Unit 2: The Crime Scene
A. Define physical evidence – any and all evidence connected to a crime
B. Discuss the responsibilities of the first police officer that arrives at a crime scene – assist, protect, and
preserve.
C. Explain the steps to be taken for thoroughly recording the crime scene.
a. preserve
b. protect
c. photograph
d. search
e. collect
f. record
g. identify
h. package
i. transfer
.D. Describe proper procedures for conducting a systematic search of crime scenes for physical evidence.
a. Grid
b. Spiral
c. Line
d. Zone
E. Describe proper techniques for packaging common types of physical evidence
a. Appendix I Criminalistics (Saferstein)
F. Define chain of custody – list of person(s) in contact with evidence.
G. Discuss the implications of the Mincey and Tyler cases – Warrantless searches
Unit 3: Physical Evidence
A. List the common types of physical evidence encountered at crime scenes.
a. blood semen, saliva
b. Documents
c. drugs
d. explosives
e. fibers
f. fingerprints
g. firearms
h. glass
i. hair
j. impressions
k. physiological
l. paint
m. petroleum
n. plastic
o. powder
p. serial numbers
q. soil
r. tool marks
s. vehicle lights
t. wood and other vegetative materials
B. Explain the difference between the identification and comparison of physical evidence
a. identification is to determine identity and origination
b. comparison is to determine similarity
C. Define individual and class characteristics.
a. individual have a single source
b. class can be grouped together
D. Discuss the value of class evidence to a criminal investigation
a. Different objects linking a person to a crime scene.
b. Can also exclude or exonerate a suspect
E. Explain the purpose physical evidence plays in reconstructing the events surrounding the commission of
a crime.- supports a likely sequence of events.