Rungta International Skills University, Bhilai C.G.

Lecture-wise Content Preparation Template

Subject Details
Program BSc Forensic Science
Subject Name Crime scene
Subject Code
Semester 1st semester
Unit No. 01
Faculty Name Himani

Lecture Details (Repeat for Each Lecture)

Lecture No. 03
Duration 60 min
Planned Date

1. Learning Objectives (LOs)

 By the end of this lecture, students will be able to:

 Describe crime scene search methods.

 Select appropriate search patterns for different scenes.

 Understand documentation techniques (notes, photos, sketching).

 Identify common documentation errors.

2. Prerequisite Knowledge

 Students should:

 Understand basic structure and types of crime scenes.

 Know roles of first responders and evidence protection.

3. Content to be delivered
 Crime Scene Search Methods:
 Grid Method
 Line/Strip Method
 Spiral Method
 Zone/Quadrant Method
 Factors affecting method selection:
 Scene size and type (indoor/outdoor)
 Number of personnel available
 Crime Scene Documentation:
 Note-taking (who, what, when, where, how)
  Photography (overview, mid-range, close-up)
 Videography (continuous walk-through)
 Sketching (rough and final sketches with scale)
 Common Errors in Documentation

4. Examples / Demonstrations Diagram:

 Grid vs. Spiral vs. Zone search patterns.

 In-class activity: Divide students to perform mock line search in classroom.

 Show example of crime scene sketch and labelled photos.

5. Case Study / Application / Use-case

 Case Study: Sheena Bora Murder Case
 Discuss importance of documentation in locating buried remains.
 Role of photo evidence and sketch in reconstructing crime.

6. Practice Problems related to this lecture

 Compare grid and spiral search methods.

 What are the key points to note in crime scene photography?

 Create a basic sketch of a sample crime scene layout.

7. References

 Saferstein, R. – Criminalistics

 Sharma, B.R. – Forensic Science in Criminal Investigation & Trials

 Websites:

 www.crime-scene-investigator.net

 YouTube: “How to Sketch a Crime Scene”

5. Remarks / Notes for Faculty

 Encourage sketching practice in notebooks.

 Use role-play to simulate note-taking during a mock scene search.

 Emphasize documentation in legal proceedings.

9. Attachments (if any)

 PPT: Lecture 3 – Crime Scene Search & Documentation
 Diagram Sheet: Search Patterns
  Crime scene search methods:

 A crime scene search is a crucial stage in a criminal investigation aiming to

systematically locate, document, and collect physical evidence that can link the
perpetrator, victim, and the crime scene. The selection of the appropriate search
method depends on factors like the size and location of the crime scene (indoor or
outdoor), the nature of the crime, and the number of investigators involved.

Here's an overview of common crime scene search methods:

1. Line or Strip Method

 Description: Investigators walk in straight lines across the scene, from one end to the other.

 Best Suited For: Large outdoor areas like fields or wooded areas.

 Advantages: Efficient coverage for large rectangular areas, simple to implement with
minimal personnel.

 Disadvantages: May not be suitable for scenes with numerous obstacles or irregular shapes.

2. Grid Method

 Description: A double line search where investigators walk parallel lines in one direction,
then repeat the process at a perpendicular angle.

 Best Suited For: Large outdoor scenes like fields or wooded areas, similar to the line method
but providing more thorough coverage.

 Advantages: Ensures comprehensive coverage by searching the area twice from different
angles.

 Disadvantages: More time-consuming compared to the line method.

3. Zone or Quadrant Method

 Description: The crime scene is divided into smaller zones or quadrants, and each zone is
searched thoroughly by a designated team or individual.

 Best Suited For: Indoor crime scenes with confined areas, like rooms within a house or
building.

 Advantages: Allows for a more organized and systematic search of extensive crime scenes,
facilitates tracking of searched areas and personnel.

