photo must contain a _____number____________ and
_______measuring_______________ device visible in the photo
▪ Written _____description_______________________ of scene, sounds, smells,
lighting
 Make measurements and record positions of items to aid in recreating the
events later
Step 5: Sketch the Crime Scene
Rough sketch- hand drawn & must include the following

Sketching a Crime Scene

- Create a rough sketch before a final sketch
- Hand drawn and must include the following:
o compass direction (N S W E)
o date
o time
o name of sketch artist
o address
o case number
o at least one immovable object (door window etc)
o scale used (actual measurements in rough)
o legend/key (identification of all things)

Accurate picture of the dimensions of the scene showing the location of all objects that
may be involved
Rough Sketch

Drawn with care and looks pleasing. using templates and drafting tools to draw to
scale. this is admissible evidence in a courtroom (CAD programs) has minimum 2 fixed
Final Sketch points, legend and compass heading of north.

▪ Intense search done _before_____________ evidence collection begins

▪ Crime scene investigators use something called a “___search
Step 6: Search for Evidence pattern____________________”
▪ Search patterns can be used with many people to thoroughly search a
__large____________ area, and to make sure no part of the scene has been
____missed_________________.

Searching for Evidence

- Use search patterns
- Which type is used depends on the crime scene

start at outer point and gradually move toward the center

Spiral

make the area into a grid by starting at the bottom and go horizontally then swing
 upward and go the other direction horizontally until you reach the top and move down
Grid vertically and swing around vertically to the top etc.

start at the bottom and move upward vertically and swing back down vertically etc.

Strip/Line

divide the area into quadrants and search them individually

Quadrant

▪ Transient, fragile, or easily lost items collected __first___________

▪ Evidence must be collected in specific ways to make sure it stays in
Step 7: Secure and Collect the __good___________ condition
Evidence ▪ A “chain of ______custody_______” must be established for each piece of
evidence
▪ Items packaged in primary container then placed in a secondary
container…
▪ Biological evidence: must be in a breathable package to prevent
bacterial growth
▪ (Blood-soaked items must air dry first)

Securing and Collecting Evidence

Chain of Custody -

- The evidence technicians must maintain the chain of custody.

- This is a chronological documentation of each piece of evidence.
- If the chain of custody is not maintained, then the court case is compromised.

Contamination
- In addition to maintaining the chain of custody, each team member has to take precautions to not
contaminate the evidence.
- Wearing gloves is the most important precaution.

Evidence Collection – Important Techniques

Do not package wet evidence in an airtight container!

- It will mold, contaminating the sample and DNA
- Only liquid evidence and arson remains should be placed in an airtight container
- Most evidence should be first packaged in a paper bindle
 - The bindle should then be placed in an evidence bag, (paper or plastic depending on moisture) then
secured with tape.
- The collector should write their name and details of the evidence on a piece of paper attached to the bag.

Finally, “Release” the Crime Scene after all Evidence is Secure

● Sometimes, a crime scene will stay active for days

● Oftentimes, the body is left on the scene as long as possible
● Forensic scientists will be consulted to determine if there is any additional evidence that should be
collected from the scene before releasing
● Once evidence is cleared, it is much more likely to become contaminated

Evidence Collection

Skills Necessary for a successful forensic experience

• Learn to properly collect and analyze the evidence
• Learn what the evidence means when presenting testimony/summary to a jury (peers) or your teacher

proven or accepted as truth

Fact

using senses to gather information about environment

Observation

deductive reasoning or interpretation of observation

Inference

Observations are BOTH…….

Observation use your senses to observe the results. (sight, smell, touch, taste and hear)

Qualitative

Observation are made with instruments such as rulers, balances, graduated cylinders,
beakers, and thermometers. these results are measurable.
Quantitative

Examples:
1. It is light green in color. _Qualitative__
2. It taste sour. __Qualitative____
3. One leaf is 9 cm long. _Quantitative___
4. It makes a loud pop sound. __Qualitative__
5. The mass of the computer is 1 1/2 kg. _Quantitative___
6. It smells sweet. _Qualitative___
7. The plant is short. _Qualitative___

In addition to observations, forensic scientists collect, catalog, and classify EVIDENCE.

Evidence - physical or biological material found at a crime scene

● Some examples of evidence include….

hair, fingerprints, fibers, glass, impressions, documents (in computer) , and bodily fluids(biological).

