Forensic Science - Chapter 2 Review:)
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At the arrival at the crime scene, who has the crucial responsibilities?
The first responding officer has the crucial responsibilities.
Once you’re at the crime scene, what are the steps that need to be taken?
• Provide medical assistance for injured victims. • Detain suspect or witnesses. • Secure the crime scene. • Request additional personnel.
What concludes in Step 1 once at the crime scene?
• Emergency medical services (EMS) should avoid disturbing evidence. • Must approach victims via undirect routes when possible.
What concludes in Step 2 once at the crime scene?
• Separate them to prevent collusion. • Collect statements quickly while memories are fresh in your mind.
What concludes in Step 3 once at the crime scene?
• Establish a perimeter using tape, ropes, or cones. • Exclude civilians and unauthorized personnel. • Guards may be posted at entry points.
What concludes in Step 4 once at the crime scene?
• Depending on the crime: more officers, crime scene investigators, forensic specialists.
What needs to be done in order to secure the crime scene?
• Boundaries must cover not just the immediate area of the crime but also surrounding locations where evidence might be found. • Access control: Keep a detailed log of all individuals entering and exiting (ex. names, times). • Preservation: Investigators should avoid disturbing the scene (no smoking, eating, drinking, littering).
What is involved in searching the crime scene?
• Must by thorough and systematic. • Search patterns depend on the scene’s size, environment, and number of searches. • Investigators rely on training and experience to avoid overlooking evidence. • Evidence can range from large objects (weapons, clothing) to microscope traces (fibers, hairs, blood drops).
What are the 3 primary methods of recording at the crime scene?
• The 3 primary methods are: 1. Photography 2. Sketches 3. Notes • Ideally, all three are used together. • Limitations (like budget or staff) may affect how much can be done.
Is the following statement true or false: The 3 Primary Methods of Recording at the Crime Scene are ideally used together.
True.
How should Crime Scene Notes be written? What should it include?
• Begin as soon as the investigator is called to the scene. • It should include the following: 1. Who contacted the investigator. 2. Time of contact and arrival. 3. Preliminary case information (ex. names, type of case, times, description of what happened, etc). 4. Personnel present (on arrival + later).
What must be done when writing Crime Scene Notes?
• Be written concurrently with observations. • Use a bound notebook (no loose sheets). • Use blue and black ink. • Include logs, observations, times, and actions taken.
What does Digital Photography use?
• Digital photography uses light-sensitive chips – millions of pixels. • More pixels = higher resolution (sharpness and detail).
What should Crime Scene Photos include?
• Show area where crime occurred and adjacent areas. • Be taken in unaltered condition.
When taking Crime Scene Photos What Logical Sequence should be followed?
• Overview (entire scene, entry and exit points). • Medium-range (evidence in relation to surroundings). • Close-up (individual evidence, with and without scale).
At least how many photos must be taken and which types? What else must be used?
• At least four minimum photos: overview, medium, close-up, close-up with scale. • Use a “visual tag” (common object appearing in multiple photos) to link perspectives.
What are the Digital Advantages?
• Immediate review of images (ensures clarity and detail). • Resolutions exceeding 12 MP – better than film SLR (5 MP equivalent). • Ability to create 3D stitched images of the scene.
How does Videotaping work? What does it include?
• Supplements photos, includes overview + medium + close-ups. • Narration must be single-voiced (no side chatter). • Still photos are still required – video quality isn’t sufficient alone.
What concludes when Surveying the Scene?
• Walkthrough (Initial Survey): • Locate entry and exit points. • Follow indirect path to center of scene. • Identify obvious evidence. • Note conditions that suggest timing or appear unusual.
What are the Different Types of Search Patterns?
• Line/Strip Search: 1 or 2 investigators walk straight lines across. • Grid Search: Two sets of line searchers at right angles. • Spiral Search: Single investigator makes inward/outward in a spiral. • Wheel/Ray Search: Several investigators move outward or inward from the center. • Quadrant/Zone Search: Scene divided into zones; each assigned to an investigator. • Vehicle Searches: Inside and outside; may occur at scene or at a secure garage.
What is the purpose of Sketching at a Crime Scene?
• Show layout of the scene. • Illustrate spatial relationships between evidence. • Clarify information not captured in photos and notes.
What is the Rough Sketch (at scene) used for? What does it include?
Accurate dimensions, positions of objects. - It includes: - Title block (case info, sketcher’s name) - Legend (symbols for objects). - Compass (North). - Sketch body. Measurements shown from fixed reference points.
What is the Finished Sketch used for?
• Drawn to scale and neat appearance. • Made later, often with CAD software (2D and 3D). • Can be rendered in 3D.
What are the Procedures for Collection of Evidence?
• Collect obvious evidence and carriers of trace evidence (clothing, vacuum sweepings, fingernail scrapings). • Handle evidence carefully to avoid contamination, breakage, evaporation, accidental damage. • Use latex gloves, disposable forceps, sanitized equipment. • Keep evidence in original condition whenever possible.