 Disadvantages: May be challenging to implement in very squeezed or complex scenes like

stairwells or elevators.
 4. Spiral Method

 Description: Investigators search in a gradually widening or narrowing spiral pattern, either

inward from the perimeter or outward from a central point.

 Best Suited For: Smaller scenes or areas with few obstacles, allowing a single investigator to
conduct the search.

 Advantages: Simple to execute for a single investigator, thorough for areas with open space.

 Disadvantages: Can easily overlook evidence if not performed meticulously, not suitable for
scenes with many physical barriers.

5. Wheel or Ray Method

 Description: Searchers start from the center of an imaginary circle and move outwards along
straight lines (rays), like spokes on a wheel.

 Best Suited For: Small, circular crime scenes.

 Advantages: Can cover a large area quickly, relatively easy to organize.

 Disadvantages: Can potentially miss evidence between the "spokes" if not carefully
executed.

6. Link (Point-to-Point) Method

 Description: This method focuses on following a trail of evidence, moving from one point of
interest to the next in a logical sequence.

 Best Suited For: Crime scenes with multiple points of interest or a clear trail of evidence.

 Advantages: Establishes clear paths for investigators, minimizing the risk of destroying
evidence.

 Disadvantages: Requires careful assessment of the scene and potential evidence links.
 Key considerations for any crime scene search method

 Systematic and thorough: Regardless of the chosen method, the search must be systematic
and thorough to ensure all relevant evidence is identified and collected.

 Documentation: Meticulous documentation is crucial throughout the search, including notes,

photographs, sketches, and detailed descriptions of evidence locations.

 Evidence Collection and Preservation: Proper techniques for collecting, preserving, and
packaging each type of evidence are paramount to maintain its integrity and admissibility in
court.

 Contamination Control: Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like

gloves, booties, and masks is essential to prevent contamination of the crime scene and
evidence.

 Safety First: Prioritize the safety of investigators and personnel by identifying and
addressing potential hazards like weapons or biohazards.

By carefully selecting and implementing the most appropriate crime scene search method,
along with adhering to strict protocols for documentation, collection, and preservation,
investigators can maximize their chances of recovering crucial evidence and ultimately
achieving justice
 Scene size
Crime scenes can vary dramatically in size, ranging from a single room or vehicle to a large
outdoor area like a field or forest.

 Macroscopic Scenes: These encompass the entire crime scene area, including the location of
the incident, any surrounding areas with potential evidence, and points of entry and exit.

 Microscopic Scenes: These refer to specific locations or objects within the larger
macroscopic scene, focusing on smaller details like a particular room, a victim's body, or
even a weapon.

 Factors influencing scene size determination:

o The initial incident: Where did the crime occur and where was the victim found?

o Potential paths of entry/exit: Where might the perpetrator have arrived and left?

o Witness accounts and potential evidence locations: Areas where witnesses saw or heard
things related to the crime or where evidence might have been discarded.

o Nature of the crime: A homicide may require a wider search radius than a burglary.

 Impact of Scene Size on Search and Evidence Collection:

o Larger Scenes: May require more personnel, specialized search patterns like the grid or line
method, and potentially more time and resources.

o Smaller Scenes: May allow for more focused and detailed searches using methods like the
spiral or zone method, but meticulousness is still crucial to avoid missing evidence.

2. Scene type
Beyond size, crime scenes are categorized based on their physical location or nature,
influencing the unique challenges and approaches to investigation.

 Outdoor Crime Scenes: These are open areas like streets, fields, or parks and are the most
challenging to investigate due to factors like weather, natural elements, and public access,
which can easily contaminate or degrade evidence.

 Indoor Crime Scenes: These are enclosed spaces like houses, apartments, or offices. While
less susceptible to environmental contamination, they may have unique challenges related to
limited space or the presence of multiple occupants/activities.

