Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science
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Chapter Two Outline
Chapter 2 Learning Objectives:
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Define physical evidence.
Discuss the responsibilities of the first police officer who arrives at a crime scene.
Explain the steps to be taken for thoroughly recording the crime scene.
Describe the proper procedures for conducting a systematic search of crime scenes for
physical evidence.
5. Describe the proper techniques for packing common types of physical evidence.
6. Define chain of custody.
7. Discuss the implications of the Mincey and Tyler cases.
Chapter 2 Learning Targets
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Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science
I. Physical Evidence: Write the definition of physical evidence in the space below
II. Responsibilities of the first police officer who arrives at a crime scene
1). Ensure officer safety
2) Obtain medical assistance if needed and arrest the perpetrator
3) SECURE the scene
What does this mean and why is it important?
III. Explain the steps to be taken for thoroughly recording the crime scene.
A.
B.
2 steps
1. Rough sketch:
2. Finished sketch:
C.
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Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science
IV. Describe the proper procedures for conducting a systematic search of crime scenes
for physical evidence
A. Very important to follow correct procedure
B. If possible, one person supervises and coordinates the collection of evidence.
C. Choose a crime scene search pattern
Draw each of the search patterns listed below
a. Spiral search method
b. Grid method
c. Line (or strip) search
d. Quadrant or zone search
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Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science
D. List some types of evidence that could be collected from a crime scene (see p. 40)
E. When a deceased victim is found, the crime scene also includes the victim’s body
What must be collected by the pathologist and sent to the forensics lab?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
V. Describe proper techniques for packing common types of physical evidence.
A. Each item must be placed in a separate container. Why is this important?
B. Name some containers that are commonly used to hold evidence.
C. Why can’t bloodstained materials be stored in airtight containers?
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Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science
VI. Chain of custody
A. Define Chain of Custody:
VII. Implications of the Mincey and Tyler cases.
A. The Supreme Court has ruled that “when time and circumstances permit, obtain a
search warrant before investigating and retrieving physical evidence at the crime
scene.”
B. Briefly state what the Mincey case was about.
C. Briefly state was the Tyler case was about.
D. List 4 times when you do not need a search warrant to obtain evidence
1.
2.
3.
4.
Saferstein, R. (2011). Forensic Science: An Introduction(2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Prentice Hall.
Outline compiled by: J. Davenport, C. Warren, M. Knaier, 2002-2015
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