Overview of Crime Scene Investigation - Revision history

Ibjadmin at 13:38, 10 May 2011

2011-05-10T13:38:04Z

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			Much of the physical evidence that is ultimately utilized in court is taken from the scene of the crime. While this information can be invaluable in ascertaining the truth in a criminal case, certain procedures must be followed in order to ensure the utility and integrity of this evidence. The validity of [[Forensic Evidence\|forensic evidence]] is only as good as the manner in which it was (1) collected, (2) preserved and transported, and (3) analyzed. It is critical that when crime scene evidence is presented, a defender [[Investigation\|investigate]] and challenge the way the evidence was obtained and tested.

			Following is a basic overview of crime scene investigation. Defense lawyers should examine a crime scene investigation with an eye towards what evidence was discovered but also what evidence was not discovered or what steps did the investigators fail to take that they could have taken to gather more evidence at the scene of the crime.

	==Basic Stages in a Search (Overview)==		==Basic Stages in a Search (Overview)==
	#Approach Scene - Secure and Protect Scene		#Approach Scene - Secure and Protect Scene

Ibjadmin at 13:34, 10 May 2011

2011-05-10T13:34:29Z

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	==Basic Stages in a Search (Overview)==		==Basic Stages in a Search (Overview)==

Ibjadmin: /* Conduct Detailed Search/Record, and Collect Physical Evidence */

2011-05-10T13:33:49Z

Conduct Detailed Search/Record, and Collect Physical Evidence

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	*Conduct Search in a General Manner and Work to the Specifics Regarding Evidence Items		*Conduct Search in a General Manner and Work to the Specifics Regarding Evidence Items
	*Photograph all Items Before Collection and Enter Notations in Log		*Photograph all Items Before Collection and Enter Notations in Log
	• Mark Evidence Locations on Diagram/Sketch		*Mark Evidence Locations on Diagram/Sketch
	• Complete Evidence Log with Appropriate Notations for Each Item of Evidence		*Complete Evidence Log with Appropriate Notations for Each Item of Evidence
	• Ensure Evidence or Container of Evidence is Identified by Investigator Collecting Evidence		*Ensure Evidence or Container of Evidence is Identified by Investigator Collecting Evidence
	• Seal all Evidence Containers at the Crime Scene		*Seal all Evidence Containers at the Crime Scene

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	See [[Evidence]], [[Investigation]]		See [[Evidence]], [[Investigation]]

Ibjadmin: /* Purposely Hidden Items */

2011-05-10T13:33:23Z

Purposely Hidden Items

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	*Consider Whether the Evidence Appears to Have Been Moved Inadvertently		*Consider Whether the Evidence Appears to Have Been Moved Inadvertently
	*Evaluate Whether or not the Scene and Evidence Appears Intentionally "Made-up"		*Evaluate Whether or not the Scene and Evidence Appears Intentionally "Made-up"
	Prepare Description and Document Scene		==Prepare Description and Document Scene==

	A well-documented scene ensures the integrity of the investigation and provides a permanent record for later evaluation by the prosecution, defense counsel and the court.		A well-documented scene ensures the integrity of the investigation and provides a permanent record for later evaluation by the prosecution, defense counsel and the court.
	• The Purpose of this Step is to Provide a Running Narrative of the Conditions at the Crime Scene. Consider What Should be Present at a Scene (examples: dead body, victim's purse or vehicle) and What is not Observed and What is out of Place (example: ski mask)
	• Consider Situational Factors: Lights on/off; Doors, Windows, open/closed; Smells; Ice, Liquids; Movable Furniture; Weather Conditions; Temperature; and Personal Items		*The Purpose of this Step is to Provide a Running Narrative of the Conditions at the Crime Scene. Consider What Should be Present at a Scene (examples: dead body, victim's purse or vehicle) and What is not Observed and What is out of Place (example: ski mask)
	• Consider Ways to Document Scene: Written, Audio, Video		*Consider Situational Factors: Lights on/off; Doors, Windows, open/closed; Smells; Ice, Liquids; Movable Furniture; Weather Conditions; Temperature; and Personal Items
			*Consider Ways to Document Scene: Written, Audio, Video