 Conveyance/Mobile Crime Scenes: These involve crimes committed in or related to vehicles

like cars, buses, trains, or even aircraft. Evidence might extend beyond the conveyance itself,
requiring a broader search and careful handling, says ljrfvoice.com.
 Additionally, scenes can be classified based on their relationship to the crime:

o Primary Crime Scene: The initial location where the crime took place, says ljrfvoice.com.

o Secondary Crime Scene: Any additional location related to the crime but not where it
originally occurred, which may contain crucial evidence or provide links between the victim
and suspect.

o Tertiary Crime Scene: Locations indirectly linked to the crime, such as a place where
planning occurred or a weapon was purchased.

Understanding the distinctions between scene types enables investigators to implement

specialized techniques for preserving and collecting evidence, such as:

 Outdoor Scenes: Require immediate securing, potentially larger teams, and careful
consideration of weather conditions and potential animal interference.

 Indoor Scenes: Focus on controlling access, meticulous searches of confined areas, and
potentially using specific search methods like the zone method.

 Conveyance/Mobile Scenes: May involve transporting the vehicle for a more thorough
examination or analyzing specific evidence like tire tracks and automotive fluids, notes
ljrfvoice.com.

By carefully assessing the size and type of the crime scene, investigators can develop an
effective plan for securing the scene, searching for and collecting evidence, and ultimately
reconstructing the events of the crime.

When considering the number of personnel available for crime scene searches, several
factors come into play, including the chosen search method and the specifics of the crime
scene itself.

Here's a breakdown of considerations regarding personnel and search methods:

Factors influencing the number of personnel

 Size and location of the crime scene: Larger or outdoor scenes (e.g., fields, parks) generally
require more personnel than smaller, indoor scenes (e.g., a room in a house) to ensure
thorough coverage and efficient search operations.

 Type of crime: The nature of the crime (homicide, burglary, etc.) impacts the potential
evidence to be found and thus the intensity of the search, which can influence staffing levels.

 Complexity of the scene: Crime scenes with numerous objects, potential hiding spots, or
difficult terrain might necessitate a larger team or specialized personnel.
 Available resources and agency policies: The overall resources of the law enforcement
agency and its standard operating procedures will determine the number of investigators and
specialists available for deployment.

 Fragility/perishability of evidence: Scenes with fragile or perishable evidence (e.g., outdoors

in adverse weather) might require a quicker and more focused search, potentially requiring a
larger, more coordinated team.

Documenting the Crime Scene

To build a solid case in court it is essential to collect all of the evidence at the scene
and to document it properly. If the evidence is located properly and the investigator
failed to document it properly the evidence may end up being worthless in court.
Documentation of crime scene is the very vital and time-taking task.
The Scene of Crime can be documented in many ways including using videotape,
Photography etc. the crime scene is documented in order to
1. To have information about the original scene and linked places.
2. To have a record of preliminary form of physical evidence.
3. It will give investigators permanent pictorial record of the Scene for after use
4. Documentation is also used in court trials and hearings.

The documentation 
Displays the evidence in the relation of the scene of crime.
Allows restoration of the corpus delecti.
Assistances for creating and maintaining the chain of custody. At each crime scene
there are 2 general queries for the Crime Scene Officer: How will you discover the
evidence and how will appropriately document it once it is found?

While documenting a crime scene the crime scene officer must record the information
like
• Who?
• What?
• Where?
• When?
• How?
• Why?
The documentation of Crime Scene can be covered in three procedures as stated
under. Ideally all three methods must be used 1) Video Recording & Photography, 2)
Sketches, & 3) Notes Here, only, the significance of documentation of crime scene
using Video Recording & photographs is discussed. Whether a video camera is
available or not it is always necessary to take still photographs in order to document
the crime scene. If a video camera is accessible, then pictures will be the second step
 in recording scene of crime and if a video camera is not available, then still
photography would be the first step.