What makes good evidence?

1. proves that a crime has been committed
2. corroborates testimony
3. links suspect with a victim or a crime scene
4. allows reconstruction of a crime scene

The Locard Exchange Principle

• whenever 2 objects come in contact with one another, a cross transfer of physical evidence can
occur.
• the intensity, duration, and nature of the materials in contact determine the extent of the transfer

Importance of Evidence
1. can prove a crime has been committed and set the scene for the investigation.
2. can back up witness testimony or prove it false
3. can link a suspect with a victim or with a crime scene
4. can determine the identity of people associated with a crime
5. allows investigators to reconstruct a crime

Types of Evidence
this is evidence that supports the truth of an assertion directly- i.e., without
need for any additional evidence or inference
Direct Evidence

this is evidence that relies on an inference to connect it to a conclusion of

fact- such as a fingerprint at the scene of a crime.
Circumstantial Evidence
examples: physical evidence, human behavior, indirect witness testimony,
and scientific evidence

Types of Physical Evidence

Definition:
Examples:
 (common) material that connects an individual to a certain group

Class Characteristics

(unique) material that identifies a particular person or thing

Individual Characteristics

Collecting Physical Evidence

● Need protective gear for investigators at crime scene
● Must secure crime scene- determine if a warrant is necessary for collection of evidence
● Handle without changing anything
● Avoid contamination, breakage, evaporation, scratching, bending or loss.
● Every item collected is placed in a separate container, use forceps to pick up evidence and package it. (Can
use pill bottles, manila envelopes, glass vials, cardboard pill boxes, carefully folded paper-)
● Account for evidence who and where it went during examination- chain of custody
● Tag each container of evidence
● Obtain standard reference samples for comparison

Collection Methods

Method Tool Reason to Use

Scissors used to samples that can be cut
so that they can be taken back to
Clipping the laboratory

swab A sterile swab, gauze pad, or

threads are slightly moistened
Swabbing with sterile distilled water.

Tape water or methanol soluble tapes

are available for the collection of
Lifting trace hair and fiber evidence.
lifting is also used to lift latent
fingerprints that have been
dusted.
forceps using clean forceps and trace
paper, the sample can be
Picking removed from the surface and
placed into a clean piece of paper
that can be folded and packaged
in a paper envelope or other
appropriate packaging.
vacuum the area where the suspected
samples are located are
Vacuum Sweeping vacuumed up and caught in a
filtered trap attached to the
vacuum
razor blade or scalpel using a clean razor blade or
scalpel, the sample is scraped
 Scraping into a clean piece of paper that
can be folded and packaged in a
paper envelope or other
appropriate packaging

Evidence Log & Chain of Custody

• Each person who comes in contact with a piece of evidence must use proper procedure and protocol in
order to maintain responsible handling of evidence from crime scene to courtroom in order for the
evidence to be ___admissible___________ in court.
Control Sample: Always come with victim
control samples should also be taken from the victim for purposes of exclusion (blood, hair, etc.)
Standard/Reference Sample: Come with suspect
physical evidence whose origin is known, such as blood or hair from a suspect, that can be compared to
crime scene evidence

Legal Considerations:
Any ____removal_______________ of _____________evidence__________ from a crime scene must be in accordance with the
___4th______ Amendment.
“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against
_____unreasonable______________ searches and ____seizures______________, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall
issue, but upon _______probable cause__________________, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing
the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
A warrant-less search can be conducted:
• under ___emergency______________ circumstances (danger to life or limb)
• if there is immediate danger of the loss or destruction of ______evidence_________
• if there is probable cause — the search of a person and their immediate property in conjunction with a
lawful arrest
• with the _____consent_______ of the involved parties

Analyze the Evidence:

a. A forensic lab ___processes ___________________ all evidence the crime scene investigation team collected.
b. Forensic lab technicians are ___specialized___________________ and process _one_____ type of evidence, unlike
CSI TV shows where they may process many.

Which forensic branch is responsible for?

1. Bloody shoe-print on the carpet - serology/trace
2. Pet hair identification-trace/physical science
3. Taking photographs of a victim-CSI
4. Victim found dead of unknown causes-pathology
5. Brand of paint found on victim after a hit and run-physical science/trace
6. Saliva remaining on a soda can-serology (DNA)
7. 3 bone fragments-anthropology