	==Photograph Scene==		==Photograph Scene==
	*Begin Photography as Soon as Possible		*Begin Photography as Soon as Possible

Ibjadmin: /* Photograph Scene */

2011-05-10T13:32:46Z

Photograph Scene

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:32, 10 May 2011
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	• Consider Ways to Document Scene: Written, Audio, Video		• Consider Ways to Document Scene: Written, Audio, Video
	==Photograph Scene==		==Photograph Scene==
	• Begin Photography as Soon as Possible		*Begin Photography as Soon as Possible
	• Document the Photographic Effort with a Detailed Log		*Document the Photographic Effort with a Detailed Log
	• Make Sure That a Progression of Overall, Medium and Close-up Views of the Scene is Taken. Use Scale Devices (ruler, etc.) for ==Size Determination When Applicable		*Make Sure That a Progression of Overall, Medium and Close-up Views of the Scene is Taken. Use Scale Devices (ruler, etc.) for ==Size Determination When Applicable
	• Photograph Evidence in Place Before its Collection and Packaging		*Photograph Evidence in Place Before its Collection and Packaging
	• Photograph Areas Adjacent to the Crime Scene - Points of Entry, Exits, Windows, Attics, etc.		*Photograph Areas Adjacent to the Crime Scene - Points of Entry, Exits, Windows, Attics, etc.
	• Photograph Items, Places, etc., to Corroborate the Statements of Witnesses, Victims, Suspects		*Photograph Items, Places, etc., to Corroborate the Statements of Witnesses, Victims, Suspects
	• Take Photographs from Eye-Level to Represent Scene as Observed by Normal View		*Take Photographs from Eye-Level to Represent Scene as Observed by Normal View
	• Prior to Lifting Latent Fingerprints, Photographs Should be Taken		*Prior to Lifting Latent Fingerprints, Photographs Should be Taken
	Prepare diagram/sketch of scene		Prepare diagram/sketch of scene
	• The Diagram Establishes Permanent Record of Items, Conditions, and Distance/Size Relationships - Diagrams Add to the Photographs		*The Diagram Establishes Permanent Record of Items, Conditions, and Distance/Size Relationships - Diagrams Add to the Photographs
	• Typical Material on Sketch:		*Typical Material on Sketch:
	o Specific location		**Specific location
	o Date		**Date
	o Time		**Time
	o Case Number		**Case Number
	o Preparer		**Preparer
	o Weather conditions		**Weather conditions
	o Lighting conditions		**Lighting conditions
	o Scale		**Scale
	o Compass orientation		**Compass orientation
	o Evidence		**Evidence
	o Measurements		**Measurements
	o Key or Legend to Show Larger Objects		**Key or Legend to Show Larger Objects
	• General Progression of Sketches:		*General Progression of Sketches:
	o Lay out Basic Area		**Lay out Basic Area
	o Show Fixed Objects, Furniture, etc.		**Show Fixed Objects, Furniture, etc.
	o Record Position of Evidence		**Record Position of Evidence
	o Record Appropriate Measurements		**Record Appropriate Measurements

	==Conduct Detailed Search/Record, and Collect Physical Evidence==		==Conduct Detailed Search/Record, and Collect Physical Evidence==
	*Conduct Search in a General Manner and Work to the Specifics Regarding Evidence Items		*Conduct Search in a General Manner and Work to the Specifics Regarding Evidence Items

Ibjadmin: /* Basic Stages in a Search (Overview) */

2011-05-10T13:31:29Z

Basic Stages in a Search (Overview)

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Ibjadmin: Created page with " ==Basic Stages in a Search (Overview)== 11. Approach Scene - Secure and Protect Scene  ..."

2011-05-10T13:28:23Z

Created page with " ==Basic Stages in a Search (Overview)== 11. Approach Scene - Secure and Protect Scene  ..."

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==Basic Stages in a Search (Overview)==

11. Approach Scene - Secure and Protect Scene 

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See [[Evidence]], [[Investigation]]