3. Documenting the Scene using Videotape Recording

It is a very common observing medium in representative the assembly of the crime
scene and how the evidence associates to the crime. Prior to taping, the camera quality
must be cleared of all personnel. Any individuals in the area must be cautioned that
taping is for initiate in order to avoid any kind of unwanted noise. Once the video
camera started recording, it must not be halted till the taping is finished. While
videotaping the crime scene the following points must always be keep in mind:

1. The video camera should have a fully charged battery.

2. The fundamental for good recording is slow camera movement.
3. The taping should start with an overall outline of the scene and surrounding area.
4. The video camera would have date and time videotape display functions.
5. The condition of the scene should remain unaltered.
6. The taping should remain all over the crime scene by wide angle, close up, and even
macro (extreme close up) shots to determine the outline of the evidence and its
relevance to the crime scene.
7. The markers placed by the investigators and any lights turned on during the walk
through can be noted on the audio portion of the tape.
8. Keep around 15 seconds of blank tape (after the tapping is complete) to prevent the
crime scene tape from running into anything else previously recorded on the tape.
9. The tape after then shifted to a good quality master tape.
10. The footage tabs must be detached from the master tape after shifting the crime
scene tape and the master should be stored in a safe place in order to prevent accidental
erasure of the crime scene tape.
11. If required, reproductions can then be prepared from the master tape. The
widespread videotape is being applied in crime scene investigation in recent times. But,
some disadvantages are also there along with advantages of videotaping which are
mentioned below: Advantages Disadvantages It provides an “in person” view of the
scene as well as of the evidence. A person can never move too slowly when
videotaping, yet it is all too easy to move the camera fast without realizing it. That’s
why videotaping is not ideal for viewing detail. It permits for a continuous narrative of
the crime scene investigator especially during primary walk-through and subsequent
reconstruction of the crime.

Documenting the Scene using Photographs

Photographs and videotape demonstrates the similar kind of things, but photographs
from the crime scene can also be used in direct comparison situations. For example,
one-to-one photographs (also called as real size photos) can be used to match
fingerprint/ shoeprints snapped at the crime scene to known fingerprints/shoeprint from
a suspect.
1. When photographing the scene, first, take enough photographs. 2. It is quite usual to
take 200-400 photos of a major crime scene.
3. Take only those pictures which are relevant to the case because everything
photographed goes to the defense, so don’t photograph anything inappropriate.
4. Nearly every form of camera with substitutable lenses and a set-up of 35mm or
greater is used in crime scene photography.
5. The lenses of camera must comprise a 28mm wide angle lens, a normal 55mm lens,
and a lens with macro capabilities (1:4 or better with this).
6. The flash component should not be attached one with the camera and should be able
to function at various angles and distances from the camera. This helps in allowing
lighting of certain areas to provide maximum contrast. Place the flash in difficult to
reach areas, and reduce flash wash out which can render the item photographed
invisible.
7. For one-to-one photography a tripod, a level, and a small ruler must also be
accessible. It can be of assistance to the examination to have a Polaroid camera handy
for instant photographs.
8. The photography of the crime scene must start with wide angle photos of the crime
scene and surrounding areas.
9. The pictures of complete scene should show the layout of the crime scene and the
overall spatial relationships of the various evidences to each other.
10. In indoors photography the altogether 4 corners of a room should be photographed
to show its overall arrangement.
11. One set of photos should be of medium range to display the associations of
individual portions of evidence to other pieces of evidence or structures in the crime
scene.
12. The significant parts of evidence must be photographed by taking close up photos.
13. What the investigator is capturing or desires to demonstrate in each photograph
must be noted. This prevents the investigator from taking the photo back at a later date
and trying to sort out what he was trying to achieve with the photograph.
14. The sequence must be sustained while photographing the same areas.
15. The photographer should take a methodical and logical sequence of photographs.
16. The pictures of victims and of individuals in the mob nearby the scene must be
photographed.
17. Take photographs that cover all viewpoints of the scene (which shows an inclusive
vision, a medium vision, and close-ups).
18. Close-up photos must comprise a scale that will relate with the article number used
on the Evidence Custody Sheet.
19. The photographer must take pictures of evidence as it is collected and should keep
a log of his photos.
20. The photographer must create a photo log which includes:-

a. Date and time

b. Camera settings
c. Film roll number and exposure number or file name and exposure number
d. Type of shot
e. Distance to the subject
f. Brief description
21. After photographing all of the evidences, collect the evidence and prepare the
Evidence Custody Sheet (a report which documents all of evidence).
22. Evidence Custody Sheet comprises: – Each piece of evidence along with its item
number. The item number for each piece of evidence must correspond with the number
found on the photograph of the item and the number entered on any evidence collection
bags, etc. – what was done with it, – where it was found, etc.
23. The original digital images must be archived and copies should use to work

Photographing of Specific Evidence

Types of evidence

Fingerprints Impressions Bloodstains Death Scene including a

(Footprints and tire corpse
tracks)
1).Before lifting 1).Take an orientation 1).Use color film 1).Take at least 200-
fingerprints on major photograph to show 2).Orientation 500 shots from every
cases where in the scene the photographs to show possible angle of view.
2).If the latent may be impression is located locations of bloodstain 2).Take photos to show
destroyed when lifting 2).Take a close-up for evidence at the scene body’s location &
3).To bring out detail in detail 3).Close-up position relative to the
a latent photographs to show whole crime scene
detail a). Use a scale on 3).Take close-up photos
the same plane as the of injuries & weapons
bloodstain b). Keep the lying near the body
film parallel to the plane 4).After the body is
of the bloodstain removed, photograph
the surface underneath.
 6. Advantages and Disadvantages of documenting crime scene using
Photographs

7.Photo
graphic Equipment’s
There are many types of photographic equipment available in the market. Some of the
common photographic equipment’s are mentioned below:  Digital camera  Instant
print camera  Fingerprint camera  Video equipment

There are many kinds of photography carry out for several reasons. Here, few details
about the investigative photography and Laboratory Photography are given in table:-

8.
Admissibility of Photographic evidence in the Court of Law

The following are the three major points of qualification of a photograph in court:

- 1. Object pictured must be material or relevant to the point in issue.

2. The photograph must not appeal to the emotions or tend to prejudice the court or jury.

3. The photograph must be free from distortion and not misrepresent the scene or the object
it purports to reproduce

9. Videotape Documentation Vs. Photograph Documentation

Videotape provides a viewpoint on the crime scene layout which cannot be as easily
perceived in photographs. If videotaping is carrying out in a residence, the camera can show
how the significant rooms are laid out in relation to each other and how they can be
accessed. This is sometimes lost in photographs and sketches. Actual size photographs from
the crime scene can be used in direct comparison situations. For example, to compare
fingerprint photographed at the crime scene to known fingerprints from a suspect. This lacks
in videotapes.

10. Summary
1. Documentation of crime scene is done to record the original scene and related areas, the
initial appearance of physical evidence, to provide investigators and others with this
permanent visual record of the scene for later use and for use in court trials and hearings.

2. The documentation shows the evidence in the context of the crime scene, allows
reconstruction of the corpus delecti and helps to create and maintain the chain of custody

3. Photographs and videotape demonstrates the same type of things, but photographs can also
be used in direct comparison situations. For example to compare the questioned and known
fingerprint/ shoeprints.

4. Take photos to show body’s location & position relative to the whole crime scene, take
close-up photos of injuries & weapons lying near the body and after the body is removed,
photograph the surface underneath. Removed, photograph the surface underneath.
Practice & Review Questions

Topic: Crime Scene Search and Documentation

Unit 1 – Crime scene management

A. Short Answer Questions

1. List any four crime scene search methods.

2. Differentiate between the grid search and spiral search methods.
3. Why is the choice of search method important in an investigation?
4. Mention three essential points to include in crime scene notes.
5. Define “crime scene documentation.”

B. Long Answer Questions

1. Explain in detail any three types of crime scene search patterns with diagrams.
2. Discuss the role of photography in crime scene documentation, including types of
shots required.
3. Describe the steps involved in preparing a crime scene sketch as part of
documentation.
4. Compare note-taking, photography, and videography in terms of advantages and
limitations.

C. Case-Based Question

Case:
Police discover a body in an open field at night. There are visible footprints, a weapon
nearby, and multiple entry points to the area.

 Which search method would you recommend and why?

 List three items you would document through photographs.
 What challenges might arise while documenting this scene?

D. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which search method is most suitable for small indoor scenes?

a) Zone method
b) Strip/line method
c) Spiral method
 d) Grid method
Answer: a

2. In crime scene photography, the first shots taken are:

a) Close-ups
b) Mid-range shots
c) Overview shots
d) Identification photographs
Answer: c

3. Which of the following is not part of documentation?

a) Sketching
b) Photography
c) DNA profiling
d) Note-taking
Answer: c
 The Sheena Bora murder case: a forensic perspective
The Sheena Bora murder case, a high-profile case that surfaced in 2015, three years after the
alleged murder in 2012, significantly relied on forensic science for investigation and
prosecution.

Here's how forensic science played a role:

 Discovery and Initial Examination of Remains: In 2015, Indrani Mukerjea's driver,

Shyamvar Rai, was arrested in an unrelated case and reportedly confessed to the murder,
leading police to the location in Raigad where Sheena's body was allegedly burnt and
disposed of. Partially charred skeletal remains, including bones, a skull, and teeth were
recovered. Initial examinations by forensic experts at JJ Hospital in Mumbai confirmed the
remains were human and later suggested they belonged to a "young woman".

 DNA Analysis for Identification: DNA was successfully extracted from a piece of femur
found among the remains. This DNA was then compared to Indrani Mukerjea's DNA,
resulting in a very close match and confirming the remains were from Indrani's biological
child, Sheena Bora. This proved to be a critical piece of evidence in identifying the victim.

 Forensic Anthropology for Determining Cause of Death: Forensic anthropology, which

focuses on skeletal remains, played a key role in analyzing the discovered bones. Experts
concluded that Sheena was likely strangled to death, with asphyxia as the cause of death.
This determination was based on the "theory of exclusion and negation, circumstantial
evidence collected by the CBI, eyewitnesses, along with national and international
literature," according to the head of the AIIMS forensic team involved in the examination.

 Digital Forensics for Establishing Motive and Chain of Events: Call detail records (CDRs)
were used to track the movements of the accused around the time of the murder, helping to
establish the sequence of events and provide circumstantial evidence in the absence of direct
eyewitnesses to the act of murder itself. Emails and phone call exchanges between Indrani
and Peter Mukerjea were also examined for their potential relevance to the conspiracy.

 Challenges and Limitations: The case faced significant challenges related to evidence
handling and forensic examinations:

o Mishandling of evidence: Early reports suggested a lack of proper procedure by local police
when the body was first discovered in 2012, potentially affecting the integrity of forensic
evidence. There were also reports of missing evidence, including a set of bones and remains
initially examined by a forensic expert, the prosecution informed the Central Bureau of
Investigation (CBI) court that the bones and remains allegedly belonging to Sheena Bora,
recovered by police in Raigad, Maharashtra, are currently untraceable. These were later
reportedly located in the CBI office in Delhi.
o Delayed forensic examinations: The initial delay in reporting the case meant forensic
examinations were conducted much later than they ideally should have been.

o Authenticity of DNA Reports: The defense raised questions about the authenticity of the
AIIMS DNA report, pointing out alleged inconsistencies in the electropherogram submitted
in court. The court has not yet ruled on this matter.

The Sheena Bora murder case highlights the crucial role of forensic science in modern
criminal investigations, particularly in cases involving concealed deaths and dismembered
remains. It also underscores the importance of proper evidence collection, timely
examinations, and the challenges faced when such processes are delayed or mishandled.